Ginseng

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• QHow can drinking ginseng tea improve sexual health in men?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Ginseng tea contains the compound ginsenoside; this compound impacts the gonadal tissue responsible for sperm production. It increases sperm count while heightening sexual satisfaction and can also work to prevent or reduce erectile dysfunction.
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhat side effects does Ginseng cause?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  When thinking about possible side effects of ginseng, it's important to realize that ginseng refers to two different immune-boosting herbs, Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng. (Interestingly, Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng at all, but a different type of plant.) Both are considered safe for healthy people to use for short periods of time. Still, both have some possible side effects.
  

  • Asian ginseng can cause headaches, insomnia, stomach problems, and allergic reactions. It can also lower blood sugar levels, something  people with diabetes need to be especially careful about.
  • Siberian ginseng may raise blood pressure, and it can cause insomnia, drowsiness, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, headache, and confusion.

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• QCan ginseng cause bruises on your skin?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Ginseng won't necessarily cause your skin to bruise, but it might make it bruise more easily when taken along with prescription or over-the-counter medications that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. That's because ginseng also slows clotting. Combining it with a second substance that slows clotting can make skin bruise-prone. Talk to your doctor before taking ginseng or any herbal supplement.
  

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• QHow can I take ginseng?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Ginseng is generally taken orally as a dietary supplement. Your dose recommendation should come from your doctor because each condition requires different amounts. Ginseng should be taken orally with food or at mealtime. Because taking ginseng may cause insomnia, try not taking it close to bedtime. Never take more ginseng than your healthcare provider recommends. Remember that herbs and dietary supplements, such as ginseng, are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and should always be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision.

• QDoes ginseng really work?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Ginseng is an herbal supplement that is the subject of research studies. Because of its antioxidant properties, it has been used as a treatment for conditions like heart disorders and to lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, but whether or not it is effective is not clear. Studies have shown that ginseng may help lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics and boost the immune system. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence regarding whether or not ginseng really works in treating other conditions, like high blood pressure, stress, sleep disorders, stomach conditions, impotence, and anemia. Herbs and supplements, such as ginseng, are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and should always be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision.
  
  
• QHow does ginseng work?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Because ginseng is currently being researched and tested on humans, it is not completely clear how it works. It has been found to have antioxidant properties, which may improve the health of people with heart conditions. These antioxidant agents also may work to lower “bad” or low-density lipoprotein, LDL, cholesterol. Ginseng contains ginsenosides and polysaccharides, which are chemicals that have been found to lower blood sugar levels in the body and boost the immune system. Ginseng has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its safety and effectiveness is currently being researched and has not been proven.
   
• QWhat is ginseng used for?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Ginseng is a root that has been used for a long time in Eastern medicine to increase energy. Recently, medical reports claim that ginseng can boost the immune response and white blood cell count. As with most herbs, ginseng has undergone very few rigorous studies, so most of our information comes from personal testimonials and word-of-mouth. One study linked ginseng to a reduced incidence of the common cold and flu, but another showed that mice fed ginseng actually had damage to the immune system. The ginseng mice had more illness and aged more rapidly than they would have normally. Some claim that the American variety of ginseng, not the Asian variety, has more active properties. Some reports indicated ginseng should not be used for more than approximately two weeks at a time.

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• QAre there any risks in using ginseng?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before using ginseng, be sure to consider the risks, which include side effects and an allergic reaction. This herbal supplement seems to be well-tolerated when used short term, but when it is used longer, side effects, such as diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nervousness, itchiness, rapid heartbeat, a rise in blood pressure, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding have been reported. More serious side effects include liver damage and a serious allergic reaction. Taking ginseng may be risky if you are pregnant, allergic to any of the chemicals in the Panax plant family, or if you have diabetes, insomnia, cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), schizophrenia, or uterine disease. Also, there may be a health risk if you are using ginseng and are planning to have a surgical procedure.
  
  
• QWhat should I know before taking ginseng?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking ginseng, you should know that it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to the dietary supplement. You may also experience side effects, such as diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nervousness, itchiness, rapid heartbeat, a rise in blood pressure, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding. Discuss with your doctor the health risks that go along with ginseng, like liver damage and a serious allergic reaction, and how the supplement effects other medications. You should also know that herbs and supplements, such as ginseng, are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and should always be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision.
  
  
• QShould I let my doctor know I’m taking ginseng?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Yes, you should let your doctor know you are taking ginseng. Ginseng can interact with certain prescription medications and herbal supplements. There are also certain medical situations during which you should not take ginseng, like pregnancy or if you are having surgery. You should also be aware that herbs and supplements, such as ginseng, are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and should always be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision.