Ginseng Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database

Skip to main content
Print
Save

# Ginseng

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 24, 2022.

## What are other common names?

- Panax ginseng
- Panax quinquefolius
- Panax schinseng
- American Ginseng
- Anchi Ginseng
- Asian Ginseng
- Asiatic Ginseng
- Baie Rouge
- Canadian Ginseng
- Chinese Ginseng
- Chinese Red Ginseng
- Ginseng a Cinq Folioles
- Ginseng Occidental
- Ginseng Oriental
- Ginseng Root
- Ginseng, Panax
- Japanese Ginseng
- Korean Ginseng
- Korean Ginseng Root
- Korean Panax
- Korean Panax Ginseng
- Korean Red Ginseng
- Korean White Ginseng
- North American Ginseng
- Oriental Ginseng
- Panax Quinquefolia
- Panax Quinquefolium
- Racine de Ginseng
- Radix Ginseng
- Red Berry
- Red Chinese Ginseng
- Red Ginseng
- Red Kirin Ginseng
- Red Korean Ginseng
- Red Panax Ginseng
- Ren Shen
- Sang
- Shang
- Shi Yang Seng
- Tibetan Ginseng
- White Ginseng
- White Panax Ginseng
- Wisconsin Ginseng
- Xi Yang Shen

## What is this product used for?

Ginseng is used by some people as medicine. Science does not support the use of this product for any health problem.

## What are the precautions when taking this product?

- Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

- Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

- Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

- This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

- Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

- Do not use this product if you are taking drugs called MAO inhibitors. These are drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs called “water pills.” These are drugs like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or chlorothiazide. This product may make them not work as well.

- Do not use this product if you have health problems that are sensitive to hormones. These are problems like breast cancer, prostate cancer, or endometriosis.

- Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

- If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

- Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  - Liver problems

  - Heart problems, especially heart failure

  - Bleeding problems

  - Stomach or bowel problems

  - Blood pressure problems

  - Diabetes

  - Cancer

  - Mental health problems

## Related/similar drugs

Ginkgo Biloba, turmeric, saw palmetto, garlic

## What should I watch for?

- Upset stomach

- Loss of appetite

- Rash

## When do I need to call the doctor?

- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

- Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headaches, nervousness, problems breathing, or nosebleeds.

- Signs of low blood pressure like feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy

- Very bad throwing up

- Very bad loose stools

- Trouble sleeping

- Breast pain

- Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

- Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

- Changes in thinking, unusual behavior, low mood, confusion, or restlessness

- Fast heart beat

## Where can I learn more?

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng

Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource

https://www.opss.org/article/ginseng-dietary-supplements-brain-health

## Last Reviewed Date

2021-05-14

## Consumer information use

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

## Copyright

Copyright © 2022 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

## More about ginseng

- Check interactions
- Reviews (7)
- Drug class: herbal products
- Breastfeeding

### Professional resources

- Advanced Reading

### Related treatment guides

- Herbal Supplementation

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer