Can I Use Ginseng Alongside Other Herbal Remedies to Combat the Symptoms of Menopause?
Ginseng works to combat menopausal symptoms by introducing plant-based estrogens into the female body to treat hormonal imbalance. Additionally, ginseng is the only known herb to contain ginsenosides, which increase vitality, energy and stamina.
For menopausal women, ginseng is commonly identified as a treatment to relieve vaginal dryness. Taking ginseng and Dong quai together to treat the symptoms of menopause is discouraged since Dong quai contains anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties which ginseng can interfere with. Consult with your doctor before taking these herbs together in treating menopausal symptoms.
It is generally safe to take ginseng along other herbal remedies (red clover, black cohosh, soy) in treating menopausal symptoms. However, you should always consult with a health care professional about possible interactions between herbs for menopause. Additionally, both The University of Maryland Medical Center and the American Academy of Family Physicians list a few warnings for drug interactions:
. Blood-thinners (anticoagulants): Consult with your doctor before taking ginseng if you are on blood thinning medication. Ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin).
. Diabetes medications: Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels. Consult with your doctor before taking insulin or hypoglycemic agents alongside ginseng.
. Antidepressants: When taken alongside MAOIs , a type of antidepressant, ginseng may increase the risk of headaches, tremors or mania.
. Antipsychotic medications: Ginseng should not be taken alongside medications used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
. Stimulants: When taken alongside medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ginseng may increase side effects.
. Morphine: The painkilling effects of morphine may be blocked by ginseng.
. Heart conditions: Ginseng is an adaptogen, a herb that relaxes the body. Women with heart conditions should not take ginseng, which may lead to slower, intensified heartbeats or heart palpitations.
Other Side Effects
The reported side effects of ginseng include nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, insomnia, headache, hypertension, hypotension, breast pain and vaginal bleeding. High doses of ginseng may lead to excessive menstruation.
Alternatives
Ginseng contains plant-based estrogens that help treat hormone imbalance in menopausal women. However, prolonged usage of these phytoestrogenic herbs may interrupt the natural production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone women. Click here to continue reading about phytoestrogenic herbs.
