Ginseng for Hypotension

Ginseng

Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)

Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng)

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (sometimes called TCM) have relied on ginseng as a part of their pharmaceutical repertoire for at least 2,000 years. Ginseng is one of those herbs that has acquired a reputation for being a cure-all. That is how Asian and American ginseng received the name “Panax,” which means “all illness.” Western scientists are just beginning to study some of the medical applications for ginseng. Studies have suggested, but not conclusively proved, that ginseng may indeed be helpful for a wide range of conditions. Early studies have shown that ginseng may have several effects on the circulatory system: it seems to improve blood pressure, reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, and lower blood sugar.

There are actually three different herbs that are commonly referred to as ginseng. American ginseng is a different, but related species, and contains many of the same chemical compounds as Asian ginseng. However, American ginseng is said to be more relaxing than Asian ginseng, which is regarded as a warming and energizing herb. Siberian ginseng is thought by some to have the same effects as Asian and American ginseng, but scientific analysis shows that it does not contain the same chemicals (ginsenocides) that are thought to give Asian and American ginseng their medicinal properties. However, all three herbs are considered adaptogens, or herbs that make the body stronger and help it to return to a normal state of balance after being subjected to stress and fatigue.

Using Ginseng for Hypotension

Method

• Take ginseng capsules or extracts.
• Drink ginseng tea.

Why It Works

Scientists believe that ginseng’s effects come from its active chemical components, called ginsenocides, but they are not entirely sure how ginsenocides work. They think that ginsenocides bind to receptors that are used by neurotransmitters and steroid hormones in the brain. If so, this might explain why ginseng’s effect on the body is so broad and affects so many different areas. One study showed that ginsenocides had an antihistamine-like effect on rats. Sometimes hypotension is caused by the release of histamines in the body (when the body has an allergic reaction to a substance). In these cases, if ginsenocides do work as antihistamines, they might reduce blood pressure by blocking histamine receptors in the brain.

Another possibility is that the steroid hormones in ginseng interact with thyroid hormones to relieve low blood pressure in people who have hypothyroidism. From a Chinese medical perspective, this makes some sense, because ginseng is viewed as a warming and energizing herb, which could speed up the metabolism. (People with hypothyroidism tend to be cold, tired, and have lower than normal blood pressure.)

Precautions

The long term effects of taking ginseng are not well known. It is probably safest to take regular breaks from using ginseng. Many practitioners recommend that their patients take a one- or two-week break from using ginseng after every two or three weeks that are spent using it. People who have taken ginseng for long periods sometimes report that they develop a rash, itching, diarrhea, sore throat, anxiety, depression, or insomnia. A few people report that after taking ginseng for long periods, they developed a headache, fever, dizziness, chest pain, difficult menstruation, heartburn, heart palpitations, a rapid heart rate, leg swelling, nausea, or manic episodes (in people with bipolar disorder).

Some people have allergic reactions to ginseng.

You should not use ginseng at all, or should use it only with a doctor’s supervision, if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, chronic insomnia, a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) or a bleeding disorder; if you are taking prescription drugs; and if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are taking other herbs or dietary supplements, you should check with your natural health practitioner to make sure that ginseng will not interact with your other supplements.

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