Evidence supporting the use of: Eleuthero
For the health condition: Addictions (general remedies for)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as Siberian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Russian and Chinese herbal medicine to help the body resist various stressors. Its use for supporting or treating addictions is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation. Folk and traditional medicine systems have at times recommended eleuthero for general strengthening, stress reduction, and fatigue—conditions that may co-occur with addiction or during withdrawal—but not specifically for the treatment of addiction itself.

Some herbalists suggest eleuthero may be supportive for individuals recovering from substance abuse by helping to improve overall resilience, reduce fatigue, and support adrenal function during withdrawal. However, there are no high-quality clinical trials directly investigating eleuthero's efficacy for treating or managing addiction (whether to alcohol, drugs, or other substances). A few animal studies and preliminary research suggest adaptogens may modulate stress response and have neuroprotective effects, but these do not constitute direct evidence for addiction treatment. Most of the recommendations for eleuthero in this context are based on its adaptogenic reputation developed through decades of traditional use, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia.

In summary, while eleuthero has a long history of use as a general tonic and adaptogen, its use for addiction support is based on tradition and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific data. The evidence rating is low due to the lack of direct, well-controlled studies specific to addiction.

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