Siberian Ginseng in Chinese medicine

Known as ‘Ci Wu Ju’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this powerful herb has been used in Chinese medicinal practice for more than 2000 years and is still widely used today to assist with various health ailments. Due to the great health benefits Siberian ginseng offers, it is also readily available in many western countries and is commonly purchased as a food supplement. 

Traditionally in TCM, it is used to invigorate Qi, which is the central underlying principle in the practice and literally translates to mean ‘vital life force.’ As such, it’s clear to see the importance placed on the use of Siberian ginseng to treat many conditions. 

In addition to invigorating Qi, Siberian ginseng or eleuthero is used in TCM to: 

• Nourish the kidney 
• Dispel phlegm
• Strengthen the spleen 
• Provide energy and vitality 
• Assists with high blood pressure, inflammation, respiratory tract infections, ischemic heart disease, spasms and more. 

Siberian Ginseng properties

Siberian Ginseng is a plant that is sweet, slightly bitter, and warm, and is used in different ways. 

Siberian ginseng consists of a group of glycosides known as eleutherosides (hence it being commonly referred to as eleuthero). Because eleuthero is an adaptogen, it is considered to protect the body from the effects of stress. 

Moreover, the root also consists of other chemical components called polysaccharides. These have been shown to boost the immune system and reduce blood sugar levels when tested on animals. It is also considered to contain chemicals that protect the body against some bacteria and viruses. 

Siberian Ginseng Benefits

Boost the immune system

Siberian ginseng is frequently used as an immune booster. This herb helps to increase the count of white blood cells in the blood,  T Lymphocytes and NK (natural killer) cells in particular (1). These white blood cells work to engulf bacteria and viruses protecting your body against diseases and infections. 

Increase energy, reduce fatigue & stress 

Siberian ginseng is a popular adaptogen and its benefits can be extended to increasing energy and reducing fatigue. Compounds found in Siberian ginseng such as Eleuthrosides hold stress relieving properties (2) and normalises the way in which the body responds to stress. It also  works to regulate adrenal hormones and strengthen the glands to help with chronic stress. 

Studies carried out in 1960 on 2,100 healthy adults (19 to 72 years old) have shows that a person’s resistance to physical stresses increases when given Siberian ginseng.

Improve cognitive function & enhances mental performance 

Siberian ginseng has been used for centuries for memory improvement, learning ability and mental alertness. There is early evidence to suggest that eleuthero may improve the memory of middle-aged people when taken under certain conditions.

Studies carried out in 1960 concluded to show that people who incorporated Siberian ginseng were quicker and more accurate in the work they performed. When the element of stress was added the accuracy and quality was still unaffected. 

Enhance endurance capacity

Improve lymphatic function

Manage menopause

Eleuthero and eleutherosides extracts are responsible for binding to estrogen receptor sites. As such, eleuthero is thought to reduce the negative effects of estrogen withdrawal in women experiencing menopause. Siberian Ginseng has also shown to reduces the occurrence and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. 

For hair growth

Due to Siberian ginseng being a potent adaptogen, mild-anti-inflammatory agent, and a proven antioxidant, it is an ideal ingredient in successful hair-loss remedies as it supports the growth of healthier hair follicles. This study reviewed the molecular mechanisms within ginseng to ascertain its hair-growth potential and found that it supports hair growth and the prevention of hair loss through the induction of anagen and delaying of catagen phases. 

Where to buy Siberian Ginseng 

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb which can be added to your daily routine for its various benefits. This powerful herb increases energy levels, reduces fatigue, improves lymphatic function, lowers and stabilises blood sugar levels naturally. Research has shown Siberian Ginseng to improve the lymphatic function, reduce water retention, insulin resistance and sharpen memory. It is also used to boost the immune system, prevent colds, and increase appetite.

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Other types of ginseng

There are many Siberian ginseng benefits that highlight why it’s such a valuable commodity in both TCM and western medicine. Bearing this in mind, you need to be aware that Siberian isn’t the only type of ginseng. Some of the other types of ginseng commonly used include: 

• American ginseng:Also known as Panax quinquefolius, American ginseng has a different chemical makeup and is cooler in nature and less stimulating than Siberian ginseng. 

• Indian ginseng: Also known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng is a medicinal herb not related to the ginseng family. Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, it is traditionally used as a rejuvenating tonic.