Siberian Ginseng
(Russian Ginseng)
Siberian ginseng, also known as Russian ginseng or Eleutherococcus, is a powerful adaptogen.
That means that the herb will help in combating stress.
It is therefore often used for that reason to combat problems such as fatigue and stress.
It can be used to promote both the physical and mental activity of a person.
The adaptogenic effect will therefore mainly ensure that the effects of physical and mental stress can be alleviated. The body will, as it were, adapt to the situation and thus become better able to withstand the consequences of stress.
Siberian ginseng or Russian ginseng became especially well-known in the West during the 1960s and 70s.
Then certain Russian scientists determined that the plant has a strong stress-reducing effect. It immediately became a popular herb for both men and women who wanted to enjoy better protection against stress or people who wanted to improve their immune system and achieve better physical or mental sharpness.
Contents
- Function and use of Ginseng
- What is ginseng?
- The effects of ginseng
- Flu and colds
- Good for the mind
- Herpes
- Improving physical performance
- Improve mood
- What are the side effects of ginseng?
Function and Use of Ginseng
What is ginseng?
Siberian ginseng is a shrub that can be found near a cliff.
It was used in the past, and still is, against colds and to prevent the flu.
It has a very strong effect on increasing energy and can help improve vitality and virility.
It has been used for centuries in Russia as an adaptogen. That is a substance that helps us better cope with stress.
It has also been used for thousands of years in China as a tonic to boost energy.
It was then quiet around the plant for a while. Until it was rediscovered in the 19th century in Siberia.
The effects of ginseng
The adrenal glands are extremely important organs for our hormonal health.
When we are in good health, there will be a healthy balance between testosterone and cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones produced in the adrenal glands.
They will also contribute to the proper functioning of our metabolism and will help keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control.
When we are under stress, this hormone balance changes completely. We start producing a lot more cortisol.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, will then cause us to experience completely opposite effects in the body.
The effect of Russian or Siberian ginseng will therefore ensure that the adrenal glands are restored and that we can regain a balance between the different hormones in the body in this way.
Cold and flu
Various studies have shown that Siberian ginseng can reduce the likelihood of colds.
Also, it will help us recover from a cold more quickly when the herb is taken.
The plant was also compared to amantadine, a certain medication given for the flu.
The effects were fascinating. People saw faster results when using the plant than when using the medicine.
We also see that the T-cells in the body increase when the plant is taken for longer than 4 weeks.
That means we will develop a stronger immune system and therefore become better resistant to diseases.
Good for the mind
Siberian ginseng will ensure that we become mentally more alert.
There is, however, little scientific evidence that can demonstrate this mechanism.
We therefore strongly believe that this effect is mainly caused by the adaptogenic properties of the herb and its blocking effect on cortisol, the hormone that is produced in high amounts when we are under stress.
There are, however, also studies known in which elderly people were tested. It was found that concentration and memory improved with the use of Russian ginseng.
Herpes
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by sores and blisters.
This can occur on the penis and on the vagina. But it can also occur on the lips and in the mouth.
We can become infected through sexual contact or by kissing an infected person.
The risk of infection is highest when a herpes outbreak is currently active in this person.
When the person in question does not have an outbreak, the chance of infection is much lower. However, infection is certainly not completely ruled out.
Healing from herpes is impossible. However, it is possible to limit herpes outbreaks as much as possible.
When we are under stress, the likelihood of an outbreak occurring is greater.
Siberian ginseng has been shown to be very effective in suppressing these herpes outbreaks.
Through research, we have seen that the outbreaks are not completely blocked. But they do occur much less frequently.
Also, the outbreak would be up to 3 times shorter than in a person who does not use extract from the plant.
Improving physical performance
When we do sports, we will also have to deal with stress.
This is a different kind of stress than the mental stress that we all surely know.
However, this can also have an impact on metabolism, on our performance, and on our muscles.
By bringing the hormones back into balance more quickly, the muscles can recover faster after physical exertion.
They will also be less likely to be placed under stress and we will improve physical capacity.
These effects are not among the most powerful effects of the plant but are important enough to mention.
Improve mood
Each herb that will help counteract the effects of stress will automatically ensure that we feel better.
We therefore see an improvement in mood in people who use Siberian ginseng.
What are the side effects of Siberian ginseng?
People who suffer from high blood pressure should also consult their doctor before starting to use the supplement. This is because the plant also has blood pressure-lowering effects. As a result, in combination with medication, blood pressure may become too low. The dosage of the medication can then be reduced.
Siberian ginseng should not be used by children.