Korean ginseng, also referred as panax ginseng, is an herbal supplement commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Although few studies have been conducted on panax ginseng’s specific benefits for bladder problems, some studies have pointed to its effects as a muscle relaxant for the urinary and reproductive systems of some women. Avoid taking Korean ginseng if you are pregnant, and talk to your doctor before adding regular doses to your diet.
Definition
The root of the Korean ginseng plant has traditionally been used to prevent or treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, cystic fibrosis, vomiting, fibromyalgia, insomnia, joint pain, dizziness and immunodeficiency disorders. According to National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus, Korean ginseng is commonly used in the Untied States as an adaptogen tonic to alleviate stress, improve concentration and boost athletic endurance. Although few studies have been performed on the specific effects of panax ginseng on women, some evidence suggests that it may lead to increased levels of testosterone and other male sex hormones in the blood.
Korean Ginseng and the Bladder
An animal study published in a 2008 issue of “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” found that a type of panax ginseng called Korean red ginseng significantly relaxed the vaginal muscles of tested rabbits. According to the study, the vaginal smooth muscle tissue experienced a relaxation of 85 percent more than those who were not administered Korean red ginseng. Although more evidence is needed, some researchers suggest that the relaxative effect of Korean red ginseng extends to the entire female urinary and reproductive system, possibly reducing urgency symptoms of women with overactive bladders.
Ginseng for Women
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid Korean ginseng to reduce the risk of vaginal bleeding. Also, women who have a history of breast cancer may experience hormone imbalances as a result of Korean ginseng and should generally avoid it. Some studies have linked the use of Korean ginseng with improved mood and general well-being in women undergoing menopause. Women seeking to add Korean ginseng to their diet should kept their daily intake limited to 200 milligrams a day, taken every day for two to three weeks at a time.
Safety Concerns
Despite its relative safety, Korean ginseng can interact with a number of medications, including ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, anti-coagulants, caffeine, immune system suppressants, morphine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any possible interactions between your current medications and Korean ginseng.
References
- Medline Plus: Ginseng, Panax
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginseng (Asian)
- The Journal of Sexual Medicine: The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on the Relaxation Response in Isolated Rabbit Vaginal Tissue and its Mechanism
- MayoClinic.com: Overactive Bladder
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