Ginseng sib

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What does Siberian Ginseng do?

Siberian Ginseng is a medicinal herb used primarily for increased stamina and for boosting the immune system and immune system responses. Though it's is not of the same genus, it is often used as a substitute for Panex Ginseng. Some believe its adaptogen actions to be stronger than that of Panex Ginseng. It is used to help relieve fatigue and declining capacity to work. It is thought to help improve memory; concentration, and increase longevity. It has been considered especially helpful for those experiencing stress or stressful situations and has a reputation in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for insomnia. There have also been some cases where it has been utilized to help combat radiation sickness and exposure to toxic chemicals. It can be taken as a capsule, pill, tea, tincture or the whole root chewed.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take SiberianGinseng?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Siberian Ginseng usage may be contraindicated: If you have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication (may increase production of adrenaline in adrenal glands, on the other hand, glycoside content may lower blood pressure).

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Siberian Ginseng?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant Breast-feeding If you plan to administer this herb to a child.

How should I take this herb?

Take Siberian Ginseng capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take Siberian Ginseng as a tincture, infusion, tea, or the raw herb chewed. You can take ginseng with or without food. It is generally thought that Siberian Ginseng can be taken for a longer period of time than Panex Ginseng. Still, as with Panax, breaks in usage that last two to three weeks should be included in any long term regime

What should the dosage be?

Dosages are usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. Low dosages are usually 1.0-2 grams/day - and High dosages:9.0-15 grams/day with the Avg dosage for Siberian ginseng usage being 2 to 6 grams a day. The following consists of common average recommended dosages for ginseng usage: Tablets, Pills, Capsules: Equivalent to 2-6 grams of the root/day or equivalent standardized product. Chewed: 2-6 grams root/day - may be boiled gently and for a short time to soften it up before chewing Tea/Infusion: 2-6 gram root/day - boil in water, drink 3x day. Tincture/Liquid Extract: 33% ethanol extract @ 5.0 milliliters 3X/day up to 60 days - equivalent to 2-3 grams/day

What other medicines may interact with Siberian Ginseng?

It may interact with hexobarbital increasing its effect due to inhibition of its metabolic breakdown. It may interact with antibiotics increasing their efficacy (enhancement of T-lymphocyte activity )

What side effects may I notice from taking Siberian Ginseng?

Side effects from correctly administered Siberian Ginseng are thought to be very rare. If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Increase in blood pressure. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Headaches Insomnia (very rare) Anxiety Irritability

What do I need to watch out for with Siberian Ginseng?

Usage of stimulants (such as caffeine) may be contraindicated if a patient has cardiovascular disease and is taking Ginseng. Ginseng may be toxic in very large quantities (Ginseng Abuse Syndrome) and/or with intake over a long period of time. (This has been shown with Panax Ginseng usage). Read labels carefully before purchasing . A concern when purchasing Siberian Ginseng is the continued practice of substitution. An herb called Periploca sepium is reported to be a common adulterant used in Siberian Ginseng products. Labels should be checked for clear identification of the plant genus utilized. Still even if the correct genus is listed, absence of the active constituents and mixing of herbs should be all cause for care when purchasing. Buying the raw herb or a standardized product may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Siberian Ginseng?

Siberian Ginseng is indigenous to E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea and Siberia. It can be found growing in mixed and coniferous mountain forests usually forming a small undergrowth or a grouping in thickets. Siberian Ginseng is thought to have a long history of use by Chinese herbalists. In Russia, it was identified by C. I. Maximovich and L.Shrenk in 1855 and given its current classification as the genus Eleuthero and it's species Senticosus. Though it has similar assigned therapeutic uses as Panax Ginseng, it is not of the same genus and some people do not consider it a "true" ginseng. It is a highly polymorphic, spiny shrub belonging to the family Araliaceae. It grows to up to 3 meters in height, with erect shoots (4-6 centimeters in diameter) covered with light gray or brownish bark and thickly covered with small pale thorns (bristles) which point downward at a angle.. The leaves are long-petioled in a compound palmate configuration. Its leaves consist of a grouping of 5 leaflets that are elliptic and finely serrated at the margins. They have scattered, minute spinules along the veins. It's flowers have a central umbel which is long, thick peduncle. The style is fused into a column on the tip. It has five stigma lobes . Like other Ginseng, its roots are usually harvested in the fall. Leaves and branches are harvested before it flowers in the mid-summer. Though originally harvested from the wild, it is now cultivated worldwide. Unfortunately, due to overharvesting, it may be nearing extinction in many of its wild habitats..

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Generally, Siberian Ginseng is thought to create activity in the immune system by stimulating T-cell production. It is has shown an ability to improve blood lipid levels. It is considered an adaptogen and anti-oxidant. It is attributed with hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory; and vasodilator activities. It is thought to increase energy and negate stress. Traditionally, in Chinese medicine it is used to reinforce Qi and invigorate the function of the Spleen and Kidney. It is thought to have a calming effect on the nerves.

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