Eleuthero, Eleutheroccus senticosus, or the formerly known as Siberian Ginseng, is a shrub originating from the Northeastern Asia region(Siberia, Japan, China, Korea).It has its mark in traditional Chinese medicine as it has been known to aid many ailments. Eleuthero is not a "true" ginseng; rather it is a distant cousin of, therefore making it illegal in the U.S. to market it under the name of Siberian Ginseng. Yet the main popularity of ginseng products providing a gold pot of energy still applies to eleuthero.
Plant Classification
Despite the name confusion and the fact that both American or Panax Ginseng and Eleuthero(Siberian Ginseng) belong to the same family, they are not within the same genus. The scientific classification goes as this:
Panax Ginseng: Plantae: Angiosperms: Eudicots: Asterids: Apiales :Araliaceae: Aralioideae: Panax
Eleuthero: Plantae: Angiosperms: Eudicots: Asterids: Apiales: Araliaceae: Eleutheroccus
The biggest difference between the two is the compounds that are supposed to be the support of medical usage. Ginseng has ginsenosides(try not to say genocides!) while eleuthero contains eleutherosides. There is plenty more research done on ginsenosides than eleutherosides. Most of the research conducted is on how these compounds affect hormones.
The roots also have different textures. Ginseng is soft and fleshy. It resembles a human body as well! If ginseng wasn't so tasty, I'd probably let my future kids use it a po' boys action figure. Anyway. Eleuthero root is a little more hardy, and it tastes slightly sweet and pungent.
Alleged Health Benefits
Eleuthero has many great benefits with really no malicious side effects. I combed through the many claims of this wonderful herb to give you the ones I thought were the most reasonable.
- The most popular use is an energy booster. Especially for athletes and the elderly
- It is also said to be an "adaptogen" which helps the adrenal system to adapt to stress and regulate bodily functions
- Easing the symptoms of
- Colds(Greater potency when using with echinacea)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Bronchitis
- ADHD
- Herpes Simplex 2(HSV-2) by reducing the severity and longevity of a breakout.To make a connection, I know that a herpes breakout is due to a low immune system. I get cold sores usually when I'm extremely sick and I've been eating junk. Since eleuthero is especially common for treating colds, it makes sense that it would also help with herpes.
- Cancer radiation treatment sickness
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- "Foggy brain" associated with Lyme disease
- Coincidentally, another claim is that it also causes sleepiness. That clashes with the "increases energy" theory and most people don't feel sleepy after consumption, but both effects have been recorded
- Lowers blood sugar -> causing that sweet tooth to disappear
- A dietary supplement to lose weight due to above
- Helps lower blood pressure
- A natural mood enhancer
- Sexual health(libido)
- Increases estrogen amounts
Side Effects
NOTE: In some forms of eleuthero, there may be added adulterants that can cause unwanted effects. Silk vine is one of them, and in one case a woman had been taking eleuthero pills that apparently had silk vine in it as well while she was pregnant and breastfeeding. The child was born with thick, black pubic hair, enlarged testes, and a few other things that I cannot remember, nor can I site or confirm the reference.
As always, take caution in using any sort of supplement, herbal or otherwise. And if you can, make sure it's in its purest form.
As always, take caution in using any sort of supplement, herbal or otherwise. And if you can, make sure it's in its purest form.
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart rate
- Constipation
- Lowers blood sugar
Again, not much research has been conducted with this herb. Therefore the risk is yours to take. So far, overdosing isn't often noted and even so, only very mild side effects might occur. And adding onto that, the side effects aren't common!
Dosages & Methods of Intake
The part of the plant that is used is the root. This can be put into capsules, teas, powder, and tinctures. If you experience sleepiness from it, don't take it late at night. It might cause insomnia. Can be taken with or without food, most likely will not give you a tummy ache.
The standard dosage is 300-1,200 mg. Although 2-4 grams is the recommended dose.
For a tincture it is best to use a 2:1 or 1:1 eleuthero to alcohol if you have a normal tolerance. Otherwise, 1:5 is a good rate. Take a teaspoon or 30 drops 3x a day or as needed.
For capsules, take a preferred dosage(I'd say try a bigger dose first because the effects are mild) 3 times a day or when you're feeling the first symptoms of being sick or you have a long work day ahead of you
For tea, anywhere from 500 to 3,000 mg is a good start. You may add more to your liking.
The Public & My Review
I personally have never taken eleuthero solely, however, I have recently been drinking a tea that has had eleuthero as it's first ingredient. So far, I can say that it has decreased my rate of mubblefubbles(random bouts of sadness for no particular reason) and my energy has increased, but not in the way caffeinated products give me(the jitters and rapid heartbeat). Instead, I feel very alert and collected. Unfortunately, the tea also contains a medley of herbs as well as vitamins B6 and B20, so those may also be the factor of my current emotional state.
I decided to look at some reviews of people who have tried different forms of eleuthero online.
Of them all, most have had that non-eccentric energy boost, while some said it made them fall asleep!
The ones that accounted it for energy said that it was a great coffee substitute, even eliminating the need for coffee, allowing a nice mental clarity without the crash. The effects usually go away after about 4 hours. Someone said it helped with their C.O.P.D. and made them breathe better. One lady had joint pain from being an athlete and the swelling and pain was reduced greatly.
I can't wait to start taking this herb, honestly. The reports are promising, the chances of getting sick from it are nonexistent, and it's something I could recommend to almost anyone. When I get the chance to try it out for myself, I'll make a post.
Until then, let me know if you've had an experience with eleuthero! Cheers!
ALSO if you want an absolutely lovely scientific explanation of eleuthero, check out http://examine.com/supplements/Eleutherococcus+senticosus/#summary
In depth and completely valid. This is the best site I've stumbled upon while researching.
I decided to look at some reviews of people who have tried different forms of eleuthero online.
Of them all, most have had that non-eccentric energy boost, while some said it made them fall asleep!
The ones that accounted it for energy said that it was a great coffee substitute, even eliminating the need for coffee, allowing a nice mental clarity without the crash. The effects usually go away after about 4 hours. Someone said it helped with their C.O.P.D. and made them breathe better. One lady had joint pain from being an athlete and the swelling and pain was reduced greatly.
I can't wait to start taking this herb, honestly. The reports are promising, the chances of getting sick from it are nonexistent, and it's something I could recommend to almost anyone. When I get the chance to try it out for myself, I'll make a post.
Until then, let me know if you've had an experience with eleuthero! Cheers!
ALSO if you want an absolutely lovely scientific explanation of eleuthero, check out http://examine.com/supplements/Eleutherococcus+senticosus/#summary
In depth and completely valid. This is the best site I've stumbled upon while researching.
