Health Benefits Of Ginseng Eleuthero

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Chinese healers have prized eleuthero–or Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng–for thousands of years. Though it’s not a “true” ginseng, it possesses adaptogenic properties and has a well-established reputation as an energy enhancer and brain booster. Recent research reveals it does a lot more. Let’s take a closer look at this powerful herb.

What Makes Ginseng Eleuthero Beneficial?

Before science took its modern form, healers knew from experience how eleuthero improved their health and the health of their patients. Today we know it contains powerful phytochemicals like sterols, coumarins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Each of these compounds offer unique healing potential, but together they increase oxygen availability at the cellular level, encouraging blood flow, immune response, and antioxidant effects that protect your DNA.

Eleuthero: A Great Energy Booster

If you’re looking for an energy pick-me-up, eleuthero may work for you. In one clinical trial, the endurance of study participants improved by 23%. ^[1] And a study from Sweden reported it improved both mental and physical stamina in cases of mild fatigue and feelings of weakness. ^[2] Other research indicates it reduces the effects of stress.

The Many Benefits of Eleuthero

When you take eleuthero, you’ll have more energy. But as it turns out, energy is only part of its benefits. Here are additional benefits attributed to it.

• Improves immune system response


• Antioxidant protection ^[3]


• Reduces irritation ^[4]


• Better memory and recall ^[5]


• Increases libido


• Improves mental clarity


• Better focus


• Alertness


• Strengthens bones ^[6]


• Reduces outbreaks in individuals infected with Herpes ^[7]


• Encourages more restful sleep

How to Supplement With Eleuthero

There’s a lot of eleuthero supplements on the market. When looking for the best one for you, make sure to check for purity. Also, make sure you buy from a trusted source as some products may include additives. I personally recommend Ginseng Fusion™ as it combines the power of Eleuthero with American ginseng, Tinechi ginseng, and wild-crafted Jiaogulan for the maximum effect.

Do you take eleuthero? Share your experience with us below!

References:

1. Kuo J1, Chen KW, Cheng IS, et al. The effect of eight weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance capacity and metabolism in human. Chin J Physiol. 2010 Apr 30;53(2):105-11.


2. Panossian A1, Wikman G. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Sep;4(3):198-219.


3. Vaško L1, Vašková J, Fejerčáková A, Mojžišová G, Poráčová J. Comparison of some antioxidant properties of plant extracts from Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Stevia rebaudiana. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2014 Aug;50(7):614-22. doi: 10.1007/s11626-014-9751-4.


4. Jung SM1, Schumacher HR, Kim H, et al. Reduction of urate crystal-induced inflammation by root extracts from traditional oriental medicinal plants: elevation of prostaglandin D2 levels. Arthritis Res Ther. 2007;9(4):R64.


5. Xu Y.J., Han C.J., Xu S.J., et al. Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus on learning and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and protection against free radical injury to brain tissue. Neural Regeneration Research 2008 3:2 (192-195).


6. Lim DW1, Kim JG, Lee Y, Cha SH, Kim YT. Preventive effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus bark extract in OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats. Molecules. 2013 Jul 8;18(7):7998-8008. doi: 10.3390/molecules18077998.


7. Perfect MM1, Bourne N, Ebel C, Rosenthal SL. Use of complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of genital herpes. Herpes. 2005 Oct;12(2):38-41.

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The Health Benefits Of Tienchi Ginseng Root

If you’re familiar with natural health, chances are you’ve heard about ginseng. But do you know that there are different types of ginseng? Also called Panax notiginseng, Tienchi ginseng promotes health and energy in a similar fashion as American ginseng, Eleuthero, and Jiaogulan. It should be noted, however, that it works very differently from other types. This is one reason why it’s so highly valued.

What Makes Tienchi Ginseng Potent

Ancient healers and herbalists have declared tienchi ginseng “more precious than gold.” Tienchi ginseng contains several active compounds, including antioxidant flavonoids, oxygen-rich polysaccharides, essential oils, and ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are basically powerful plant compounds generally useful to the human body. Each of these compounds contribute to cellular energy metabolism and combined have a positive effect on blood flow and vascular health.

Key Benefits of Tienchi Ginseng

Tienchi boosts energy and endurance and improves blood flow. Polysaccharides like those in Tienchi are rich in oxygen, an essential component in the final step of cellular energy creation. A California State Polytechnic University study of 30 young adults reported a significant increase in endurance, energy levels, and oxygen levels after taking Panax notiginseng for thirty days. ^[1] How does this happen? When you increase oxygen to your cells, your energy naturally increases.

Tienchi also encourages red blood cell production and promotes circulation that delivers oxygen-rich blood to your cells better than Panax ginseng and American ginseng. ^[2] In addition, it also seems to possess a hemostatic ability that stops internal and external bleeding. ^[3] It’s basically like a tonic for your blood stream. The better your blood flows, the more oxygen and nutrients delivered to your cells.

Added Benefits of Tienchi Ginseng

Blood sugar support is necessary in this day and age, with metabolic syndrome running rampant in the developed world. Studies have revealed Tienchi ginseng to be a powerful adjunct in insulin resistance, a hallmark symptom of metabolic syndrome. Trials so far have found Tienchi lowers blood sugar by encouraging glucose absorption, reduces irritation associated with diabetes, improves insulin response, and has anti-obesity properties. ^[4] It also lowers blood pressure and helps improve male fertility.

How to Supplement With Tienchi Ginseng

The active compounds in Tienchi ginseng make it ideal for a safe energy boost. Today, tienchi survives through controlled cultivation, so it’s unlikely you’ll find a wild-sourced supplement. For the best results, I personally recommend a ginseng supplement–like Ginseng Fusion™–that combines Tienchi with other types of ginseng.

Do you use Tienchi ginseng? Share your experience with us below.

References:

1. Liang MT1, Podolka TD, Chuang WJ. Panax notoginseng supplementation enhances physical performance during endurance exercise. J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):108-14.


2. Lau AJ1, Toh DF, Chua TK, et al. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects of Panax notoginseng: comparison of raw and steamed Panax notoginseng with Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Sep 25;125(3):380-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.07.038.


3. Cicero AF1, Vitale G, Savino G, Arletti R. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) effects on fibrinogen and lipid plasma level in rats fed on a high-fat diet. Phytother Res. 2003 Feb;17(2):174-8.


4. Uzayisenga R1, Ayeka PA, Wang Y. Anti-diabetic potential of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS): a review. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):510-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5026.

The post The Health Benefits Of Tienchi Ginseng Root appeared first on The Sleuth Journal.

Hot To Find And Harvest Ginseng (Legally)

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Ginseng, in Chinese, means “man root.” The miracle herb was first discovered thousands of years ago, and has been used as a powerful medicinal supplement for just as long. Likely, it was named as such because the roots of the plant look like a man’s legs. However, there is absolutely no denying that ginseng is one of the most beneficial herbs for man, making it an aptly named miracle plant.

Early Chinese emperors used ginseng as a remedy for illnesses of all kind, using it in cooking as well as in soaps, lotions, creams and other remedies. Its reputation quickly spread to western civilization as new land was settled and countries established. By the mid-1970s, American ginseng was listed as an endangered species. Due to its overwhelming popularity as a home remedy, the herb had been over harvested to near extinction.

Uses

While the threat of extinction was real, the reasoning behind the zealous hunt was valid: Finseng is widely sought after for its ability to restore overall health and is one of the most popular herbal remedies. Both American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, L.) and Asian ginseng (P.Ginseng) are believed to increase energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, induce relaxation, and reduce stress, among other miraculous powers.

Ginseng may even make you smarter. A study conducted at the Medical School of Nantong University indicated that ginseng has beneficial effects on cognition and behavior.

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Furthermore, ginseng might save your life. Some studies in Asia have indicated that the herb’s consumption is linked to a lower cancer risk, likely because the herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Harvesting Ginseng

Many farmers now cultivate the delicate herb, helping to contribute to the rising ginseng trade. It can also be harvested from the wild, although it’s necessary to research your area’s laws and regulations regarding the herb.

Wild ginseng harvesting is regulated in 19 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Other states restrict or completely ban ginseng harvesting. The ginseng harvest season is usually September 1 to November 30; make sure you research your state’s individual laws. Ginseng can be found in most hardwood forests of North America, from southern Canada, east to South Dakota and Oklahoma, and as far south as Georgia. Typically, it grows in shaded areas (usually north or east-facing slopes). The more mature a forest is, the more likely it is that ginseng will flourish. It is also more likely to occur in forests containing beech, maple, hickory, oak, basswood, and tulip poplar trees.

If you plan to harvest ginseng, head out early in the season. You are less likely to find it as the fall months go on. Ginseng can typically be found growing in deep, dark soil with an ample amount of leaf litter. It often grows near companion plants such as trillium, cohosh, bloodroot and goldenseal.

There are 11 different varieties of ginseng, all of which are short, slow-growing perennials with full, fleshy roots. Roots are light-colored and forked and accompany a long stalk with green, oval-shaped leaves. The plant will have a single stem, each ending with a whorl of one to four leaves. Each leaf has an additional set of smaller leaves. Mature plants, at around five years old, will also host brilliant white-green flowers and red berries.

Don’t harvest a ginseng plant that does not have berries. These plants are not mature, and will not produce the desired effects. In many states, harvesting ginseng before this time is illegal, and immature ginseng won’t provide the same health benefits as mature ginseng. If you are harvesting wild ginseng, it’s also wise to replant the berries as you go, to allow nature to take its course and reproduce new ginseng.

If you’re fortunate enough to find a mature ginseng plant, carefully remove the plant by its roots so that you don’t damage the neck. Use a spade to dig beneath the plant and leave space between the plant and where you push the spade into the ground.

Drying Ginseng

When you get the plant (or, if you’re fortunate, plants) home, soak the roots in a bucket of cool water to remove excess dirt. Place the roots on a tray or screen to dry, with space between them so that they do not touch. Make sure the room is well-ventilated and between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whatever you do, don’t attempt to dry the roots in the oven or direct sunlight. This can severely damage them. Roots generally take about one to two weeks to dry, and will snap apart cleanly when ready.

If you plan to sell or export your ginseng, you will need to purchase a license. If the plants you harvested are not at least five years old and fully mature, they are considered illegal. Make sure you do the proper research before harvesting!

Enjoying Ginseng

Ginseng root can be eaten whole or included in supplements, teas or other forms. Ginseng tea is extremely popular, and actually helps make the immune system and metabolism work more effectively.

Though this miracle herb is generally safe for most to consume, over-consumption can lead to side-effects such as headaches, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and an elevated heart rate. As a result, we recommend consuming ginseng in moderate quantities, and, of course, ceasing its use if you experience any negative effects.

What advice would you add? Share your tips in the section below