Araliaceae
Eleuthero
Eleutherococcus senticosus
✓ Generally Safe
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Northeastern China, Russia, Korea, Japan
Also known as: Siberian Ginseng, Devil's Shrub, Touch-me-not
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
RootBark
Therapeutic Uses
Physical and mental fatigue, stress, immune modulation, athletic endurance, cognitive performance, viral infections. Extensively studied Soviet research base (cosmonauts, athletes).
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, immunomodulator, antifatigue, cognitive enhancer, antioxidant, mild hypoglycemic
Active Constituents
Eleutherosides (B, E — syringin, acanthosides), polysaccharides, lignans, triterpenoid saponins
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2x daily before meals |
| Notes | Standard extract: 300–400mg (standardized to ≥0.8% eleutherosides) 2x daily. Cycle: 3 months on, 1 month off. Best taken in morning and midday — may cause insomnia if taken late. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with digoxin (may falsely elevate levels). Caution with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, hypoglycemic drugs. Avoid in autoimmune conditions (theoretical).
Side Effects: Insomnia if taken late in day. Irritability at high doses. Mild hypertensive effect possible — use cautiously in hypertension.