Siberian Ginseng Blog Post

Siberian Ginseng

BY THEASHEN MOODLEY

Key Definitions

Adaptogen – a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress.
Constituent - a component part of something.
Contraindications – a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question.
Convalescence – time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment.
Hypotensive – relating to or suffering from abnormally low blood pressure.
Immune amphoteric – herbs that have balancing effects on the immune system.
Indications – A symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

Stress written on paper using a red pencil

Introduction

Are you looking for a herbal remedy that has been extensively researched and was also used by Russian astronauts? Besides being used to prevent space sickness in Russian astronauts; Siberian Ginseng was the first identified adaptogen and is used to maintain good health and enhance immunity, endurance and brain function (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016) (Gladstar, 2014).

Siberian Ginseng belongs to the Araliaceae plant family. It is a deciduous, hardy shrub that grows to approximately 3 m in length and has 3-7 toothed leaflets on each stem. Siberian Ginseng is native to Russia, Korea, China and Japan (Chevallier, 2016).

Constituents, Actions & Indications

Constituents

Eleutherosides A-E; polysaccharides; triterpenoid saponins; glycans; glycosides of a range of aglycones, including sterols, lignans and phenolics (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Actions

Adaptogenic; antirheumatic; hypotensive; immune amphoteric; tonic; protects the immune system (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Indications

Convalescence; stress; enhances the body’s nonspecific resistance to internal and external stressors; supports recovery from acute or chronic diseases, trauma, surgery etc.; counter side effects of chemotherapy and radiation; improves general wellbeing (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Scientific Research

Hoffmann, 2003, noted that adaptogens, like Siberian Ginseng, offer support for conditions affecting the Adrenal Medulla. The Adrenal Medulla is responsible for the secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are responsible for the nervous system and metabolic activity (Hoffmann, 2003).

A journal article by Gerontakos, et al., 2021 presented the findings of clinical studies that were completed on Siberian Ginseng in humans. These findings are summarised below:

Treatments using Siberian Ginseng decreased the rates at which colds and respiratory illnesses occurred within a population.
Siberian Ginseng may be more effective as a treatment when compared to conventional treatments of seasonal illnesses, colds and allergic reactions.
Siberian Ginseng may improve work capacity, physical stamina, recovery, nervous system function, cardiovascular system function and mental performance.
Siberian Ginseng may improve the tolerability of patients to chemotherapy and may increase the quality of life in individuals undergoing radiotherapy.
Siberian Ginseng may improve cardiac symptoms in patients with atherosclerosis.
Siberian Ginseng may bring a state of balance to all of the body’s systems, and thus have a positive effect on blood pressure.
Siberian Ginseng may improve hearing impairment and sensitivity.
Siberian Ginseng has shown a reduced incidence of late spontaneous miscarriages and late toxicosis during high-risk pregnancies.
Siberian Ginseng may be effective for hair growth and general scalp health when applied externally.
Siberian Ginseng may improve visual acuity, visibility range and spectral sensitivity in normal people.

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Preparations & Dosage

Decoction – take 2 tbsp twice a day as a general tonic (Chevallier, 2016).
Tincture –take 10 drops to 1 tsp up to three times a day of a 2:1 ratio tincture (containing 30% alcohol) for short-term usage. Take 1-3 mL daily of a 1:4 ratio tincture (containing 30% alcohol) for normal usage (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).
Glycerite – 5-10 mL two to three times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016).
Capsules – make with Siberian Ginseng root powder and take between 500-1,000 mg capsules one to three times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).
Tablets – use before tests or other stressful events (Chevallier, 2016).

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Siberian Ginseng tea with roots next to cup

Energising Chai Nerve Tonic Recipe

Siberian Ginseng has a sharp taste that is both sweet and bitter. The roots and bark of Siberian Ginseng are predominantly used in preparations. The following recipe was taken from Herbs for Stress & Anxiety and is perfect for those trying to cut back on caffeine (Gladstar, 2014).

Ingredients

2 tbsp Siberian Ginseng
1 tbsp Cinnamon
1 tbsp Licorice Root
1 tbsp Rhodiola
½ tbsp Ginger
½ tbsp Ginseng Root (sliced)
¼ tbsp Cardamom Seeds
Pinch of Cayenne or Black Pepper (optional)
Water

Instructions

Place the herbs in 250 mL cold water, cover the water with a lid and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
Let the mixture simmer for 30-45 minutes and then let the herbs steep overnight.

Safety Considerations

The recommended regimen for consuming Siberian Ginseng is 6-weeks of consumption, followed by a 2-week break (Hoffmann, 2003) (Brinker, 1998). Animal studies showed that Siberian Ginseng is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Contraindications

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Drug Interactions

Siberian Ginseng may interfere with cardiac medications and hypoglycaemic agents (Hoffmann, 2003).
Siberian Ginseng increases the effect of hexobarbital (Brinker, 1998).
Siberian Ginseng increases the efficacy of Shigella dysentery and Proteus enterocolitis antibiotics (mommycin and kanamycin) (Brinker, 1998).
Insulin dosage may need to be adjusted as Siberian Ginseng exhibits hypoglycaemic effects (Brinker, 1998).

Adverse Events

Side effects are rare, but more likely at excessive doses (Chevallier, 2016) (Brinker, 1998).

Disclaimer

The information presented in this post is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not to substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

References

Brinker, F., 1998. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Chevallier, A., 2016. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: DK Publishing.
Easley, T. & Horne, S., 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. California: North Atlantic Books.
Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M., 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Gerontakos, S. et al., 2021. Findings of Russian literature on the clinical application of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.): A narrative review.. Journal of ethnopharmacology, Volume 278, p. 114274.
Gladstar, R., 2014. Herbs for Stress & Anxiety. 1 ed. North Adams: Storey Publishing.
Hoffmann, D., 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 1st ed. Vermont: Healing Arts Press.

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