Who should not consume American ginseng?

People who should not consume American ginseng include those with deficiency and cold in the spleen and stomach, individuals suffering from wind-cold感冒 (common cold due to wind-cold), those with excessive internal damp-heat, children and infants, and people with allergic constitutions. American ginseng is cool in nature, and consumption by these groups may worsen existing symptoms or cause discomfort. If abdominal pain, rashes, or other abnormalities occur after accidental ingestion, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Deficiency and Cold in Spleen and Stomach: American ginseng is cooling in nature. Individuals with weak digestive systems often experience diarrhea, bloating, and sensitivity to cold. Consuming American ginseng further damages the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, potentially leading to increased abdominal pain, more frequent loose stools, and worsening of cold-related symptoms.

2. Wind-Cold Common Cold Patients: Symptoms of wind-cold感冒 include severe chills, clear nasal discharge, and absence of sweating. Although American ginseng has tonic properties, taking it during a wind-cold感冒 may "contain" the pathogenic factors, preventing the expulsion of wind and cold, possibly prolonging the illness or worsening symptoms such as nasal congestion and aversion to cold.

3. Excessive Internal Damp-Heat: Individuals with internal damp-heat often experience bitter taste in the mouth, yellow and greasy tongue coating, and dark yellow urine. The nourishing nature of American ginseng may promote dampness and heat, exacerbating accumulation of damp-heat in the body, leading to intensified bitterness in the mouth, oily skin, bloating, and other discomforts.

4. Children and Infants: The digestive systems of children and infants are not yet fully developed. The medicinal properties of American ginseng may exceed their gastrointestinal tolerance, easily causing indigestion, poor appetite, and potentially interfering with normal growth and development.

5. Allergic Individuals: Some people are allergic to components in American ginseng. After consumption, they may develop itching, red rashes, or breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it could even trigger laryngeal edema; therefore, it must be strictly avoided.

Before consuming American ginseng, one should first assess their body constitution to avoid blind supplementation. If use is necessary, it's advisable to start with a small dose under medical guidance and monitor bodily reactions. When storing, keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from strong-smelling substances to preserve its efficacy.