Ginseng is a popular medicinal herb used in Oriental medicine for a variety of health concerns, from boosting the immune system to treating cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and brain dysfunctions, to easing menopausal symptoms. Some research studies have evaluated the benefits of ginseng for managing asthma and reducing lung inflammation; however, more studies are needed to fully confirm these findings. If you suffer from asthma and are considering ginseng, you should first talk to your healthcare provider.
Research
In a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Allergy and Asthma Proceedings," ginseng was compared with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs for improving chronic changes in lung structure caused by asthma in animal subjects. The authors found ginseng had comparable efficiency as the conventional drug dexamethasone for reducing chronic inflammation of the airways produced by asthma. The doses used during the study were 2g of ginseng per kg per day for one week.
Dosage
If you consider taking ginseng fresh root, the recommended daily dose for an adult is 1 to 2g per day for few months. For the fluid extract of ginseng, the daily dose would be half a teaspoon taken 1 to 3 times daily. This dosage may be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on the severity of your symptoms.
Side Effects
Ginseng is considered a safe and well-tolerated supplement. Side effects are rare and include a mild increase in blood pressure, irritability and headaches. Ginseng should not be taken for more than 3 months at a time. Children should not consume this product. Pregnant women should avoid ginseng as well, because this herb has estrogen-like effects; thus, it may cause hormonal changes.
Drug Interactions and Warnings
Ginseng supplements may interact with blood thinning drugs and herbs, certain painkillers, caffeine and antidepressants. "Journal of Korean Science" reported in an article dated April 2008 that two species of ginseng, Korean and Sanyak ginseng, actually may induce asthma. Thus, it is strongly recommended to use these supplements only under medical supervision.
Considerations
There are two species of ginseng -- Asian or Korean and American ginseng. Depending on the way it is processed, a ginseng supplement is either called white if it is prepared from dried, peeled root or red ginseng if it is derived from unpeeled and steamed roots. Consult a qualified health care provider to find out the optimal form and dosage of ginseng for your condition. Keep in mind that ginseng does not replace anti-asthma drugs and is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat asthma or any other medical conditions.
References
- Univeristy of Maryland,Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- Natural Medicinal Herbs.com: Panax Ginseng
- PubMed.gov: Ginseng Ameliorates Chronic Histopathologic Changes in a Murine Model of Asthma; A. Babayagit et al; September, 2008
- PubMed.gov: Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma and determination of IgE binding components; KM Kim et al; April 2008
