Collection and habitat: The plant is indigenous to northeast Asia but is now being grown commercially in a few places in the United States. It is usually purchased commercially, with the root already cut and sifted to industry standards.
Actions: Adaptogen, antistressor, immune tonic, immunopotentiating, immunoadjuvant; increases nonspecific resistance against many pathogens; monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Functions in liver disease: Antistressor, immune tonic and potentiator (stimulates B lymphocyte antibodies), antidepressant, mental clarity stimulant; helps restore task endurance.
About Siberian Ginseng
Although used in China for several thousand years, this herb was brought to prominence by intensive
Russian research in the latter half of
the 20th century. Many clinical trials have shown significant immuneenhancing activity.
This includes significant increase in immunocompetent cells, specifically T lymphocytes
(helper/inducers, cytotoxic, and natural killer cells). Tests of the herb have repeatedly
shown that it increases the ability of humans to withstand adverse conditions, increases mental
alertness, and improves performance. People taking the herb regularly report fewer illnesses than
people not taking it.
In general, Siberian ginseng is completely nontoxic, and Russian investigators have reported on use
of exceptionally large doses for up to 20 years with no adverse reactions. Both Asian and American
ginseng, on the other hand, have several limitations. Siberian ginseng, in my experience, produces
cumulative results: The longer you use it, the better it works. It tends to kick in after 6 weeks or
so, and the most significant results can be seen after 6 months of use. This is especially true in
people with pale, unhealthy skin; lassitude; and depression.
Eleutherococcus senticosus and a related species, E. chiisanensis, have been found to be strongly
antihepatotoxic and hepatoprotective in vivo against CC14-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally,
Siberian ginseng was found to be a hepatoregenerator, significantly stimulating liver regeneration
in animals in which portions of the liver had been surgically
removed.
Because Siberian ginseng is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, it is also useful for depression,
a condition that often accompanies a severely depleted immune system and chronic liver disease.
Preparation and Dosage
Used as tea, tincture, or powder or in capsules. Tea: Cold infusion, 3-6 ounces (90-180 mL) up to 3 times per day Tincture: Dried herb: 1:5 in 60 percent alcohol, 20-60 drops up to 3 times per day. Powder: 1-2 tsp (5-10 mL per day. Capsules: 2 "00" capsules 3 times per day.
Note: The Russian studies were carried out on a 1:1 extract in 30 percent alcohol, 2-15 ml in a daily
dose. This is a much stronger dose than that described above and works more quickly. Numerous herbal
companies produce it in this form.
Contraindications and Side Effects
For almost all people, there are no side effects or contraindications. The herb may temporarily
increase blood pressure in some people. This increased pressure tends to drop to normal within a
few weeks. Caution should be exercised for people with very high blood pressure, especially if the
herb is combined with other hypertensives, such as licorice. With extreme overuse, tension and
insomnia may occur.
Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver
by Stephen Harrod Buhner
Herbal Medicines Offer Hope for Combating Hepatitis C. More than 500 million people worldwide carry
the deadly hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis C poses a public health crisis far greater that
the AIDS epidemic. This deadly disease, which can go undetected for years, eventually
attacks the liver, causing cirrhosis, cancer, and even liver failure.
