Eleuthero
Eleutherococcus senticosus
T Traditional useEleuthero (Siberian ginseng) root is traditionally used for symptoms of weakness such as fatigue; do not use it for more than 2 months.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes Eleutherococcus senticosus root as a traditional herbal medicine for symptoms of asthenia (weakness) such as fatigue. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a different plant. Do not use it for more than 2 months.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for symptoms of weakness such as fatigue. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Infuse 0.5–4 g of chopped root a day in 150 ml of boiling water, split into 1–3 doses.
Amount: 1–3 times daily
Duration limit: Max 2 months; see a doctor if no better after 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
Duration limit: 60 days
- Do not use for more than 2 months.
- Not recommended under 12.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
- Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a different plant.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Sleeplessness, irritability, fast heartbeat, headache (frequency unknown)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Per the EMA, eleuthero is used for at most 2 months. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does eleuthero help with fatigue?
The EMA accepts eleuthero root as a traditional remedy for weakness such as fatigue.
Is Siberian ginseng the same as Korean ginseng?
No. Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus senticosus; Korean ginseng is Panax ginseng.
How long can I take it?
For at most 2 months.
Does it have side effects?
Sleeplessness, irritability, fast heartbeat and headache may occur.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim., radixEMA HMPC · 2014
Cite This Page
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/eleuthero/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Ginkgo Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceGinkgo biloba
Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution.
Black Tea
A Strong clinical evidenceCamellia sinensis
Its caffeine and L-theanine increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk.
Green Tea
T Traditional useCamellia sinensis
Green tea is traditionally used to relieve fatigue and a feeling of weakness; it contains caffeine and is unsuitable with high blood pressure or ulcers.
Korean Ginseng
T Traditional usePanax ginseng
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) root is traditionally used for symptoms of weakness such as fatigue; use it for no more than 3 months.
Rhodiola
T Traditional useRhodiola rosea
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) extract is traditionally used to relieve symptoms of stress such as fatigue and exhaustion in adults.
Yerba Mate
T Traditional useIlex paraguariensis
Traditionally used for tiredness and weakness, and to increase urine in minor urinary complaints. Contains caffeine; avoid with high blood pressure or ulcers.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea)
Dried Herb & Tea →
Echinacea
A Strong clinical evidenceEchinacea purpurea
Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered.
Psyllium Husk
A Strong clinical evidencePlantago ovata
Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines.
Senna
A Strong clinical evidenceSenna alexandrina
A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
St. John's Wort
A Strong clinical evidenceHypericum perforatum
St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill.
