Possible Ginseng Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

Ginseng is, overall, safe. Yet, we need to take note of possible ginseng side effects, before and during the use of the herb. This applies to the use of any herb.

These potential side effects, precautions and contraindications have been collated from various sources. Some of them sound very serious.

However, personally, I have no qualms about using ginseng at all. Ginseng, like almost all healthful and beneficial herbs, is far, far, far safer than any pharmaceutical drug on the shelves. These are just precautions, for information.

Official Classification of Ginseng

The American Herbal Products Association, or AHPA, classifies ginseng as a Class 2d herb, which means that its use is subject to restrictions. Though ginseng is not listed as a medicine, and therefore is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA, it does fall under the category of dietary herbal supplement and is regulated by the AHPA, to ensure that its potential side effects are understood and factored in by users.

Potential Ginseng Side Effects

Ginseng Abuse

Some possible ginseng side effects are described in the following paragraphs.

Ginseng abuse is a syndrome caused by taking ginseng misguidedly or excessively. As per traditional Chinese medicine, the main purpose of ginseng administration is for longevity and therefore is recommended only to the aging population of over age 60; it is seldom prescribed to younger population. Also, it is to be taken only in winter and discontinued thereafter.

Ginseng abuse syndrome consists of symptoms like restlessness, nausea, abdominal pain, heart palpitations, blood pressure, chest heaviness, dizziness, insomnia, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, digestive problems, edema and skin rash.

Should the aforementioned symptoms manifest, immediate discontinuation of ginseng is recommended, and the patient should contact a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, to ascertain if the symptoms are due to ginseng abuse.

Other Potential Side Effects of Ginseng Consumption

The American medical journals clearly chronicle case studies involving severe side effects from chronic ginseng users. One of the cases speaks of a patient suffering from Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a Chinese student; a patient with cerebral arthritis following a large dose of ginseng extract; a patient with metrorrhagia following two months of steady use of ginseng; and a patient with hemorrhagic bleeding from the vagina following continuous use of ginseng douches.

Another study conducted in the United States between the years 1999 and 2001 surfaced reports of contaminated ginseng.

Hence, even though the health benefits of ginseng are indisputable, caution should be exercised regarding any possible ginseng side effects and the quality and safety of ginseng products.

Possible Drug Interactions of Ginseng

Some ginseng side effects may surface if the herb is taken together with certain medical drugs. For example, it has been found that overstimulation is caused by the usage of ginseng, due to its interaction with caffeine that the patient might be having, resulting in acute insomnia.

Also, in patients with congestive heart failure, ginseng is known to react with digoxin, and exacerbate its effects.

Ginseng is also known to interact with phenelzine, which is an antidepressant, causing a range of symptoms from manic episodes to headaches.

In addition, ginseng is likely to interact with Coumadin, an anticoagulation drug.

Precautions and Contraindications for Ginseng

To avoid any potential undesirable ginseng side effects, some precautions are highly advisable.

For patients who are on oral prescription medications to lower blood sugar levels (Type 2 diabetes), it is important to inform their physician before commencing a regimen of ginseng containing products. This is because ginseng can potentially lower blood sugar levels, and this can get exacerbated if the patient continues to take regular prescription medicine for the condition along with ginseng products.

Since ginseng can worsen bleeding problems following invasive surgery, it is recommended that it should be discontinued prior to any abdominal or dermatology surgeries. Dental extraction, too, would be risky if a patient is on ginseng products, and hence, to avoid any ginseng side effect of excessive bleeding, ginseng is to be discontinued in this case also.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) states that ginseng should not be taken by people with hypertension (high blood pressure) since it is likely that ginseng can have variable effects on blood pressure. Some patients experience hypertension and some experience hypotension. Do note, however, that ginseng has also been used to alleviate and treat hypertension - discretion will have to be exercised and personal choice made by the individual.

Ginseng should not be given to children. In addition, pregnant or lactating women should not use ginseng, as it may lower estrogen production.

Ginseng should not be used uninterruptedly for long periods of time. It is recommended that ginseng be taken for two months and then stopped for a full month, before it can be resumed again; however the basis for this conclusion is unclear.

For more information on ginseng health benefits, refer to the other related articles.

Ginseng Pages | Ginseng Plant - History, Facts and Information on the herb | Ways of Obtaining Ginseng Benefits - Methods of Consumption | Health Benefits of Ginseng - Energy, Stronger Immunity, and More | More about Health Benefits and Effects of Ginseng | Possible Ginseng Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications

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