Everyone knows the benefits of eating ginseng. We often see on TV and in books that ginseng has the ability to revive the dead. Is this really true? What are the effects and functions of ginseng? What are the taboos and precautions when eating ginseng? What are the common ways to consume ginseng?
Ginseng is a well-known and precious Chinese medicinal herb that is beneficial to our health. However, what are the taboos when consuming ginseng? Let's find out.
Do not abuse ginseng
Ginseng is a qi-invigorating herb. It is not suitable to take it casually without symptoms of qi deficiency. Healthy individuals without weakness do not need to take tonic herbs like ginseng. Misuse or excessive use of ginseng can often lead to breathlessness, chest discomfort, and bloating. Some people believe that ginseng is a tonic and think that consuming it will always benefit the body. This is a mistaken notion. Whether it is red ginseng or fresh ginseng, it is important to gradually increase the dosage and avoid excessive consumption. Additionally, attention should be paid to seasonal changes. Generally, it is better to consume ginseng in cool autumn and winter seasons, while it is not suitable for consumption in hot summer weather.
Avoid drinking tea
Tea contains tannins, which can combine with ginsenosides in ginseng and make them less absorbable. Moreover, tea contains substances like caffeine that can stimulate the central nervous system. We all have the experience that after drinking strong tea, we often experience insomnia and irritability, which is caused by excessive stimulation of the central nervous system. Similarly, ginseng has a similar effect as it can enhance the excitation level of the cerebral cortex. Therefore, simultaneously consuming ginseng and tea can greatly enhance this effect, leading to difficulty sleeping at night, irritability, headaches, and other symptoms. This is especially detrimental to patients with nervous hypersensitivity or neurasthenia. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid tea when consuming ginseng, especially strong tea.
Avoid using metal cookware for decoction or stewing
Metal cookware can react with medicinal herbs, so it is not recommended to use such cookware for preparing ginseng. It is best to use clay pots or other types of cookware to ensure the quality of the herbs.
Avoid consuming grapes with ginseng
This combination can lead to nutrient loss. Grapes contain tannic acid, which can easily combine with the proteins in ginseng to form precipitates, affecting absorption and reducing the efficacy of ginseng.
Avoid eating radishes (including white radish and green radish) and various seafood after taking ginseng
Traditional medical books describe radishes as "eliminating gas and aiding digestion." Modern research shows that radishes promote digestion and diuresis, which is consistent with the ancient viewpoint. The main function of ginseng is to tonify the primordial qi. If radishes are consumed at the same time, they can counteract the effects of ginseng. Therefore, radishes and ginseng should not be taken together. In addition, most tonics have a qi-invigorating effect, so they are also not suitable for consumption with radishes.
Not everyone is suitable to consume ginseng. The following individuals should avoid taking ginseng:
1. Patients with arteriosclerosis: The protein factor in ginseng can inhibit fat decomposition and aggravate the deposition of lipids on blood vessel walls. Therefore, patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension, cerebral arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and vasculitis should be cautious when consuming ginseng.
2. Patients with high blood viscosity: Increased blood viscosity and poor blood flow is referred to as "blood stasis" in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginseng promotes the growth of red blood cells, which can increase blood viscosity.
3. Insomnia patients: Ginseng has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. For insomniacs, the balance between excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex is disturbed. Taking ginseng will only worsen insomnia.
4. Patients with gastric diseases: It has been confirmed that Helicobacter pylori is the main culprit of many gastric diseases. Ginseng has a protective effect against this bacterium, which is not conducive to the eradication of the bacterium by medication.
5. Patients with cholecystitis or gallstones: Ginseng has estrogen-like effects and can inhibit the excretion of bile from the gallbladder, leading to thicker bile. Investigations have shown that the incidence of cholelithiasis is significantly higher in long-term ginseng users.
6. Others: In addition, ginseng should not be consumed by patients with hypertension, those with a hot-tempered and reddish complexion, and those with fever. Red ginseng and wild ginseng should not be consumed by individuals with a weak spleen and stomach.
