Introduction

Eleuthero is a woodland plant native to southeastern Siberia and the Korean peninsula, and adapted to the damp forests of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. A relative of the more famous red ginseng, eleuthero has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since about 190 AD. It became a widely cultivated herb after its use as an adaptogen (an herb that helps the body adapt to stress) was discovered by a Soviet scientist named Brekhman in the 1940Ís. It was dispensed to entire cities in Siberia for 10 weeks in early winter to prevent colds and flu, and used as a treatment for radiation exposure after the Chernobyl accident.

Constituents

Eleutherosides B and E, and immunostimulant complex polysaccharides.

Parts Used

The dried root.

Typical Preparations

Encapsulated root, tea, or tincture, may be added to juices or smoothies.

Summary

Eleuthero is an "adaptogen," an agent that helps the body address to stress. Scientists believe it helps prevent "adrenal burnout" caused by ongoing physical or mental challenges. Eleuthero boosts concentration and focus without the letdown than comes from drinking coffee or other sources of caffeine.

Eleuthero also boosts immunity. Healthy people taking 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of tincture three times daily have been shown to have increased numbers of the immune cells (CD4+ cells) that have decrease during HIV-infection and AIDS. Eleuthero may also enhance athletic performance.
Eleuthero was a favorite of trainers and coaches of Olympic athletes in the old Soviet Union. When the word about eleuthero got out, Western scientists put it to the test. A study of six baseball players found that taking eleuthero for 8 days increased breathing capacity. That is, eleuthero gave the players more wind to sprint between bases.
In another clinical test, scientists in Australia found that men (and women) who took eleuthero 8 weeks had 13% strength gains in the pectoral muscles and 15% in the biceps. And a company in New Jersey found that taking eleuthero for 8 weeks increased the body's ability to burn fat through exercise by about 43%.

The scientists running these tests recruited experienced athletes. The benefits of this readily available herb are even more noticeable in beginning athletes. Just be sure to take the herb for at least 8 weeks for best results.

Combining eleuthero with other herbs can be even better. Soviet scientists found taking both schisandra and eleuthero benefited endurance athletes by giving them an immune system boost. The two herbs together helped prevent colds, flu, and other infections after athletic events.
Eleuthero is not the only herb for athletes. American trainers report a combination of sea buckthorn, wild oats, and stinging nettle increases strength, anaerobic power (muscle output when the athlete is out of breath), endurance time, and even feelings of well being. For best results, increase the vitamin C foods in your diet when you take these herbs.

Precautions

May cause insomnia if taken too close to bedtime. Not recommended for persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure.