 |
In its approximate 5,000 years of know usage, ginseng has shown itself a gentle but highly useful herb. There are no proven negative side effects from its usage. The USDA classifies ginseng as GRAS (Genrally Recognized As Safe). In his book "Ginseng: A Concise Handbook", Dr. James Duke, now retired, former head of the Herbal Testing Laboratory for the United States Department of Agriculture, lists seven of the major ginsenosides in ginseng. These are some of the bioactive components in the plant. He notes that all seven have lower toxicity levels than caffiene. Absolutely everything we eat is toxic to a degree. If we go to extreme excess, we can die from ingesting too much of anything including such things as potatoes and even drinking water. Yes it seems somewhat ridiculous to think of being killed by the normal food we eat. Ingesting ginseng isn't much different. Specific individuals in various places around the world have very unusual allergies. A few people have allergic reactions to tomatoes, wheat, eggs to name a few. Likewise, someone somewhere might be allergic to ginseng, although we have never heard of it. At any rate, the possibility is quite remote. Some years back, JAMA,the Journal of the American Medical Association, reported a seriously flawed study concerning excessive coffee drinking coupled with excessive ginseng use. The supposed result from that was the subjects were over-stimulated, stressed-out. The mythical "ginseng abuse syndrome" was created. This was an exceedingly sloppy study. The researchers were particulary errant in that they never documented how much of the caffienated coffee the individuals consumed. Neither did they document how much and what kind of ginseng the subjects were using. In all liklihood, the excessive amount of coffee alone was responsible for any over-stimulation. The results of that study were later refuted. For a small fee, the American Botanical Council sells a pamphlet called "Debunking the Ginseng Abuse Syndrome." It is worth reading. It is quite telling that today, if you search the World Wide Web, you will find several companies selling coffee with ginseng added to it. It has been reported that consuming large amounts of ginseng can cause diarrhea. We are personally unaware of any specific individual(s) who have experienced that. If, and we say "IF" it is true, the amount of ginseng necessary, would make it a very costly experience. Scientific studies suggest that ginseng may act to some degree as a blood thinner - desirable for many of us. However, if you are taking coumadin (wafarin)which is a blood thinner, you should be aware that a recent study indicates that ginseng may belong to a group of many supplements and Rx medicines which will lessen the blood thinning effect. This may sound like a conflict of effects. But if we consider adaptogenic theory (see adaptogens) the dual effect of ginseng makes sense. Also, if we had high blood pressure, we would check that pressure frequently if we were using oriental ginseng. There is some evidence that suggests that frequent use of oriental ginseng may increase one's blood pressure. From our own personal viewpoint generally speaking, ginseng is pretty safe stuff when used in a manner consistant with the disclaimer immediately below. Please be sure to read it. Neither the author nor anyone else associated with Maine Mountain Ginseng is a medical doctor. We do not attempt to recommend or prescribe for any condition whatsoever. The above comments are personal opinion based on personal experience, anecdotal evidence, and our interpretation of scientific studies done by others. Be sure to discuss use of herbs with a licensed medical practioner before use. If your doctor is unfamiliar with them, you might want to consider consulting with a licensed naturopathic doctor. Your good health is your best asset. Protect it ! Return to top.
| ||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
| |||
| |||
|