Siberian Ginseng

  

In the corner of my grandfathers dacha resides a magical shrub filled with woodland berries that taste like the summertime forest. It grows tall and thorny, with clusters of the dark fruit hanging high above me, teasing me with their remarkable beauty. As we work on the land, I return to this plant over and over again - I can't stay away from its calling, I am determined to make it my ally. My grandfather tells me that he got a cutting of the plant from a holy place, and that the plant is known to heal. The old lady down the street  says that a handful of the berries gives her so much energy she could sprint to the bus station with ease. The true power of Eleutherococcus, however, lies in the roots, and I am lucky enough to be able to harvest some of their wonder.

Eleutherococcus senticosus, or Siberian Ginseng, is native to East Asia, China, Japan, and Russia - while more than 15 species of Elutherococcus can be found in China and Japan, only E. senticosus is native to Russia. E. senticosus prefers open, sunny spaces but can grow in partial shade and in varying conditions; it can typically be found in coniferous and mixed forests, in valleys and on the sides of mountains, and on cleared or burned land.

Siberian Ginseng reproduces vegetatively, and the best way to establish a plant is by obtaining a runner and planting it in the spring - if this isn't an option, growing from seeds is also possible (this will unfortunately be my fate). The seeds must undergo stratification by remaining in moist sand for 4-5 months at a temperature of 18-20 C, and then at a temperature of 3 C for another 2-3 months. Even then, the seeds will only have a 40-50% germination rate; E. senticosus seeds are especially prone to fungal pathogens. In the Spring, seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 centimeters and the plant should establish itself at a normal rate.

Tinctured E. senticosus

Siberian Ginseng is an effective and powerful adaptogen that is known to replenish depleted adrenals. It improves overall health and energy - physical, mental and sexual, and strengthens the immune system. It is said to improve memory, mental clarity and focus as well as increase awareness, eyesight and sharpen hearing; E. senticosus also gives physical energy and helps the body adapt to physical stresses such as heat, cold, and radiation. Siberian Ginseng is also used to help replenish energy after debilitating illnesses, head traumas, and can be taken when wounds take too long to heal. It is used widely to treat numerous respiratory problems, increase appetite, and balance sleeping patterns.In addition, E. senticosus is also known to be an effective uterane tonic - it can help regulate and normalize the menstrual cycle and can increase fertility if taken correctly. It is also said to alleviate symptoms of menopause.

Roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus

Eleutherococcus root is best harvested in the second half of September. On a rainy day, drawn time and time again to the majesty of the plant, I took a shovel and gently unearthed some of the roots, taking only what the plant would allow me to. The roots smelled fresh and earthy in the soft rain, their strong odor giving me energy just as I held them in my hands. I washed them in the rain barrel, wrapped them in a newspaper, and took them home. After a few days of drying, it was time to tincture them. Cutting them carefully into small bits, careful not to waste any of the precious gift. I covered them with 40 proof vodka, making sure all of the plant matter was covered; now it's time to wait. All good things take time.