Does anyone know much about ginseng? I bought an herbal supplement that is supposed to give you more energy. It contains ginseng as one of the main ingredients. Then later I was reading a magazine, and there was an advertisement for a book. One of the things it was supposed to discuss was why women shouldn't use ginseng. so does anyone know if women should or shouldn't use ginseng, and why or why not???

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 27, 2001

Answers

Melissa, women should not use ginseng on a regular basis until they are approaching menopause or are perimenopausal, it can affect your estrogen and progesterone production if used before then.

Also, be sure to check that label of the supplement you bought for ephedra or ephedra type drugs, they can cause irregular heatbeat and sudden cardiac arrest, as well as dangerously raise your bloodpressure very quickly and suddenly.

You could try using Siberian Ginseng for more energy, it is safe for women of childbearing age to use, and does not have any known side effects either, and is much cheaper than taking American ginseng.

Siberian Ginseng is the only safe supplement to use, especially for long term use, all of the others have significant health risks and are not worth the danger.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), December 27, 2001.

Duh, I meant to say that Siberian Ginseng is the only safe supplement to take for added energy use.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), December 27, 2001.

Thanks Annie, here is the list on the bottle: It is Sundown brand "Herbal Energy" it contains: Siberian ginseng, Bee Pollen, Ginger (root) and Cayenne other ingredients : gelatin

Does all of this sound OK to you???? I really appreciate your help!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 27, 2001.

Oh, that sounds perfectly safe Melissa, take as you want, they should help some, and help boost your resistance to colds as well!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), December 27, 2001.