What are the Most Common Korean Ginseng Side Effects?

In most healthy adults, Korean ginseng side effects are generally mild, and may include insomnia, irritability, and nervousness. When taken in higher than average quantities, it may also cause breast pain, insomnia, dizziness, high blood pressure, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, low blood pressure, and headaches. These are considered rare and are not typical when the herb is taken correctly.

Korean ginseng is a plant with many health benefits, including alertness, faster metabolism, decreased sexual dysfunction in men, decreased postmenopausal symptoms in women, lowered blood sugar, and increased cognitive function, among others. In most healthy individuals, it can be taken daily with no adverse effects. When Korean ginseng side effects do occur, they are usually mild and can include insomnia, nervousness, and irritability. Oftentimes they subside if the dosage is temporarily lowered so that the body is able to adjust.

Although rare, more serious side effects can occur when taking Korean ginseng, primarily when it is taken in doses higher than recommended. These can include blood pressure problems, headaches, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems. Most of the time, side effects will subside once the herb is discontinued or the dosage is lowered to the proper amount.

While serious side effects are not common, each person is unique and some may be more sensitive to ginseng than others. For this reason, Korean ginseng should be used under the direct supervision of a physician so that potential reactions can be monitored. Luckily, most people find the beneficial Korean ginseng side effects to outweigh the bad.

If serious side effects do occur, such as dizziness, faintness, or irregular heart rhythms, this could mean a marked change in blood pressure. This is extremely rare, as blood pressure changes usually do not cause symptoms until they are very severe. Patients should contact a doctor immediately if any worrisome symptoms develop.

Additionally, symptoms of an underlying condition may be mistaken for Korean ginseng side effects. Although ginseng is used to help with a variety of medical conditions, patients should also receive a diagnosis for any troubling symptoms in order to decide on the best treatment. Those who have certain blood pressure conditions or intestinal disorders may want to avoid Korean ginseng, as it may exacerbate these conditions.