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Eleutherococcus

What are other common names?

  • Acanthopanax senticosus
  • Eleutherococcus senticosus
  • Hedera senticosa
  • Acanthopanax Obovatus
  • Acanthopanax Obovatus Hoo
  • Adaptogen
  • Ci Wu Jia
  • Ciwujia Root
  • Ciwujia Root Extract
  • Devil's Bush
  • Devil's Shrub
  • Eleuthero
  • Eleuthero Extract
  • Eleuthero Ginseng
  • Eleuthero Root
  • Eleutherococci Radix
  • Ginseng Root
  • Ginseng, Siberian
  • Hedera Senticosa
  • Kan Jang
  • North Wu Jia Pi
  • Phytoestrogen
  • Prickly Eleutherococcus
  • Racine Russe
  • Russian Root
  • Shigoka
  • Siberian Eleuthero
  • Siberian Ginseng
  • Thorny Bearer of Free Berries
  • Touch-Me-Not
  • Untouchable
  • Ussuri
  • Ussurian Thorny Pepperbush
  • Wild Pepper
  • Wu Jia Pi
  • Wu-jia

What is this product used for?

Eleutherococcus is used by some people to help with certain mood problems. Others feel it may help with virus infections like the common cold or herpes simplex. Some people may use this product to lower blood sugar, diabetes.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

  • Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

  • This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

  • Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

  • Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

  • Do not drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs that make you drowsy or help you sleep. These are drugs like lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), or diphyenhydramine (Benadryl).

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, or enoxaparin (Lovenox).

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase (Activase), reteplase (Retevase), or streptokinase.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Naprosyn).

  • Take extra care if you are taking the drug digoxin (Lanoxin).

  • Do not use this product if you have health problems that are sensitive to hormones. These are problems like breast cancer, prostate cancer, or endometriosis.

  • Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

  • Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

    • Heart problems

    • Bleeding problems

    • Diabetes

    • Mental health problems

  • Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

What should I watch for?

  • Upset stomach

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Mental changes like feeling irritable or nervous

  • Muscle spasms

  • Rash

When do I need to call the doctor?

  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

  • Signs of high blood sugar. These include sleepiness, blurred vision, passing urine more often, increased thirst, breath has a fruity sweet smell, upset stomach and throwing up, dizziness, or passing out.

  • Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headaches, nervousness, problems breathing, or nosebleeds.

  • Chest pains

  • Very bad throwing up

  • Very bad loose stools

  • Very bad headache

  • Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

  • Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

Last Reviewed Date

2018-04-20

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. You should not rely on this information in deciding whether or not to use, or accept your healthcare provider’s advice regarding use of, any natural products or similar treatments, therapies, or life-style choices. This information does not endorse any natural products or similar treatments, therapies, or life-style choices as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about natural products, possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to you. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about your health and treatment options.

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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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