Connect with us

Health

Side effects and contraindications of ginseng

Published

on

Side effects of ginseng

From the Panax ginseng CA Meyer plant (Asian ginseng), the rhizome more precisely, used for its general tonic effect, to stimulate the immune system, or to fight physical fatigue and intellectual.

However, in some cases, and like all herbal medicine, ginseng can cause certain  side effects, which is why it is important to know what these side effects of ginseng are and when can they occur before consuming them.

 

What are the contraindications for ginseng?

Due to its action on the body, ginseng is contraindicated or must be consumed under medical supervision for:

•People with diabetes
•People with high blood pressure
•People who suffer from heart disease
Care should be taken with medical advice if you suffer from any of these conditions.

Although studies show that ginseng does not exert estrogenic action, there are still recommendations for caution in patients who have suffered from hormone-dependent cancer such as breast cancer.

What are the side effects of ginseng?

At recommended dosages, ginseng is a safe remedy that does not present any danger. The side effects associated with ginseng are caused by excessive consumption of the rhizome, which can then cause:

•Nervousness
•Insomnia
•Irritability
•Diarrhoea
•Increased blood pressure
•Palpitations

These side effects have been observed after overconsumption of more than 15g per day. They are harmless and stop after stopping the consumption of the plant, or returning to normal doses. However, due to its action on the body, ginseng should be consumed with caution in:

•People who suffer from insomnia
•People who suffer from nervous disorders
•People who suffer from obesity

Even if some consume it throughout the year, it is recommended not to exceed 3 months of treatment. Ginseng does not, however, cause addiction and dependence concerns.

Ginseng in children, pregnant and lactating women

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against, as a precautionary principle, the use of ginseng in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Likewise, it advises against the use of ginseng in children and adolescents under the age of 18.

Likely interactions between ginseng and medications

1. Anticoagulants

Because of its anticoagulant effect, people on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, aimed at thinning the blood, should consult a doctor before taking ginseng.

Indeed, the anticoagulant properties of ginseng can theoretically increase the thinning effects of drugs, which could have serious consequences (bleeding, haemorrhaging, bruising, etc.).

Among the most common anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), AVK (anti-vitamin K), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin) ), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, etc.

Be careful, some plants or spices can also have anticoagulant properties, so they should be combined with ginseng with caution. Among the most common: garlicginger, ginkgo, Eleutherococcus, tonka beans, turmeric, etc.

2. Antidiabetics

With its anti-diabetic properties, people on treatment for diabetes should consult a doctor before taking ginseng.

Indeed, in theory, ginseng could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs, and this could lead to side effects such as hypoglycemia, excessive sweating, tremors, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, etc.

Among the most common antidiabetics are biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants. , etc.

Be careful, some plants or spices can also have actions on blood sugar, so they must be combined with ginseng with caution. Among the most common: cinnamonfenugreek, psyllium, flax seeds, black garlic, ginger, etc.

3. Cardiac treatments

People undergoing medical treatments for the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure, should consult a doctor before consuming the plant.

4. The exciting

With its tonic action on the body, it is advisable to be careful about the association of ginseng root with exciting substances to avoid certain undesirable effects such as insomnia, irritability or palpitations.

It is, therefore, preferable to limit your consumption of coffee, tea, chocolate, guarana, colas, etc.

Health

13 Benefits of sorrel and side effects

Published

on

By

sorrel side effects

Table of Contents

Continue Reading

Health

Benefits of hyaluronic acid for acne

Published

on

By

benefits of hyaluronic acid for acne

Discover the benefits of hyaluronic acid for acne.

In most acne scars there is a loss of skin volume ( atrophy ), which gives the area where they form a depressed or “engraved” appearance.

This atrophy is the product of a  lack of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the dermis, the intermediate part of the skin, responsible for giving the turgidity, volume, and elasticity of healthy skin.

Methods of treatment

There are different  methods to treat atrophic scars, which we could classify into two different groups according to their speed of action:

· Immediate effect.  They are called fillers, biocompatible substances that can be injected into the skin to give volume to areas that have lost it.

Among them, those of hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, or calcium hydroxyapatite stand out among others. Its turgid effect is immediate, filling cavities, furrows, and atrophic areas of the skin with very natural results. The duration of these materials is limited, so periodically (every  6 – 18 months ) it is common to practice a new session.

· Delayed effect.  It implies that they promote the synthesis of collagen and ground substance of the dermis. It is worth mentioning the fractional lasers  (ablative or non-ablative) and the intermediate and deep peels.

The main advantage of these methods is that their effect is permanent once the optimal point of improvement has been reached, which is not immediate but after practicing several sessions of the procedure.

Hyaluronic acid is indicated in the treatment of atrophic,  depressed, and ice-pick acne scars. There are different densities of hyaluronic acid, designed to treat different forms of atrophy or loss of volume.

For the treatment of moderate or ice pick acne scars, it is useful to use low and intermediate densities; and to recover a large volume in especially atrophic areas, it is possible to use higher densities to cover the maximum repertoire of defects.

The main advantages of using hyaluronic acid lie in its immediate action, its durability, its biocompatibility, and its minimal allergenic potential. This molecule can fill in atrophic scars, providing optimal volume immediately and in the short term, promoting collagen synthesis in the long run.

In this way, the irregularity on the surface of the skin is substantially reduced after the application of hyaluronic acid, improving the overall appearance of the skin in the treated area.

Another positive aspect of using hyaluronic acid is that it usually only requires a  single application session. Likewise, fillers are one of the best tolerated aesthetic procedures since they have a  minimal rate of adverse effects and the pain caused is minimal if a precise technique is followed. Slight erythema  (redness) that lasts 2-4 hours after the procedure is common and can be reduced with the application of cold compresses.

According to studies published by Halachmi et al, the satisfaction rate and results in patients with atrophic acne scars and ice pick treated with hyaluronic acid are excellent.

The only limiting aspect of hyaluronic acid fillers is their duration. This molecule is naturally degraded in the skin, its effect persisting for   6-18 months depending on the density of hyaluronic acid used and the indication for which it has been applied.

Specifically, for acne scars, the duration of hyaluronic acid is the maximum possible, since it is retained within the fibrosis that partitions the scars. It should be remembered that, in the long term, this molecule favors the synthesis of collagen, so that the perceptible effect is progressively more durable as different sessions are carried out.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

What is the main indication of hyaluronic acid in acne scars?

Its main effect is to fill in depressed scars and regularize the appearance of the skin surface.

When is the effect of hyaluronic acid noticeable?

The effect of hyaluronic acid is immediate and noticeable at the end of its application. Over a week or so, the hyaluronic acid settles in the applied area and the surface where it has been applied progressively becomes even more regular.

How is hyaluronic acid applied?

The procedure is performed in the  Dermatology consultation through microinjections applied under the scars to be treated. An anesthetic cream is usually used before the session and it is very tolerable, with minimal discomfort.

How many hyaluronic acid sessions are needed to treat facial acne scars?

In general, if they are not very deep or extensive,  one is enough.

How is the face after doing the filling session?

The corrective effect of hyaluronic acid is immediate. At the end of the session, most atrophic and depressed scars have recovered all or part of their lost volume. Immediately after the session, it is usual to see some redness in the treated areas and slight swelling, which usually lasts between 2-4 hours.

It is possible, although infrequent, that during the procedure a  minimal punctual hematoma may appear in an injection area, which will disappear spontaneously over a week or so.

Is it a painful procedure?

Filling with hyaluronic acid after application of anesthetic cream is one of the most well-tolerated and appreciated aesthetic procedures, with an excellent satisfaction rate for the patient.

Can fillers be combined with other acne scar treatments?

Yes.  They can be used concomitantly with ablative/non-ablative peels or lasers, or even botulinum toxin if desired. It is recommended, yes, to carry them out in different sessions.

Is the effect of hyaluronic acid definitive?

No.  Although with each session there is a certain accumulation of the effect due to the collagen synthesis promoted by hyaluronic acid, it is advisable to perform a filler every  6-18 months depending on the indication and the area to be treated.

Continue Reading

Health

10 Benefits Of Feijoa Or Pineapple Guava

Published

on

By

feijoa benefits

Table of Contents

 

Continue Reading

Trending