Ginseng

[prestonjes]

I read in a magazine that Ginseng lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and stress. has anyone used this and how much should a person take?

[mg_2204]

... I read something about ginseng not too long ago!

It said that ginseng only appeared to have a glucose-lowering effect after prior glucose stimulation (in this case, the glucose tolerance test). Ginseng alone did not result in a decrease in blood sugar when unaccompanied by meals. Ginseng increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin and may also increase the secretion of insulin. But much research as to be done still...

The article also said Ginseng could have adverse effects with drugs such as Warfarin, heparin, aspirin, and of course drugs to lower blood sugar.

The article didn't convince me to start taking Ginseng.

The article I read : Ginseng and T2 diabetes (http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative/04/12/ginseng.diabetes/)

[ADE]

Hi Marie,
I was told in the past to be careful in choosing the kind of ginseng to take for diabetes. The Korean/Chinese ginseng gives warming effect to the body, while the American ginseng gives the cooling effect. I was told to take the American ginseng as an anti inflamatory. There were many good report about ginseng and diabetes, but please do more research before taking it and talk to your doctor. Take care.