Saturday, November 19, 2011

Is it safe to take ginseng during pregnancy?

The Chiropractor I work for told me I should take ginseng to help me deal w/ stress better, as I am trying to get pregnant, and stress is not good. I have taken it a few times and it really seems to help.





But, once I get pregnant, is it still safe to take it? If so, how much is okay?|||I don't think so.





My natural food store recommended against it for both pregnant and breastfeeding moms, and many doctors advise against it and just about any other herbal remedy.





A little googling supported that. No official studies have been done on humans, but genetic abnormalities have been reported in rats.





In general, it's not wise to take anything during pregnancy without consulting a doctor first, especially herbal supplements. Herbal remedies and supplements can have side effects just as much as a prescription drug, and the idea that natural = safe is not a good thing.|||http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/ref/herbs鈥?/a>


Ginseng (Panax ginseng)





Panax Ginseng is not considered a "safe" substance for long-term use in lactating women. Ginseng may cause estrogenic side effects as well as platelet changes. The most common form is the American root called Panax quinquefolium L. (this is an endangered species). There is also an Asian variety (panax ginseng), also called Korean or Chinese ginseng. These two varieties are practically identical. No data are available concerning transfer into human milk. According to Hale, no pediatric concerns have been reported but caution is urged. Also known as white ginseng, red ginseng, panax, minimycin, and red kooga. Possible side effects include tachycardia and hypertension. A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs (O'Hara et al) says, "We do not recommend ginseng use for pregnant or lactating women or for children until safety and efficacy are proven in randomized controlled trials." More on Is Ginseng Safe for Nursing Mothers? and ginseng in general.








http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles鈥?/a>


A team from the Chinese University of Hong Kong has found evidence that one of the main active components of ginseng can cause abnormalities in rat embryos.





Lead researcher Dr Louis Chan said: 'Before more information in humans becomes available, women should be cautious about using ginseng in the first three months of pregnancy.'|||No I don't believe it's an herb that is Ok to take during pregnancy. Ask your Dr.

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