Siberian ginseng also called eleuthero is a distant botanical cousin of Panax ginseng. It is derived from Eleutherococcus senticosus, a plant native to eastern Russia, China, Korea and Japan. Siberian ginseng has been used in China for thousand of years to enhance the body's vital energy (qi), restore memory, and prevent colds and flu. The Siberian ginseng is usually made from the dried roots.

Siberian ginseng is a small tree that grows 3 - 10 feet high. It yellow or violet flowers grow in umbrella-shaped clusters, and turn into round, black berries in late summer. The root itself is woody and is brownish, wrinkled, and twisted.

Components of Siberian ginseng:

• Eleutherosides (similar to ginsenosides in the Panax species) - are thought to increase stamina and to stimulate the immune system.
• Polysaccharides - which have been found to boost the immune system and lower blood sugar levels.
• Zinc - is essential in the healing of wound and for normal skeletal growth
• Vitamins A, B6

Forms: Tablets, Capsule, Tincture, Powder, Dried herb/tea

Health Benefits:

• Siberian ginseng can help healthy people to withstand physical stress, improve their immune systems, and increase their mental and physical performance.
• Siberian ginseng is often recommended as a general revitalizer for people who are fatigued (including those recovering from illness and those who are overworked).
• Individuals with early stages of Alzheimer's disease may benefits for Siberian ginseng by increasing their mental alertness.
• Siberian ginseng may help to protect against some types of cancer or to boost the effects of conventional chemotherapy drugs.

• Siberian ginseng is also considered to be an adaptogen. This means it helps return the body to a normal balance.
• Siberian ginseng may play a role in treating menstrual irregularities and the symptoms of menopause. It may also be useful in preventing female infertility.
• Siberian ginseng may be suitable as a fertility aid for men and when alternated with Panax ginseng, it may be of value for some cases of impotence.
• Siberian is also been used to treat certain heart conditions and to lower blood sugar.

Dosage: For stress, fatigue and other complaints: Take 100-300 mg of a standardized extract of Siberian ginseng two or three times a day.

Guidelines for use:

• Siberian ginseng can be taken long term. But expert advise to use it for 3 months and then stopping for a week or two.
• Because Siberian ginseng may interact with prescription medications, including some heart drugs, check with your doctor before taking it.
• Siberian ginseng appears to be very safe at recommended doses.

Buying Tips:

• Buy standardized Siberian ginseng extracts from a reputable company to be sure you're getting a quality product. These supplements contain specified amounts of the active ingredients, dubbed "eleutherosides." Look for extracts with an eleutheroside content of at least 0.8%.
• Avoid high-potency formulas of Siberian ginseng that exceed recommended daily doses. High doses (more than 900 mg a day) can cause insomnia, irritability, nervousness and anxiety.

Caution:

• Siberian ginseng may interfere with heart medications.
• If you have medical condition like; high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to your doctor before taking supplements.