What is ginseng?
The use of ginseng in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with
a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner
trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment
among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
A number of ginseng species used in herbal products grow around the world. Some of
these plants include American ginseng, Korean ginseng, Sanchi ginseng, Chikusetsu ginseng,
Himalayan ginseng, zhuzishen, and dwarf ginseng. Ginseng is also known as Siberian ginseng,
devil's shrub, eleuthero, touch-me-not, and wild pepper.
Ginseng has been used to improve the body's resistance to stress and to increase vitality.
Ginseng has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of ginseng wort may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Ginseng may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ginseng?
Do not take ginseng without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or
blood clotting disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are taking any
medicines to prevent or treat these conditions.
Talk to your doctor before taking ginseng if you have any other medical conditions,
allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements.
Ginseng may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take ginseng without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether ginseng will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take ginseng without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether ginseng will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of ginseng by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take ginseng?
The use of ginseng in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with
a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner
trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment
among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take ginseng, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Ginseng is available in various formulations
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures,
and others) of ginseng at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care
professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of ginseng.
Store Ginseng as directed on the package. In general, ginseng should be protected from
light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of ginseng?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of ginseng. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about ginseng?
Your pharmacist has information about ginseng written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ginseng?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to ginseng have been reported. Stop taking
ginseng and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives.
No other side effects have been reported with the use of ginseng. Notify your doctor if
you develop any side effect while taking ginseng.
What is the most important information I should know about ginseng?
Do not take ginseng without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or
blood clotting disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are taking any
medicines to prevent or treat these conditions.
Ginseng has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of ginseng may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking ginseng?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ginseng,
unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect ginseng?
Do not take ginseng without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines:
-
any heart or blood pressure medicines;
-
a medicine to control blood sugar levels such as insulin,
glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Diabeta, Micronase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese),
tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), troglitazone (Rezulin), rosiglitazone (Avandia),
repaglinide (Prandin), metformin (Glucophage), and others;
-
warfarin (Coumadin);
-
aspirin;
-
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox,
others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone
(Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and
others;
-
ardeparin (Normiflo);
-
dalteparin (Fragmin);
-
danaparoid (Orgaran);
-
enoxaparin (Lovenox); or
-
heparin.
You may not be able to take ginseng, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring while taking ginseng if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ginseng or affect your condition.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of ginseng?
