SIBERIAN GINSENG
Botanical: Eleutherococcus senticosus; formerly known as Acanthopanax senticosus  Family: Araliaceae (ginseng) Other common names: Ci wu ju, Devil's Shrub, Eleuthero Root, Eleutherococcus, Touch-me-not

Tired? Why not reduce fatigue and build stamina, while stimulating your immune system against the effects of stress, with Siberian Ginseng.  It helps to support the body's resistance to infection during prolonged periods of physical and mental stress, and athletes who want to increase performance and endurance favor its stamina-building benefits. Long used as a sedative, Siberian Ginseng's stress-fighting capacities have been useful in treating depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, problems with concentration and environmental sensitivity.

History:
Originating in Russia, Siberian Ginseng (although technically not a true Ginseng and only a distant relative from the same Araliaceae family) has many of the same properties and applications. Its use dates back about two thousand years; however, it was "rediscovered" in Siberia in 1855, mistaken for Ginseng (Panax ginseng ) and thus, it was named Siberian Ginseng. It is a hardy shrub, native to southeastern Siberia, just north of China's Amur River, and it also grows in China, Japan and Korea, and is well adapted to the Pacific Northwest of the United States and British Columbia. Siberian Ginseng grows to a height of ten feet and thrives as a crop in well-drained, rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. The dried roots and root bark are used in herbal medicine, and since the age of the root is thought to be essential (because older roots contain more healing properties), they are more highly valued and best when harvested after two or more years of age. Some of the constituents in Siberian Ginseng include a rich source of amino acids, carbohydrates, eleutherosides, saponins, important vitamins (including niacin and B-complex) and minerals.

Beneficial Uses:
Siberian Ginseng is considered an "adaptogen" in that it normalizes bodily functions during stressful or other situations that might alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of well-being. The herb contains active chemical ingredients called eleutherosides, which appear to inhibit the stress response by reducing the activity of the adrenal cortex and is an immune stimulant that is especially useful for preventing infection during times of intense physical activity. Its stress-fighting and depression-relieving capacities have made it useful in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Siberian Ginseng has been known to support the body by helping the liver detoxify harmful toxins and products of radiation exposure. Preliminary studies in Russia have confirmed the use of the herb for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments to help alleviate side effects.

Some researchers claim that Siberian Ginseng increases the synthesis of interferon, a powerful chemical that boosts immune system activity, literally interfering with every stage of viral infection. It has also been known to stimulate the activity of several immune-system components, including the B and T cells that attack bacteria, making it useful in treating many kinds of infection.

Siberian Ginseng is said to combat respiratory infections and has been used to treat bronchitis and chronic lung ailments.

In Chinese Traditional Medicine, Siberian Ginseng has been used to treat rheumatic diseases and heart ailments. The herb is thought to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and restore cardiovascular health. 

Many claim that it aids in restoring memory, concentration and mental clarity, which may be impaired by poor blood supply to the brain.

Siberian Ginseng has been known to ease depression by directly balancing serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, the brain chemicals that determine mood.

Recent evidence suggests that Siberian Ginseng may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome and other autoimmune illnesses.

In men, Siberian Ginseng appears to stimulate the body's production of testosterone and thus may be helpful in increasing sex drive and fighting impotence.

Russian athletes have been using Siberian Ginseng for years for consistent training, quicker reflexes, better stamina, and increased energy. Moreover, after strenuous workouts, the use of the herb has helped restore a feeling of well being with less fatigue.

Chinese healers believe that Siberian Ginseng is one of the best remedies for insomnia.

Contraindications:
May cause insomnia if taken too close to bedtime. Not recommended for persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure.



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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary.