The Herb Ginseng

and High Blood Pressure

Custom Search

On and off for years, the issue of Ginseng and high blood pressure has been wrangling between researchers.

What is ginseng, and does it affect high blood pressure like they say?

The word `ginseng` is derived from the expression `man root` (jen shen) because the shape of the root usually resembled a person.

Three of the most popular types of ginseng are -.

1. Panax ginseng –Asian, Chinese, or Korean ginseng. Most tests have involved this species and it is the most widely used. You can buy it as a liquid extract, or buy the root sliced. (See the ginseng photo below and further down the page)
2. Panax quinquefolius or American ginseng.
3. Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian ginseng. (Good for stress)

`White` ginseng` is the washed and dried root, changing its colour to a lighter shade. It is mostly this type that has been extensively researched. The `red` ginseng is when the root has been steamed and dried.

Panax Ginseng Benefits

What health connections are there between Ginseng and high blood pressure?

For centuries herbalists have believed ginseng has powerful healing properties. It is a potent anti-oxidant, that can help minimise the effects of stress, shown to contribute to high blood pressure.

Its said to support glands and help balance their release of stress hormones such as the adrenal glands just situated above the kidneys, which is helpful to know if you suffer from frequent panic attacks or stress.

You need to protect your blood vessels from becoming weak and damaged. The constant raising of blood pressure caused by adrenalin secretion, will only wreak havoc.

Tests on Ginseng and high blood pressure have uncovered other, notable health benefits too that may interest you.

For instance, did you know that ginseng has been found to lower cholesterol. Sure beats taking statins, I should say!

It can also help prevent blood clots, so no need for aspirin either!

What about your ticker? Well, it has been scientifically proven to boost cardiovascular function, which is certainly needed as ginseng is also known to boost your love life. In fact, a biochemist called Siberian ginseng, “One of nature’s top adaptogenics”. That means it helps the body to balance itself out in many of its systems. That is, if you have hypertension, it will help bring it down. If you have hypotension, it will help bring it up. This is the species know to reduce the stress effects I spoke of above.

What was the common notion held in the past about ginseng and high blood pressure?

In 1979, not too long ago, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study which reported that ginseng caused high blood pressure and irritability. The report was wrong and the researchers had to retract their findings.

These kind of erroneous reports do, however, have a tendancy to leave the bad impression on the minds of the public that serious ginseng side effects exist, and this thinking can stay “rooted” for a long time. Even when good reports have surfaced, first impressions do persist.

When I went to buy some ginseng liquid extract, seen in the ginseng photo below on the right, I got into conversation with the Chinese counter assistant that I was writing this article about ginseng and high blood pressure. Her immediate reaction was in the form of a warning. She said, “No, no, no! Do not take ginseng for blood pressure!”. I went on to explain to her that there is a danger to those with uncontrollable high blood pressure, or for a pregnant woman, but apart form that, if taken within moderation, ginseng has no known side effects.

Are the more recent reports on ginseng and high blood pressure making any impression?

Up until lately, it was thought that ginseng caused a rise in blood pressure but in April 2006, the Hypertension journal published the results of a test involving ginseng and high blood pressure levels. After a period of 12 weeks of monitoring the blood pressure and renal functions of 52 adults with high blood pressure, researchers found that a daily dose of 3g of North American ginseng did not raise their blood pressure levels nor cause kidney damage.

Panax and Siberian ginseng were not tested in these trials, so its best to take caution when using these species.

I recon the controversy over ginseng and high blood pressure will continue, but at least what we have discovered from the past up until this present day is that ginseng continues to be reported as a healing herb for those suffering from many diseases, including high blood pressure.

Ginseng is a marvellous tonic, if taken in correct dosage. It not only is good for reducing blood pressure, but is good for the heart, circulation, and reducing cholesterol amongst other diseases.

Complementary herbs and vitamins that can be safely taken with ginseng are, saw palmetto and vitamin – B complex along with a multi-antioxidant for support.

Along with this topic on ginseng and high blood pressure comes a caution form me as always.

Don’t take –

1. If you have uncontrollable high blood pressure.
2. If you have heart beat irregularities.
3. If you are pregnant.
4. If you are taking enzyme-inhibitor drugs.
5. If you are taking Panax ginseng, avoid using tea, coffee and other stimulants.

Gem

For other herbs that can help reduce your blood pressure, visit my Herbs page.

From Ginseng and High Blood Pressure to Home Page.