Korean ginseng, also known as red ginseng, Panax ginseng or Asian ginseng, has a long history of use in Asian medicine. Primarily seen as a strengthening herb, the most popular uses include enhancing immunity, fighting off illness, reducing stress and enhancing overall mental and physical well-being. Dosage guidelines exist based on research but can vary greatly, depending on the condition being treated. For optimal effectiveness, consult with a doctor knowledgeable in herbal medicine about the amount appropriate for your needs.
General Dosing Guidelines
Studies examining Korean ginseng have used both the whole root and extracts. Drugs.com reports typical doses used in studies include .5 g to 3 g of the whole root and between 100 mg and 400 mg of standardized extract -- though some conditions might require higher doses. If using the extract, look for products that contain between 4 and 7 percent ginsenosides, the primary active components of the herb.
The standardized extract comes in pill form. As for consuming the whole root, the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture site recommends chewing the root in small pieces. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking ginseng supplements with food, especially if you are diabetic, because of its potential to lower blood sugar.
Dosages Used for Specific Conditions
The University of Michigan Health System reports the following doses were used in studies examining Korean ginseng for various purposes: erectile dysfunction, 900 mg two to three times a day; athletic performance, 2 g of powdered root or 200 to 400 mg of extract; immune function, 100 mg twice a day; male infertility, 4 g; type 2 diabetes, 200 mg; Alzheimer's disease, 4.5 g daily for 14 days; flu, 100 mg; and menopause, 200 mg.
Appropriate Length of Use
The length of use varies, depending on whether you use Asian ginseng to address a particular health problem or for the general purposes of enhancing various aspects of well-being. If you want to take ginseng to address a particular health concern, it is important to consult with your physician to determine how long to use the herb for and in what quantity. For general use, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends using Korean ginseng for a period of two to three weeks at a time followed by a two-week rest period.
Caution in Certain Individuals
Do not use Asian ginseng without professional supervision if you have high blood pressure. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports rare instances of this herb causing breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities and post-menopausal vaginal bleeding. To be on the safe side, discuss the possible risks of using this supplement if you suffer from hormone-sensitive diseases like breast cancer. Using Panax ginseng might increase the risk of manic episodes if you suffer from bipolar disorder. Its potential to lower blood sugar also suggests that you should carefully monitor your glucose levels if you suffer from diabetes; you might require dosage adjustments in your medications to compensate for the effects. If you have any chronic health condition, always discuss the use of supplements, including ginseng, with your doctor before taking them.
Side Effects and Interactions
Larger doses might cause side effects, such as increases in blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. Combining this supplement with caffeine might intensify these effects. Korean ginseng might interact with several medications, including ACE-inhibitors used to treat hypertension, blood-thinning drugs, calcium-channel blockers, MAO-inhibitors, morphine and diabetes drugs.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Ginseng; May 2011
- University of Michigan Health System; Asian Ginseng; December 2009
- Drugs.com: Complete Ginseng, Panax Information
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Asian Ginseng; March 2009
- British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture: Ginseng: Why and How it Is Used
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