The herb ginseng is a traditionally used herb in Chinese medicine that has become popular in the West for its purported energizing and stimulating effects. There are several types of ginseng, such as Asian, Korean, Siberian and Panax, that have differing qualities. The medicinal properties of this herb come from its root, which contains a compound called ginsenosides. Ginseng is sold for a variety of uses, including decreasing blood clotting, which may help improve circulation in some cases. However, this potent herb is not FDA-approved for medical use and can cause side effects and drug interactions.
Uses
Ginseng has been traditionally used for improving cognitive abilities such as memory, abstract thinking and problem solving. It is also thought to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction and provide antioxidant or cleansing effects on the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that ginseng is not approved for any of these uses and there is little clinical evidence to show that it will improve memory and other functions. However, ginseng can interfere with blood clotting to thin the blood, which may improve blood circulation in some cases.
Cardiovascular Health
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that Asian ginseng may help improve cardiovascular health by reducing unhealthy low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol levels and raising healthy high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, levels. This helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis or hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to fatty plaque buildup and blood clots. In some cases in which the arteries are diseased, this may help improve blood circulation to the heart and body. The link between ginseng and blood pressure is not yet conclusive. In some cases, it has been shown to lower blood pressure, while in other individuals, it can raise blood pressure. Consult your doctor before using ginseng for any reason.
Risks
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginseng is safe to use at the recommended doses for most people. However, it can cause side effects, particularly if you have an underlying disease condition or illness. As ginseng improves blood circulation, by reducing the body's clotting mechanism, it can lead to excess bleeding and bruising in individuals that have a blood clotting disorder. Other common side effects include headache pain, insomnia and digestive problems. Asian ginseng also has a higher risk of causing allergic reactions in some people.
Drug Interactions
Though it is a natural supplement, ginseng is a potent medication and can cause interactions with other herbs and prescription medication. It can lead to negative interactions with blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, heart medications such as calcium channel blockers and blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Ginseng can cause excess bleeding if taken with over-the-counter NSAID medications that also thin the blood. As this herb may also lower blood glucose levels, it can cause excessively low blood sugar levels if taken with other diabetes medications. Additionally, ginseng can enhance the effects of caffeine, causing nervousness, insomnia, sweating and irregular heartbeat. Consult your doctor before taking ginseng or any other herbal medication, particularly if you are have a chronic condition or are taking prescription medication.
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