A Note about the Use and Misuse of Ginseng

Ginseng seems to be all the rage in this U.S. We have many patients at the Hollywood Clinic who are taking it -- wrongly -- and are hurting themselves.

Ginseng is a medicine and should only be taken on the advice of a Oriental medical practitioner. Do you know that there are many types of Ginseng? Each one has different qualities and medical properties. Many people are taking the exact opposite of what they should be, and making themselves sick without realizing it because they don't know what the symtomology is. Some Ginseng is "cooling", some is "heating", or "hot" in Oriental terms. Some is weak, some is strong. Some kinds cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Some is to be taken for short periods, some a long time.

Please see a knowledgeable practitioner and discuss this with him or her. Some questions to consider are: Why are you taking Ginseng? What do you think it will do for you?

Many times another formula will be the most appropriate for what ails you, whether or not it contains Ginseng. Do not be swayed by advertisements or anectodal experiences. Everyone has different needs.