Side Effects and Cautions

• When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of side effects.
• The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
• Ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
• There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with ginseng products, but these products' components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
• Ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.
• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement. you are using, including Asian ginseng. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.