Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus Senticosus) – Herb

Brew & Taste

Brew from ginseng is pale yellow in color and has a mild, bittersweet taste.

Origins

We should mention that the nomenclature of ginseng is bit tricky. It's very accurately described by traditional Chinese medicine, which works with the Panax ginseng plant (called true ginseng, ginseng allspice, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (called five-leaf ginseng, American ginseng) and Eleutherococcus senticosus (called spiny eleutherococcus, spiny acanthopanax, Siberian ginseng).

The original word is Chinese for "root of man", as the shape can resemble a human body. It is one of the revered properties that also appears frequently in myths and fairy tales. They are said to summon love, health, beauty, but also money and potency. Burning them is said to ward off evil spirits and heal curses. The root of the ginseng is even said to grant wishes if you think intensely about them while clutching it in your palm and then throwing it into flowing water.

The true ginseng was used by people as early as the 4th century BC. Because it was and still is very unavailable and therefore rare and expensive, it is being replaced by Siberian ginseng, which has mostly the same properties.

Eleutherococcus senticosus, otherwise known devil's root or Siberian ginseng, is widespread in East Asia, especially in eastern Russia, northeastern China, Japan and Korea. It is a simple perennial growing up to 2m with elliptical leaves and light grey bark. Plants bear flowers and the fruit is an ovoid inedible berry. They contain thousands of seeds, which germinate in the second year. Siberian ginseng reproduces simultaneously by root divisions.

The plant is most poplar for its roots. In the 1950s, scientists confirmed that they could be used as a substitute for true ginseng because they contain the same nutrients, which can also be found in the leaves. Siberian ginseng roots are collected in late September and dried at temperatures up to 70⁰C.

Herb packaging preview

We pack our herbs in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. Thanks to the hermetic seal, the herbs are protected against humidity, light and foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew and the herb itself.