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Side Effects
of Ginseng
Find out all the possible side effects of ginseng before
taking this popular Asian herb. In general, the reported side effects
are mild and increases with higher dosage used.
Start with a lower dose and increase gradually to allow your body to
get used to it.
Side
Effects, Toxicity
and Warnings
In many
research studies, human subjects reported very
few side effects of ginseng use.
The most commonly reported side effect is insomnia.
Other less common but possible side effects include high blood
pressure, diarrhea, restlessness, mastalgia and one case of vaginal
bleeding.
When used as a cream application on the penis, there may be a burning
or stinging sensation. It may also desensitize the penis and thus delay
ejaculation.
Safe
- In appropriate
doses, research studies show that ginseng is shown to be safe to use.
Pregnancy and Lactation - There is
limited studies. Avoid taking during pregnancy and breastfeeding when
possible.
Children
- Exercise caution
if using in children as it might act as a stimulant.

Common
Drug &
Health Condition Interactions
Warfarin / Blood Thinning
Medications -
caution
Research
studies in human does not show this herb to affect blood
clotting. However, studies done in laboratory settings shows it to
reduce blood clotting.
Let
your
doctor monitor your PT or INR levels
when starting or stopping this supplement. These would include Aspirin
(ASA), Plavix (clopidogrel) and several others.
Diabetic
Medications / Insulin
- caution
Ginseng may
lower blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels
more frequently when you are starting or stopping this supplement.
These would
include Diabeta (glyburide), Glucophage (metformin), Actos
(pioglitazone), Avandia (rosiglitazone), Amaryl (glimepiride),
Diamicron (glicazlide), Humulin and Novolin insulins, and others.
Cyclosporine / Immune Suppressing
Medications
- theoretical
Ginseng is
suspected to stimulate the immune system. Thus, in theory,
it might counteract the effects of immune suppressing medications.
These
would include Neoral or Sandimmune (cyclosporine), CellCept
(mycophenolate), Prograf (tacrolimus), Deltasone (prednisone) and many
others.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
-
caution
Ginseng has
been reported to increase blood pressure at a low dose
but can decrease blood pressure at higher doses. Consult a healthcare
professional and monitor your blood pressure when starting or stopping
this supplement.
Autoimmune
Disease - caution
Ginseng seems to stimulate the immune system. In people with an
immune disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis
(RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis or ezcema (ectopic
dermatitis), it may worsen the condition.
Use with caution under the
guidance of a healthcare professional.
Ginseng and General Information
Our main guide provides information about this popular Asian supplement.
Ginseng
Facts
Dosage
& How
to Take It
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