The Dangers of Taking Panax Ginseng

Despite the fact that the popular Panax Ginseng is regarded as the one of the most special and expensive herbs, not much people know about its contraindications. Ginseng is commonly taken by someone who desires a boost in energy and strength. However, the powerful herb is not for everyone because of the potential dangers for certain unsuitable health conditions.

Panax Ginseng - the benefits

The Pin Yin name for Panax Ginseng is Ren Shen, also known as the "Emperor's Herb." The quality of this herb is determined by its age and size. It takes about three to seven years to mature a Ginseng plant. Although it is praised that the older the plant, the more powerful it is. Also, the wild varieties versus the cultivated ones are higher in value.

There are other kinds of Ginseng, such as the American Ginseng, and Women's Ginseng, although Panax Ginseng is considered "true" Ginseng. This herb is very effective as a qi tonic, which boosts the overall constitution and increases one's immunity, and combats fatigue and weakness. The herb is best for those who are recovering from a severe illness. If wisely used, one can also be able to adapt to many different types of stresses.

The taste is slightly bitter and sweet, and very warming. The channels that the herb acts on are the lung, spleen, and heart. By strengthening the heart, it is great for improving insomnia and palpitations due to heart blood or qi deficiency. By strengthening the spleen, one's digestion is better, which helps loose stool or diarrhea and improves the appetite. By strengthening the lungs, which control the flow of qi, conditions of shortness of breath and coughing can also be improved.

Panax Ginseng - the dangers

Everything about the herb sounds very pleasant in terms of improving one's energy. Due to today's stressful lifestyles, everyone would benefit from an herbal supplement that can help with their stresses and energy levels. However, one's current health conditions as well as years of age are very important to notice before taking Ginseng.

If Panax Ginseng is to be taken without the approval of a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, here are the health conditions not appropriate for the herb:

- High blood pressure

- Excess heat signs

- Children under 19 years of age

- Currently suffering from a cold, flu, or virus

- During pregnancy

The reason for not taking Panax Ginseng when having high blood pressure is because of the action of the herb. It is qi tonifying and is also warming. If one is suffering from high blood pressure due to plaque buildup in the circulation system, adding more vigorous flow of blood can raise the blood pressure. If blood pressure is already high, inappropriate dosage (especially if the person is also taking anti-coagulant drugs) can potentially cause rupture of the blood vessels, leading to uncontrolled bleedings.

The reason for not taking Panax Ginseng for children under 19 years of age is because it can cause hyperactivity leading to insomnia, palpitations and restlessness. If one is already high in energy, taking more energy tonic can lead to stagnation of qi. For those who are suffering from a cold, flu, or virus, Chinese medicine explains that these are warm-febrile diseases. This means they all can induce fever. Taking Panax Ginseng, which is warming, will worsen the fever, which can be dangerous.

An alternative to taking Panax Ginseng, if its qi tonic effect is desired, is to take American Ginseng, or Siberian Ginseng, which are less warming. Also, another herb that is effective, but not as strong is Dang Shen. It is also much less expensive.

Panax Ginseng is a special herb that is very effective in appropriate situations. Thus, it should be kept for occasions when its use is really needed, or it should be used for a very short amount of time. Just because the herb is expensive and popular does not mean that it is for everyone. However, if used appropriately, its high price is really worth it for its benefits.