I hope this article will give you a good idea of the benefits and uses of Eleuthero (aka Siberian Ginseng). Eleutherococcus senticosus is an adaptogen that is among the most researched in modern times.
Traditionally practitioners use the plant’s root for its healing, balancing and energizing properties. The herb has been used all over the world under different names. It has been known as Ci wu ju, Shigoka Devil’s Shrub, Siberian Ginseng, Ussurian Thorny Pepperbush, Touch-Me-Not, Russian Ginseng, and Wild Pepper.
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Benefits of Eleuthero: In Depth
Eleutherococcus senticosus is a pretty awesome plant and has a lot more benefits that just the graphic above highlights. Here are some of the ones worth mentioning.
- Energy
- Focus
- Anti-Anxiety
- Anti-Fatigue
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Common Colds
- Immune Booster
- Liver Detox
- disease
- Antiviral
- High Blood Pressure
- Insomnia
- Bronchitis
Energy and Anti-Anxiety
Providing extra energy during stressful times Siberian ginseng is recommended by herbalists as a stimulating herb for people who are tired and run-down, especially those affected by stress. The herb contains active chemical components, eleutherosides, appearing to inhibit the stress response by reducing the activity of the adrenal cortex.
Eleuthero works to balance serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. Its effect on these mood determining brain chemicals makes it a natural mood stabilizer.
Focus
Increasing circulation, Siberian Ginseng helps in restoring memory, concentration, and mental clarity that might be weakened by less blood flow to the brain. These cognitive enhancing effects have made it a staple among users of nootropics.
Anti-Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Research and studies have shown that Eleuthero root improves the body’s capacity to cope with stress. Because of this effect, it has become popular to enhance mental function and physical performance during times of overwork, stress, fatigue and exhaustion.
It is sometimes beneficial for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome when professionally prescribed.
Common Cold
Eleuthero is traditionally used to help rebuild Chi energy during the recovery period following any illness, even the common cold or flu.
Immune Booster
Studies have shown that eleuthero is an immune system modulator. Siberian Ginseng is specifically effective for preventing infection during times of intense physical activity.
Normalizing body functions, Eleuthero is a powerful adaptogen and helps the body to balance, heal and to instill an overall sense of well-being.
Liver Support
It helps the liver to detox harmful toxins from radiation exposure. In Russia, studies show that using Eleuthero Root removes the side effects of chemotherapy. It also has been used to treat bone marrow suppression due to chemo or radiation therapy.
Researchers have found that it increases the synthesis of the interferon drug; that boosts the activity of the immune system, interfering with every viral infection stage. (Interferon is used for AIDS and Hepatitis C viral infections.)
It stimulates the activation of immune system components (B- and T-cells) that attack bacteria, making it a useful antiviral supplement in the treatment of many types of viral infection.
Insomnia
Chinese healers believe that Siberian Ginseng is an herbal sedative and one of the best remedies for insomnia. It’s use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda is extensive.
Common Colds:
Siberian Ginseng has been proven to be an effective cold relief for many common colds. Whilst a cold is essentially incurable, Siberian Ginseng has been proven to reduce the time it takes to recover from the cold. It also has been seen to help numb the symptoms, including reducing the runniness of the nose, easing the pain felt at the back of the throat as well as helping to decrease the overall unpleasantness of the cold. This was documented in 2004 in a study of 130 children. Of those children, 78% of those who were given Siberian Ginseng reported a decrease of symptoms.
Tiredness:
For those who suffer with high levels of fatigue, Siberian Ginseng is a popular option to help alleviate symptoms of tiredness. The herb can provide energy to those who take it, and it can also help to improve the length and quality of sleep in those who often struggle sleeping. Those suffering with mild to moderate fatigue caused by stress are likely to find great success with Siberian Ginseng according to a 2009 research study published by the renowned Current Clinical Pharmacology.
Osteoarthritis:
For those suffering with Osteoarthritis, Siberian Ginseng is a popular choice of treatment, as it’s proven to have a wide range of health benefits. Those with osteoarthritis of the knee have seen an immense reduction in pain whilst taking the herb, as well as increased mood, higher levels of energy and a long-term reduction in pain caused by the illness. It can also help improve physical function ability of those suffering with osteoarthritis, and patients taking the herb have expressed their delight at enjoying higher levels of mobility.
High Cholesterol:
Siberian Ginseng can help to cut high levels of cholesterol, and it’s been scientifically proven to help reduce LDL cholesterol in patients who suffer from high levels of cholesterol. In a 2008 study, 40 women were given daily dosages of Siberian Ginseng , and were regularly monitored for signs of improvement regarding their cholesterol levels. The study concluded that the majority of women who took the supplement saw an improvement in their cholesterol levels, with just over 40% of women noticing long-term improvements in the LDL cholesterol levels.
Other Eleuthero Benefits
Eleuthero has been successfully in treating bronchitis and other chronic lung conditions.
Siberian Ginseng may also be useful when the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is depleted, having symptoms that include fatigue, stress, neurasthenia and sore muscles associated with the hypo-functioning of an under-active endocrine system.
Recent evidence suggests that Eleuthero Root may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including the HIV virus, chronic fatigue syndrome and other autoimmune illnesses.
In men, it appears to stimulate the body’s production of testosterone (although not to the degree that Pine pollen does).
It also appears to be an excellent choice for increasing sex drive and fighting impotence. What man over 40 doesn’t need help in the fight against low libido and erectile dysfunction?
Siberian Ginseng is a special type of herb that offers a varied range of health benefits, and as more research is done into the medicinal herb, it’s apparent there are a lot more benefits than previously anticipated. We’re going to look at some of the most popular uses of Siberian Ginseng, and how people all over the world are benefiting from this revolutionary herb.
As well as the symptoms listed above, Siberian Ginseng has been proven to benefit people suffering from a wide range of health implications. Some of the disorders which Siberian Ginseng can treat are listed below;
- Alzheimer’s disease
- arthritis
- atherosclerosis
- bronchitis
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- colds
- blood disorders
- fibromyalgia
- flu
- high blood pressure
- insomnia
- kidney disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
Eleuthero Side Effects and Contraindications
- Men with prostate disorders should not use Eleuthero Root. It contains compounds that might stimulate testosterone production.
- Pregnant and nursing women may use it but should avoid products that also contain Panax Ginseng.
- If persons take digoxin (Lanoxin or Lanoxicaps) for cardiac arrhythmia or congestive heart failure, they should consult their healthcare professional before taking this herbal supplement.
- Do not take Siberian Ginseng if you suffer from hypertension.
- Rare side effects have been reported including insomnia, drowsiness, tachycardia, headache, nervousness, and hypoglycemia.
Proper Dosage for Siberian Ginseng
Take commercially prepared Siberian ginseng tablets according to the manufacturer’s instructions (up to a maximum of 3g per day) for a period of up to six weeks, followed by a 2-week break.
Suggested Uses of Eleuthero
Eleuthero Root will help reduce fatigue, build stamina, and stimulate the immune system against stress. It helps the body to resist infection during prolonged times of mental and physical stress, including athletes wanting to increase energy levels, performance, endurance and its stamina-building advantages. Effectively used as a sedative, and can relieve depression, helps Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), concentration, improves memory and sensitivity to environmental pollution. It might also offer help during chemotherapy, radiation side effects, and can help detoxify the liver.
This herb owes its popularity to the broad spectrum of benefits it carries enhancing overall health and wellbeing. I highly recommend you try taking eleuthero daily for a week so you can see how big of a difference a small change can make. I personally take Eleuthero Extract, great stuff!
Why was Eleuthero renamed from Siberian Ginseng?
Eleuthero was called Siberian ginseng for a long time in the United States. Back in the early 2000’s growers of ginseng in Wisconsin got legislation passed in the farm bill that prohibits calling Eleuthero, Siberian ginseng. Technically it’s not ginseng although it has ginseng like properties, so they had some grounds, but it has definitely caused confusion in the market with both names being used to this day. Eleuthero is native to the far Northeast of China in an area called Heling Xiong, in the Black River province on the border of Russia.
It has been around for around 2000 years its one of the treasures of Chinese medicine. This herb is highly prized by traditional medicine practitioners.
As an adaptogenic herb, Eleuthero allows you to adapt physically and mentally to:
- Stress
- Altitude
- Temperature Changes
- Financial Challenges
- High-pressure environments
Eleuthero is on the cycle of almost all Chinese athletes and when people take and use it daily they just feel better, so it’s an herb I regard highly.
Is Siberian Ginseng safe?
According to some of the world’s top health professional, Siberian Ginseng poses no significant risk to those who take it on a regular basis. The health benefits have been documented all over the world, so it’s likely the herb will be receiving a lot more attention in the up-coming years. As with most medicines, it’s advisable that pregnant woman seek the advice of their doctor before taking Siberian Ginseng.
If you’re suffering from any of the health problems listed above, you might want to consider Siberian Ginseng as a suitable option for treatment. We’rec currently working on another article showing how some alternative health practitioners are successfully using eleuthero for weight loss.
merci, thanks a lot for this super interesting article !
Thank you for the helpful information on that article, this is an outstanding job.
Thank You for the info, it was very helpful!
Helped me realize what I have been missing since I ran out two months ago!
I don’t understand how something can increase energy and stamina while also being considered a sedative. Can you explain?
It is very common for a non-stimulant energy supplement to have sedative properties. Stress and anxiety burn through a lot of energy so just reducing stress for most people will make them feel more motivated and alert.
I also didn’t quite understand that, how can it be considered both stimulating and sedative as the article states. In other words, would it be a good idea to take it at night or will it prevent sleep (because of the stimulating/energizing qualities)? Will it be a good idea to take it in the morning or will it make me tired (because of the sedative qualities)?
hi, this is educative Nick. Do you know of alternative medicine for infertility in women? kindly share with me if any.
thanks.
Dong quai is often used for fertility also the Xiao Yao Wan formula which I just did a post on but I don’t think I covered the fertility benefits of the formula at all.
Try Maca. It’s exactly what it is famous for. You can look it up on iherb.
IF ELEUTHERO CAN LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE WHY NOT TAKE IT IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
AND IF YOU ARE OLDER AND HAVE LOW T WOULDN’T YOU WANT MORE TESTOSTERONE ?
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL ARTICLE! THE INFORMATION WAS OF GREAT HELP!!
I’ve been taking this for about a month now I just place my second order..but I have a silly question is it supposed to make my hormones a lil crazy..lol???? for the past 2 weeks or so I can’t keep my hands off my husband..
It definitely can be connected with boosted libido in both men and women so I would say you are definitely not crazy.
Can you take this with an acute cold or flu? Or is it best to wait until afterwards, to rebuild chi?
Thank you.
Yes, one of the few that is actually really good while you have a cold.
hi please refer me the product you using
I am anxious to get back on it today got it thru the mail. I use Natures Sunshine haven’t been on it for about 3 years. I need to feel like I did 3 years ago. Hopefully get my husband on it he has been not well for over a year. I have a friend who’s husband has ED will it help with that
When should it be taken to help with insomnia? In the morning or before bed.
Been taking this in powder form for 2 weeks , 43yrs old , I feel like I’m 20 yrs old again, Work 12hr shifts with no problem, come home sleep like a baby. Stamina, focus , energy , I need to deal with work . Also has helped my short temper, in a positive mood all day . Problems arise and I just deal with them and move on . Great Stuff
Thank you for amazing article! By the way Siberian Ginseng is good for thyroid? Thanks and God Bless
I have high blood pressure, and therefore cannot take eleuthero or ashwagandha. eleuthero is.ginsing and ashwagandha seems to always have ginseng in it. What is an adaptogenic I might be able to take? Thank you, ur suggestions.
Spring greetings to all!
What ratios do you recommend when making Eleuthero tincture with powdered roots (herb:liquid & alcohol proof)?
Second thing- I have trouble calculating how much liquid to prepare in recipes that require dilution of alcohol, or additions of glycerin or vinegar. I get stuck factoring the weight of the herb in the jar. Any pointers would be much appreciated!
Many thanks,
Arianne
Check out the book “Making Plant Medicine” by Richo Cech. It explains everything. I typically use 151 alcohol or Ever clear at 190 proof. I live in Chicago, which limits alphol to 151 proof.
While the book recommends a 5:1 ratio, realize that the herb is the least expensive part of the process. This is except for tinctures of cannabis, the most expensive herb in common use. The bottle costs more than the herbs used to produce the tincture inside it. I often use a 3:1 ratio to fully saturate the alcohol and make the tincture as strong as possible.
Kelly