Ciwujia (Eleutherococcus senticosus) in Yunnan

Scientific Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Eleutherococcus
Chinese Name: 刺五加
Other Names: Siberian Ginseng, Eleutherococcus, Five-leaf Ginseng, Prickly Ginseng (in Northeastern China), and other local names like Kanguaibangzi (坎拐棒子) in Northeast China, Lao Hutiao (老虎铁条) in Heilongjiang (黑龙江), Yunnan (云南) and Cimu Bang (刺木棒) in Liaoning (辽宁).

Distribution

Ciwujia is found in the northeastern regions of China, particularly in mixed forests of coniferous and broad-leaved trees, at altitudes ranging from 800 meters (Northeast China) to 1500-2000 meters (North China). It has also been introduced and cultivated in Taiwan (台湾) in recent years.

Plant Description

Ciwujia is a perennial deciduous shrub, typically growing to a height of 1-6 meters. The plant has many branches, and its stems are covered with fine, slender backward-pointing spines.

• Leaves: Compound, palmate, with 5 leaflets (occasionally 3). The leaflets are ovate to long-oval in shape, with the upper surface being rough and deep green, and the underside light green with short soft hairs along the veins. The leaf margins are sharply serrated.

• Flowers: Small, yellowish-purple flowers, clustered in umbels. The flower stalks are mostly hairless, with some short hairs at the base.

• Fruits: The fruit is a purple-black drupe, almost spherical or oval, with distinct ridges when dry.

• Flowering Period: June to July

• Fruiting Period: July to September

Habitat

Ciwujia grows in slope forests and roadside thickets, and is often cultivated in medicinal gardens.

Uses

• Roots and Bark: Used in traditional Chinese medicine for wind-damp removal, strengthening bones, diuresis, calming the mind, improving memory, tonifying the spleen, and nourishing the kidneys.

• Root Bark: Can be used to make Five-leaf Ginseng wine or prepared as powder for medicinal purposes. The root bark contains volatile oils, tannins, palmityl acid, linoleic acid, vitamin A, and B1.

• Seeds: Can be pressed for oil and used in the production of soap.

Medicinal Properties

Ciwujia is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress and fatigue. The root is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and general health benefits, while the seeds are used in making various practical products.

Ciwujia is an important herb in Chinese traditional medicine, especially in northeastern China (东北). It is also becoming more popular in modern wellness practices due to its ability to support physical and mental health.

Note: Ciwujia is native to regions such as Heilongjiang (黑龙江), Jilin (吉林), Liaoning (辽宁), Hebei (河北), and Shanxi (山西) in China.