Why People with Insomnia Should Not Take American Ginseng

Generally, people with insomnia should avoid consuming American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), mainly because American ginseng may exacerbate nervous excitement, affect sleep rhythm, be unsuitable for certain insomnia body types, interfere with sleep-related hormones, and aggravate specific causes of insomnia. These factors might further impair sleep quality and be detrimental to improving insomnia. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Exacerbating nervous excitement: American ginseng has a certain degree of stimulating effect and can mildly activate the central nervous system. Individuals with insomnia often have disordered nerve regulation or nerves in a state of heightened excitement due to anxiety or stress. Taking American ginseng may intensify this excitability, potentially prolonging sleep onset time or causing lighter, more easily disrupted sleep during the night, thereby worsening insomnia symptoms.

2. Disrupting sleep rhythm: Normal sleep depends on a stable circadian rhythm, while the stimulating effects of American ginseng may disrupt this rhythm. Even when taken during the day, its effects may persist into the night, interfering with the body's ability to enter deep sleep and causing disturbances in the sleep cycle. This makes it difficult for individuals with insomnia to establish regular sleep habits.

3. Incompatibility with certain insomnia body types: Some individuals with insomnia have a constitution characterized by yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, often accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, hot flashes, and irritability. Although American ginseng is cool in nature and has functions of replenishing qi and nourishing yin, its cooling properties may stimulate internal fire in individuals with yin deficiency and excessive heat, worsening symptoms like irritability and internal heat, thus making it harder to fall asleep and failing to alleviate insomnia.

4. Interfering with sleep-related hormones: American ginseng may exert a mild influence on the body's hormone levels—for example, indirectly affecting melatonin secretion. Melatonin is a crucial hormone in regulating sleep. Individuals with insomnia may already have insufficient or irregular melatonin secretion. Taking American ginseng may further impair melatonin's regulatory function, making it harder to maintain a stable sleep state.

5. Aggravating specific insomnia triggers: If insomnia is caused by gastrointestinal discomfort such as indigestion or abdominal distension, certain components in American ginseng may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, especially when taken before bedtime. This may increase the burden on the digestive system, worsening symptoms like bloating and acid reflux, leaving the body in a state of discomfort and making it difficult to fall asleep.

Individuals suffering from insomnia should generally avoid consuming ingredients or herbs that have stimulating or energizing effects. Priority should be given to improving sleep through adjusting sleep schedules, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, and relieving psychological stress.