Ginseng is a term used to describe two related plant species, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. The term is also sometimes used for a more distantly related plant species, called Eleutherococcus senticosus. While use of tea or any other form of Asian or American ginseng can trigger common headaches, it will not typically trigger the more rare form of headache called a migraine. Consult your doctor before using any form of ginseng.
Ginseng Basics
Panax ginseng is commonly known as Asian or Korean ginseng, while Panax quinquefolius is commonly known as American ginseng. Both of these plant species contain active ingredients called ginsenosides, which can potentially boost the function of your immune system. Eleutherococcus senticosus commonly goes by the name Siberian ginseng. It contains a variety of chemicals that can affect your immune function, as well as your brain and specific types of hormones. In addition to decoctions, or boiled teas, you can purchase or prepare ginseng in forms that include extracts, powders, capsules and dried root.
Migraine Basics
Migraines are intense headaches that frequently feature a form of visual disturbance, called an aura, that appears in advance of a throbbing or aching pain. Additional potential symptoms include nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, scalp tenderness, fatigue, lightheadedness, confusion, abnormal light sensitivity and a sore or tender neck. No one knows exactly what causes migraines, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. However, their presence may be related to changing levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, which can trigger shrinking and swelling of the brain’s blood vessels.
Migraine Triggers
The American Academy of Family Physicians lists a wide assortment of foods and beverages that can potentially trigger the onset of a migraine. They include red wine and other forms of alcohol, onions, papaya, aged cheese, soy sauce, lentils, various types of beans, chocolate, monosodium glutamate or MSG, processed meat, avocados, sauerkraut and any type of pickled, marinated or preserved food. Additional potential food or beverage triggers include snow peas, figs, sour cream, buttermilk, canned soup, coffee or any other caffeine-containing beverage, brewer’s yeast, the artificial sweetener aspartame, raisins and seasoned salt.
Ginseng Side Effects
In addition to headaches, the University of Maryland Medical Center lists potential side effects of Asian or American ginseng use that include restlessness, nosebleeds, insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, diarrhea, breast pain, euphoria, vomiting and vaginal bleeding. Siberian ginseng use will not typically trigger headaches, but can lead to side effects that include muscle spasms, sadness, heartbeat irregularities and anxiety. The side effects associated with all three forms of ginseng are relatively rare. Consult your doctor for more information on the potential causes of migraine headaches, as well as more information on Asian, American and Siberian ginseng.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- MedlinePlus: Ginseng, Siberian
- American Academy of Family Physicians - FamilyDoctor.org: Migraine Headaches - Ways to Deal With the Pain
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office on Women's Health: Migraine Fact Sheet
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