Eleuthero (eleutherococcus senticosus root)

Table of Contents

Other names

eleuthero
Siberian ginseng

Synopsis

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), formerly known as Siberian ginseng, is a woody shrub native to northeastern Asia, particularly Siberia, northern China, and Korea. Though unrelated to true ginseng (Panax species), eleuthero is classified as an adaptogen—a plant that helps the body adapt to physical, mental, and environmental stress. The root and rhizome are used medicinally and contain active compounds such as eleutherosides, polysaccharides, lignans, and flavonoids.

Eleuthero is valued for its ability to:

  • Enhance stamina, endurance, and recovery, particularly in athletes or people under chronic stress
  • Support adrenal function and protect against burnout
  • Improve focus, cognitive performance, and resilience to fatigue
  • Modulate immune response, especially in cases of immune suppression or frequent illness
  • Act as a mild circulatory and metabolic stimulant, promoting oxygen utilization and blood flow
  • Help the body recover from illness, surgery, or overexertion

It is often included in adaptogen and energy support formulas, and taken as capsules, tinctures, or teas. Unlike Panax ginseng, which can be overly stimulating for some, eleuthero is considered gentler and more sustainable for long-term use.

Historical Use
Eleuthero has a well-documented history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Ci Wu Jia. In TCM, it is used to:

  • Tonify the spleen and kidney qi
  • Strengthen bones and tendons
  • Calm the mind and support mental focus
  • Promote longevity and vitality, particularly in the elderly or chronically fatigued

It was also used to increase endurance, prevent infections, and support recovery from illness or trauma—roles that mirror its modern use as a non-stimulating adaptogen.

In Russian herbal medicine, eleuthero gained widespread attention in the 1950s–1970s, when Soviet scientists studied it extensively as a natural performance enhancer for athletes, cosmonauts, and military personnel. It was favored for its ability to increase physical and mental resilience without the side effects of stimulants. These studies helped define and popularize the term "adaptogen" in modern herbal pharmacology.

Today, eleuthero is used globally in stress management, athletic performance, immune resilience, and post-illness recovery protocols. Its safety profile, versatility, and broad historical backing make it a foundational herb in naturopathic, functional, and integrative medicine.

Uses: Health Conditions

Abuse and Trauma (Traditional)
Addictions (drugs) (Traditional)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Addison's Disease (Traditional)
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)
Alcoholism (Traditional)
Endurance (lack of) (Traditional)
Energy (lack of) (Traditional)
Fainting (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Perspiration (deficient) (Traditional)
Perspiration (excessive) (Traditional)

Body Systems

Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Adrenal Medulla (Traditional)
Appendix (Traditional)
Testosterone (Traditional)
Cortisol (Traditional)
Epinephrine (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Hypothalamus (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)