Three Types of People Who Must Absolutely Avoid Consuming American Ginseng

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "three types of people who absolutely cannot consume American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)." However, individuals allergic to American ginseng, those with colds and fever, people with deficiency-cold syndrome of the spleen and stomach, those with excess heat syndrome, and patients with hyperthyroidism are not advised to take American ginseng. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. People allergic to American ginseng: In these individuals, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in American ginseng as harmful substances, triggering allergic reactions. Common symptoms include skin itching, rashes, and hives. Severe cases may involve throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and even life-threatening situations. Therefore, it is essential for these individuals to strictly avoid consumption.

2. Individuals with colds and fever: During a cold or fever, the body needs to expel external pathogens to recover. American ginseng is cool in nature and has nourishing properties. Consuming it during this period may cause pathogens to remain in the body, making them harder to eliminate, which could worsen fever symptoms, prolong the illness, and hinder recovery.

3. People with deficiency-cold syndrome of the spleen and stomach: These individuals often experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold intolerance, poor appetite, and loose stools. American ginseng is cool in nature and consuming it may further impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, intensifying internal coldness, worsening the above symptoms, and affecting the normal digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal system.

4. Individuals with excess heat syndrome: These individuals often exhibit symptoms such as high fever, flushed face and bloodshot eyes, irritability, dry mouth and throat, constipation, and dark yellow urine. Although American ginseng is cool in nature, it still has certain nourishing effects. Consuming it during an episode of excess heat syndrome may intensify internal heat, making it harder to eliminate the pathogenic heat and worsening the condition.

5. Patients with hyperthyroidism: Patients with hyperthyroidism often experience symptoms such as heat intolerance, excessive sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, and irritability—clinical manifestations typically categorized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity or excessive liver fire. Although American ginseng is cool in nature and has a nourishing-yin effect, some patients may experience exacerbated symptoms such as palpitations and irritability due to individual body constitution differences. Thus, consumption should be approached with caution.

The above-mentioned groups should be clear about their contraindications and avoid physical discomfort caused by consuming American ginseng. Other individuals who wish to consume American ginseng should choose appropriate amounts based on their own constitution and, preferably, use it under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional to ensure safety.