Nowadays, ginseng is used in many countries around the world and is known as an herb with health benefits. So can you eat ginseng during pregnancy? Follow the article below to get the answer.
1. What is Ginseng and What Are Its Benefits?
Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant belonging to the Panax genus in the Araliaceae family. It is also known as "Ginnyuu" in some regions of China and other parts of Asia.
Ginseng is a popular herbal remedy found in parts of Asia and North America. The root of the ginseng plant has been used as an herbal medicine for centuries in China, Korea, and other Asian countries.
Ginseng has many beneficial effects, including:
- Boosting energy
- Improving cognitive function
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Reducing stress
- Balancing cholesterol levels
Nowadays, ginseng is commonly used as an herb to fight fatigue and restore vitality.
2. Is It Safe to Eat Ginseng During Pregnancy?
Ginseng is an herb that is generally safe to consume when you are not pregnant and in moderate amounts. However, there is currently no scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness or safety of using ginseng during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
One study showed that the active compound in ginseng, ginsenoside Rb1, directly affects the risk of causing birth defects (disruption of fetal development). It also caused abnormal effects in mouse embryos.
Therefore, women should exercise caution when consuming ginseng during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
3. Warnings about using ginseng during pregnancy
You should avoid eating ginseng during pregnancy because:
- It has anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties that can cause birth defects.
- Ginseng can disrupt your sleep and cause mood swings.
- The herb can also lower your blood sugar, causing dizziness and nausea.
- Ginseng can prevent normal blood clotting during and after pregnancy.
- It sometimes causes diarrhea, dry mouth, headaches, dehydration, and fatigue.
- Ginseng can reduce the effectiveness of any medications prescribed by your gynecologist.
- Ginseng can cause excessive bleeding during a cesarean section.
4. Alternatives to Ginseng?
As we know, herbal remedies are popular largely because they are natural. However, that does not mean that all herbs are safe or suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid herbs or consult a qualified professional before trying any herbal remedies.
Drinking herbal teas with ginger, garlic, cinnamon, caraway, and mint can be a great alternative to ginseng. However, again, you must consume them in moderation and only after consulting a health professional.
Nowadays, to prepare for a healthy pregnancy, both husband and wife should have a reproductive health check-up 3-5 months before pregnancy.
The wife should:
- Get vaccinated before pregnancy (especially rubella because rubella is extremely dangerous during pregnancy)
- Genetic testing to screen for genetic diseases before pregnancy
- Check for gynecological infections to avoid affecting the health of the mother and fetus
- Women over 35 years old who want to get pregnant (especially those who have never been pregnant) will have to have a very detailed health check because pregnancy at this age often has problems: ovarian failure, premature birth, higher risk of fetal malformations, placenta previa, preeclampsia.
The husband should:
- Check reproductive health, detect diseases such as testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, weak sperm...
- Sexually transmitted diseases, especially those that cannot be cured, are extremely dangerous.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
