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Overview: American ginseng is a plant called Panax quinquefolius. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement and as a tea. People take American ginseng for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include upset stomach or trouble sleeping. Before taking American ginseng, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is American ginseng used for?

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is used for many different reasons. However, the benefits of American ginseng are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use American ginseng include the following.

  • To treat or prevent the common cold
  • To improve memory or thinking skills
  • To increase energy levels
  • To strengthen the immune system

Other forms of ginseng are available. See also: Panax Ginseng

Note: The FDA has not reviewed American ginseng for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does American ginseng work (mechanism of action)?

American ginseng is a plant called Panax quinquefolius. Dietary supplements that contain American ginseng are made from the root (rhizome) of the plant. Since this plant is native to North America, it is also sometimes called Canadian ginseng, Wisconsin ginseng, Ontario ginseng, or North American ginseng.

American ginseng is thought to act as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body respond to stressful changes in its environment. Some of the chemicals in American ginseng, called ginsenosides, are thought to be responsible for its effects in the body. These chemicals may increase the levels of certain immune cells in the body, but it is not clear if this can help prevent or treat infections like the common cold. It is also unclear how these chemicals might work to increase energy or help with thinking skills.

American ginseng contains some of the same chemicals as another form of ginseng, called Panax ginseng. But these plants contain different amounts of these chemicals and can cause different effects and side effects in the body. Most products that are labeled “ginseng” or “ginseng radix” contain Panax ginseng, not American ginseng.

Herbal products, like American ginseng, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific American ginseng product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store American ginseng?

You should store American ginseng according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of American ginseng?

The most common side effects of American ginseng are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

There may be other side effects of American ginseng that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of American ginseng?

While less common, the most serious side effects of American ginseng are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. American ginseng may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking American ginseng and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use American ginseng?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take American ginseng.

  • American ginseng
  • Canadian ginseng
  • Ginseng
  • North American ginseng
  • Ontario ginseng
  • Panax quinquefolius
  • Wisconsin ginseng
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific American ginseng products they stock.

What should I know about American ginseng before using it?

American ginseng is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep American ginseng out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as American ginseng, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific American ginseng product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

American ginseng is available in many different forms, including as a tea, a liquid, or a dried ground powder that is made into tablets or capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested American ginseng products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using American ginseng?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if American ginseng is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. American ginseng is broken down by your liver. If you have liver problems, you may have a higher risk of side effects from American ginseng. Talk to your health care provider before taking American ginseng if you have liver problems.

Other Medicines and Supplements. American ginseng may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking American ginseng, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how American ginseng could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if American ginseng passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does American ginseng interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between American ginseng and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect American ginseng.

Does American ginseng interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking American ginseng.

  • A medicine for diabetes
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner

The interactions between American ginseng and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with American ginseng is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking American ginseng with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much American ginseng?

If you or someone else has used too much American ginseng, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Products that contain American ginseng are made from the root of the plant. These products should not be confused with other ginseng products, which are made from a plant called Panax ginseng. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use American ginseng safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.