Siberian ginseng, also known
eleuthero, has been used in Northern Russia for thousands of years as a
traditional counterpart to American or Chinese ginseng. Like true ginseng
species, Siberian ginseng is regarded as an adaptogen-- a product that enables
the body to adapt to stress with fewer fluctuations in sleep, sex drive, mood
or appetite.
Although
Siberian ginseng is safe when it is used cautiously as recommended by a health
care provider, there are some Siberian ginseng contraindications. Do not use
this product if you fall into any of the following high-risk categories.
Pregnant Women
If you
are pregnant, you should not take Siberian ginseng. No studies have evaluated
its safety during any stage of pregnancy, and it could theoretically increase
the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, stillbirth or birth defects. Tell your
obstetrician or midwife if you are interested in using any medicinal herb
during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Mothers
If you
are nursing a child, you should not use Siberian ginseng. Compounds in Siberian
ginseng may pass into breastmilk, leading to side effects in the breastfed
child. In theory, Siberian ginseng may also reduce breast milk supply due to
its estrogen-like effects.
People with Heart Conditions
If you
have any form of cardiovascular disease, you should not use Siberian ginseng.
Eleuthero can cause tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, ad it may also
contribute to cardiac arrythmia. People who are at risk of heart atack and
stroke should avoid Siberian ginseng unless your health care provider
explicitly approves of it. Your practitioner should monitor your condition
closely if you choose to take Siberian ginseng.
People with Hypertension
Blood
pressure above 180/90 is a major Siberian ginseng contraindication. Siberian
ginseng can make high blood pressure worse, so hypertension is regarded as a
contraindication. Other herbs are also unsafe for people with hypertension;
talk to your doctor about other supplements that you should avoid.
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