Hi!

I've been on the diet about a month, and just tried Siberian Ginseng (in tea form) for the first time today. At first I got all speedy, then became very sleepy and actually lay down for a nap! Am less sleepy now, feeling pretty good, but confused by this reaction.

Has anyone tried this herb? What experiences have you had? I'm wondering if my response will "even out" over time if I use it regularly.

Welcome AT to btd...
Once, a long time ago a diet 'expert' told me to take ginseng as a supplement whist on a diet. I duly took one capsule at breakfast and by 11am found myself almost falling asleep at work
After a few days...the penny dropped and I realised it was the ginseng, so stopped taking it.
Most people I know who have taken it, whizz all over the place but not me

I gave it to my mother and she feels great, energized and a bit like speedy Gonzales but she's a B- and a nonnie ...I take it every day and I must say, half of speedy Gonzales but both we are taking it in pillform...with great succes

Quoted from janet

...told me to take ginseng as a supplement whist on a diet. ...found myself almost falling asleep at work...realised it was the ginseng...

Ginseng {Panax sp. - Araliaceae , Subfamily: Aralioideae}
Siberian Ginseng {Eleutherococcus senticosus - Araliaceae , Subfamily: Aralioideae}

Two completely different plants - though distantly related.
I've heard from various sources that women should not take Ginseng, though the
Siberian Ginseng would be ok.

I have taken lots of Siberian Ginseng -under stress after severe sickness-and it has always made be feel well- I have never taken it as a tea.

I prefer my herbs in capsule form, and my tea is green!  
Siberian Ginseng is one of my favorite supplements, and I take it most days.  It is energizing without being speedy, but I don't take it at night, in case it gives me too much vitality.  It's a good adrenal food.

I prefer to not take regular panax ginseng, unless it is American ginseng (a different cousin, and more gentle).  Regular ginseng is great for elderly people or men (and women) who are extremely hard physical workers or athletes.  I don't know about all blood types.

hope this helps decide which herb for who......
http://www.dadamo.com/napharm/gkc.htm

Thanks for the info, all.

Janet, interesting to hear you also got sleepy from ginseng (tho that may have been the Panax?). In general, I tend to have differing responses to things, i.e., chocolate makes me very speedy, while most I know are relaxed by it. Go figure.

Lola, great link -- thanks.

I'm staying away from the Eleuthero until I can see my homeopath. Things only got weirder as the day I took it went on!!

Were there any other ingredients in the Eleuthero product that you used, AT?