Ginseng & Astragalus Tonic

An astragalus and ginseng tonic is meant to boost your energy and immune function. This traditional Chinese medicine formula is purported to help you resist disease, recover from illness or injury and promote chi, or your life force. Always consult a health care provider before trying a new tonic or supplement, especially if you have a health condition or take medicines.

Identification

Astragalus and ginseng are two of the top herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are both used as immune system boosters, primarily during cold and flu season, and to compensate for a "deficiency of chi," meaning they combat fatigue and lack of energy. Ginseng also is used as an adaptogen, meaning it boosts your body's ability to handle stress and resist stress-related illnesses. Tonics like those made of astragalus and ginseng are considered most effective when they are taken with food.

What the Science Says

Studies do indicate that ginseng and astragalus have immune-stimulating activity, but clinical trials with people are needed to see if this potential translates to real benefits for people, according to a review published in 2003 in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies. For example, more research is needed to determine whether the herbs are valuable in regard to improving resistance to infections. Most of the information scientists have about astragalus comes from test tubes. Ginseng is better studied, but scientific evidence to back its use is inconclusive. For just about every study that does show benefits, there's another that shows none, note Shawn M. Talbott and Kerry Hughes, authors of "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements."

Astragalus Side Effects

Using herbal tonics can cause side effects. The most common side effects for astragalus are allergic reactions and respiratory depression. Taking this herb with certain medicines like warfarin can raise your risk for bleeding and bruising. Astragalus may worsen autoimmune diseases because it can increase activity of your immune system.

Ginseng Side Effects

Ginseng's typical side effects are nervousness, vomiting and insomnia. This herb also can raise bleeding and bruising risk when taken with certain medicines. It can also raise your risk for hypoglycemia, meaning low blood sugar, when taken with medicines like insulin and acarbose. It can worsen depression and trigger agitation and headaches when taken with drugs like iproniazid and selegiline. Taking it with estrogens can cause symptoms related to estrogen excess like breast pain or breakthrough bleeding. It can worsen your condition if you have a bleeding condition, because ginseng interferes with coagulation. It also can worsen schizophrenia. Avoid it if you have a hormone-sensitive condition like estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.