Ginseng Side Effects

Despite its health benefits, ginseng can also produce various side effects because of its phytoestrogen compounds. Phytoestrogenic herbs are those that alter levels of estrogen in the body. Such a change in the natural balance of the body may bring about dangerous side effects.

Some of these side effects are commonly associated with taking ginseng products or supplements. Others side effects depend on the type of ginseng and the medical background of the person consuming it.

Common Side Effects of Using Ginseng

Diarrhea: Siberian ginseng has been known to disturb the natural intestinal balance of some people.

Heart Palpitations: As an adaptogen ginseng is capable of relaxing the body to dramatic levels, and it may cause slower intensified heart beats. This is a familiar indication that too much ginseng has been consumed and may be particularly dangerous to the very young, the old, and those with existing heart conditions.

Insomnia: As a stimulant, ginseng has been known to result in restless nights for some people. It is worth noting however that it has the opposite effect for other people.

High Blood Pressure: While extensive studies have proven that Siberian ginseng does not increase blood pressure, the Panax family of ginseng has been reported as having an adverse effect on a person's blood pressure.

Nervousness and Agitation: In the early stages of taking ginseng most people suffer from these side effects.

Headaches and Difficulty Concentrating: Because of the aforementioned stimulant effects, some people taking ginseng may experience such symptoms.

Interactions between Ginseng and Health Conditions

Diabetes: Ginseng consumption may cause side effects in sufferers of diabetes because it sometimes lowers blood sugar levels. It should not be consumed by diabetics without a doctor's supervision.

Heart Conditions: People with heart conditions should also avoid taking ginseng due to its tendency of slowing down the rate and force of heartbeats. As with diabetics, it is advised that ginseng should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Cancer: Panax ginseng in particular, with its estrogenic effects, can be dangerous to those suffering from hormone-dependant illnesses, such as endometriosis and cancer of the breast or prostate.

Surgery: American ginseng has been known to lower the blood glucose levels necessary to assist in patients recovering from surgery. It also may thin the blood, which increases the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. Due to this, it's advised that the consumption of ginseng should be stopped at least 7 days before major surgery.

Some Menopause Symptoms: Ginseng has been used to lessen some of the side effects of menopause. As a "normalizer" it is often used to rebalance and relax a woman's body. As a phytoestrogenic herb, that adds estrogen-like hormones to the body its side effects can be quite severe. Recorded effects amongst menopausal women include postmenopausal bleeding and breast tenderness.

The ways in which ginseng consumption can affect women going through menopausal, is a complex and ongoing process of research and clinical analysis. To learn more about ginseng and menopause, please continue reading.

Now that the side effects of ginseng have been explained. Continue reading the next section, where the relationship between ginseng and menopause can be better understood.

Conclusions about Ginseng

Ginseng is great for treating some menopause symptoms, but has recently been criticized because it adds artificial hormones to the body. In so doing, ginseng can trigger side effects including serious problems such as breast cancer.

Other alternative treatments are just as effective as ginseng, but without the side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs, for example, are a great option for treating menopause symptoms. Read more in the following article.