How Long Does Ginseng Stay In Your System?

Ginseng, found in North America and Eastern Asia, is a perennial, slow-growing plant with with fleshy roots. It is used in Chinese medicine as a muscle relaxant, an aphrodisiac or a treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, it has many side effects including insomnia, breast pain, high blood pressure, low blood pressure and digestive problems such as diarrhea. Digestive time for ginseng can vary according to:

• Amount taken
• Type of ginseng taken
• Reason it was taken

The amount of ginseng can cause problems with the digestive system. If you overdose on the herb it can cause early morning diarrhea and vomiting. Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) is most likely to cause digestive complaints. It can take up to 72 hours for digestive problems to subside. To counteract a ginseng overdose take 120g of gan cao (Radix glycrrhizae) or seek professional medical advice. Other side effects can include dry mouth and lips, excitation, fidgeting, irritability, tremor, palpitations, blurred vision, headache, insomnia, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, edema, decreased appetite, increased sexual desire, dizziness, itching, eczema, bleeding, and fatigue.

The type of ginseng taken can have an effect on your digestive system. Taking Panax can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bowel incontinence or diarrhea. P. Quinquefolius, or American ginseng, can also cause bowel incontinence if taken too liberally. Red ginseng has the same effect on the digestive system as Panax ginseng. This is because it is Panax ginseng heated up. Wild ginseng, which is increasingly rare, is the most effective as it only mildly effects the digestive system if an overdose is taken. Panax takes about 24 hours to leave the bloodstream, whereas American ginseng takes a little less time.

If you mix any type of ginseng with anti-depressants it can react very badly and will usually remain in the digestive system for a few days.