Siberian Ginseng or Eleuthero(Eleutherococcus senticosus): Siberian ginseng is one of the best adaptogen herbs, increasing the body's ability to resist and endure stress. This herb has a very low toxicity. A wealth of clinical and laboratory research has been conducted on Siberian ginseng in the former Soviet Union. Initial findings from controlled experiments indicate a dramatic reduction of total disease occurrence, especially in diseases related to environmental stress.91 There is a long list of illnesses that improve with the use of this herb, including chronic gastritis, diabetes, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Results from surgical studies show that Siberian ginseng speeds postoperative recovery and is being used in this way in the treatment of cancer patients, easing the stress response that can aggravate metastasis (the spreading of a tumor from its site of origin to distant sites).92 Siberian ginseng reduces the cytotoxicity (cell-attacking nature) of antineoplastic (cancer-fighting) drugs, and the narcotic effects of sedatives.