Does Ginseng Have Any Side Effects?

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, like anything else, can cause allergic reactions. If you develop a rash or feel it is difficult to breathe or have a tenderness in the mouth or throat after taking ginseng this could be an allergic reaction. Anaphylatic reactions are rare, but still possible.

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.