What Are the Symptoms of “Internal Heat” Caused by Consuming Ginseng?
Disease description:
Recently, my friend experienced symptoms of “excessive internal heat” (shanghuo), such as sore throat and ear pain, after consuming some ginseng. They would like to know what symptoms are associated with “excessive internal heat” caused by ginseng consumption.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Consuming ginseng may cause “excess heat” (a TCM concept), particularly manifesting as “blood heat,” which can lead to bleeding symptoms such as epistaxis (nosebleeds) and gingival bleeding. Following the development of blood heat, patients may experience subjective sensations of bodily warmth or fever, along with mental-emotional disturbances—such as irritability and insomnia—which are also characteristic manifestations of blood heat. More commonly, ginseng consumption may trigger general “heatiness,” presenting with symptoms including increased ocular discharge, conjunctival redness, swollen and painful gums, sore throat, tongue swelling, and constipation.
