- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Eastern Russia, Northeast China, Korea, Japan)
- Other names
- Eleuthero
Asia · Herb · № 367
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Herb · Asia
Siberian ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Traditionally attributed effects: adaptogen, increases interferon production; especially for herpes simplex, strengthens the immune system against colds and flu; further for high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, insomnia, arthritis.
Safety notes
Not with bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, hormone-sensitive conditions, high blood pressure or mental disorders. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbs for viral infections: Not with bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, hormone-sensitive conditions, high blood pressure or mental disorders.
- Chinese materia medica: Not with yin deficiency with heat.
Preparation
Tablet or capsule; 400 mg a day for viral infections.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal applications for viral infections. In the 1960s Soviet scientists studied eleuthero (ci wu jia) as a cheaper 'adaptogen' for workers and athletes. In Chinese medicine it strengthens the spleen and kidneys; in Korea it is used as ogapi in tea and wine. There is no evidence that it treats viral infections.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Adaptogen, increases interferon production; especially for herpes simplex, strengthens the immune system against colds and flu; further for high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, insomnia, arthritis.
Preparation and amount
Tablet or capsule; 400 mg a day for viral infections.
Caution: Not with bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, hormone-sensitive conditions, high blood pressure or mental disorders.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, warm
- Meridians
- liver, kidney
Attributed effects
The root bark (wu jia pi, also from Acanthopanax gracilistylus) expels wind and dampness and strengthens bones and tendons in chronic rheumatic pain with liver and kidney deficiency, and drains fluid in oedema. In China used as herbal wine for fatigue, poor sleep, forgetfulness and dizziness.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With mu gua, huai niu xi and prepared rehmannia for stiff, painful joints
Caution: Not with yin deficiency with heat.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen