The Positive Effects Of Siberian Ginseng

The Positive Effects Of Siberian Ginseng
Other Common Names: Siberian Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus

Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.

Habitat: Mixed and coniferous mountain forests, forming small
undergrowth or groups in thickets and edges. Sometimes found in oak
groves at the foot of cliffs, very rarely in high forest riparian
woodland.

Siberian Ginseng is a relatively new addition to Western natural
medicine, but has quickly gained a reputation similar to that of the
better known and more expensive Chinese Ginseng. Though the chemical make-up of the two herbs differs, their effects seem to be similar.

Siberian ginseng is a powerful tonic herb with an impressive range
of health benefits. Unlike many herbs with a medicinal use, it is more
useful for maintaining good health rather than treating ill health.
Research has shown that it stimulates resistance to stress and so it is
now widely used as a tonic in times of stress and pressure. In an
alarming situation, the adrenal glands release corticosteroids and
adrenaline which prepare the organism for the fight or flight reaction.
When these hormones are depleted, the organism reaches an exhaustive
phase. Eleutherococcus delays the exhaustive phase and allows a more
economical and efficient release of these hormones.

This plant is a very commonly used folk treatment in China and
Russia where it is used as a ginseng substitute. It is a pungent
bitter-sweet warming herb that is said to be stronger in its action
than ginseng. Regular use is said to restore vigour, improve the memory
and increase longevity.

The root and the root bark are adaptogen, anti-inflammatory,
hypoglycemic, tonic and vasodilator. It is taken internally during
convallescence and in the treatment of menopausal problems, geriatric
debility, physical and mental stress etc. It works by strengthening the
bodies natural immune system. It has also been used to combat radiation
sickness and exposure to toxic chemicals. This herb is not prescribed
for children, and should not be used for more than 3 weeks at one time.
Caffeine should not be taken when using this herb.

Eleutherococcus has immunoprotective effects against breast (mammary
gland) carcinoma, stomach carcinoma, oral cavity carcinoma, skin
melanoma and ovarian carcinoma. It was found to have a pronounced
effect on T lymphocytes, predominantly of the helper/inducer type, but
also on cytotoxic and natural killer cells.

The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Known Hazards: Don't take Siberian Ginseng if you have high blood pressure.

Note: It can be distinguished from Chinese ginseng because it
is not as warming; can be distinguished from American ginseng because
it is not a Yin tonic; Siberian ginseng is a Qi tonic which is fairly
neutral; Chinese ginseng is a Yang Qi tonic and American ginseng is a
Yin Qi tonic; Chinese and American ginseng share the same genus (Panax)
and, therefore, are more similar to each other than they are to
Eleutherococcus.

See also American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng.

• Brunner, R., Tabachnik, B. (1990). Soviet Training and Recovery Methods, pp.217-21. Sport Focus Publishing.
  
• Bohn, B., Nebe, C.T. and Birr, C. (1987). Flow Cytometric Studies
  with Eleutherococcus senticosus Extract as an Immunomodulating Agent.
  Drug Res. 37(10);1193-1196.