Different varieties of ginseng root have been used as treatments
in Asia and North America for centuries. Ginseng is one of the most
popular herbal medicines in the world.
There are actually two main types of ginseng: Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Studies have found that the different types may have different benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng is considered less stimulating than the Asian variety.
Although many other herbs are called ginseng -- like eleuthero, or Siberian ginseng -- they do not contain the active ingredient of ginsenosides.
Some studies have found that ginseng, particularly Asian ginseng, may help boost the immune system, especially when taken with a vaccine, or by older people recovering from an illness.
Several human studies have also shown that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, which could benefit people with type 2 diabetes. Of course, people with diabetes should only take ginseng under the care of a doctor.
There is some evidence that ginseng might temporarily -- and modestly -- improve concentration and learning ability. In some studies of mental performance, ginseng has been combined with ginkgo. While these studies are intriguing, many experts feel that we need more evidence.
Ginseng has also been studied as a way to improve mood and boost endurance as well as treat cancer, heart disease, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and other conditions. While some of these uses are promising, the evidence isn’t conclusive.
Always buy ginseng from a well-respected company. Because it’s an expensive root, there is a risk that disreputable manufacturers might sell adulterated ginseng or include less than advertised on the bottle.
See the links below for in-depth information on the two main types of ginseng: American ginseng and Asian or Korean ginseng.
Why do people take ginseng?
Ginseng has traditionally been used for a number of medical conditions. However, only a fraction of them have been seriously researched.There are actually two main types of ginseng: Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Studies have found that the different types may have different benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng is considered less stimulating than the Asian variety.
Although many other herbs are called ginseng -- like eleuthero, or Siberian ginseng -- they do not contain the active ingredient of ginsenosides.
Some studies have found that ginseng, particularly Asian ginseng, may help boost the immune system, especially when taken with a vaccine, or by older people recovering from an illness.
Several human studies have also shown that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, which could benefit people with type 2 diabetes. Of course, people with diabetes should only take ginseng under the care of a doctor.
There is some evidence that ginseng might temporarily -- and modestly -- improve concentration and learning ability. In some studies of mental performance, ginseng has been combined with ginkgo. While these studies are intriguing, many experts feel that we need more evidence.
Ginseng has also been studied as a way to improve mood and boost endurance as well as treat cancer, heart disease, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, and other conditions. While some of these uses are promising, the evidence isn’t conclusive.
How much ginseng should you take?
Ginseng does not have an established scientific dose. However, ginseng (standardized to 4% ginsenosides) is often taken in 100-milligram to 200-milligram capsules once or twice a day. Other forms of ginseng will have different dosing instructions.Always buy ginseng from a well-respected company. Because it’s an expensive root, there is a risk that disreputable manufacturers might sell adulterated ginseng or include less than advertised on the bottle.
Can you get ginseng naturally from foods?
There are no natural food sources of ginseng. Ginseng may be added to energy drinks and foods.What are the risks of taking ginseng?
- Side effects from ginseng are generally mild. Since ginseng can act as a stimulant in some people, ginseng has been reported to cause nervousness and insomnia. Long-term use or high doses of ginseng may cause headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, and other symptoms. Women who use ginseng regularly may develop breast tenderness and menstrual changes. There have also been some reports of allergic reactions to ginseng.
- Interactions. Because ginseng may affect blood sugar levels, people taking drugs for diabetes should not use ginseng without talking to their doctor first. Caffeine may amplify ginseng’s stimulant effects.
- Risks. To avoid side effects from ginseng, some experts suggest that ginseng shouldn’t be used for more than three months -- or sometimes just a few weeks -- at a time. After a break -- or “holiday” -- your doctor might recommend that you begin taking it again for another few weeks or months.
See the links below for in-depth information on the two main types of ginseng: American ginseng and Asian or Korean ginseng.
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