Siberian ginseng

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Siberian ginseng

Other Names: Acanthopanax Obovatus, Acanthopanax Obovatus Hoo, Acanthopanax senticosus, Buisson du Diable, Ci Wu Jia, Ciwujia, Ciwujia Root, Ciwujia Root Extract, Devil's Bush, Devil's Shrub, Éleuthéro, Eleuthero Extract, Eleuthero Ginseng, Eleuthero Root, Eleutherococci Radix, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Éleuthérocoque, Ginseng de Sibérie, Ginseng des Russes, Ginseng Root, Ginseng Siberiano, Ginseng Sibérien, Hedera senticosa, North Wu Jia Pi, Phytoestrogen, Plante Secrète des Russes, Poivre Sauvage, Prickly Eleutherococcus, Racine d’Eleuthérocoque, Racine de Ginseng, Racine Russe, Russian Root, Shigoka, Siberian Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng, Thorny Bearer of Free Berries, Touch-Me-Not, Untouchable, Ussuri, Ussurian Thorny Pepperbrush, Wild Pepper, Wu Jia Pi, Wu-jia.
See also : Acanthopanax Bark

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is one of the most widely-used medicinal herbs and has been used for centuries throughout Eastern Europe and China. Siberian ginseng contains chemicals called eleutherosides, which medical researchers believe can stimulate the immune system.

Special Precautions of Siberian ginseng

  • Trouble sleeping is the most common side effect. Less common effects include headache, agitation, upset stomach, menstrual problems (e.g., unusual vaginal bleeding), breast pain, and dizziness. An increase or decrease in blood pressure may also occur. Siberian ginseng may also cause drowsiness, nervousness, or mood changes. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat.
  • A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
  • Before taking ginseng, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other ingredients listed on the product label; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.People who are allergic to one type of ginseng should also avoid taking other types.
  • If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: high or low blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., abnormal heart rhythm, rheumatic heart disease), bleeding/clotting problems, a certain mental/mood disorder (schizophrenia), overactive immune system disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), conditions that are affected by estrogen (e.g., endometriosis, uterine fibroids, cancer of the breast/uterus/ovary).
  • Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels too much, especially in people with diabetes. Siberian ginseng may lower or raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar more carefully while using this product, and report any unusual results or symptoms to your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.
  • Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
  • This product may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
  • This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product.
  • It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

The benefits of Siberian ginseng are

Siberian ginseng has been used for preventing colds and flu, and for reducing the severity of herpes simplex virus type 2 infections.

  • Treating Colds and Flu : Siberian ginseng can help to fight infections and stimulate immunity, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. In a month-long medical study of healthy individuals, Siberian ginseng extract improved immune system function, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Another study determined that people with the flu who took a product containing Siberian ginseng and andrographis experienced a faster reduction in symptoms than subjects who took the commonly-prescribed antiviral amantadine. The UMMC cites other double-blind studies that found that taking the same product lessened the severity and duration of colds or upper respiratory infections.
  • Boosting Physical Performance : Although medical studies have offered conflicting results, Siberian ginseng is often used to boost muscle strength and physical stamina, the UMMC says. "Siberian ginseng is most effective in the treatment of prolonged exhaustion and debility, resulting from overwork and long-term stress," the Network notes. Siberian ginseng is commonly used as a sports supplement to improve physical performance and endurance during prolonged exercise, but findings from medical trials have been mixed, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
  • Fatigue : Eleuthero has been shown in research to reduce symptoms of fatigue and improve exercise tolerance. Studies also show healthy aging benefits due to its abilities to reduce damage to DNA. It supports the body by balancing stress hormone production and helping the adrenals cope with stress.
  • Easing Stress and Improving Mental Performance : In Eastern Europe and other parts of the world, Siberian ginseng is widely used to improve individuals' ability to withstand stress, mostly due to the herb's adaptogenic properties, the UPMC says. Siberian ginseng is taken to improve mental resilience, such as during school exams, the Network notes. The UMMC points out a preliminary three-month-long study of middle-aged adults who took Siberian ginseng and experienced improvements in memory and mental alertness. In another study, elderly people experienced improvements in social functioning and mental health after taking Siberian ginseng for about four weeks, but the benefits declined after eight weeks, the UMMC says.
  • Treating Herpes Virus : Taking Siberian ginseng supplements can help to lessen the duration, frequency and severity of herpes simplex virus outbreaks, the UMMC says. In a six-month-long study of patients with the type 2 herpes virus, or genital herpes, taking Siberian ginseng had all of these positive effects. A six-month-long double-blind study found that taking 2 grams of Siberian ginseng daily reduced the frequency of herpes by 50 percent in men and women with recurrent infections, according to the UPMC.
  • Can be effective for people with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. It does not directly affect the gland itself but "instead helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, and also helps with the health of the immune system.
  • Cancer : Used in Fu Zheng Therapy

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