Simple Alchemy Insights

Michele Pate
Jan 20
2 min read

Siberian Ginseng

Eleutherococcus, also known as eleuthero or Siberian ginseng, grows in mountain forests and is native to eastern Asia including China, Japan, and Russia. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used eleutherococcus for reducing lethargy, fatigue, and low stamina as well as increasing endurance and resilience to environmental stresses. It aids recovery from strenuous exercise and extreme mental exertion. Its adaptogenic qualities make it extremely useful for those engaged in highly stressful jobs or high energy activities and also to those working in abnormally high or low temperature environments. It is an Adaptogen, which is an herb that helps support the overall heath of the body.

Siberian ginseng consists of a group of glycosides known as eleutherosides which are known to enhance and support immune system response, making it a possible natural alternative in the long term management of various diseases of the immune system. German research has shown that it increases lymphocytes – important components of the immune system which act as the body’s primary defence against viral infections. They found that Siberian Ginseng significantly increases the activity and number of CD4 cells, a subset of T-lymphocyte cells, whose proper activity is crucial to the ability of the immune system to function normally.

This adaptable herb is beneficial to both men and women in the realm of sexual health. In women it supports healthy menstruation and uterine tone. It is often prescribed by herbalists to combat infertility related depression and fatigue.

Offering a fertility boost to men too, a recent study found it significantly raises free testosterone levels resulting in a better sperm count and motility and heightened libido.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) concludes eleutherococcus is “possibly effective” for both treating herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) and for relieving symptoms of the common cold. A compound found in eleutherococcus called eleutheroside appears to reduce the severity and duration of herpes simplex 2 infections.

Siberian Ginseng is one of my most recommended herbal supplements for overall good health and wellbeing.

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