Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)
Updated Feb. 12th, 2026 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- What is Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)?
- Historical and Traditional Uses of Siberian Ginseng
- How Can I Take Siberian Ginseng?
- Important Information
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (6)
What is Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)?
Eleutherococcus senticosus is a woody shrub with thick twisted roots that is often called "Eleuthero" for short. It is found in the forests of south-eastern Russia, northern China, Korea and Japan. Eleuthero is also called "Siberian ginseng", and is often grouped with other ginseng herbs, although it has distinct chemical constituents called eleutherosides.
Like the other ginsengs, eleuthero can be used as an adaptogen. It is also an antioxidant, a nervine (to decrease anxiety), an immune system tonic, and has anti-inflammatory and cholesterol reducing properties.
Eleuthero is currently used by healthcare providers for the treatment of chronic fatigue, lupus, HIV, and cold and flu. It is also used to prevent herpes simplex outbreaks, and to treat adrenal and endocrine dysfunction due to chronic stress. It is particularly renowned for its mood and energy enhancing effects.
Historical and Traditional Uses of Siberian Ginseng
For over 2,000 years, Siberian Ginseng has been a key medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The root and root bark were used to prevent respiratory infections and serve as a cardiovascular tonic. It was renowned for restoring vitality, enhancing memory, stimulating appetite, boosting stamina, and improving overall well-being. Similarly, in Russian fold traditions, Eleuthera was valued for enhancing strength, endurance, and cognitive function. It was widely used to combat chronic fatigue, enhance physical performance, and support the immune system by warding off colds and flu.
How Can I Take Siberian Ginseng?
Eleuthero can be taken internally as an extract or by using the whole herb, dried and powdered. Often, Siberian ginseng will be found in combination formulas along with other ginsengs or other adaptogenic herbs and nutrients.
In general, when taking the whole herb, the dose is 2-3 grams per day. But when taking a solid extract standardized to 0.8% eleutherosides, 300 to 400mg is the general dose per day. Liquid, alcohol-based extracts on the other hand, can be taken in divided doses of 8 to 10ml per day.
Although it is taken in similar dosages to the other ginsengs, Eleuthero can be taken for longer periods of time without rest due to its gentle and more nourishing nature.
Important Information
There are minimal side effects reported with the use of Siberian ginseng, although some individuals may find it interferes with sleep if taken too close to bedtime. Eleuthero is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure or cardiac disease, and must be used with caution for those on medication for high blood pressure. Also, be cautious when using digoxin with Eleuthero. Due to a lack of research, Eleuthero should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Using an adaptogenic supplement like Siberian ginseng can really decrease your stress levels. I as going through a particularly bad stressful time when I got divorced from my now ex-husband, and my friend suggested I take Siberian ginseng. After a few days I felt the edge of the stress lifting and felt like I could handle things much better. Unlike Chinese ginseng, Siberian ginseng won't raise your blood pressure.
Hello Peggy,
Thank you for sharing. We're glad you were able to find a natural way to support you during such an emotional and stressful time. We hope stress is at bay now and you're feeling good!
Stay healthy & well.
This potent adaptogen is known to help protect the body from the effects of chronic stress and help relieve symptoms of low mood and anxiety.
Hello Jason,
We're glad you enjoyed our Siberian Ginseng article. It is a great supplement to support adrenal health as well as many other benefits outlined in our article. Happy you have been enjoying learning with us to better manage your health, naturally.
Have a healthy day!
I'm not surprised, actually! There are so many different environments in the world and plants really gain much of their function from the environment that they grow in (for example, even the simple black bean can have 3g of sugar versus zero based on the region it is grown or variety of the beans: an even more interesting example is Italian rosemary which may be the most potent rosemary for antiaging purposes). I am curious about eleutherosides: if siberian ginseg is superior to ginseg in for certain purposes, studies adding back or depleting these components would be really fascinating to see if they contribute to the mechansim!
Hello Rachel,
Ginseng is a fascinating herb that offers many health benefits, as you've learned in this article. There are also many types of ginseng that all offer different benefits for differing health concerns. You can learn more about the different types of ginseng here, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/gingseng/
Stay healthy & well!