Eleutherococcus senticosus

Part Used

Root

Systems

Endocrine

Actions

Adaptogen; adrenal tonic; anti-coagulant; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; anti-viral; bitter; chemo-protective; immune-modulator; immune-stimulant; circulatory-stimulant; hepatoprotective; hypertensive; hypoglycaemic; neuro-protective; tonic

Traditional Uses

Adaptogenic (especially adrenal) properties have been shown to increase both mental alertness and physical endurance. Inhibits hypertrophy of adrenal and thyroid glands by reducing the extent of the fight or flight reaction; reduces the exhaustive effects of long term stress. Used in the treatment and prevention of infections and cancer. Will treat chronic fatigue and illness, alleviate chronic stress, and reduce damage from heavy metal and pesticide toxicity. May lessen the side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Aerial (leaf & flower)

Systems

Cardiovascular; respiratory; skin

Actions

Alterative; anti-hemorrhagic; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial; antispasmodic; astringent; bitter tonic; carminative; diaphoretic; emmenagogue; febrifuge; hypotensive; vulnerary

Traditional Uses

Flowers are one of the best diaphoretic herbs and is a standard remedy for aiding the body to deal with fevers. Treats winter colds and flu through diaphoresis, helping the body induce sweat and reduce fever. Is both a relaxant and tonifying agent for the smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera. H amphoteric effect on the menstrual cycle (normalizes) amenorrhea, menorrhagia, leucorrhea, menopause complaints, fibroids, tumours and endometriosis. as anLeaf is used externally and will aid in the healing of wounds. Is astringent and used as a hemostatic in a variety of bleeding conditions associated with mucous membranes. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Aerial parts, root

Systems

Nervous

Actions

Alterative; antimicrobial; antispasmodic; astringent; bitter; carminative; nervine tonic & sedative

Traditional Uses

Useful in the treatment of headaches (associated with muscle tension) and/or hypertension that is worsened by anxiety, or in nervous debility associated with anxiety & tension. Will gently tonify and strengthen the nervous system while exerting an overall relaxing effect. Astringent, antimicrobial, and alterative actions give it usefulness in treating rheumatism, dysbiosis, and various toxic conditions. Removes obstruction of the spleen, sore throat, gum inflammations, upper respiratory tract mucus and stimulates digestive and liver functions. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Root

Systems

Nervous; muscular; respiratory; cardiovascular

Actions

Analgesic; antimicrobial; antispasmodic; anti-anxiety; bitter; carminative; nervine sedative & hypnotic; hypotensive

Traditional Uses

One of the most relaxing nervines available to herbal medicine. Can be used safely to reduce tension, anxiety, and overly excitable states. Is an effective aid in insomnia, producing a natural healing sleep. As an antispasmodic,  has a muscle-relaxing effect on smooth and skeletal muscles. Aids in the relief of cramping, neuralgias, and intestinal colic. Most indicated for pain associated with tension, such as in migraines. Useful in a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders such as asthma and hypertension. Helpful in menopause – dysmenorrhea and uterine pain. ^1. 2.

Part Used

Leaf

Systems

Nervous; respiratory; digestive

Actions

Adaptogen; alterative; anti-bacterial; anti-emetic; anti-microbial; anti-septic; anti-spasmodic; diaphoretic; febrifuge; galactogogue; nervine

Traditional Uses

An effective diaphoretic and febrifuge in most colds, flus and lung problems. Soothes the GIT. Considered sacred in Ayurvedic medicine; used as a water purifiers, and in the treatment of morning sickness and hangover. Beneficial for respiratory infections. May increase supply of mother’s milk, and treat babies’ colic. Awakens the brain, supports a meditation practice. Soothes connective tissue inflammation. ^1.