Ginseng

Ginseng is used to improve mental and physical performance. Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar and this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes.

Ginseng Overview

Reviewed: June 18, 2014
Updated: 

Ginseng is a plant.

Ginseng is used most often to improve both mental and physical performance, improving the health of people recovering from illness, and to increase a sense of well-being and stamina.

Ginseng is may also be used to treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause. In addition, ginseng may be used to lower blood glucose and control blood pressure.

Common side effects of ginseng include headaches, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal problems.

Ginseng Cautionary Labels

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precautions

Uses

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Ginseng is used most often to improve both mental and physical performance, improving the health of people recovering from illness, and to increase a sense of well-being and stamina.

Ginseng is may also be used to treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause. In addition, ginseng may be used to lower blood glucose and control blood pressure.

Ginseng may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Ginseng

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Common side effects of ginseng include the following:

  • headaches
  • sleep problems
  • gastrointestinal problems

Short-term use of ginseng at recommended doses appears to be safe for most people. Some sources suggest that prolonged use might cause side effects.

  • Asian ginseng can cause allergic reactions.

This is not a complete list of ginseng side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

 

Ginseng Interactions

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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take bitter melon and fenugreek.

  • Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar and this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Those with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines or herbs to lower blood sugar.

This is not a complete list of ginseng drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

 

Ginseng Precautions

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Special precautions & warnings:

Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar and this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes.