Eleuthero Root

Also known as

Eleutherococcus senticosus, (Formerly known as Siberian ginseng, a name banned in the United States by the Ginseng Labeling Act of 2002) Acanthopanax senticosus, Ci Wu Jia, Ciwujia, Devil's Bush, Devil's Shrub, Eleuthera, Eleuthero, Eleutherococc, Eleutherococci radix, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Ginseng Root, Hedera senticosa, Pepperbrush, Prickly Eleutherococc, Shigoka, Touch-Me-Not, Ussuri, Ussurian Thorny, Wild Pepper, Wu Jia Pi.

Introduction

Eleuthero is a woodland plant native to southeastern Siberia and the Korean peninsula, and adapted to the damp forests of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. A relative of the more famous red ginseng, eleuthero has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since about 190 AD.

Constituents

Eleutherosides B and E, and immunostimulant complex polysaccharides.

Parts Used

The dried root.

Typical Preparations

Encapsulated root, tea, or tincture, may be added to juices or smoothies.

Summary

Precautions

May cause insomnia if taken too close to bedtime. Not recommended for persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure.