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Ginseng Siberian Herb - Uses And Side Effects

For medicinal use, Siberian ginseng is extracted from the root and root bark of Eleutherococcus senticosus. This plant belongs to the same family as panax or Chinese ginseng (Araliaceae). Some people describe Siberian ginseng as pungent, bittersweet, and warming.

Famed as an energy tonic in China since ancient times, Siberian ginseng only gained recognition in the West in the 1950s, when a Russian scientist (I. I. Brekhman) reported its notable stress-repelling powers. Healthy men and women taking the herb were found to better endure physical strain, resist disease, and perform tests of mental sharpness.

Common doses of ginseng siberian

Siberian ginseng is available as powders, teas, tinctures, capsules, tablets, and oils. Some experts recommend the following dose:

• 500 to 2,000 milligrams taken orally daily.

Uses of ginseng, siberian herb

• Inflammation
• Insomnia caused by prolonged anxiety
• To improve exercise tolerance
• Treat Alzheimer's disease
• To increase stamina and stress tolerance
• To stimulate the immune and circulatory systems

Side effects of ginseng

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of Siberian ginseng:

• diarrhea
• difficulty concentrating
• dizziness
• high blood pressure symptoms, such as headache and blurred vision
• increased agitation
• insomnia
• nervousness
• skin eruptions
• an unusual sense of well-being
• vaginal bleeding

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially Lanoxin, a drug that slows the heart rate. Don't use Siberian ginseng when taking:

• hexobarbital
• vitamins B1, B2, and C

Important paints to remember

• Don't give this herb to children.
• Don't use Siberian ginseng if you're allergic to other ginsengs or to ingredients in the preparation.
• Know that most experts caution against using this herb for more than 3 weeks.
• Buy from a respected source. Siberian ginseng products aren't uniform in content and some contain less expensive plant products.
• Be aware that Siberian ginseng may be sold as a combination product with panax or Chinese ginseng, which may lead to side effects from that herb.
• Call your health care practitioner if you experience insomnia, nervousness, an unusual sense of well being, skin eruptions, diarrhea, agitation, or abnormal menstrual bleeding.
• If you're diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully because Siberian ginseng may cause your blood sugar to drop too low.

What the research shows

Studies show that Siberian ginseng doesn't live up to claims that it improves stamina, boosts energy, and reduces stress. However, scientists believe the herb may help boost the immune system and protect against radioactivity. Larger studies are needed to explore these effects.

Research doesn't substantiate other claims for Siberian ginseng. What's more, no long-term studies have been done, so the herb's effects over time remain unknown. Thus, medical experts don't recommend using Siberian ginseng for more than 3 weeks.

Other names for ginseng : -

Other names for Siberian ginseng include Acanthopanax senticosus, devil's shrub, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Hedera senticosa, shigoka, and touch-me-not.

Products containing Siberian ginseng are sold under such names as Activex 40 Plus, Gincosan, Ginkovit, Ginseng Complex, Minadex Mix Ginseng, Panax Complex, Siberian Ginseng, and Vigoran.