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Herbs & Supplements
Anchi
Scientific Name: American Ginseng
Other Names: Canadian Ginseng, Five Fingers, Ginseng, American, North American Ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Red Berry, Ren Shen
When should I be careful taking it?
American ginseng is thought to have some estrogenic properties, which could worsen certain conditions. Women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus should not take American ginseng due to its possible estrogenic effects. Men with prostate cancer should also avoid taking it.
American ginseng is thought to slow the rate and decrease the force of heart beats. It may also reduce blood pressure in some cases. Because all of these effects may worsen many types of heart conditions, individuals with heart disease should not take American ginseng without supervision from a healthcare professional.
Taking high doses of American ginseng has been reported to worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia for some individuals.
Precautions
Individuals with diabetes should use only recommended amounts of American ginseng and monitor their blood sugar levels closely while taking it. Taking more than is recommended may result in hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Indications of low blood sugar may include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Very little information is available on how American ginseng might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or during early childhood.
Taking American ginseng may cause or worsen insomnia.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
