You may pay extra for the herb in your meal replacement bar and end up not getting any at all. The good news is that ginseng isn't really harmful. There is a condition known as ginseng abuse syndrome. This happens when people take a massive overdose - and I do not know how much that is. Symptoms include insomnia, water retention, and high blood pressure.
Most people prepare ginseng as a tea.
It should be brewed by pouring boiling water over 3 grams of the chopped root and steeping for 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy your ginseng tea. May the herb of a thousand faces pep you up and give you more energy.