Siberian Ginseng: Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Eleuthero, often known as Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), has been utilised for centuries in Eastern nations like China and Russia. Despite having the same name, it is entirely distinct from Asian (Panax ginseng) and American (Panax quinquefolius) ginseng and contains separate chemically active ingredients. Eleutherosides, the active components of Siberian ginseng, may boost the immune system.

In the past, Siberian ginseng was used to boost vigour, prolong life, and prevent colds and the flu. It is frequently used as an "adaptogen" in Russia. An adaptogen is a drug that is said to improve how well the body handles physical or mental stress.

What is Siberian ginseng?

For generations, people in China and Russia have used the root of the Eleutheroccocus centicocus plant, often known as Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero, for a range of purposes and health benefits that it offers to our bodies. The perennial plant, which is a member of the ginseng family, grows in the wild between 25 cm and 50 cm tall. Siberian ginseng is botanically distinct from Korean and American ginseng, which are real ginseng species.

Although it can take a Siberian ginseng plant several years to mature, the roots can last for over a century. The roots have rootlets that frequently resemble men and are creamy yellow or white, looking like parsnips.

While Russians discovered that this herb possesses ginseng-like characteristics despite not being a member of the ginseng family, the Chinese have been using Siberian ginseng for more than 4,000 years for its many health advantages.

Plant description of Siberian ginseng:

The Far Eastern shrub known as Siberian ginseng can reach heights of three to ten feet. It has a main stem and several lengthy branches that support its leaves. Thorns are present on the stem, branches, and leaves. Yellow or violet flowers form umbrella-shaped clusters and mature into berries in the late summer. The berries are spherical and black. The root is twisted, woody, brownish, and wrinkled.

Folklore and history of Siberian ginseng

For more than 2,000 years, Siberian ginseng has been used traditionally. It was initially ingested to promote overall wellness rather than to treat disease, and it was especially crucial for the elderly to improve their quality of life.

It was once employed as a tonic for weariness, arthritis, and lower back pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it was infused into wine and blended with other herbs.

Health benefits of Siberian ginseng:

1. Acts as Adaptogen

Siberian ginseng is claimed to be the first herb to be given the label "adaptogen." Adaptogens are a special class of herbal compounds that support your body's ability to cope with stressful situations, such as excessive heat or cold, illnesses, or trauma.

Siberian ginseng helps the body recuperate from intense physical activity and mental exhaustion. Due to its adaptogenic properties, it is an essential herb for people who work in demanding environments or participate in high-intensity activities. Additionally, it is quite helpful for people who operate in situations with very high or low temperatures.

2. Boosts immunity

Immunomodulation, the process by which an immune response is adjusted to the appropriate degree, is another significant function of an adaptogen. This is partially accomplished by recharging worn-out adrenal glands; when these glands are overworked, several bodily systems start to malfunction.

Eleutherosides are a class of glycosides found in Siberian ginseng. The evidence that Siberian ginseng supports and boosts immune system response is growing, making it a potential natural alternative for the long-term therapy of a variety of immune system illnesses. According to German study, it boosts lymphocytes, vital immune system cells that serve as the body's first line of defence against viral infections. They discovered that Siberian ginseng markedly boosts the quantity and activity of CD4 cells, a subset of T-lymphocyte cells whose appropriate activity is essential to the immune system's capacity to function normally.

Siberian ginseng has a potent immune-boosting impact, although the exact mechanism is still unknown. Some studies think it triggers an increase in interferon production (interferon is a powerful chemical which boosts immune-system activity). Others credit its success to the presence of polysaccharides, long-chain sugar molecules that naturally occur and encourage the activity of "macrophages," specialised white blood cells. The immune system uses macrophages in a variety of ways, including the destruction of infected cells and the activation of other immune cells.

3. Enhances Physical and Mental Energy

Siberian ginseng, which is categorised as a tonic herb and a moderate stimulant, has the power to raise your work capacity after only one dose, boosting both short-term and long-term vitality.

In addition to shielding the body from stress, Siberian ginseng boosts cell oxygenation, enhancing stamina, alertness, and even visual acuity. Better circulation, especially to the brain, as a result of the enhanced oxygenation, aids in the recovery of memory, focus, and mental clarity.

Siberian ginseng, a favourite dietary supplement of competitive runners, provides a strong energy boost. Simply because they can't outpace the other competitors who use it, it's difficult to discover any runners who do not take it before a race.

4. Sexual Wellness

This versatile plant has positive effects on sexual health for both sexes. It promotes uterine tone and a healthy menstrual cycle in females. Herbalists frequently recommend it to treat the exhaustion and melancholy brought on by infertility.

In a recent study, it was discovered that it greatly increases free testosterone levels in males, improving sperm motility and count.