Ci Wu Jia
Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms
☯ TCM Properties
Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen; Tonifies the Kidneys and Strengthens the Lower Back; Calms the Spirit; Invigorates Blood and Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Eleutherococcus senticosus (syn. Acanthopanax senticosus, Araliaceae), Siberian ginseng or eleuthero, is a deciduous shrub 2-3 m tall with slender erect stems densely covered in slender, downward-pointing bristly prickles. Palmately compound leaves bear 3-5 elliptic to obovate, doubly serrate leaflets 6-13 cm long on long bristly petioles. Numerous small umbels of greenish-yellow (male) or yellowish (female) flowers form globose terminal panicles in midsummer, followed by clusters of glossy black globose drupes 7-8 mm across. Native to mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of the Russian Far East, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. The root and root bark, harvested in autumn from plants at least three years old, are dried and used as a major adaptogenic tonic in both East Asian and Western herbal medicine. (Sources: POWO; Wikipedia; PFAF)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ci Wu Jia (eleuthero root, Siberian ginseng) is a warm, mild herb used in Chinese medicine to supplement the Spleen and Kidney Qi and Yang, calm the Spirit, and expel Wind-Cold-Damp. It is used for fatigue, poor appetite, lower back and knee weakness from deficiency, insomnia with anxiety, and joint pain from Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction. Unlike the true ginsengs, it has a mild, balanced tonic action that makes it well suited for long-term preventive use and for those who cannot tolerate more intensely warming tonics.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.