Eleutherococcus, also known as eleuthero or Siberian ginseng, grows in mountain forests and is native to eastern Asia including China, Japan, and Russia.
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Uses
- Traditional Chinese Medicine has used eleutherococcus for reducing lethargy, fatigue, and low stamina as well as increasing endurance and resilience to environmental stresses.
- Eleutherococcus is considered an “adaptogen,” a term that describes herbs or other substances that, when ingested, appears to help an organism increase resistance to stress.
- There is strong evidence Eleutherococcus senticosusincreases endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness.
Benefits
- Energy and Anti-Anxiety: Providing extra energy during stressful times Siberian ginseng is recommended by herbalists as a stimulating herb for people who are tired and run-down, especially those affected by stress. The herb contains active chemical components, eleutherosides, appearing to inhibit the stress response by reducing the activity of the adrenal cortex. Eleuthero works to balance serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. Its effect on these mood determining brain chemicals makes it a natural mood stabilizer.
- Focus: Increasing circulation, Siberian Ginseng helps in restoring memory, concentration, and mental clarity that might be weakened by less blood flow to the brain.
- Anti-Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Research and studies have shown that Eleuthero root improves the body’s capacity to cope with stress. Because of this effect it has become popular to enhance mental function and physical performance during times of overwork, stress, fatigue and exhaustion. It is sometimes beneficial for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome when professionally prescribed.
- Common Cold: Eleuthero is traditionally used to help rebuild Chi energy during the recovery period following any illness.
- Immune Booster: Immune system stimulant, Siberian Ginseng is specifically effective for preventing infection during times of intense physical activity. Normalizing body functions, Eleuthero is a powerful adaptogen and helps the body to balance, heal and to instill an overall sense of well-being.
- Liver Support: It helps the liver to detox harmful toxins from radiation exposure. In Russia, studies show that using Eleuthero Root removes the side effects from chemotherapy. It also has been used to treat bone marrow suppression due to chemo or radiation therapy.
- Antiviral: Researchers have found that it increases the synthesis of the interferon drug; that boosts the activity of the immune system, interfering with every viral infection stage. (Interferon is used for AIDS and Hepatitis C viral infections.) It stimulates the activation of immune system components (B- and T-cells) that attack bacteria, making it a useful antiviral supplement in the treatment of many types of viral infection.
- Insomnia: Chinese healers believe that Siberian Ginseng is an herbal sedative and one of the best remedies for insomnia.
- Other Eleuthero Benefits: Eleuthero has been successfully in treating bronchitis and other chronic lung conditions.
- Siberian Ginseng may also be useful when the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is depleted, having symptoms that include fatigue, stress, neurasthenia and sore muscles associated with the hypo-functioning of an under-active endocrine system.
- Recent evidence suggests that Eleuthero Root may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome and other autoimmune illnesses.
Cautions
- Men with prostate disorders should not use Eleuthero Root. It contains compounds that might stimulate testosterone production.
- Pregnant and nursing women may use it but should avoid products that also contain Panax Ginseng.
- If persons take digoxin (Lanoxin or Lanoxicaps) for cardiac arrhythmia or congestive heart failure, they should consult their healthcare professional before taking this herbal supplement.
- Do not take Siberian Ginseng if you suffer from hypertension.
- Rare side effects have been reported including insomnia, drowsiness, tachycardia, headache, nervousness, and hypoglycemia.
Interactions
Unknown, please consult with your doctor.
Other names
Eleuthero Root , Siberian ginseng, Ci-wu-jia, Wu Jia Shen Jing
References
Source: Urbol.com, http://urbol.com/siberian-eleuthero-ginseng/
Drweil, http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/REM00049/Eleuthero-or-Siberian-Ginseng-Dr-Weils-Herbal-Remedies.html