Siberian Ginseng

Botanical Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Common Name: Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng, Asia’s Power Plant

Every serious athlete seeks new ways to improve performance. Among the various workout aids available, one herb in particular, Siberian ginseng, can boost energy, sharpen mental concentration, and help every athlete to improve strength and stamina.

First discussed as a valuable medicine in a 2,000 year old Chinese herbal treatise, Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, grows abundantly in Siberia, and in the mountains of Northeast China. In the United States, Siberian ginseng is commonly sold as a dietary supplement in both Chinese herbal and health food stores. Used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve vitality and normalize overall body functions, Siberian ginseng is considered a highly valuable tonic with broad uses and benefits. Over the past several decades, science shows that extracts of the plant impart strength and enhance performance.

Health Benefits
Listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Siberian ginseng is one of the best documented plants in herbal medicine. Extensive studies conducted in China and Russia compiled at the Harbin Research Institute show that consumption of Siberian ginseng enhances immunity, increases strength, stimulates sexual function, improves sleep, helps the body during times of oxygen deprivation, enhances cardiovascular function, improves overall athletic performance, and sharpens mental alertness. Probably more than any other herb ever studied, Siberian ginseng demonstrates the capacity to improve all aspects of human performance.

Overall protection
Siberian ginseng is classified as an “adaptogen,” which means that it improves general resistance to a wide variety of adverse health influences, especially stress. This effect is believed to be due to its concentration of a unique family of compounds known as eleutherosides. Additionally two polysaccharides in the plant display specific immune-enhancing power by promoting phagocytosis (the means by which protective cells engulf harmful microorganisms, damaged cells and foreign particles), and the promotion of protective B lymphocytes. Further studies show that Siberian ginseng helps to defend the body against some bacterial and chemical toxins.

Improved Performance
Studies of Siberian ginseng’s effects on human performance conducted in both Russia and China show that the plant increases human tolerance to a broad range of stress factors, including heat, noise and increased exercise. When taken regularly, the extract of Siberian ginseng increases work output, endurance, athletic performance and mental alertness. The plant also shows remarkable protective benefits under conditions of serious oxygen deprivation. Due to its stress -reducing and extraordinary performance-enhancing powers, Siberian ginseng is popular among factory workers, athletes, miners, soldiers, deep sea divers and other individuals who engage in physically and mentally demanding tasks and occupations.

How much?
Siberian ginseng imparts a palpable invigorating effect. Everybody is different, and individuals will require more or less extract, depending on their sensitivity and overall condition. Traditional Chinese doses vary from 9 to 27 grams of the raw herb per day. But obtaining raw Siberian ginseng is both difficult and unnecessary. The easiest ways to benefit from Siberian ginseng are to use either a concentrated paste extract, or to take capsules. You will find these products in most Chinese groceries and health foods stores. If you are going to use an encapsulated product, look for Siberian ginseng that is standardized to at least .7% Eleutherosides, and try 500 - 1000 milligrams daily.

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