Siberian Ginseng: How it Differs from other Ginsengs
Although Siberian Ginseng is an ancient herb, widespread in the East, it was only classified botanically in the mid-19th century. It is not part of the 'real' Ginseng family as it belongs to a different botanical family and has a safer and broader bio-chemistry.
'Other Ginsengs'
Red Ginseng (Latin name Panax, Chinese name Red shen) is a 'warmer', more stimulating Ginseng and is predominantly used for men. It should be used only for short periods of time, when energy is very depleted and under the direction of a qualified herbalist or medical practitioner. While some strong, active people do take it regularly, for example athletes, there is genuine concern that it can be over-used and cause side effects such as high blood pressure.
There is also a white version of Red Ginseng, but it is less powerful. Botanically the same species, both are therapeutic for a wide variety of conditions from infertility to digestive problems and mild diabetes.
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is often used in similar situations as Siberian Ginseng. Although American Ginseng has more stimulating qualities, it lacks the balance that the adaptogenic Siberian Ginseng is able to bring to the body, and it cannot be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
American Ginseng is less powerful than Red Ginseng, but it can be taken safely over a longer period of time.
Siberian Ginseng has been used in Chinese and Asian traditional herbal medicine for over 2,000 years, and can be traced back much further in many ancient herbals. These herbals suggest that it has been known for as long as 5,000 years.
Common Names
The word 'Ginseng' derives from the ancient Chinese Jen Shen, which means 'man root'. In 1980, Zaricor and Kweibin, two Chinese researchers, referred to it as Chi Wu Cha and Wa Cha Seng, but the most common name is Ciwujia.
In Russia it is sometimes called the Free-berried Shrub. Other names include Wild Pepper, Russian Root, Devil's Bush and Touch-me-not; the last two names no doubt refer to the plants intimidating thorns!
Siberian Ginseng is often referred to as Eleuthero (a Latin abbreviation). It was also known by its now-obsolete Latin names Acanthopanax senticosus, Hedera senticosa and Aralia Manchuria.
Russian botanist Carl Ivonovich Maximovich 'discovered' Siberian Ginseng in 1854 in a remote area in southeast Russia. Four years later, the Russians gave it its Latin name.
Chinese Communist Party leader Chairman Mao (1893 - 1976) furthered research into Siberian Ginseng by expressing a desire for Chinese traditional medicine to be fused with Western methods.
In 1959 the Ministry of Health in what was then the USSR authorised clinical tests, which sparked a huge interest from scientific community and the public. The Soviet Government then officially approved the herb's use as a tonic stimulant and commercial production of the plant followed. It was given to factory workers daily for years on end to increase the general health of the workers and of course increase economic productivity.
Siberian Ginseng's Revival
With the world evolving at a faster pace, humans need adaptogenic herbs more than ever.
The pace of modern life means that many of us can barely keep up and while this can encourage a stimulating lifestyle, it is all too often an exhausting process.
The ability of Siberian Ginseng to help us deal with stress, physically and emotionally, has led to its current popularity.
Olympic athletes, miners, divers, climbers, soldiers, mountain rescuers, explorers and cosmonauts are among those who regularly use Siberian Ginseng.
To date over 1,000 articles have been published worldwide about Siberian Ginseng.
Siberian Ginseng is a stimulating tonic. In this context, 'stimulating' means the ability to increase the work capacity of the entire body after only a single dose. The tonic effect maintains its impact over a prolonged period of time, keeping the energies revitalised without overworking the body. It even continues working for a period of time after you have stopped taking it.
Herb stimulants that are not equally balanced with toning effects can be destructive, ultimately diminishing output and even becoming detrimental to health: happily, this is not a problem with Siberian Ginseng
Caution
The powerful Ren shen (Red Ginseng) can also quickly make a person feel energised and revived, but if the body is weak and depleted, Red shen will ultimately make things worse - even to the point of collapse. Siberian is the safest and most effective Ginseng, and in 25 years of using it in a clinical and over-the-counter setting, we have never come across any unpleasant side effects or adverse reactions.
Siberian Ginseng is an Adaptogenic Herb. What does this mean?
Siberian Ginseng is special because it balances all the many different types of cells in the body and therefore has an impressively wide and diverse range of positive effects on the body and its' wellbeing.
For this reason it is known as an 'adaptogen' because it heals and energises the whole body without any unpleasant side effects.
The term was introduced (because of this herb and subsequently others) by the Russian Professor A. P. Golikov.
He suggested that an adaptogenic herb should meet three criteria, and cited Siberian Ginseng to set the standard because it:
Produces an overall normalising action on the body, irrespective of any particular illness or unbalanced state.
Produces a non-specific but positive action that ultimately increases resistance to a range of potentially adverse influences, whether these are of a physical, chemical or biochemical nature.
Causes no side effects - or at least only minimal disorder - in the physiological functioning of a human being or animal.
The claims for Siberian Ginseng are not exaggerated- this herb really is known as the 'King' of Adaptogens'. But it is usually seen more in terms of background support and is often added to patients herb programs, especially if they show signs of tiredness, immune system deficiency, hormonal complications, nervous system weakness or stress. Siberian Ginseng is the perfect tonic to help all of us in today's hectic world and can be complemented by other good food and helpful herbs.
Flying Stress/Jet Lag & How Siberian Ginseng Can Help
There is a long list of attributes that Siberian Ginseng has an 'adaptogenic' herb (a herb which heals and energises the whole body without side effects).
Important: We prefer to use the term 'flying stress' as well as 'jet lag', because the flight itself can take a toll on one's physical and mental well-being, as much as the after-flight experience- commonly known as 'jet lag'. During the flight, the body is exposed to oxygen imbalances, radiation, reduced circulation, sleep disturbance. Also the immune system can become placed under extra burdens due to close proximity with other people who may be unwell, and the confines of the plane cabin.
These elements can all contribute to feelings of tiredness, stress and a general feeling of being 'under the weather'.
Siberian Ginseng Helps Air Travel by:
Heightening visual and auditory capability, which is useful for cabin crew and pilots who need to be able to hear well to react quickly.
Heightens mental resilience where focus and concentration are important, and so lessens irritability and stressful behavior, and helps build a better resistance to stress and pressure.
Aiding feelings of prolonged exhaustion, as Siberian Ginseng feeds and supports the adrenal glands.
Stimulating and protecting the immune system, as cabin air flow systems can harbour germs.
Siberian Ginseng helps regulate blood pressure by normalising aterial pressure and measuring aterial wall elasticity. When it is too low it will raise blood pressure and lower it when it is too high. This is not however to be used instead of medication i.e. where the bottom figure (diastolic) are over 95. A figure reading of 180/95mm hg would need to be scrutinized by your GP.
Normalizing blood sugar levels which can become more imbalanced during times of stress, tiredness and the adrenals going into overdrive.
Normalizing blood sugar levels which can become imbalanced during times of stress due to adrenals going into over-drive.
Protecting against radiation, as we are not shielded by the atmosphere from space radiation. Those flying regularly, as customers and also pilots and cabin crew will be most at risk. N.B. Siberian Ginseng was used in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster in the 1980's, to help protect against radiation damage.
Helps to prevent cardiac pains and pains in and around the neck and head such as headache.
Improves cerebral corticoid (steroid hormone) function and the speed of the brain.
Alleviates neurodynamic disturbance and neurological movement and growth by helping neurotransmitters to function efficiently.
Enhances liver protection and lessens liver cell degeneration.
Increases semen output and heightens both male and female fertility.
Increases oxygen consumption and improves respiratory effectiveness.
Breaks down and clears the body of drug residues.
Helps the body resist and may even prevent tuberculosis.
Assists the body to maintain cellular homeostasis.
Helps the treatment of skin inflammations, dandruff, acne, hair falling out and all general hair and skin problems.
Aids the brain by helping neurological pathways to work better; useful for dyslexia, autism, cranial cerebral injury, fits, epilepsy and general memory retention. Also aids nerve centres and message conduction to the brain in general.
Improves hearing and sight.
Helps prevent aging.
Siberian Ginseng & The Blood/Circulation
Siberian Ginseng is able to produce a profound effect on the blood. It can:
Balance blood pressure (but it is not recommended for people with a reading of 180/95mmHg or higher).
Reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Normalise blood protein levels.
Positively influence RNA synthesis.
Restore haemoglobin levels in cases of blood loss.
Normalise arterial pressure, increase arterial wall elasticity and help treat hardening of the arteries; including arteriosclerosis.
Prevent too many white blood cells from developing.
Normalise circulation or cerebral haemodynamics (the dynamics of blood movement).
Anti-inflammatory Agent
Siberian Ginseng is noted for its' anti-inflammatory properties. When the immune system is no longer capable of working in a balanced way, it goes into overdrive and produces a variety of counterproductive symptoms and side effects. While a little inflammation protects damaged tissue, an excessive amount impedes the healing process, blocking adequate circulation and the passage of nutritional components.
Blood Sugar Levels
Siberian Ginseng helps diabetics and hypoglycemics, partly by lowering serum glucose levels. It aids the resynthesis of glycogen and high energy phosphorus compounds and daily excretion of sugar is drastically reduced. It also prevents an increase of adrenal function, which goes into action to counter stress when glucose cannot be retained.
In cases of neurosis, chronic abnormal fatigue, hysteria, depression, loss of appetite, moderate depression, inability to concentrate, insomnia and psychosis, Siberian Ginseng is able to stimulate and activate inhibitory processes as required, thus re-establishing balance. It allows more concentration, less depression and better sleep. It additionally helps recovery from chronic illness, supporting physically & mentally.
Caution
Current investigation into the chemical composition of Siberian Ginseng suggests that it might not be appropriate for people with very high arterial blood pressure, so consult your doctor first.
Siberian Ginseng helps us to accept a range of adverse circumstances by balancing the alarm reaction of the adrenal glands, nervous system and other related areas of the body, a response that can be mild, moderate, or so severe that it may eventually lead to serious illness. Siberian Ginseng will support the body if it is introduced at this stage or can even prevent this stage from being reached if taken in time. It can also be used short term and still be beneficial e.g. a day or two before flying, during the flight and 1 or 2 days upon return to allow body function normalization.
Siberian Ginseng increases resistance to any negative, stress-induced reactions - physically, chemically, biologically and psychologically. It reduces irritability, aids work capacity, lessons neurotic behaviour and alleviates general anxiety.
Other effects
Siberian Ginseng increases anabolic activity and carbohydrate and protein metabolism, producing an increase in strength and endurance and providing protection against extreme external factors, e.g. heat and cold excesses, lack oxygen etc.
Sex Drive & Fertility
Siberian Ginseng's reputation for aiding male sexuality has made it a traditional favourite with older men in the East and recently in the West. Its claims to fame include stronger sex drive, increased semen output and heightened fertility - all accomplished without decreasing energy levels at any point. But it is no male preserve: the herb also helps women to become more sexually active and fertile.
Tom had a bout of flu and took a long time to recover. A 29 year old manager in a busy firm, he suffered two months of fatigue. At the end of each day, he felt worse; even if he was getting ready to go out, he would suddenly feel exhausted, shivery, weak and lose his appetite.
A herbalist recommended by a friend prescribed a program of good food, plenty of rest, moderate exercise and initially high doses of Siberian Ginseng. After two weeks on 1tsp (5ml) of tincture five times a day, he felt his old self returning: he had more energy and no longer experienced the evening symptoms. He felt stronger, more lively and more interested in life.
The herbalist lowered the dose to 1tsp (5ml) three times a day and within 2 months Tom had bounced back to a complete recovery.
This herb is one of the least toxic herbal agents known. However, Professor A. P. Golikov suggested in the 1960's that Siberian Ginseng should not be used for some problems, including: tachycadia, extrasystole (heart B. peval), hypertonicity, high arterial blood pressure and certain types of insomnia. As yet, no evidence has been found to support this theory and at the time minor side effects were found in only two out of 1,000 studies.
These may have had other causes in the authors' long experience and that of many colleagues, there has never been a case of adverse reaction to this herb.
Pregnancy
Siberian Ginseng is renowned for encouraging better fertility in both men and women and it is a wonderful herb for use during pregnancy because it maintains energy, reduces stress and assists the balancing of all organs and systems. It will also work safely instead of antibiotics to support the body through any microbial invasion.
Research in Russia has proved that the herb helped reduce neonatal disorders, especially newborn infants with defects in introcranial blood circulation. The incidence of stillborn babies also appeared to be lower in the trials. It has also been used successfully as an antibiotic agent for young babies. It encourages milk production too, resulting in calmer, happier breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Caution
Siberian Ginseng supports mother-to-be but it is vital that the correct herb is taken. Other Ginseng varieties can be dangerous, so:
Purchase the root from a reputable supplier
Ask for Siberian Ginseng
Check its Latin family name: Eleutherococcus senticosus
Children
Children benefit from Siberian Ginseng, because it helps form brain components, helping them to become more alert and able to concentrate more effectively. It is also good for children who are hyperactive or who have memory or learning difficulties. It makes a wonderful remedy for many minor ailments, physical or mental. Low weight children have successfully gained weight with Siberian Ginseng and good general development has followed.
Siberian Ginseng will help children of all ages play, rest and work in a more balanced way, regulating and helping both physical and mental growth. See dosages for children below.
Recommended Dosage for Tinctures
Everyday use - The adult standard dose is 1-2tsp (5-10ml) twice daily, diluted in water or fruit juice. When you re trying to resolve a situation rapidly, use a total of 4-8tsp (20-40ml) per day. This can be reduced to 1tsp (5ml) 3 times daily, a total of 3tsp (15ml) per day once the condition is calmer and symptoms are less severe. Long-term support is then the aim.
Long-term use - Adults can take 1-2tsp (5-10ml) daily for 6-9 months and it will continue to exert its' beneficial effects for a few months after this point. It may be necessary to begin use again after a break, should stress levels remain high, perhaps over years rather than months. Resuming in this way is perfectly acceptable and can protect the body from long-term damage and stress.
Children's dosages - Over 12 years, 1-2tsp (5-10ml) twice daily; 9-12 years, 30 drops 1-3 times daily; 1-9 years, 5 drops 2-3 times daily, younger than 1, 2 drops twice daily.
Although Siberian is not a true Ginseng, its action is similar in some ways. The genuine Ginseng's contain ginsenocides - which among other effects help nerve regeneration and stimulate various balanced hormonal functions, yet they would be contra-indicated in pregnancy and many other situations. Siberian contains many powerful glycosides, including eleutherosides and senticosides, which are traceable to its Latin name. It also contains saponins, coumarins, steroids, sterols, triterpenes, a polysaccharide and lignans.
These chemicals have a pharmacological action in the body, which means that the plant will affect all the processes of the body in a unique way.
The glycosides - each of them individual in its behaviour - dominate the chemistry of Siberian Ginseng. Among many other functions, they help hormone and immune activity, pain control, inflammation processes, prevent damage by free radicals and aid the reduction of excess water in the body. Part of their role is to give the adrenal glands extra fuel to work with when in crisis, and then to prevent them from using up any more once the crisis, and then to prevent them from using up any more once the crisis is over. They enforce energy conservation, and the adrenal glands thus manufacture less energy, producing the same amount for better results.
The saponins (and other chemical components) affect the pituitary gland and will therefore balance all the hormonal functions of the human body in both males and females.
The steroid constituents of the glycosides provide vital components. They have pain killing capabilities, help endurance and enhance the ability of the human body to cope with difficult situations.
In 1964, during clinical testing at the Institute of Biochemistry and Medicine in Khabarovsk, in the former USSR, blood donors were given 4ml of Siberian Ginseng daily. Their haemoglobin levels returned to normal with 13 days, while without the use of Siberian Ginseng, this restoration took up to a month.
In 1977, clinical trials of Siberian Ginseng's effect on factory workers were conducted in an area of the Soviet polar region; 1,000 adults were given 4ml of Siberian Ginseng daily for five months. The results over a year-long period, showed a 40% reduction in days lost from work and a 50% reduction in general sickness.
