Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is one of the most widely-used medicinal herbs and has been used for centuries throughout Eastern Europe and China. Siberian ginseng contains chemicals called eleutherosides, which medical researchers believe can stimulate the immune system. Siberian ginseng is commonly available in the form of liquid or solid extracts, powders, tablets, capsules and dried roots used in making teas. The dried root is taken in doses of 500 to 3,000 mg daily, the tinctures are taken in ½ to 1 teaspoon doses two or three times daily and the 0.8- to 1-percent-concentration standardized extract is taken in doses of 100 to 200 mg twice daily.
Treating Colds and Flu
Siberian ginseng can help to fight infections and stimulate immunity, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. In a month-long medical study of healthy individuals, Siberian ginseng extract improved immune system function, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Another study determined that people with the flu who took a product containing Siberian ginseng and andrographis experienced a faster reduction in symptoms than subjects who took the commonly-prescribed antiviral amantadine. The UMMC cites other double-blind studies that found that taking the same product lessened the severity and duration of colds or upper respiratory infections.
Boosting Physical Performance
Although medical studies have offered conflicting results, Siberian ginseng is often used to boost muscle strength and physical stamina, the UMMC says. "Siberian ginseng is most effective in the treatment of prolonged exhaustion and debility, resulting from overwork and long-term stress," the Network notes. Siberian ginseng is commonly used as a sports supplement to improve physical performance and endurance during prolonged exercise, but findings from medical trials have been mixed, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Easing Stress and Improving Mental Performance
In Eastern Europe and other parts of the world, Siberian ginseng is widely used to improve individuals' ability to withstand stress, mostly due to the herb's adaptogenic properties, the UPMC says. Siberian ginseng is taken to improve mental resilience, such as during school exams, the Network notes. The UMMC points out a preliminary three-month-long study of middle-aged adults who took Siberian ginseng and experienced improvements in memory and mental alertness. In another study, elderly people experienced improvements in social functioning and mental health after taking Siberian ginseng for about four weeks, but the benefits declined after eight weeks, the UMMC says.
Treating Herpes Virus
Taking Siberian ginseng supplements can help to lessen the duration, frequency and severity of herpes simplex virus outbreaks, the UMMC says. In a six-month-long study of patients with the type 2 herpes virus, or genital herpes, taking Siberian ginseng had all of these positive effects. A six-month-long double-blind study found that taking 2 grams of Siberian ginseng daily reduced the frequency of herpes by 50 percent in men and women with recurrent infections, according to the UPMC.
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