Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng

Latin Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus
Family: Araliaceae

Part used: Root.
Energetics: Pungent, slightly dry, warming
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • None known.
  • Siberian ginseng may cause over-stimulation in some people, in which case, choose Holy basil or Rhodiola.

ACTIONS

  • Anti-stress
  • Anti-viral
  • Adaptogen
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Vasodilator
  • Hypoglycaemic
  • Tonic
  • Adrenal hormone stimulant
  • Anti-toxic
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-anaemic
  • Anti-oxidant
  • Anti-platelet
  • Rheumatic
  • Anti-neoplastic
  • Immune modulator
  • Antispasmodic
  • Adrenal and thyroid restorative.

Main Constituents

  • Volatile oil
  • Eleutherosides
  • Phenol: salicin
  • Tannin
  • Sterols
  • Mucilage polysaccharides
  • Vitamins: E, beta-carotene
  • Minerals: Ch, Mn, P, Zn,

Main Uses

Adaptogen and tonic.
External Use: Radiation injury, Enables patients to tolerate higher doses of radiation

Infections:
Fungi: Candida
Viruses: SARS-CoV-2, HIV, H1N1 influenza, Rhino-virus, Rota-virus.
Circulatory: Atherosclerosis in heart and arterial conditions
Mental/Emotional: All conditions relating to stress, Improves capacity for mental and physical exertion, To revitalise a run-down constitution, Depression from overwork, Jet-lag, Helpful for Children experiencing classroom stress, Weakness and exhaustion
Nervous system: Increases cerebral circulation in the elderly
Musculo-Skeletal System: Muscle spasms, Rheumatoid arthritis
Endocrine: Non-caffeine invigorator
Immune System: Beneficial for boosting the body’s natural defence system, Increases immune resistance, Useful in ME, Recovery from surgical operations, Immune stimulant in cancer therapy
Reproductive System: To increase fertility
Urinary System: Enhances renal function

More About Siberian Ginseng

Eleutherococcus is best known as being an adaptogen and has been part of the herbal repertoire in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It was also used in Korean and Russian folk medicine, not only for increasing stamina but for promoting overall health.
Listed in the Chinese Materia Medica over 2000 years ago, eleuthero has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, yet was barely noticed by the rest of the world until Russian researchers began studying it in the 1960's. It can now be found lining the shelves in most health food stores in North America.
It is referred to as 'Siberian ginseng' and is often compared with the more familiar Panax ginseng or 'true ginseng' yet they differ substantially and therefore can't be considered interchangeable.
Eleutherococcus is a member of the ginseng or Araliaceae family alongside the famous American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).
In Chinese medicine (TCM) eleutherococcus root is used to invigorate qi (chi or energy), strengthen and nourish the spleen and kidney and to balance vital energy. Eleutherococcus has been used in China to support general health. Additionally, it has been employed when there is sleeplessness with too many dreams. Eleutherococcus is now widely utilized in western herbalism to support general health and to improve endurance and stamina.

Recipes:


Siberian Ginseng Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 teaspoons dried Siberian ginseng root or root powder
  • 236ml of boiling water
  • Optional: Honey or lemon for flavour

Instructions:

  • Bring 236ml of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stove.
  • Measure out the dried Siberian ginseng root or root powder.
  • Place the Siberian ginseng root or root powder in a teapot or heat-resistant mug.
  • Pour the boiling water over the Siberian ginseng.
  • Cover the teapot or mug with a lid or saucer and let the Siberian ginseng steep for about 10-15 minutes.
  • If desired, sweeten the tea with honey or add a squeeze of lemon for flavour.
  • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the Siberian ginseng root or root powder.
  • Sip your Siberian ginseng tea while it's still warm. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavour.
Siberian Ginseng Tincture

Ingredients:

  • 42gr of dried Siberian ginseng root or root powder
  • 236ml of high-proof alcohol (such as 40% vodka)
  • Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
  • Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
  • Amber glass tincture bottles with droppers (for storage)

Instructions:

  • Measure out the dried Siberian ginseng root or root powder.
  • Place the dried Siberian ginseng root or root powder in a glass jar.
  • Pour the high-proof alcohol over the Siberian ginseng, ensuring it is fully submerged.
  • Seal the glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Shake the jar gently to mix the ingredients.
  • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily to aid in the extraction process.
  • After the steeping period, strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into amber glass tincture bottles.
  • Label the bottles with the contents and date.
  • Store the Siberian Ginseng tincture in a cool, dark place. It can last for several years if stored properly.
  • Usage: Take 1-5ml of the tincture daily. It is safe to use but go 'low and slow', starting with just 20 drops (1ml) daily with a maximum of 15ml daily.

References


Wound healing, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory

A comparative study on root and bark extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus and their effects on human macrophages.
The ability of E. senticosus root and bark extracts to promote polarization of human macrophages towards anti-inflammatory M2a and M2b phenotypes, respectively, might underlay the immunoregulatory activities and point to potential wound healing promoting effects of this medicinal plant.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32065954/

Knee osteoarthritis, symptomatic improvement 

Effects of AIF on Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Study.
In this population of Korean patients with knee osteoarthritis, AIF was found to be safe, tolerable and effective for symptomatic improvement of pain and physical function.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19885024/

Postmenopause, bone mineral density

The effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract on bone turnover and bone mineral density in Korean postmenopausal women.
This study suggests that AS extract supplementation may have beneficial effects on bone remodeling in Korean postmenopausal women and that it has no significant adverse events.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19452124/

Oxidative stress, serum lipid profile

The effects of A. senticosus supplementation on serum lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and lymphocyte DNA damage in postmenopausal women.
These results suggest that A. senticosus supplementation may have beneficial effects against oxidative stress and improve serum lipid profiles without subsequent side effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18671947/

Neuritic atrophy, abeta treatment

Inhibitory effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts on amyloid beta(25-35)-induced neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss.
In conclusion, extracts of E. senticosus protect against neuritic atrophy and cell death under Abeta treatment, and one of active constituents may be eleutheroside B.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18612196/

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