Ginseng
Botanical Information
The name “ginseng” is used to refer to both American (Panax quinquefolia) and Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which belong to the genus Panax and have a somewhat similar chemical makeup. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero, on the other hand, is an entirely different plant with different effects. While distantly related to ginseng, it does not contain the same active ingredients. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, substances thought to give ginseng its medicinal properties.
Features & Benefits
- Ginseng is often called an “adaptogen”, an herb that helps the body deal with various types of stress
Provides a boost for the immune system - Used to help increase sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
Suggestions & Precautions
- Those with hypertension should not take ginseng without the close supervision of a health care professional
- Individuals with bipolar disorder or taking MAO inhibitors should not take ginseng
- Poor herb-drug interactions can be seen with anticoagulants, insulin, and Imatinib. Consult with a health care professional prior to use if taking any medications
- Ginseng may have estrogenic activity. Those with hormone-sensitive disorders should avoid taking it
- Ginseng use should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery due to its blood glucose lowering and blood thinning effects
