Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Siberian
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), often called "Eleuthero," has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, particularly in Russia and China, for combating "nervous exhaustion," fatigue, and improving resilience to stress. In traditional Russian herbal medicine, Siberian Ginseng was popularized in the mid-20th century as an "adaptogen," a substance believed to help the body adapt to physical and mental stress. This use is rooted in the idea that adaptogens support the adrenal system and help balance the body's response to stressors, including those that lead to nervous exhaustion (sometimes described as nervous weakness, or neurasthenia). Some early Soviet research and herbal monographs reference improved mental performance and reduced fatigue with Eleuthero, but these studies were often not rigorous by modern standards and frequently lacked placebo controls or large sample sizes. Modern clinical evidence remains limited and mixed, with few well-designed trials specifically examining "nervous exhaustion." The majority of contemporary studies focus on physical performance, immune function, and general stress adaptation, rather than specifically on nervous exhaustion as a clinical entity. Overall, while historical and traditional use is robust, strong scientific validation is lacking, resulting in a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Nervous Exhaustion
amino acidsashwagandha
astragalus
waterhyssop
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese salvia root
cordyceps
eleuthero
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gotu kola
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
licorice root
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
spruce
pollen
reishi mushroom
rhodiola
thiamin (vitamin B1)
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D
zinc
jiaogulan
catnip
bee pollen
blessed thistle
sunflower
amber
royal jelly
wheat germ
Aralia
Ambergris
Albizia
Anemone
Astragaloside
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Flag
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Brahmi
Ba Ji Tian
Black Hellebore
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Egg
Elk antler
Spikenard
Wheat
Other health conditions supported by Ginseng, Siberian
Adrenal FatigueAging (prevention)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Digestion (poor)
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Worry