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Herbs: Ginseng root, Siberian - cut

Common Name: Ginseng
Latin Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Excerpts from Herbal Antibiotics

This herb, though used in China for several thousand years, was brought to prominence by intensive Russian research in the latter half of the twentieth century. Several clinical trials have shown significant immune-enhancing activity. This includes a significant increase in immunocompetent cells, specifically T lymphocytes (helper/inducer, cytotoxic, and natural killer cells). Tests of the herb have repeatedly shown that it increases the ability of human beings to withstand adverse conditions, increases mental alertness, and improves performance. People taking the herb regularly report fewer illnesses than those not taking it.

Siberian ginseng is, in general, completely nontoxic, and the Russians have reported people using exceptionally large doses for up to 20 years with no adverse reactions. Both Asian and American ginseng, on the other hand, do have several limitation on their use. Siberian ginseng, in my experience, produces cumulative results: the longer you use it, the better it works. It tends to kick in after 6 weeks or so, and the most significant results can be seen after 6 months of use. This is especially true in people with pale unhealthy skin, lassitude, and depression.

Siberian ginseng is specifically indicated for people with immunodepression, fatigue, and a lack of vitality and perhaps those who get sick a lot. Unlike Echinacea, it is not an immune stimulant, rather, it is an immune enhancer and helps restore optimum functioning in the immune system. As it is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, it is also useful in depression, a condition that often accompanies a severely depleted immune system.

Excerpts from The How to Herb Book

Ginseng is considered a cure-all in China. It is a hormonal herb that is good for both men and women since it regulates both male and female hormones. It is considered good for both mental and physical health and builds resistance to all kinds of stress.

• Is especially good for men because it helps alleviate and prevent impotency.
• Is non-toxic and used in preventative medicine because it strengthens the body’s entire defense mechanism.
• Benefits the pituitary and adrenal glands.
• Regulates and normalizes blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Considered to slow the aging process.
• Used with gotu-kola and Cayenne as a "pick-me-up."

Has been used in the following:

Excerpts from Nutritional Herbology

Contains bitter compounds that help the body respond more quickly to stress. These compounds increase the production of DNA, RNA and proteins essential to all life processes. They also stimulate the adrenal, pancreas, and pituitary glands to lower blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Ginseng also increases the production of digestive fluids and is a mild sedative. It has been used to treat anemia, impotence, insomnia, diarrhea, fatigue debility, weak digestion and failing memory.

Siberian ginseng is said to lack the hormonal like side effects of panax but, in fact, has estrogenic activity just as panax does. Siberian ginseng is used primarily to enhance endurance, regulate blood sugar and stimulate immune function.

It has traditionally been used to treat hypoglycemia, lethargy, immune deficiency and improve memory, appetite and general health.

Siberian ginseng contains saponins called eleuthrosides that are similar chemically to the saponins in panax. These chemicals have become known as adaptogens. An adaptogens is a non toxic compound that increases resistance to physical, chemical and emotional stress. These compounds seem only to be activated when one is under stress. They then work to increase the activity of natural killer cells and other immune cells and chemicals. They also increase the efficiency with which oxygen is delivered to individual cells. These compounds also have a broad effect on the glandular system. Blood sugar and pressure are said to be normalized and adrenal and thyroid hormones are stimulated.

When Siberian ginseng is taken in combination with aerobic exercise, natural killer cells are mobilized and activated. Indeed, the activation continues for up to 24 hours after the exercise program. With exercise alone natural killer cell mobilization only lasts two hours and activation of these cells never does occur. This fact may explain many of the longevity and anti-aging claims proposed for the herb.

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

• We use Ginseng often in tea and tincture combinations for stress, to strengthen the immune system, sharpen mental and physical abilities, and glandular issues. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies.
• It can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
• The longer you use Ginseng, the more you will notice its benefits. It seems to take a good 6 to 8 weeks before it reveals its effects.
• As is the case with most herbs, Ginseng should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.

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