Can herbal medicines cause side effects?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 19-year-old male. A few years ago, I used herbal ginseng capsules to gain weight. They improved my appetite, sleep, and weight but caused mild heart pain, thirst, frequent bathroom visits, and stomach noises. After stopping, my appetite went back to normal. I tried drinking raw eggs with hot milk to gain weight, but it caused stomach gurgling, throat noises, and upper abdominal pain. I thought it might be salmonella, so I took antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Metronidazole, but they did not help. Pressing on my abdomen makes a water-like sound, but tests showed nothing wrong. These symptoms are still bothering me and affecting my life. I want to know the cause and how to get better.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
The Ginseng capsules you took may have affected your digestive system by boosting your appetite and causing minor issues like water retention or mild heart symptoms, which went away after you stopped taking them. Herbal medicines can sometimes disrupt digestion, but these effects are usually temporary.
The raw egg and milk mixture you consumed might have upset your stomach, possibly leading to dysbiosis (gut bacteria imbalance), gastritis, or mild irritable bowel syndrome. Since antibiotics did not help, it could be a functional issue rather than an infection. A gastroenterologist may recommend tests like a stool culture or breath test. Avoid raw foods, eat easy-to-digest meals, and check for food sensitivities like lactose intolerance.
I hope you got the answer.
Please let me know if you need any further help.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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