Siberian Ginseng
(Eleuthero Senticosus)
Also called: Eleuthero, eleutherococcus, Ussurian thorny
pepperbush.
Source: Grows in thickets in north-eastern China, eastern
Russia, Korea, Hokkaido (Japan's northern island) and eastern Europe.
Parts used: Root, stem.
Actions: adrenal stimulant, anti-viral, adaptagen, aphrodisiac, combats the actions of stress, immunestimulant, lowers blood sugar levels, peripheral vacodilator' tonic
It has been used in Chinese medicine for around 2,000 years and was traditionally
regarded as a warming herb to strengthen the sinews and bones and to
improve energy and blood flows, especially in the elderly.
Its Chinese name,
Wu Jio Pi, means "bark of five additions" - reminding us that the
Chinese used only the root bark, not the whole root as in the West.
Siberian ginseng has been extensively researched and is known to stimulate
the immune and circulatory systems and also help regulate blood pressure
and lower blood sugar levels.
As the Soviet researchers discovered back
in the 1930s, it is also good at increasing stamina and helping the body
cope more efficiently with both physical and mental stresses.
Medicinal Uses: A tonic for fatigue, convalescence, stress
and mental weakness.
It is ideal to take, normally as a tincture or in capsules, whenever extra
energy is needed - before a particularly busy period at work, during exams
or before long-distance air travel, for example.
It can help reduce the effects of jet lag and is an ideal all-round energy tonic,
considered to be rather gentler than Korean ginseng and more suitable for women.
Forms available: Capsules, tinctures, tablets.
Caution: Increases the effectiveness (and side effects) of some
antibiotics.
German health authorities caution people with high blood pressure not to use
the herb, but no solid clinical proof supports this warning.
