herbs - Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis)

What is it?

Siberian Ginseng is a shrub with erect spiny shoots and is native to the Soviet Far East, Korea, China and Japan north of latitude 38. Its distribution is actually much greater than its more popular distant relative, panax or Korean Ginseng. Siberian Ginseng was used by the ancient Chinese as far back as 2000 BC. The roots are used in herbal medicine.   

Action

Siberian Ginseng contains eleutherosides which have powerful adaptogenic properties and immune boosting action. This herb also enhances mental function, increases physical energy levels, and helps the body eliminate toxins by boosting liver function.

Siberian Ginseng is supportive to the adrenal glands and is often used to help with stress and fatigue.

Uses

Our experts recommend Siberian ginseng for the following disorders:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Influenza
• Tired all the time (TATT)

Other information

Siberian Ginseng is regarded by herbalists as a gentler alternative to Korean and American Ginseng and recommend it for women as a general tonic and balancer. It has been used by Russian athletes to enhance physical endurance during aerobic exercise.  It can be taken with Korean Ginseng to boost immune function before having the flu-vaccine to reduce its side effects.

Siberian Ginseng is available as, tablets, capsules or tincture. It is often taken for 6-8 weeks with a 1-2 week break to gain the full benefits.

Cautions

• Siberian Ginseng is safe and generally free of side effects, although it should not be taken to late in the day as it may prevent you from sleeping. It should be avoided by anyone with uncontrollably high blood pressure.



• Siberian Ginseng is regarded as safe during pregnancy and lactation, but only if the product is a reputable brand that contains no other type of ginseng.



• It is advisable to consult a doctor before using Siberian Ginseng, if you are on digoxin or using blood thinning drugs.



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Siberian ginseng.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.