Welcome to Aries season, where the Ram lights a fire in your belly to charge ahead! There is often so much energy in the air this time of year. Seeds are planted (both metaphorically and literally!) In the first few months of April, we can focus on igniting our energy, and then grounding that energy back down into our bodies as we approach the end of the month into earthy Taurus. For me, my body really needs that extra kindling to get my fire going. I recently started working with Eleuthero root for this very reason, and WOW! Let me tell ya…I got that fire lit right from underneath me! It’s really amazing how certain herbs really just land in your body. For me, the effects of Eleuthero feel almost immediate, and my energy has skyrocketed since taking it daily.
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus, grows in mountainous regions in the form of a hearty shrub throughout China, Russia, Korea, and Japan, and has been used as a folk medicine for many years. Eleuthero is an adaptogenic herb recognized for its warming properties and ability to improve general health. Despite having “ginseng” in its name, Eleuthero is different from American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, Panax ginseng) and is composed of different chemical compounds. Eleuthero root, or Siberian ginseng, contains compounds that may improve the immune system. The use of Eleuthero root has been documented for over 2,000 years in China, although it did not become globally popular until more recent studies were conducted in Russia in the 1960s. It is presently prescribed for use in Germany and France as well.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, Eleuthero is used to promote the flow of qi (life energy) and for adaptogenic purposes. This root improves vitality, balances stamina through nourishment of the spleen and liver, and enhances endurance. Eleuthero can help to stimulate healthy immune responses and improves fatigue in the body and mind. While commonly served as tea, due to Eleuthero’s bitter taste, it is traditionally made into a sweet rice wine. How delightful that must be! Unfortunately, we don’t make Eleuthero into sweet rice wine at The Herb Shoppe, but you can find it in our Draco Elixir, Body Boost Tea and Tincture, and Soul Shine Tea and Tincture to help you light that fire! *Cue "Light My Fire" by The Doors*
While I don’t have a personal recipe to share this month with Eleuthero, I would love to highlight a recipe I came across that I can’t wait to try! It is written by Agatha from Mother Earth Living. Find the recipe below and a link to the original source!
Eleuthero Spiced Carrots with Maple Syrup By Agatha Novielle
https://www.motherearthliving.com/recipes/eleuthero-vegetables-zmrz18jazols/
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sections
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Eleuthero powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Salt, to taste
Directions
- Lightly grease a baking pan with olive oil and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice carrots in half down the middle and then again lengthwise into quarters.
- Spread carrots on the baking pan and roast in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.
- In a small bowl, blend together maple syrup, Eleuthero powder, and ginger.
- Place the roasted carrots into a bowl and drizzle with the herb mixture. Fold the carrots gently to help coat them evenly with the powdered herbs.
- Add salt to taste, and serve warm.