Ginseng, Siberian









Ginseng, Siberian


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Siberian ginseng is used for its reported ability to help people during times of stress and fatigue. The term for this property is “adaptogen”. It is promoted to enhance wellness by increasing the body's ability to cope with different stresses. It supports the immune system, leading to better resistance against many types of common infections. Additional reported benefits include increased physical endurance, mental alertness, and better athletic performance.
How does it work?
A group of substances in this root appear to act as immune stimulants and to help the body adapt to stress. Specific responses are based on an individual's make-up and conditions.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • A schedule of 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off is recommended.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use if you are taking monamine oxidase inhibitor medication.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications and natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures. Be careful to avoid injury.
  • Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
  • Use with caution if you are a transplant recipient, if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, or if you have an autoimmune condition.
  • Use with caution if you are receiving hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy).
  • Use with caution if you have a history of estrogen-dependent tumors, endometrial cancer, stroke, or thromboembolic disease.
  • Use with caution if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Use caution if you have low blood pressure or if you are taking medicine to lower your blood pressure. Talk with your healthcare provider.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, talk with your healthcare provider.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that may affect blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs and supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Inability to sleep.
  • Stomach bleeding or ulceration. Watch stools for dark, tarry black color. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help.
  • Changes in blood pressure.
What should I monitor?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Watch for low blood sugar. This can cause anger, shaking, rapid heartbeats, confusion, and sweating.
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting; severe diarrhea
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Root
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Anticoagulants, aspirin and aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, others), antiplatelet agents, barbiturates, antihypertensives, insulin, oral hypoglycemics, cardiac glycosides, prescription and over-the-counter stimulants
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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