Ginseng (Korean)

Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng.
Common Names: Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng.
Latin Name: Panax ginseng.
Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:
Improving the health of people recovering from illness
Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure
The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties.
Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
Areas of recent research include Asian ginseng's interactions with other herbs and drugs and the herb's potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease.
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.
Asian ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with Asian ginseng products, but these products' components were not analysed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
Asian 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, cinnamon and fenugreek, which are also thought to lower blood sugar.