Your body could use an energy boost? Siberian ginseng has been used for thousands of years in Far Eastern medicine to strengthen the body. Now you're wondering how this wonder root from the taiga works? Siberian ginseng, its effects and application – here you'll find what you need to know.
Table of Contents
What is Siberian ginseng?
Siberian ginseng belongs to the plant family Araliaceae. In botany, it is called "Eleutherococcus senticosus." The Latin word "senticosus" describes the thorny branches of the bush, which produces black berries. Siberian ginseng is native to the boreal coniferous forests of Eastern Siberia, the taiga. Its valuable and health-promoting plant compounds are found in the root. It grows underground and is also called taiga root.
In Chinese medicine, taiga root has been used as a medicinal plant for over 4000 years, for example, to treat respiratory diseases, strengthen vitality, or as an aphrodisiac. In the 1950s, the root of Siberian ginseng attracted the attention of Russian researchers who investigated its effects. Taiga root extract was used by Soviet athletes at the 1984 Olympic Games to improve performance. And after the Chernobyl reactor disaster, it was distributed to thousands of people in Ukraine and Russia to reduce radiation damage.
This sounds very promising, but now the question arises: What can the wonder root really do?
What are the effects of Siberian ginseng?
Eleutherococcus senticosus contains a variety of different eleutherosides, which, together with other secondary plant compounds, are likely responsible for its effects. These are classified as adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances that can make the body more resistant to external influences in a non-specific way. They are supposed to improve the general condition of the body. Exactly how adaptogens work has not yet been fully clarified. However, it is assumed that they affect the hormonal and immune systems.
The taiga root is attributed many different effects. For example, there are studies on the treatment of inflammation, depression, or blood cancer with Siberian ginseng. However, most of these studies were only conducted in test tubes or on animals. Comparable effects in human studies do not exist or could not be proven.
For some other symptoms, there are already clearer scientific studies that prove a positive effect of taiga root.
Taiga Root for Fatigue and Exhaustion
Proven for millennia and also studied, this traditional herbal medicine activates and maintains the body's own resistance. For the treatment of asthenia, which means bodily weakness and lack of strength accompanied by fatigue, the effect of taiga root is confirmed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This applies particularly in connection with physical, mental, and emotional stress. For example, when your body is recovering from an illness or is exhausted by mental work or physical exertion like sports. Eleutherococcus senticosus can be used in these cases. It can help you feel stronger and alleviate excessive fatigue. It can also support the body's regeneration after physical exertion.
Siberian Ginseng and Mental Performance
When used in connection with mental performance, taiga root extract was shown to reduce the body's stress response and improve performance. Mental stress was induced in a study by having subjects perform unfamiliar tasks. This requires more concentration and puts the body under stress. Those who had taken Siberian ginseng for a longer period beforehand remained calmer and made fewer mistakes than those who had received a placebo. Taiga root can therefore help to improve your mental performance.
Does Siberian Ginseng have side effects?
Even though the root of Eleutherococcus senticosus can have many positive effects on body and mind, in rare cases, it can also lead to side effects. For example, sleep disturbances, headaches, or anxiety can occur. An increase in blood pressure can also be a consequence of treatment with taiga root, which is why people with high blood pressure are advised against taking Siberian ginseng.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under 12, should preferably not use the root, as too little research has been done on possible negative effects on these groups.
It may also be advisable to first talk to your doctor to see if Siberian ginseng is an option for you, in order to rule out any allergies to ingredients in the root.
In what form can you buy Siberian ginseng and how is it used?
The valuable plant compounds of the taiga root can be used in various ways. Generally: The root of Eleutherococcus senticosus can be taken for up to two months at a time. There are no long-term studies on the effects of Siberian ginseng yet. However, after a two-week break, you can take it again.
- Tea: You can prepare a tea from the dried taiga root. For this, dried and finely cut taiga root or a coarse powder from the root is poured over with boiling water. You should let the decoction steep for about 15 minutes and then strain it. You can drink taiga root tea up to three times a day. However, you should make sure not to exceed the recommended daily amount of 3 g. This corresponds to approximately one teaspoon.
- Capsules: Another way to buy and take Siberian ginseng extract is in the form of dietary supplements. With such extract capsules or tablets, you can easily and quickly provide your body with the recommended amount of Siberian ginseng.
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