Mr Wu Yue, a TCM physician at Raffles Chinese Medicine, said that Asian ginseng has 'warming' qualities while the American variety is 'cooling'. He added that ginseng has many benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, strengthen one's immune system and improve one's mental agility.
However, he cautioned that people with certain medical conditions such as insomnia and high blood pressure should consult a TCM physician about consuming Asian ginseng as 'an overdose may lead to serious side effects such as stroke'.
The US National Institutes of Health also advises those who wish to take a herbal or botanical product to first consult a doctor. Like drugs, such herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity and may cause side effects or interact with certain medications leading to problems.
Dr Phuah Huan Kee, a senior consultant at Singapore Baby and Child Clinic, said that children who have a healthy diet generally do not need to take vitamin or health supplements.
He said: 'Supplements like spirulina and royal jelly are touted as having the ability to improve one's health or build up the immune system but there is no convincing scientific evidence to support this yet.'
Dr Phuah said that to boost a child's mental development, it is better for parents to spend quality time interacting with him. They should also cultivate healthy eating habits in their children.
He said: 'Encouraging children to consume a variety of foods rich in vitamins, minerals and omega oils is better than relying on supplements.'
jbiston@sph.com.sg
This story was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times, on Nov 6, 2008.
