Siberian Ginseng – The Natural Lift


Siberian Ginseng (INCI: Eleutherococcus senticosus or E. senticosus) has some pretty impressive capabilities. Now, this is not to be confused with ginseng of the Panax variety, which is an entirely different genus – though from the same plant family (which is called Auraliaceae if you really want to get technical).

As far as I am informed, Siberian Ginseng got its common name through some sort of slick marketing trick. I'm guessing someone decided to try and make a fast buck by selling it as Panax Ginseng without explaining the difference between the different species (there are eleven).

Illegal in The USA

Because of the confusion it can cause, it is currently illegal to market Eleutherococcus Senticosus under the Ginseng name in the USA, where Panax ginseng is the only accepted "true" ginseng (and all the others can just go home and find themselves another name!).

Personally, I find it much easier to remember Siberian Ginseng than Eleutherococcus Senticosus, so, with apologies to North American readers, I will continue to refer to this ingredient as Siberian Ginseng.

So What's In This Name?

The Siberian Ginseng root contains a mixture of components called eleutherosides. These are thought to be responsible for some of the measured medicinal effects (antioxidant, antiflammatory and adaptogen).

The root also contains polysaccharides, which have been found to boost the immune system (so far only documented in animal tests). And for topical use (here comes the fun part), Siberian Ginseng assists in firming, toning and lifting sagging skin.

What's even better – it is non-invasive and safe for all-over use – even the delicate eye area.

The Herbal Lift

There is extract of Siberian Ginseng root (in a relatively modest dose of 5%) in my Herbal Repair Toning Eye Solution and in larger doses (up to the recommended max 10% dosage) in a few of my face serums, body-firming gels and lotions.

I have used it for years. Has it given me a face lift? It would be impossible to say exactly how much could be attributed specifically to Siberian ginseng, but it is my impression and experience that it does indeed make a difference.

After having used it successfully in my eye solution for a year, I had a fit of outrageous luxury and decided to do an all out full dose in a body lotion for myself. It did make a visible difference to my arms after just a couple of weeks use. I was completely sold, and all of the body lotions I do for myself have had a full dose since. 

Fact Tidbit: Known Side Effect Of Internal Use

People with medicated high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking E. senticosus supplements because it may reduce their need for medication.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi Lisa, love your blog. What form of Siberian Ginseng do you use? Powder or liquid? A friend made me a cream with sticky type extract sourced from Aromantic but I found this too gluey on my face. Or is this what the 'lifting' actually is? Wondering if yours is different.
LisaLise said…
Hey there Anon - I have used this is several different forms. I prefer the liquid.

If your friend made a sticky-feeling cream, perhaps the proportions were off? Or perhaps there were other ingredients that made the final product feel sticky? It's hard for me to say without more info…
JANE RITS said…
I have bought the Aromantic Ginseng which is a sticky liquid. I am intending to use it in a face cream but their description only mentioned gels. Does it work in an emulsion-type cream?
LisaLise said…
Hey there Jane - I have used the Aromatic Siberian Ginseng in emulsions without problem. Do follow the recommended dosage, and you should be fine. Best of luck with it.
Nicole said…
Thanks Lise - hers was definitely Aromantic Siberian Ginseng so maybe proportions were off. I'd like to try in a face cream myself so will follow their dosage. Although now my concern is whether it's actually Siberian ginseng as the inci name o their website has the panax variety...I'm in Australia and suppliers here also list it as the panax variety. Can you recommend anyone (US or UK) that you know is actually Siberian ginseng. Thanks, Nicole
LisaLise said…
HI Nicole - Siberian Ginseng has the INCI name Eleutherococcus senticosus or E. senticosus. It is not a true ginseng and not the same as panax Ginseng.
You can get Siberian Ginseng at New Directions Australia. Search under: Ginseng, siberian. Best of luck! :)
Nicole said…
Yes - New Directions also call it siberian ginseng but their inci name is also the panax variety. Finding a supplier that actually lists it correctly is becoming a challenge. Any UK or US suggestions?
LisaLise said…
Hey there Nicole - really? I must not have checked this well enough. I know New Directions carry both kinds - Panax variety and the Siberian Ginseng--

Otherwise, in the UK, you might try Aromantic - they have carried this in a gel-like form previously, but it's been a while since I checked their site. Other than that, I'm not sure I can be of much help!
Nicole said…
Thanks Lise - seems like both Aromantic and New Directions aren't clear on the variety. They both call it Siberian Ginseng but have panax in the INCI name. I might try the gel form since it's 25% and put it down to a typo. I love your blog and have tried to sign up several times to receive via email but nothing ever arrives in my inbox. I have activated etc as per the subscription request. Any thoughts?
LisaLise said…
Hi Nicole- thanks for the heads up on the feed reader probs. I will check this out. In the meantime, I do know the bloglovin' link works. I believe you can set the bloglovin' link to be delivered to your inbox... Best of luck with the siberian ginseng!
Nicole said…
All working now - hooray!
LisaLise said…
Hi Nicole - thanks for letting me know - maybe some of my tweaking actually worked this time!
LisaLise said…
Hi Nicole - thanks for letting me know - maybe some of my tweaking actually worked this time!
Unknown said…
I'm new to making creams/lotions. What variety of ginseng do you recomend, & would you add it as a powder or an infusion?
Unknown said…
So you like the Siberians better than the Korean Red for skin care...can you please say why? Thank you!
LisaLise said…
HI Eloise - I have worked with it in several forms, but if you are new to making cosmetics, I would recommend using the gel - it is easiest to work with.
LisaLise said…
HI Eloise - Korean Red is a different thing: the INCI name is Panax Ginseng root extract. It is also popular in skincare and I think you would have to try them both out yourself to get an idea of which you prefer.