Synonyms: Ci Wu Jia, Devil's Shrub, Eleuthero Ginseng, Eleutherococ, Eleutherococcus, Spiny Ginseng, Ussurian Thorny Pepperbush, Touch-Me-Not, Wild Pepper, Wu Jia
Family: Araliaceae
Genus species: Eleutherococcus senticosus (syn. Acanthopanax senticosus), Hedera senticosa
Type: Deciduous shrub
Part Used: Root and rhizome
Location: Mountains of Heilongjiang adjacent to Korea and Japan, northeastern Asia, northeastern China, southeastern Russia
Actions: Adaptogen, anabolic agent, anti-aging, anticoagulant, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antilipemic, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antitumor, carcinostatic, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, estrogenic activity, gonadotropic activity, helps normalize blood pressure, helps the body manage stress, immunomodulator (increases lymphocyte count, esp. T-lymphocyte count), increase the production of DNA, RNA and essential proteins, improves endurance, improves memory, improves mental performance, liver alterative, mild sedative, stimulates: adrenal, pancreas, pituitary glands to lower blood sugar and reduce inflammation, stomachic, tonic
Indications: Acne, adrenal disorders, age spots, AIDS, anemia, anorexia, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, cocaine withdrawal, convalescence, debility, depression, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, drug addiction, edema, endometriosis, failing memory, fatigue, frigidity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, hypertension, hypotension, immunodeficiency, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, multiple sclerosis (early stages), poor attention span, pyelonephritis, ulcer
Chemicals & Nutrients: beta-Carotene, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Sulfur, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin E
Preparation & Dosages: 3x/day
Dried Root and Rhizome: 2-3 g
Decoction: 4-8 g, in two doses
Contraindications: Persons who are nervous, hysteric, manic, schizophrenic, hypertensive (not recommended for blood pressure greater than 180/90 mm Hg), premenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy, lactation, oral contraceptives, pregnancy,
Drug Interactions: Antipsychotic drugs, hormone therapy, cardiac drugs, anticoagulants, hypotensives, hypertensives, antihyperglycemics, alcohol, bitter substances. May potentiate antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Use of this herb may interfere with and/or reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and sex hormones. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Possible insomnia, arrhythmia, tachycardia, headaches, heart palpitations, hypertension, irritability, depression, mastalgia, neuritis, sciatica.
Warning: Do not take continuously for long periods, occasional use or courses of 1 month followed by a 2 month interval are preferable. Do not use with other stimulants (e.g. coffee).
Safety: Safe when used appropriately.