Eleuthero / Ci Wu Jia
Eleutherococcus Sentucosus
AKA: Siberian Ginseng, Ussuranian Thorny Pepperbush, Touch-Me-Not, Devil’s Shrub, Pepper Brush, Wild Pepper
Eleuthero is woody perennial shrub with ginseng-like leaves and white flowers giving way to the blue-black fruits. We are planning to introduce Eleuthero to Stenella in 2022 from seed. I have only worked with the dry herb and in doing so really fell in love with this plant’s adaptogenic properties. It is a powerful and useful herb to have access to for a wide range of issues. I particularly like the way it soothes the Shen and reduces the weight of stress. It has a warm energy and a slightly bitter and pungent taste. It is most commonly associated with the Earth, Water and Fire Elements.
Eastern Properties
Tonifies Qi
Builds Blood
Tonifies Spleen
Nourishes the Kidneys
Expels Wind Damp
Calms the Shen
Move Blood Stasis, Invigorates Blood
Unblocks the Collaterals
Western Properties
Adaptogen
Cardiac
Tonic
Antispasmodic
Analgesic
Sedative
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Anticancer
Medicinal Uses
Tinctures are commonly used to reduce blood pressure, decrease cholesterol, moderate stress, increase blood oxygen, relieve insomnia and promote stamina.
Tinctures are also used for reducing pain, relieving arthritis, alleviating chronic lung conditions and for impotence.
Eleuthero has been used in Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine as adjunctive treatment for cancer.
Magical Lore
Korean and Russian folk medicine believe that eleuthero increases stamina and builds overall health.
In Chinese Medicine, the root cortex is the most valuable part of the plant, it has been used for millennia to counter stress.
This relative of ginseng is often used when ginseng itself would provide too much stimulation.
Heal with Eleuthero