Is ginseng good for pregnant women?

With the concept that ginseng is a nutritious, precious flavor that helps to give birth to healthy, intelligent children, does not suffer from neonatal diseases ... many pregnant women are willing to spend a large amount of money to nourish their children but never Know that, in fact, eating ginseng is not good for pregnant mothers.

Ginseng is a rare food that has been widely used for centuries because it brings many benefits to human health such as increased immunity, reducing stress and reducing fatigue. But, is ginseng good for pregnant women? Let aFamilyToday Health follow up on the following sharing.

Ginseng

Ginseng is an herb found both in Asia and the Americas. Since ancient times, ginseng has been known for its miraculous health benefits such as improved immune system and increased concentration. American ginseng is often used to reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Besides, it also works to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is a natural "hot" herb. Meanwhile, pregnant women are in a state of negative blood pressure, yang yang. Therefore, pregnant women who eat ginseng will suffer from excess gas, causing a burning sensation but suffering from anemia . Therefore, ginseng is not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Common types of ginseng

Currently, there are 2 types of ginseng in common use:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolis) is grown mainly in North America, especially Canada.

Ginseng roots and roots contain active chemicals called ginsenosides, which act as the main medicinal ingredients of ginseng. Although evidence is limited, ginseng is known for its effects:

Improve immune system

Improve menopause symptoms

Reduce muscle injury after exercise

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

Strengthen memory, prevent dementia and mental functions

Improve digestion

Cancer treatment

Reduced blood sugar in people with diabetes

Prevent and limit the symptoms of colds and flu

Why should you avoid taking ginseng during pregnancy?

Ginseng is generally not recommended for use by pregnant women for a number of reasons:

1. Birth defects

Scientists at the University of Hong Kong used ginseng to experiment on pregnant mice. Each rat was injected with 30 mg / ml of the compound ginsenoside Rb1, a compound found in ginseng. The injection took place until day 9, when the mouse embryonic organs such as the heart, eyes, and limbs showed abnormal development. This proves that pregnant women should not eat ginseng because it will cause deformities in the baby while in the womb.

2. Bleeding

Korean ginseng has anticoagulant properties, so if taken by pregnant women, it can cause serious risks during childbirth and after delivery.

3. Causing diarrhea

A common side effect in pregnant women drinking ginseng tea is diarrhea . After drinking, you may have diarrhea 2-3 times / day. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, adversely affecting the fetus. If you experience diarrhea after drinking, see your doctor immediately and drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.

4. Sleep Disorders

According to experts, ginseng is considered to be one of the factors that cause sleep disturbances in pregnant women . In addition to making it difficult for pregnant women to sleep, it also makes pregnant women often wake up several times during the night. Lack of sleep can make the body tired, impaired health and cause mood swings.

5. Dry mouth

Pregnant women who drink ginseng tea often experience dry mouth . The cause of this condition is due to the enzymes in ginseng that cause the salivary glands to function poorly.

In addition, dry mouth is also one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy besides symptoms like anxiety, stress ... If you take ginseng during this time, these symptoms will get worse.

6. Imbalance of blood sugar

Pregnant women have a very high risk of diabetes but most of them do not know about it. Pregnant women eat ginseng can lead to an imbalance in sugar, dizziness and heart rate. Both of these symptoms are dangerous for both mother and fetus.

7. Causing headaches

Ginseng can cause headaches and muscle aches in the face and neck of pregnant women. This can exacerbate symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness and mood swings.

Is Ginseng safe during lactation?

The safety of ginseng has not been clearly established if it is used during lactation. While waiting for the research to be done, experts recommend avoiding it until you've weaned completely.

Other herbal teas

Currently, most herbal teas have not been adequately proven for safety during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to use caution. However, you should avoid excessive herbal teas, as some teas can irritate the uterus, cause contractions and lead to miscarriage. To be safe, avoid using herbal teas during pregnancy, unless recommended by your doctor.

Ginseng is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Therefore, during this time, it is best to avoid using it to ensure the safety of you and your baby.