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Herbs & Supplements
Ginseng
Scientific Name: Panax Ginseng
Other Names: Asian Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Ginseng, Panax, Guigai, Japanese Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Ninjin, Oriental Ginseng, Panax schinseng, Red Ginseng, Seng
What side effects should I watch for?
Note: Most side effects from Panax ginseng have been reported in individuals who took high doses or who took Panax ginseng continually for long periods of time.
Major Side Effects
Infants given Panax ginseng may develop a condition resembling alcohol intoxication that has lead to at least one reported death of a newborn.
Rarely, taking Panax ginseng by mouth has been associated with cases of non-infectious hepatitis.
In other rare reports, Panax ginseng may have caused inflammation of blood vessels in the brain--a condition that could result in headaches or strokes.
One case has been reported of an individual who developed anaphylaxis-like symptoms shortly after ingesting a small amount of Panax ginseng syrup. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve the development of a rash or hives, a sudden fall in blood pressure, swelling of the mouth and throat, or unconsciousness.
In very rare cases, Panax ginseng may have caused a very serious skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. A doctor should be contacted right away if a high fever, swollen eyelids, blisters in the mouth, or red marks on the skin develop while Panax ginseng is taken.
Less Severe Side Effects
Other side effects associated with taking Panax ginseng are generally mild and temporary. They usually fade away after a few days and they may include:
- Blood pressure changes
- Breast pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heart rate changes
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Mood changes
- Nervousness
A few individuals have experienced itchy rashes after taking or applying Panax ginseng preparations or touching Panax ginseng plants.
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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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What side effects should I watch for? 
