Ginseng is a plant whose root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
More recently, scientists and consumers have started to pay attention to it in the West too, thanks to its famed health benefits. From a fabled aid to sexual dysfunction to a possible brain power booster, it may prove to be an incredibly useful medicine.
But what is the evidence for ginseng’s health benefits? And are there any side effects? In this article, we’re going to tell you exactly what you can expect from this most popular of herbal remedies.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a plant that comes in different forms, each with different effects, uses, and histories. While American ginseng is often used as a herbal remedy too, it’s typically Panax ginseng that is used and sold. You may well see it referred to as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or Korean ginseng, yet these are all names for the same plant.
You usually consume the plant’s roots — in teas or supplements, for example — and the purposes for which it’s marketed and sold are wide-ranging. Yet, this is no recent fad: its reputation as a medicinal remedy has been around for a long time. And that’s why it’s called Panax ginseng, a word that comes from the ancient Greek meaning “cure-all”.
Not all of the benefits that are claimed for ginseng are backed by science, however. Let’s take a look at what they are and whether they stack up.
What are Ginseng’s Health Benefits?
As mentioned, ginseng’s uses range widely, with advocates citing the plant’s benefits to your sexual and cognitive health, and even its ability to tackle cancer, flu, and fatigue. However, there have been cases where the plant has been mis-sold, with some supplement vendors being investigated by the US drugs agency, the FDA.
With so much misinformation surrounding ginseng, what should you believe? Here is what the science says about ginseng’s health benefits:
Ginseng and Erectile Dysfunction
Panax ginseng is sometimes described as a “herbal Viagra”. While its reputation for helping with sexual dysfunction seems to be as old as the plant’s medicinal use, this isn’t just wishful thinking. Studies have suggested that ginseng may have a positive impact on erectile dysfunction.
“Herbal Viagra” might be a bit misleading, though. Ginseng has not been licensed for the treatment of ED and the real thing — Viagra itself — will almost certainly work better.
Can Ginseng Boost Your Immune System?
One of the ginseng uses that has been most studied by researchers relates to its possible effect on your immune system. A number of studies have shown reasonably positive results.
One Korean study investigated the effect of ginseng on patients who were recovering from stomach cancer. Following the participants for two years, researchers found that daily consumption of ginseng caused improvements to immune functions and made the chances of recurring symptoms lower.
Another study appeared to confirm that ginseng was helpful for immune system health in cancer patients, suggesting that the root improved immune function generally.
Does it Help the Flu?
Interestingly, while there is evidence that ginseng may be helpful in reducing the risk of influenza, there is not much hope that it is useful after having contracted it, despite what some websites claim.
Another study into the effect of American ginseng on flu symptoms in children showed promising results, too.
Ginseng and Testosterone Levels
Alongside erectile dysfunction, ginseng has been thought to improve sexual function — it was, after all, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. One review of the medical literature found evidence that ginseng had benefits for sperm count and sperm health, levels of libido, and erectile function.
Studies in rats, meanwhile, have found that ginseng can be useful in boosting testosterone levels. While further studies in humans are needed, ginseng’s effects on many aspects of male sexual health are very promising.
Other Ginseng Uses?
Treating Cancer
Ginseng’s potential effect on cancer risk continues to be explored. However, positive signs are being observed in the research. For example, ginseng may play a role in inhibiting the cycle of cell division associated with the growth of cancer, while another study found that overall cancer risk is significantly lowered by ginseng consumption.
Boosting Cognitive Function
Studies have also made steps toward revealing some of the potential effects of ginseng on brain function, including on mental health, memory, and fatigue. One study, for example, found a positive effect of Panax ginseng on the quality of sustained mental performance.
Other studies have not shown convincing results, however.
How is Ginseng Used?
The ways in which ginseng is sold and consumed vary. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that one method of consumption is preferable to, or more effective than, another.
You’ll find that ginseng is available online or in outlets around the world in any of the following varieties:
- As a fresh root: Depending on where you are in the world, you can find ginseng fresh. Ginseng’s uses in cooking are diverse, and the root can be added to soups or stir-fries, or simply fried and eaten.
- In teas: One of the most popular uses of ginseng is in teas. While you can brew fresh ginseng yourself, many tea brands sell infusions dried and pre-packaged.
- As a supplement: You may come across all sorts of supplements that contain ginseng. While they can be great for your health, ensure that you buy them from a reliable vendor. There are many “herbal” medicines that contain undeclared ingredients.
Does Ginseng Have Side Effects?
While ginseng is a “natural” medicinal remedy, this does not mean that it’s completely harmless.
When using ginseng, be careful of the quantities that you’re consuming. According to studies, ginseng use above 15 grams a day may result in severe side effects.
Ginseng’s side effects are usually associated with overuse — either in terms of large doses or with extended usage over the years. Scientific studies suggest that any of the following side effects can be experienced:
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea and diarrhoea
- Tachycardia
Ginseng is also thought to interact with anti-inflammatory medicines, digoxin (a medicine for heart disease), and heparin or warfarin (drugs that thin the blood). Similarly, ginseng should not be taken by diabetics, nor by pregnant women, as it may interfere with oestrogen production.
Key Takeaways
There are many uses and health benefits associated with ginseng. However, not all of them have held up to scientific scrutiny. And with many questionable vendors around, knowing what effects you should expect is essential before you buy.
So, while it promises a lot, use ginseng with caution. It may generally be considered safe, but you should watch out for possible side effects, including headaches, raised blood pressure, and difficulty sleeping.
¹US Food and Drug – Baker’s Best Health Products, Inc.: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/bakers-best-health-products-inc-544600-04252018
²Dai-Ja Jang, Myeong Soo Lee, Byung-Cheul Shin, Young-Cheoul Lee and Edzard Ernst (2008). Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2561113/
³Journal of ginseng research – Prospective Study for Korean Red Ginseng Extract as an Immune Modulator following a Curative Surgery in Patients with Advanced Colon Cancer: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264099368_Prospective_Study_for_Korean_Red_Ginseng_Extract_as_an_Immune_Modulator_following_a_Curative_Surgery_in_Patients_with_Advanced_Colon_Cancer
⁴JONG SEOK LEE, EUN-JU KO, HYE SUK HWANG, YU-NA LEE, YOUNG-MAN KWON, MIN-CHUL KIM and SANG-MOO KANG (2014). Antiviral activity of ginseng extract against respiratory syncytial virus infection: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4072342/
⁵The Conversation – Ginseng could be an effective way to prevent the flu: https://theconversation.com/ginseng-could-be-an-effective-way-to-prevent-the-flu-25562
⁶Sunita Vohra, Bradley C. Johnston, Keri L. Laycock, William K. Midodzi, Indra Dhunnoo, Evan Harris and Lola Baydala(2008). Safety and Tolerability of North American Ginseng Extract in the Treatment of Pediatric Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Phase II Randomized, Controlled Trial of 2 Dosing Schedules: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/122/2/e402
⁷Kar Wah Leung and Alice ST Wong (2013). Ginseng and male reproductive function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3861174/
⁸M S Fahim, Z Fahim, J M Harman, T E Clevenger, W Mullins, E S Hafez (1982). Effect of Panax ginseng on testosterone level and prostate in male rats: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7202345
⁹Chong-Zhi Wang, Samantha Anderson, Wei DU, Tong-Chuan He, Chun-Su Yuan (2016). Red ginseng and cancer treatment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26850342
¹⁰Xin Jin, Dao-Biao Che, Zhen-Hai Zhang, Hong-Mei Yan, Zeng-Yong Jia , Xiao-Bin Jia (2016). Ginseng consumption and risk of cancer: A meta-analysis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27616903/
¹¹Jonathon L Reay, David O Kennedy, Andrew B Scholey (2005). Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15982990
¹²Jinsong Geng, Jiancheng Dong, Hengjian Ni, Myeong Soo Lee, Taixiang Wu, Kui Jiang, Guohua Wang, Ai Ling Zhou, Reem Malouf (2010).Ginseng for cognition: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154383
¹³Nam-Hun Lee, OMD, PhD, Sa-Ra Yoo, BS, Hyeong-Geug Kim, MS, Jung-Hyo Cho, OMD, PhD, and Chang Gue Son,OMD (2012). Safety and Tolerability of Panax ginseng Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial in Healthy Korean Volunteers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501011/
¹⁴University of Rochester Medical Center – Health Encyclopedia: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=1169
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