| Siberian Ginseng's adaptogenic qualities have been shown to improve generalized resistance to infectious diseases, to lessen muscular fatigue, to help balance hypertension, and to reduce damage from radiation. Although its effect on the adrenal cortex gives it wide-ranging uses, it seems to have a special affinity for the circulatory system. It has been shown to balance both high and low blood pressure, reduce serum cholesterol levels, and relieve anginal pain. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 Siberian ginseng (Eleuiherococcus senticosus)
This herb restores overstressed adrenal glands, working wonders for people who are chronically stressed. It's one of the primary tonic herbs, meaning that it works its magic slowly over time, so you'll need to take it for several months to see results. The quality of commercial products varies widely,- purchase from a reputable manufacturer. Typical dosage-. up to nine 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day,- or 20 drops of tincture up to three times per day. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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 It is an adaptogen like panax ginseng, but it has distinct and different active constituents and is felt to be not quite as strong as panax. Eleuthero:
1. Can increase general body resistance to stress, fatigue, and disease.
2. Can prevent adrenal atrophy and hyperplasia.
Like panax, it protects the adrenals by inhibiting the alarm phase of stress reactions.
3. Increases one's tolerance to the daily workload, noise, heat, and exercise. It can also increase mental alertness.
4. |
| Spleen glandular, with Siberian ginseng, such as PCM4 (from Emerson's Ecologies of Acton, Massachusetts, and Omega Nutripharm of Birmingham, Alabama). (See warning on glandulars, page 205.)
• DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone (5 to 20 milligrams twice a day—consult your doctor about exact dose), if this adrenal hormone is found to be low.
• Hydrochloric acid (one to four 10-grain capsules per main meal—consult your doctor about exact dose) if an HC1 deficiency is found. |
| This term is applied to any innocuous substance that exhibits an ability to increase resistance to a wide range of adverse influences (physical, chemical, biochemical) and to normalize a wide range of pathologic states. ginseng has many known properties:
1. It increases mental and physical capacity for work, can increase strength and speed, improves endocrine functioning, delays the alarm phase reaction to stress, stimulates the central nervous system with respect to hypothalamic and pituitary function, and enhances adrenal function. |
Lendon H. Smith, M.D.
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| The following herbs are useful: Gingko, ephedra, ginseng, gotu kola, cayenne, acacia, and guarana. Bee pollen, C, E, GH3, octacosanol, brewer's yeast, desiccated liver have all been found useful.
Here is the story of a lady with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
There are perhaps a score of diseases that fit under the name of CFS. To a certain extent, the Life Balances program does not need to know the name of the disease. It only needs to know that there are chemical deviations from the mean, sets out to correct them, and the malady should take care of itself. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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| HERBAL MEDICINES such as ginseng, licorice root, echinacea, astragalus, osha, lomatium, and others have been shown to impart numerous benefits to immune function, particularly the cell-mediated branch. Such benefits include macrophage stimulation, increased phagocytosis, increased NK (natural killer) cell counts, increased interferon, and an enhancement of delayed hypersensitivity response. A number of herbs also have direct antiviral and antitumor activity. However, some herbal medicines, like certain nutrients, can suppress immune function in excessive doses. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Herbs connected with overcoming alcohol dependence are milk thistle, for healing a damaged liver; valerian root, for countering stress; and Siberian ginseng, for remaining alcohol-free after rehabilitation.
Homeopathic treatments can be effective because they are tailored to individual needs.
Allergies
_Hay Fever_
About 37 million people suffer from this seasonal condition. During the spring and late summer, people react to the germination of trees, grasses and ragweed, which fill the air with microscopic particles. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| Siberian ginseng and astragalus are two other tonic herbs. No known drugs have similar tonic effects.
When discussing medicinal herbs, the news media often quote skeptical doctors who warn ominously that if you fool around with herbs, you're playing with fire. With herbs, they say, it's impossible to guarantee good dose control. Dose control means knowing exactly how much of the active ingredient—the chemical that exerts the healing effect—you're getting per dose.
To a certain extent, those skeptics are right. Drugs offer a precise amount of chemical, usually measured in milligrams. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 In a study in Finland, 36 people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes who took a daily dose of 200 milligrams of ginseng for 8 weeks lowered their fasting blood sugar levels and lost weight. Even more important, they reported that they felt better and were able to exercise more.
^itters-to-^Burn leverage
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, overweight is an indication that your digestion is weak. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 See also the reports on acetyl-l-arnitine, choline, deprenyl, DHEA, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, melatonin, and phosphatidylserine in the sections on nutrients and herbs.
NUTRIENTS
--
The verdict is in on the case for nutrition as a life extender. The sheer volume of peer review studies supporting the link between diet and good health is clear and convincing evidence for those willing to take the time to look.
Data continues to support the use of supplements as well. The days when anyone could seriously question the value of things like vitamin C are over. |
Annemarie Colbin
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 Certain foods, such as ginseng and sarsparilla, are known to stimulate the adrenal cortex, which is involved in the production of male sexual hormones. These foods contain elements similar to cortisone. Apparently, in the minuscule quantities in which they appear in these foods, cortisone-like elements stimulate the adrenal cortex. (In larger quantities, as when used as medicine, cortisone has the opposite effect, suppressing the adrenals.) Carrots, yams, and pomegranate seeds have estrogen-related factors and could supplement deficiencies in women. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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 Many products on the market contain little or none of the active ingredients in ginseng, the ginsenosides. So look for products that contain the root or a standardized ginsenoside content.
Herbs and spices: Licorice soothes an irritated throat, fenugreek lubricates and soothes coughs, and capsaicin in red and cayenne peppers relieves nasal stuffiness. The herb horehound is an effective expectorant, and hyssop helps treat upper respiratory infections. Teas made from chamomile also might soothe a stressed body. |
| However there is no scientific evidence to support claims that ginseng boosts energy or endurance. Superoxygenated water: Oxygen-enriched water is advertised as an energy elixir But where's the research? There is none. This one is a gimmick. You don't get oxygen through the digestive tract; you get it via the lungs into the blood. And, you get more than your red blood cells can carry by just breathing at sea level.
Vitamin 8/2: Even a mild deficiency of this B vitamin results in fatigue, depression, and poor mental function. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| You can find ginseng in tincture and capsules. Look for a 25:1 tincture. You can also pick up capsules that are standardized to contain 1 percent eleutherosides, suggests Dr. Milowe. It is best to take this remedy for 60 days at a time, then take a rest period of 2 to 3 weeks between courses.
Kava Kava
Take 200 milligrams of root extract in capsule form three times a day or 1 teaspoon of tincture twice daily. A popular stress remedy in Germany, kava contains active ingredients called kavalactones that act like muscle relaxants. |
Lendon H. Smith, M.D.
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| Herbal remedies: Pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, ginseng, gotu kola, saw palmetto berries, damiana.
INFERTILITY
Allopathic control: Hormones, artificial insemination, surgery. Natural control: No sugar; add zinc, B6, C, and L-arginine.
INSOMNIA
Allopathic control: Sleeping pills, sleep clinic, psychiatry.
Natural control: Control stress. Change diet. Take calcium, tryptophan, B-complex, and C. No caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or sugar. Homeopathy. Herbal remedies: Valerian root, hops, passion flower, skullcap, catnip, chamomille, valerian, Avenasativa. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Considering that many older adults suffer from deteriorated adrenal capacities, ginseng can provide a valuable supplement to ginkgo biloba extract.
Yet another herb that promotes healthy circulation to the brain is butcher's broom. Enhanced memory and clearer focus can be expected when two to four 425-mg capsules are taken daily.
What to Avoid
Unfortunately most Americans indulge in an abundance of processed foods, foods stripped of vital nutrients. |
| American ginseng and Licorice Root...These herbs are for prostate problems due to low testosterone and androgen levels. They are safe to take on a regular basis, two to three times a day.
•Corn Silk...Corn silk relieves inflammation of the prostate. It is also a remedy for inflammatory conditions of the urethra, bladder, and kidneys.
•Pumpkin Seed Extract.. .This is an excellent source of zinc and essential fatty acids, both important substances for prostate health. Pumpkin seed extract helps to tone the bladder muscles, relax the sphincter mechanism, and decongest the prostate. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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| HERBS
• ginseng (Siberian/Eleutherococcus) is one of the more important herbs for the adrenals because one of its constituents can be made into pregnenolone, a precursor to Cortisol and DHEA. In addition, it has steroid-like activity of its own and increases resistance to a wide range of stressors. It can prevent shrinking of the thymus gland, which maintains the body's immune function, and prevents adrenal hyperplasia. It can also help prevent adrenal atrophy in cortisone treatment. I recommend it in both high and low Cortisol states. Take a 100-milligram capsule twice a day. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Plant extracts that have proven valuable are remifemin, an extract of Cimicifuga racemosa; ginseng; and wild yam and dong quai. especially for women just entering menopause. Other therapies of value include acupuncture, exercise, and relaxation techniques. (See below.)
According to Dr. Vicki Hufnagel, the use of NCHT (Natural Cyclic Hormone Therapy, an alternative to traditonal hormones using natural hormones in physiological doses) delays onset and reverses many of the symptoms of menopause, while also reducing the incidence of long term complications such as heart disease and osteoporosis. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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 The Book of ginseng. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1993.
Hobbs C. Echinacea: The Immune Herb, 3rd ed. Capitola, CA: Botanica Press, 1992.
Hobbs C. Ginkgo, Elixir of Youth. Capitola, CA: Botanica Press, 1991.
Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of
Tradition, Healing, and Culture. Santa Cruz,
CA: Botanica Press, 1995. Hobbs C. Milk Thistle: The Liver Herb, 2nd ed.
Capitola, CA: Botanica Press, 1992. Hobbs C. Reishi Mushroom. Seattle: Sylvan Press,
1995.
Hobbs C. Valerian: The Relaxing and Sleep Herb. Capitola, CA: Botanica Press, 1993.
Hobbs C. Vitex: The Women's Herb. |
Arthur C. Upton, M.D.
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| Over-the-counter products sold as remedies (such as ginseng) may be contaminated with arsenic, lead, or thallium, as well as with other stimulants.
All of these products contain ethanol, which can be associated with tremor.
Using and abusing cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and marijuana has caused tremors in some users. These substances may also be contaminated with toxins, such as arsenic or lead. Inhaling fluorocarbons from bags can be more than merely intoxicating. Tremor or even sudden death may occur. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
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 Garlic, onions, honey (and other bee products), ginger, ginseng, fish oils and aloe show up over and over again in folk remedies from all over the world and throughout history.
Garlic and Onions: Ancient Cures for Today's Ills
Cut into an onion or crush a clove of garlic. That pungent odor is allicin, the main chemical ingredient that makes these two humble roots such effective medicine. But allicin isn't the only beneficial substance in garlic and onions. Both contain thousands of healthy components that make them among the most valuable plants in the world. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| Ashwaganda is another staple of Ayurvedic medicine—it's called the Indian ginseng, according to Dr. Broadhurst. Like brahmi, ashwaganda is thought to help the neurons of the brain remodel themselves so that they can "learn" and retain new memories, although even prior to modern research, it had been used for centuries to help counteract concentration problems.
As exotic as it may sound, ashwaganda has very familiar relatives. It's a member of the nightshade family, Dr. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D.
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 Unfortunately, it's greasy and hard to digest, so it is rarely used alone, but rather in formulas, with digestion-stimulating herbs like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginseng. Nettle also has a reputation for being nourishing to the kidney, and sarsaparilla is a cooling herb that washes out the whole urinary tract. Sarsaparilla was boiled alone or with sassafras root, then fermented with sugar and yeast for a few hours to make root beer. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
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 As the demand for ginseng and other Chinese herbs has soared, the Chinese government recently issued curbs on the production of traditional herbal medicines, citing the ready availability of adulterated, fake, and illegal remedies. The Chinese Ministry of Health indicated that adulterated medicines, available without a doctor's prescription, are causing disabilities and deaths. China plans to close all substandard factories and markets, as well as those trading in medicines banned by the state. |
Dr. Gary Null
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| Sotaniemi et at, "Ginseng Therapy in Non-lnsulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients," Diabetes Care 18, no. 10 (October 1995): 1373-75.
EXERCISE
A study compared two groups of non-insulin-dependent diabetics. One group was managed by diet alone, and the other was put on the same diet combined with exercise (10,000 steps per day). Results: Both groups lost significant amounts of weight, although the exercise group lost more. Also, the exercise group experienced significant increases in their glucose infusion rates and metabolic clearance rates.
K. |
| When practitioners of natural medicine use ephedra for weight loss, they often use herbs like licorice and Panax ginseng and/or vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid supplementation in order to support the adrenal glands.
M.T Murray, "The Rational Use of Thermogenic Formulas," American Journal of Natural Medicine 1, no. 4 (December 1994): 5-7.
EXERCISE
Obesity increases the risk of coronary heart disease. |
Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis
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 If you crave a caffeine lift but want to avoid caffeine consequences, try ginseng (see section 132) or fruit juice, the natural sugar content of which can give you an energy boost with a vitamin bonus.
61. Caffeine Comparisons to Keep in Mind
The following table has been designed to give you perspective regarding caffeine consumption and help you keep yours at a safe 300 mg daily. You're likely to find that you are getting more caffeine jolts than you think. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Modern pharmacological interest in the effects of ginseng has raised speculation that as steroidal molecules, some saponins may modulate steroid hormone control mechanisms in the body (see also p.43).
APPLICATION
Saponin-rich plants may be taken before meals or if there is a sensitive stomach immediately after eating.
Long-term therapy with saponin-rich plants should be avoided unless dosage levels are small or clear benefits are apparent which diminish if treatment is stopped. The impact of saponins on digestion and absorption is insufficiently clear. |
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