Eleuthero root, c/s

Background:

Of Eleuthero an ancient poem from Zhongguo proclaims, "keep your virgin face younger, and prolong your life for ever and ever."

In the Soviet Union testing of Eleuthero began in the 1950s and continues today. Eleuthero is a member of the Araliaceae or Ginseng family. It is a spiny, deciduous shrub from northeast Asia with large populations occurring in Siberia. The name is from the Greek words, eleutheros:free and kokkos:seed. In reference to its bristly stem its Latin name is senticosus:full of thorns.

It has therapeutic uses similar to that of Panax, although it is not of the same genus. Scientific literature from China often reflects its former Latin binomial: Acanthopanax senticosus.

Applications:

As an adaptogen it is stimulative, improving cellular immunity and increasing T-cell production. Chronic stress depletes the adrenals, endocrine system, nervous system and others bodily systems. Affected beneficially are immunity, skin, vision, glaucoma, myopia, heart and respiratory systems, cognitive function, energy levels and attitudinal resilience. Adaptogens provide increased resistance to the predictable effects of numerous stressors, including voluntary and involuntary poor dietary practices.

Eleuthero reduces the depletion of stress-reducing hormones, hormones which can counter the body's response to difficult situations: the adrenal glands react by releasing adrenaline and corticosteroids, this causes nervous exhaustion or physical fatigue.

Extensive studies in Russia found Eleuthero to counter effects from contamination and exposure to a variety of chemicals (including radiation.) It was found to improve vision, hearing, and to increase endurance including improving the ability to exercise. Test groups responded with marked reductions in susceptibility to disease, including flu and bronchitis. It also provided enhanced recuperative response.

It is used to provide immunoprotection against mammary gland, stomach, oral and ovarian carcinomas, and melanoma. Eleuthero is not recommended for treating fever or acute infections.

Eleuthero has been shown to provides reductions in blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. It is reported that diabetics should avoid using large amounts of Eleuthero because it can lower blood sugar levels, potentially resulting in a hypoglycemic reaction (lowered blood sugar).