American Ginseng, anyone?

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Tina2
Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
edited October 2021 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Today my MO recommended American Ginseng when I complained of low energy/fatigue, citing a study that indicated it could be helpful to me. Several reliable online sources back him up. Is anyone here taking it?

Tina

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  • KaraInLA
    KaraInLA Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2021

    I think they like to cite this study because it’s the only thing they can think of…my MO told me the same thing…my problem, nausea is a huge problem, and the American Ginseng made me throw up, so I have no idea if it would work…I have 3 unopened an sealed bottles…I’d be happy to send them to you if you want to try…I can also send the mostly full, opened bottle, but I can see someone might not want it opened…

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  • Tina2
    Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
    edited October 2021

    Kara,

    Hmm, interesting. I haven't received much feedback here, so will have to wonder.

    I appreciate your thoughtful offer, but will purchase a trial size here to test. As for your nausea, have you tried ginger capsules? I'm not a regular user of "natural" remedies, however they are the only non-pharma medicine I've ever used and they actually work for me!

    Good luck to us all!

    Tina

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  • Murfy
    Murfy Member Posts: 342
    edited October 2021

    Hi Tina, I'm glad you asked this question! I studied AG in a biomedical research lab for several years before I retired. Please feel free to either Pubmed (for papers) or google (for info) 'LLMurphy ginseng'. You may add 'SIUC' (my university) for more hits, as I've been retired for awhile.

    The most definitive low energy/breast cancer data shows that it is exercise that will significantly reverse the fatigue associated with BC treatment in clinical studies. Further, women who took AG had improved mood and stamina with exercise. Ginseng EXTRACT (mostly from the Korean red ginseng) also reduces fatigue. This is why you will find ginseng extract supplements by the counter at truck stops!

    In one of our clinical studies, women on the highest ginseng dose (2 gms) had nausea problems. 1 gm/day X2 which is often the recommended dose on commercial products can cause burping and nausea. I've always thought that there is an optimum dose for each individual and finding that dose by sprinkling different amounts of the opened capsule on a strong tasting food to find the optimum dose that works for you, is the best.

    Good luck! And if you try AG, please let me know if it helps. Thanks...

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  • KaraInLA
    KaraInLA Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2021

    Tina, yes on the ginger…it helps a little, and I finally went to the marijuana dispensary this week…I’ll see how it goes…I don’t like to feel altered, so I may only take it at night.


    Murfy, I don’t know why I didn’t play with the dosage…I’m going to try that this week.


    between the fatigue, the nausea and other med side effects I’m having trouble working, so I’m willing to try anything…I’m passionate about my work and am frustrated that I may be looking at a leave if I can pull it together

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