Health benefits of Siberian Ginseng

Eleutheroccocus senticosus, commonly known as  Siberian ginseng, Eleuthero, Russian ginseng, Devil’s shrub, Touch-me-not, Wild pepper, Shigoka, Ci wu ja, eleuthero, Kan Jang, chi wu cha, thorny Russian pepperbush, thorny ginseng is a slow-growing, perennial shrub native to the South-East Russia, Northern China, Siberia, Korea and Japan. Eleutherococcus (from Greek) means “free-berried,” and senticosus, from the Latin word sentis (thorn-bush, briar) is an adjective meaning “thorny” or “full of briers or thorns.” It belongs to the Araliaceae family, which also includes the Panax genus of true ginseng plants. Despite its name, it is completely different from American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), and has different active chemical components. The active ingredients in Siberian ginseng, called eleutherosides, may stimulate the immune system. Siberian ginseng has been used in China for thousands of years to enhance the body’s vital energy, restore memory, and prevent colds and flu. The Siberian ginseng is usually made from the dried roots.

Plant description

Siberian ginseng is a slow-growing, perennial shrub that grows about 8 to 15 ft. (2.4 to 4.5 m) tall. The plant is found growing in thickets, small groups, or clumps, at the borders of broadleaved and evergreen forests and prefers sandy, loamy, and heavy clay soils with acid, neutral, or alkaline chemistry, including soils of low nutritional value. Roots are creamy yellow or white resembling a parsnip with rootlets that often resemble a man. They are normally woody, wrinkled, and twisted. Stems are erect, scarcely branched and slender and prickly. Branches are dense to scattered, slender, terete, bristle like. Both the branches and the stem are covered with thorns.

Leaves

Leaves are dark green with hairy veins and 3 or 5 oval to oblong fine toothed leaflets 3 inches (7.6 cm) long on a bristly short stalk 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) long.

Flower & Fruit

The plant has one or more globose umbels 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide with purplish male and yellow female flowers terminating the shoots. Each individual plant produces three types of flowers, male, female and bisexual, which bloom in early July. Siberian ginseng flowers are cross-pollinated mostly by bees such as Bombus, Halietus, and Megachile. Pollinated flowers develop into small round bluish black berrylike fruits about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter when mature. The Siberian ginseng is usually made from the dried roots. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Siberian ginseng for reducing lethargy, fatigue, and low stamina as well as increasing endurance and resilience to environmental stresses. It helps to increase endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness.

History

Siberian ginseng has been used for centuries in China and Russia. It is still extensively used in Russia to help the body adjust to stressful conditions and to boost productivity. In Chinese medicine, it is appreciated for its beneficial effects on “qi” and its ability to treat “yang” deficiency in the spleen and kidneys. It is used throughout the world because of its highly effective health benefits.

Health benefits of Siberian Ginseng

Eleuthero, (Eleutherococcus senticosus) also known as eleuthero ginseng or Siberian ginseng, is an herby shrub in the same family with Chinese ginseng. This herb is associated with many health benefits to the body. It helps to increase endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness. Listed below are some of the well-known health benefits of including Siberian ginseng in your daily routine

1. Heart Health

Siberian ginseng can improve the overall health and functional of your cardiovascular system, including lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, and decreasing overall cholesterol. Although it helps to increase blood flow to certain parts of the body, it also widens the blood vessels so more blood can flow with less strain on the arteries and vessels. It also helps to decrease and balance cholesterol levels in the body, thus lowering the chances of suffering from atherosclerosis, as well as the peripheral conditions, like heart attacks and strokes, that so commonly follow.(1)

2. Immune System Support

Regular use of Siberian ginseng helps to stimulate the body’s immune system, helping to prevent and treat viruses, infection and disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Siberian ginseng when taken with andrographis, help to reduce the strength and duration of the common cold. It is also helpful to alleviate flu symptoms. Since drowsiness is a probable side effect of Siberian ginseng, taking it with cold or flu medications with similar effects may worsen drowsiness. In these cases, the supplement is best taken when you have sufficient time and ability to rest and with your doctor’s approval. (2)

3. Combat fatigue and restore energy

Siberian ginseng is popular for stimulating and fortifying the body. It helps to boost energy levels in people with persistent tiredness. Those recovering from an illness or weary from a heavy work schedule may also benefit from its energy-boosting and immune-enhancing powers.(3)

4. Liver Health

Siberian ginseng not only detoxifies the liver, removing harmful toxins from radiation exposure especially after chemotherapy treatment, it helps in lessening the side effects of chemotherapy. It is also useful in bone marrow suppression after exposure to radiation procedure or chemo treatment.

5. Increase male and female fertility and reduce male impotence

By supporting healthy uterine function, Siberian ginseng may be useful in preventing female infertility. Males may experience an increased sperm count. Animal studies show that the herb can even boost testosterone levels and thus help reverse certain cases of male impotence.

6. Diabetes

There is also evidence that the regular use of eleuthero can help to regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the flexibility of your glucose and insulin levels to prevent diabetic shock from occurring. This is good news for diabetics, as those blood sugar fluctuations can be deadly, and any type of insulin regulator is always appreciated.(4)

7. Relieve menstrual disorders and menopausal symptoms

Siberian ginseng may positively affect hormone levels and tone the large uterine muscle. These properties make it potentially valuable for easing certain menstrual difficulties and menopausal symptoms.

8. Neurological Disorders

Alzheimer’s; the gradual degradation of memory can be a painful and impossible situation as we grow old. Siberian ginseng helps to eliminate many of the free radicals that build up in the brain and cause plaque to form. This can help keep neural pathways clear, improving memory retention and recall, and slowing/stopping the development of Alzheimer’s disease.(5)

9. Increase resistance to colds and flu

Traditionally, Chinese have found Siberian ginseng to be effective in suppressing colds and flu. The herb’s immune-enhancing powers may play a role. Interestingly, a Russian research of 13,000 auto workers who took Siberian ginseng one winter displayed that participants developed 40% fewer respiratory tract infections than they had in previous winters.(6)

10. Inflammatory Effects

If you suffer from any kind of inflammatory disease, such as osteoarthritis or gout, Siberian ginseng can be quite beneficial. In a recent research, the herb considerably improved flexibility and functionality of joints, while also reducing complaints of overall pain in the affected areas. While research is still continuing in this particular application, the results are very encouraging.(7)

11. Stress Relief

Siberian ginseng is quite popular for its anti-stress capabilities. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the plant is supposed to strengthen the body’s ability to cope with stress, which may also prevent stress-related medical conditions such as heartburn, upset stomach and tension headaches. Since the herb helps to enhance calmness, some participants claim to achieve improved quality of life. People who struggle with mild or occasional anxiety, nervousness or hyperactivity may benefit from these stress-reducing properties. Siberian ginseng is not, however, recommended as a treatment for psychological conditions such as anxiety disorder or depression. Since warm beverages help to enhance calmness, Siberian ginseng in tea form may prove beneficial in enhancing relaxation.(8)

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Siberian Ginseng

• Bladder Cancer: Prepare a decoction of Ginseng Siberian. Drink twice a day OR Eat Siberian Ginseng Capsules (300 mg per day)
• Altitude Sickness: Put 10 drops of tincture in quarter glass of water. Drink it twice a day. OR Take Siberian Ginseng in capsules form (300 mg per day)
• Hyperthyroidism: Add 1 to 2 tsp of dried Siberian Ginseng in a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 10-12 minutes. Strain well and drink it lukewarm. Have it two times a day.
• Colon Cancer: Prepare a cup of Ginseng tea by boiling Ginseng in water for 5 minutes. Drink it twice a day to treat the symptoms related with Colon Cancer.
• High Creatinine: Take 1 tsp of dried Siberian Ginseng. Prepare a decoction and drink once a day. OR Take 1 (300 mg) Capsules every day.
• Bone Infection: Add 2 tsp of dried Siberian Ginseng in a cup of hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Strain it and drink twice daily.
• Aphrodisiac: Prepare a decoction of Siberian Ginseng roots in one cup of water. Strain and drink it.

Other traditional uses and benefits of Siberian Ginseng

• It encourages resistance to stress and so it is now widely used as a tonic in times of stress and pressure.
• This plant is a very commonly used folk treatment in China and Russia where it is used as a ginseng substitute.
• Regular use is said to restore vigor, improve the memory and increase longevity.
• Root and the root bark are Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, tonic and vasodilator.
• It is taken internally during convalescence and in the treatment of menopausal problems, geriatric debility, physical and mental stress etc.
• It has also been used to combat radiation sickness and exposure to toxic chemicals.
• It was traditionally used to prevent colds and flu and to increase energy, longevity, and vitality.
• It is considered as an herbal remedy that increases energy, boosts the immune system, and helps alleviate general fatigue.
• It is used for headaches, infection, gastrointestinal issues and sterility.

Culinary Uses

• The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Dosage Information

Buy Siberian ginseng extracts from a company with a reputation for quality. Products should be consistent to contain at least 0.8% eleutherosides (the active ingredients).

• For stress: Take 100 to 200 mg three times a day. Special “adrenal gland” formulas now on the market normally consist of Siberian ginseng in combination with licorice, pantothenic acid, and other stress-fighting ingredients.
• For fatigue (and chronic fatigue syndrome), female infertility, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, and the majority of other conditions mentioned: Take 100 to 300 mg twice a day for 60 to 90 days, and then take a seven-day break before resuming treatment.
• For male infertility and impotence: Take l00 to 300 mg twice a day. For infertility, rotate every three weeks with 100 to 250 mg Panax ginseng standardized to contain 7% ginsenosides (the active ingredient). For impotence, rotate every two weeks.
• For colds and flu: Take 300 mg twice a day for seven to 10 days.

Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Siberian ginseng, which has therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.

Ailments-Dosage

• Alzheimer’s disease: 100-200 mg 3 times a day
• Arthritis: 100-200 mg twice a day for generalized fatigue
• Back Pain: 200 mg twice a day for generalized fatigue
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: 400 mg every morning
• Colds: 300 mg twice a day for 7-10 days
• Fatigue: 100-200 mg twice a day
• Flu: 300 mg twice a day for 7-10 days.
• Impotence: 100-300 mg twice a day
• Infertility, Male: 200 mg twice a day
• Menopause: 200-400 mg standardized extract each morning
• Multiple Sclerosis: 200 mg twice a day
• Perimenopause: 200-400 mg standardized extract each morning
• PMS: 100-200 mg twice a day for generalized fatigue
• Stress: 100-200 mg 2 or 3 times a day
• Stroke: 200 mg twice a day

Tip When Buying Siberian Ginseng

Buy standardized Siberian ginseng extracts from a trustworthy company to be sure you’re getting a quality product. These supplements consist of specified amounts of the active ingredients, dubbed “eleutherosides.” Look for extracts with an eleutheroside content of at least 0.8%.

Avoid high-potency formulas of Siberian ginseng that go above recommended daily doses. High doses (more than 900 mg a day) can cause insomnia, irritability, nervousness and anxiety.

Precautions

• Avoid during pregnancy.
• Not Suitable for children.
• High doses may cause drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, mastalgia and uterine bleeding.
• Patients with high blood pressure or hypotension should avoid using Siberian ginseng.
• This herb should not be used for more than 3 weeks at one time.
• Caffeine should not be taken when using this herb.
• Women who have a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers or uterine fibroids should ask their provider before taking Siberian ginseng.
• Menstruating female should avoid taking this herb.
• Not recommended for those taking oral anti-diabetic drugs, such as Warfarin, heparin and aspirin.
• Individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder should also avoid this supplement because there is a risk it may increase the severity or frequency of manic episodes.
• People with breast or prostate cancer and other hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid using Siberian ginseng.
• Overdose of Siberian Ginseng may lead to high blood pressure.

References:

http://www.gbif.org/species/3035369/synonyms

http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Eleutherococcus.html

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=505934#null

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/160685/

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=15004

http://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Eleutherococcus+senticosus

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/siberian-ginseng

https://www.drugs.com/npc/eleutherococcus.html

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/985.html

http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/siberian-ginseng

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleutherococcus_senticosus

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ELSE5

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