Eleutheroccocus senticosus
| Siberian ginseng Eleutheroccocus senticosus |
Siberian ginseng - Eleutheroccocus senticosus (in the Araliaceae or Ginseng family)
Part used: Root bark or cortex.
Taste/smell: Bitter.
Tendencies: Neutral to slightly warming.
Dosage: Decoction: 1-2 teaspoons of dry herb per cup of water; or 1:1 dry strength liquid extract: 20-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Eleutherococcus is indicated for conditions resulting from stressful situations where the individual is unable to adapt.
Use: (a) Adaptogen.
It helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, from either internal or external causes. It increases endurance, concentration, enhances oxygen metabolism in tissues and organs, strengthens the digestion, the kidneys and enhances overall resistance to disease. It is supportive to the adrenal system and other bodily functions. Eleutherococcus is useful in acute kidney infections, chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction syndrome and general exhaustion and weakness. It has been shown to bind to progestin, estrogen, mineralcorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and be effective in clinical research with hypotension, malignant arrhythmias, radiation recovery, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. It also boosts physical endurance levels.
Contraindications: Eleutherococcus enhances the action of antibiotics and the effect of hexobarbital due to inhibition of its metabolic breakdown.