Ginseng as a Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome has become a recognizable and diagnosable ailment. Sufferers simply cannot find the energy to function from one day to the next and feel constantly tired. In addition, people with chronic fatigue syndrome frequently complain that they also suffer from a variety of other ailments, such as colds and sinus infections. (Other symptoms may also include headaches, insomnia, and/or a low grade fever.) This has led to the supposition that an under-active immune system may play a major role in this syndrome. It is also believed that our emotions; i.e., stress, can contribute to the weakening of the immune system. Ginseng can be an effective herbal treatment for the physical responses to stress and, as a result, alleviate the debilitating manifestations of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Ginseng was used at least 5,000 years ago by the Chinese as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. [See: Traditional Chinese Medicine Overview.] Today, Westerners also have an appreciation for the benefits of ginseng. Ginseng has adaptogenic properties, which means that it can help to normalize the system. In other words, during times of stress when the adrenal glands become over-active, ginseng can protect these glands, thereby reducing the damage and the accompanying fatigue. In addition, ginseng gives white blood cells a boost, and it is these cells that help to fight off infections.

Varieties of Ginseng
Ginseng is readily available in capsule form at any pharmacy, health food store, and even in grocery and discount stores. There are two varieties most often featured.

Siberian Ginseng (Elutherococcus senticosus): Siberian ginseng is generally recommended for people suffering from fatigue due to stress.

Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Korean ginseng has been studied in numerous clinical trials and has been shown to improve patients' alertness and mood. Patients have also demonstrated enhanced performance under stress. Generally this is the type of ginseng most frequently recommended for the treatment of fatigue. (I have personally tried both and found the Korean ginseng to be more effective.)

If you think that ginseng might be the answer for you and chronic fatigue syndrome (or even as a combatant against excessive, though not chronic, fatigue), there are a few things you must first consider. Ginseng does interact with certain drugs and should not be taken if you are taking any of the following: anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-coagulants, and hormone therapy. Furthermore, you should not take ginseng if you have high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or are bipolar. You should also refrain from taking any ginseng if you are pregnant or nursing. Finally, be sure to take the recommended dosage and no more. (Extra ginseng will not be of any benefit. In fact, it may actually cause your body to build up a tolerance, rendering it less effective. Therefore, always follow the instructions on the label.) If you have any questions, consult your primary healthcare professional and/or a certified herbalist. Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of some other underlying physical ailment and should not be ignored; therefore, it is always wise to seek medical attention rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself.

References:

Booth, Barbara, ed. The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 2009.

Foley, Caroline; Jill Nice; Marcus A. Webb. New Herb Bible. NY, NY: Viking Studio, 2002.

University of Maryland Medical Center. Chronic fatigue syndrome.