Essay: Eleuthero the most famous adaptogen having a rich history

NB: This is an essay NOT medical advice
Eleuthero the most famous adaptogen having a rich history.
Have you ever heard of it?
Have you known that eleuthero is also known as Siberian ginseng?
Yes. This herb is also known as Siberian ginseng but it doesn’t have any properties as that of panax ginseng and it even can’t be considered interchangeable.
Now it’s time you know more about this root eleuthero which is used as a Chinese medicine.
Traditionally this plants root is known for its healing, energizing and balancing properties. As I already mentioned it is an adaptogen which means that it adapts to any of your body conditions and make it normal. This plant (eleutherococcus senticosus)  has been known with different names all over the world such as devils shrub, Siberian ginseng, Russian ginseng, touch me not, wild pepper etc.
This is mostly found in the taiga regions which include Russia, China, Korea and Japan. In the ancient Chinese medical texts the use of eleuthero can be dated back to 2000 years. It treats and cures a wide variety of ailments. It is considered as a cousin of panax ginseng family as it has the same adaptogenic properties. During the time of strenuous physical exertion and stress it helps in stimulating the immune system.
Eleuthero has some unique benefits which we will discuss here.
Benefits:
Eleuthero as I told has many unique benefits. Each of the benefits will be discussed here.
1. Anti-anxiety and energy: eleuthero provides extra energy during stressful times. Herbalist recommend eleuthero to people who are tired and run down. Eleutherosides is the active chemical component present in the herb which reduces the activity of adrenal cortex to inhibit the stress response.  Eleuthero is considered a natural mood stabilizer as it works to balance dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin chemicals in your body.
2. Focus: eleuthero helps in restoring the memory, mental clarity and concentration which might be weakened by less blood flow to the brain in your body.
3. Chronic fatigue syndrome and anti-fatigue: the root of eleuthero increases the capacity of the body to cope with stress because of which it has become popular. It enhances your physical performance and mental function during times of stress, exhaustion, fatigue and overwork. You can take this if you have chronic fatigue syndrome only if prescribed by a physician.
4. Cold: if you have a cold you can take this because it helps in rebuilding the chi energy if you are ill and recovering.
5. Boosts your immune: this is effective especially for preventing infection during intense physical activity performed by your body. It acts as an immune system stimulant. As I earlier mentioned it is an adaptogen which helps in body balancing and healing. It normalizes your body function and instill a sense of well-being.
6. Supports your liver: it protects your liver from the harmful toxin which are produced due to the radiation exposure. Many studies have shown that this root removes the side effects of chemotherapy. It has also been used while radiation therapy to treat bone marrow suppression.
7. Antiviral: it boosts the activity of your immune system by increasing the synthesis of interferon drug that interferes with every stage of viral infection. It activates the b and t-cells which are the immune system components by stimulation to attack the bacteria. It is a useful antiviral supplement which is used in treatment of many types of viral infection.
8. Insomnia: it has been believed by the Chinese that eleuthero is one of the best remedies for insomnia as it is an herbal sedative.
9. Cancer: the root extracts of eleuthero have many anti-cancer activities. It is shown to have scavenging on the DPPH free radicals. It exhibits a high anti-lipid peroxidative activity which decreases the multiplicity of tumors. This may benefit you if you are suffering from any certain type of cancer.
10. Inflammation: eleuthero have beneficial effect of inhibiting inflammation in your body by neuro-protection and microglial activation in brain ischemia.
11. Coagulation: do you have any risk of abnormal, excessive amount of blood clots? Then this would be a beneficial extract you can use after consulting your doctor.
12. Memory: have you any issues of high risk memory problems? This extract may be beneficial.
13. Osteoporosis: many of the researchers believe that this extract might benefit the people with osteoporosis.
14. Other benefits: bronchitis and other chronic lung conditions can be treated successfully using eleuthero. Siberian ginseng can be used when the HPA is depleted for various symptoms that include stress, neurasthenia, sore muscles and fatigue which may be associated with the hypo functioning of an underactive endocrine system.
Many recent research evidences suggest that it proves to be valuable for various diseases of your immune system including chronic fatigue, HIV and other illness which is related to the immune system. In men it stimulates the production of testosterone. It may be an excellent choice in fighting impotence and increasing your sex drive.
Now this herb also has its own set of side effects if not taken in proper dosage.
Side effects:
• If you have prostate disorder then you should avoid using eleuthero root as it contains the compound which stimulates testosterone production.
• Nursing and pregnant women should avoid the products that contain panax ginseng.
• If you are taking digoxin for congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia then you should consult a healthcare professional before you take this herbal supplement.
• If you are suffering from hypertension it is best you avoid the intake of this herb or ginseng.
• Very rare side effects have been reported so far including drowsiness, tachycardia, headache, insomnia, hypoglycemia and nervousness.
Dosage:
Take this ginseng tablets according to the instruction provided by the manufacturer on the bottle. I recommend you to take up to 3 grams of eleuthero per day for a maximum period of six weeks which should be followed by a two week break. If you have any doubt regarding the dosage and side effects please do consult your healthcare professional before you start using it.