Siberian Ginseng: The OG Energy Supplement
You may have seen or heard of ginseng before as it has become more mainstream via the energy drink world over the years. Toted as a ‘natural energy booster’ but paired with a whole lot of questionable ingredients, you may wonder - is it true? Yes, but with some nuance! It’s important to clarify the difference between two major types of ginseng - Panax and Siberian. Most energy drinks will likely contain panax, which is much stronger and intense, and when paired with the ingredients it’s often paired with, like caffeine, it can more easily overtax the heart and overall system. In contrast, Siberian ginseng provides energy and mental clarity in a much gentler way without overwhelming the body. While both are considered adaptogenic, meaning, they help the body deal with stress, improve cognitive function and normalize adrenaline and cortisol, they deliver a different level of ‘punch’. Siberian ginseng is also safe for pregnant and nursing women whereas panax is not. Given its milder impact to your body, let’s explore siberian ginseng and its benefits a little more closely.
Siberian ginseng, also known as devil’s bush and eleuthero, is a native Northeast Asian plant. It has been used for thousands of years in China as an energy tonic, and only made its way to the West in the 1950s. Traditional Chinese herbalists utilize this herb to nourish the spleen and kidneys to support overall resilience. It was the first her to be officially classified as an adaptogen!
Siberian ginseng is most notably known for its ability to improve endurance and mental alertness, as associated with early Soviet Russia supplying their astronauts, athletes and soldiers to increase mental and physical output. In double-blind studies, supplementation significantly improved mental endurance and alertness for individuals dealing with fatigue and/or stress.
It may help combat stress and prevent stress-related illnesses with its ability to favorably affect the adrenal glands - these small glands sit on top of the kidneys and secrete our stress-fighting hormones. Siberian ginseng helps regulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and support balanced cortisol output, while also improving oxygen utilization which helps reduce fatigue from adrenal stress.
Individuals experiencing hyperthyroidism, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism and graves’ disease may benefit from taking this herb. It is immune modulating, so can assist in managing autoimmune conditions. Because thyroid symptoms are often triggered or worsened by stress, the stress-reducing characteristic of this herb can be very beneficial.
Because of its positive impacts to both the adrenal glands and thyroid, which work in harmony to keep our hormones balanced, Siberian ginseng may help relieve certain menstrual and menopausal symptoms and disorders.
Chinese medicine practitioners have long found Siberian ginseng to be effective at suppressing colds and flus because of its immune-regulating and even boosting effects. A study conducted in Russia of 13,000 automotive workers taking Siberian ginseng during winter months showed participants had 40% fewer respiratory tract infections than they had in previous winters.
As you can see, there are a litany of health benefits that Siberian ginseng can provide. Most notably, it can help us create and sustain energy, and keep our hormones in balance. So next time you’re considering a cup of coffee or an energy drink, consider reaching for some Siberian ginseng instead - your body may very well appreciate the switch!
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