Siberian Ginseng Eleutherococcus senticosis

Personality: Siberian Ginseng is often compared to Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng). It is considered by some herbalists to have a more stimulant or yang action than Panax. Other people however, think of the personality of Panax as ‘male’ (energising, stimulating) and Eleutherococcus as ‘female’ (building stamina, tonifying). In reality the two plants have similar uses and actions.

Sources: You will find this herb readily available in health food shops. If you buy the chopped root, you may wish to powder it in a coffee grinder before decocting it (boiling it). This gives a better extraction. Tincture, tablet and capsule form are also available.

Anecdotes: I gave tincture of Siberian Ginseng to my wife, during labour. It helped her with the stamina required to go through hours of muscular contractions. Our first son, Oscar, was born, at home, with no painkillers and no doctor present. I also used some Blue Cohosh to speed up and ease the labour. The herbs, combined with two good midwives and a water-bath, helped with what one of the midwives described as "one of the nicest births I have ever seen".

Uses: As a preventative against infections, particularly when the body is under stress. Used in treating: chronic fatigue, depression, impotence, insufficient circulation.

Actions: Circulatory stimulant, tonic, adaptogenic (helps normalise body functions, especially when under stress), increases stamina.

Dosage & Preparations: Average adult dose is 1g dried root (or equivalent) per day. This can be taken for approximately 4-6 weeks, after which it is good to have a break of at least two weeks.

Safety: Siberian Ginseng may be too stimulant in children and young adults, particularly if they are already very mentally or physically active.