Being able to take care of yourself during periods of stress can help enhance your resilience and overall health. There are many different approaches for managing stress and one of them is supplementing with Siberian ginseng. Both animal and human studies have shown that Siberian ginseng helps manage stress and minimizes the effects of stress on the body.
Also known as eleuthero, Siberian ginseng is a beneficial herb to have on hand when you are feeling stressed out.
Stress and Its Impact on Your Body
Stress is a normal response to a threat or perceived threat. It’s when stress becomes a constant presence in your life that can lead to health problems, both physical and emotional.
When you’re under stress, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones. These hormones prepare the body for danger by igniting the fight or flight response in the part of the brain called the amygdala. When a threat or perceived threat is recognized by the brain, your body emits a physiological response.
This can include: increasing blood pressure and heart rate, dilating of the pupils; speeding up metabolism through increased glucose production in liver cells; diverting blood flow away from the skin; slowing digestion (so energy isn’t wasted on digesting food); releasing fatty acids into circulation so they can be converted into energy quickly (increasing blood sugar levels); and contracting muscles throughout your body to prepare for action.
The idea is that if the situation warrants you to run away or fight an enemy, then these bodily responses will help you do just that, and if not, at least your body will be ready next time you encounter danger.
So what does all this mean? Your body can’t tell the difference between being chased by a predator and the stress you feel over your job or other circumstances in your life.
Siberian Ginseng is One of the Most Effective Herbs for Helping Deal with Stress
Although the stress response sounds scary, there is a completely natural solution. Meet adaptogens. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help you adapt to stress. They work by helping you balance your hormones, increasing your energy levels, and boosting your immune system. Siberian ginseng is a very beneficial herb to use during times when you are experiencing chronic stress or fatigue.
Here are some of its benefits:
Supports the stress response
Siberian ginseng has been used for centuries to help manage stress and its effects on the body. It’s been shown to increase serotonin levels, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood. It also increases dopamine levels, which can improve memory, attention span and cognitive function.
Siberian ginseng is one of the most effective adaptogens because it can decrease cortisol levels after exercise or during stressful times. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands when you’re under pressure or feeling stressed out, but too much cortisol can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Studies have found that Siberian ginseng may have a positive effect on blood pressure and glucose levels, as well as immune function. In addition to lowering cortisol levels, Siberian ginseng has been shown to increase white blood cell count in both men and women; thus, helping to fight infections and increase the body’s natural immune response.
Increases stamina
In addition to improving energy levels and enhancing mood, studies have shown Siberian ginseng can increase stamina during workouts by lowering the heart rate during exercise (to compensate for increased blood flow).
Cognitive support
Siberian ginseng also improves memory function and visual acuity in older adults with age-related cognitive decline. In one animal study, supplementation with Siberian ginseng demonstrated neuroprotective properties.
How Does Siberian Ginseng Make You Feel?
Unlike a sedative or stimulant, Siberian ginseng does not cause sleepiness or excitability. In fact, many consider Siberian ginseng to be a stimulant because it increases energy levels and improves mood. However, its effects are milder than caffeine and other traditional stimulants.
Siberian ginseng is thought to enhance energy levels by increasing muscle tone and improving oxygen flow throughout your body. Since it’s been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety that are related to stress, Siberian ginseng supplement may also make you feel calmer overall – and less likely to reach for a caffeine fix when you’re feeling jittery or agitated.
Taking Siberian Ginseng Supplements
The optimal dose of Siberian ginseng is 2-3g/day of the whole herb, 300-400 mg/day of a solid extract or 8-10 ml/day of an alcohol-based extract taken in divided doses. Because Siberian ginseng has energy boosting properties, it is not advised to take it near bedtime.
Which Siberian Ginseng is Best?
Many rave about Natural Factors Siberian Ginseng 250mg. These capsules are convenient and provide a dose of 250mg of Siberian ginseng 15:1 extract in every capsule. They’re a great remedy to support protection from colds and flu, support a healthy blood pressure and provide energy and adrenal protection.
Siberian ginseng is a good choice to combine with other herbs, including astragalus, schizandra, and B vitamins. Siberian ginseng is not recommended for those who are taking blood pressure medications, as well as those who are breastfeeding or pregnant because it hasn’t received enough research on this population.
In conclusion, Siberian ginseng has been shown to help people manage stress and minimize its effects on the body. It combines well with other botanicals, and there are a variety of formulations available to suit your needs.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
Also read: Some Effective Ways To Deal With Stressful Situation
