The root of the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant, conjointly called Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero, is typically used medicinally to combat fatigue, stress and herpes. The plant belongs to the ginseng family, Araliaceae, but is botanically different from true ginseng, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. It can grow in colder areas than real ginseng and typically prices less.
The Chinese have used Eleutherococcus for 4000 years for longevity, health, to stimulate appetite and to boost memory. Russians discovered it in late 19th century and studied it within the late Fifties as a ginseng substitute. They studied the plant’s adaptogen properties on concerning 4,300 people. The property “adaptogen” was defined by Lazarev, a Russian scientist, who wished to place a additional precise name to the tonic properties of ginseng-like plants. Adaptogen refers to a substance that promotes adaptation to environmental stress of all kinds. It regulates many physiological functions without targeting one organ in particular. Eleutherococcus was introduced as a medicinal plant in Western Europe and North America in 1975.
Nowadays several folks use it to extend endurance and resistance to stress. Its impact on fatigue, convalescence and concentration problems were partially proven in a recent double blind study on twenty elderly folks . Results indicated that once four weeks of 300 mg of Eleutherococcus per day, it had a positive impact on stress, fatigue and vitality, but results weren’t sustained after eight weeks.
Preliminary studies conjointly recommend that Eleutherococcus promotes immune functions. It absolutely was found to have a pronounced effect on T lymphocytes, cytotoxic and natural killer cells. A German double blind study was conducted monitoring immune functions in 18 people taking 1 tablespoon of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract three times daily compared to those of the eighteen individuals taking a placebo for four weeks. When four weeks, they measured immune cell concentration in blood samples. The cluster taking Eleutherococcus had a higher concentration of all immune cells. Total T-cell numbers increased by 78 percent, T helper/inducer cells by 80 percent, cytotoxic Ts by 67 percent, and NK cells by 30 percent. B Lymphocytes also expanded by 22 percent compared to controls. No facet effects were noted, even 5 months after administration. Researchers concluded that, “Eleutherococcus senticosus exerts a strong immunomodulatory result in healthy normal subjects.”
A double blind study on ninety three folks plagued by recurrent herpes infections indicates that 2g of Eleutherococcus per day could limit or scale back the frequency of herpes infections. But, these findings concern solely herpes virus simplex two, typically causing genital herpes. A 2001 German in vitro study showed that Eleutherococcus had no impact on herpes virus simplex one (HSV-1) cells. HSV-1 sometimes causes oral herpes.
From personal experience, I can say that Eleutherococcus is a real adaptogen plant. I’ve used it successfully to deal with stress, build resistance and limit the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks. It helps me to remain centered while not straining and provides a way of overall serenity.
Eleutherococcus should be taken for many days to point out effects. Nathuropaths usually say twenty one days, but I usually feel an improvement when ten days.
Eleutherococcus is contraindicated for children under 12, pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals full of hypertension. It may cause palpitations and increase blood sugar when a meal. It has virtually no side effects, aside from gentle diarrhea and temporary sleep perturbations.
Eleutherococcus will be taken as an herbal tea, dried root extract, tincture, or water extract. I sometimes take the tincture as a result of it is more convenient, easier to search out and sometimes contains stronger concentrations of active ingredients. Dosage will vary from ten ml to twenty ml per day during a glass of water. It’s also recommended to stop taking Eleutherococcus for one week each six weeks.
