Eleuthero: The Mighty Adaptogen

January 04, 2018

Mighty Eleuthero has been used to enhance health and longevity for over 2,000 years.

Sometimes called “Siberian ginseng,” eleuthero is not a true ginseng.

It belongs to the same family as Panax ginseng, has similar benefits, but it’s not the same species.

Like ginseng, eleuthero is a proven adaptogen- one of China’s superior tonics that help the body to resist or adapt to stress.

Historical and Modern Use of Eleuthero

After the Chernobyl disaster, eleuthero was used to fight the toxic effects of radiation. In 1967, Russian astronauts toasted with an eleuthero extract after reaching orbit.

Germany’s Commission E approves eleuthero as a tonic for fatigue, debility, declining work or focus, and for illness recovery.

Today, athletes use eleuthero to prepare for competitions. It’s also highly popular with miners, deep sea divers, and mountain climbers to help adapt to stressful environments and increased physical demands.

Here in the U.S., eleuthero is used in formulas to improve strength and libido, ease hormonal concerns, and relieve stress naturally.

Research on Eleuthero

Much of the research done on Eleuthero was done in the 1950’s in Russia. Sadly, much of it is still not available in the U.S.

The early research shows eleuthero improves physical endurance and focus for people working long hours.

Research suggests eleuthero benefits neurosis, chronic fatigue, and bipolar disorder. However, modern trials are needed to confirm and expand on what we know about this impressive herb.

Nutritionally, eleuthero contains eleutherosides, which are chemically similar to panax ginseng’s ginsenosides. These constituents are thought to be responsible for its adaptogenic activity.

Polysaccharides in eleuthero stimulate immune response, encouraging phagocytosis (eater cell activity), and immune B cell activity.

Furthermore, eleuthero is rich in saponins that balance hormones,support the adrenals, and encourage a healthy libido.

Eleuthero is also a potent antioxidant, and can even improve the use of oxygen by your muscles.

Eleuthero’s Role in Stress Protection, Energy, and Sexuality

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), eleuthero is believed to increase Qi (vital energy), improve sleep, encourage a healthy appetite, and helps the body fight stress.

It’s excellent for people suffering from fatigue, weakness, or low libido. Eleuthero is an exceptionally helpful tonic for older men and women.

It’s a nourishing herb for the adrenals, helping to protect against anxiety and fatigue. For women, eleuthero supports normal menstruation and tones the uterus.

Eleuthero is a tonic for male sexuality, too. In phase 1 clinical trials, the Chinese combination, Kan Jang (andographis/eleuthero, was found to increase sperm count. Animal studies show it may reduce impotence, too.

Like other adaptogens, eleuthero needs to be used for a few months at a time to allow it to build in the system.

Eleuthero strengthens the body over time, increases endurance, and encourages recovery from chronic stress or overwork.

Used as suggested, I find eleuthero is an amazing herb for people who want to exercise, but don’t seem to have the energy or endurance for it. It fights the physical effects of stress like muscle tension, apathy, and exhaustion.

It combines especially well with ashwagandha and rhodiola in Stress Daily Tonic. Used regularly, the mighty eleuthero can revitalize your system, and help you thrive in challenging situations.

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