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Information about the herb Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Devil's Bush is part of the Araliaceae plant family. Originates from ssouthern regions of Russia, Siberia, China and various parts of the Far East.
Various forms of Ginseng have been used in medicine for more than 7000 years. Several species grow around the world, and though some are preferred for specific benefits, all are considered to have similar properties as an effective general rejuvenator.
Siberian Ginseng is a distant relative of American and Asian Ginsengs (Panax sp.), with some overlap in its uses, but is a distinct plant with different active chemical components and does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian and American Ginseng.
Botanical Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus
Plant Family: Araliaceae
Common Name: Devil's Bush, Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng, Touch-me-not, Wu-chia-p'i
History: It has been used for centuries in China and Russia. It is still widely used in Russia to help the body adapt to stressful conditions and to enhance productivity. In Chinese medicine, it is valued for its beneficial effects on "qi" and its ability to treat "yang" deficiency in the spleen and kidneys.
Tradition: In Wiccan rites Ginseng is carried:
- to attract love
- to ensure sexual potency
- to guard health
Ginseng is an effective substitute for Mandrake (very poisonous) in all spells.
Plant Constituents of Siberian Ginseng
Contains:
- Eleutherosides (similar to ginsenosides in the Panax species)
- Polysaccharides
- Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defence system
- Vitamins A, B6
Action:
- adaptogen (as are the Panax species) [a substance that strengthens the body, helping it return to normal when it has been subjected to stress]
- antidote [an agent that counteracts the effects of poison]
- anti-tumor agent
- anti-diabetic [lowers blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes sufferers]
- demulcent [substance that soothes irritated tissues, especially mucous membranes]
- panacea [all round remedy]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of physiological processes]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
- tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
Medicinal part used: Root.
Although a distant relative of American and Asian ginsengs (Panax sp.) with some similarities in its uses, Siberian Ginseng is a distinct plant with different active chemical components
Siberian Ginseng is used for:
Brain and Nervous Conditions
- The anti-stress factor of Siberian Ginseng increases human resistance to a wide variety of stress factors.
- counteracts threats to typical stress-induced illnesses
- eases the strain of worry and bottled up anxiety
- gives more mental alertness
- helps nervousness
- helps people cope better under the ordinary stress and tension of modern everyday life
- helps the body adapt to stressful conditions
- helps where there is excess corticosteroid production (from physical, chemical or biological stress)
- improves sleep
- increases stamina
- memory problems
- normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs (e.g. it will lower high blood pressure but raise low blood pressure)
- produces a protective effect against the stress of surgery, accidents, certain chemical toxins, radiation and chronic illnesses
- produces a soothing and calming effect on people who have endured months of pressure and tension
- relieves depression
- relieves tensions of business and sports competitions
- restores vigor
- stimulates a good memory
- supports the central nervous system
Siberian Ginseng has a pronounced effect on functional nervous disorders, such as patients suffering from:
- nervous and emotional disturbances (not insanity)
- nervous exhaustion
Cardiovascular Conditions
- lowers blood pressure
- normalizes low blood pressure and mild forms of high blood pressure
- supports the circulatory system
Female Conditions
During menopause Ginseng:
- aids in rejuvenating the system
- balances hormones
- regulates hot flushes
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- digestive troubles
- stimulates a healthy appetite
Immune System Conditions
- stimulates the immune system
- helps the body deal with physically and mentally stressful exposures such as:
- bacteria
- chemicals
- cold
- extreme working conditions
- heat
- noise
- physical exhaustion
- pollution
- viruses
Liver Conditions
- supports liver function
Muscular Conditions
- increases muscle strength
Reproductive System Conditions
- increases reproductive capacity
- male infertility
- stimulates sexual organs
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- supports lung function
Viral Conditions
- helps the body resist viral infections and environmental toxins
- slows the replication of certain viruses including:
- influenza A (which causes the flu)
- human rhinovirus (causes symptoms of the common cold)
- respiratory syncytial virus (causes symptoms of the common cold)
- reduced frequency, severity, and duration of outbreaks of herpes simplex virus type 2 (which generally causes oral herpes lesions)
Other Conditions
- cancers
- enhances overall health
- enhances productivity
- increases energy, stamina and endurance levels
- increases longevity
- overcomes all forms of illness, physical and mental
- overcomes fatigue
- recovering from illness or surgery, especially for the elderly
- reduces elevated sugar content in mild and moderate cases of diabetes
- restores loss of vitality
- tones the body during stress
Ginseng, whether it comes from Siberia, Asia or America is for people who have:
- chronic fever
- excess craving
- excess hunger
- hot flushes
- thirst
Dosage:
To avoid insomnia Siberian Ginseng should be taken before 3 P.M.
Adult:
- Dried root:500-3,000 mg dried root daily (tea, or in capsules)
- Tincture: 1 teaspoon 3/day
- Fluid extract (1:1): 1/2-1 tsp 2-3/day
- Extract (33% alcohol extract): 1:2 40-120 drops 1-3/day 15-55mL/week
- Solid extracts, made from dried, powdered root (must contain at least 1% eleutheroside F) 100-200 mg 3/day
Caution:
Siberian Ginseng used as a tonic during periods of stress should be taken with medical supervision (dosage as prescribed by a qualified practitioner for no more than 2 consecutive weeks
Siberian Ginseng should not be taken if you have:
- high blood pressure
- narcolepsy (frequent day time sleeping)
- obstructive sleep apnea (repeated, prolonged periods when breathing stops while sleeping
It should not be taken if you are:
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
Side effects can include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- headache
- high blood pressure
- irregular heart rhythm
- insomnia
- nosebleed
- vomiting
Drug Interactions
You should not use Siberian Ginseng without first talking to your health care professional if you are currently being treated with any of the following medications:
Digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions
- may raise blood levels of Digoxin
- increases the risk of adverse side effects from this medication
Sedatives for Insomnia
Caution should be taken using Siberian Ginseng with sedatives especially:
- barbiturates, medication used for sleep or seizures, including:
- pentobarbital
Global Herbal Supplies has Siberian Ginseng available in the following forms:
- Siberian Ginseng Herbal Extract
- Dried Siberian Ginseng
- Siberian Ginseng Capsules
- Ginseng Bath Foam
- Ginseng Shampoo
- Ginseng Conditioner
- Ginsynergy Tablets
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
