Most of us are familiar with the feeling of being under pressure. Perhaps we're juggling work, family responsibilities, ageing parents or simply the endless demands of everyday life.

As women, particularly in midlife, we may also be experiencing hormonal changes that affect our sleep, mood, energy and ability to cope with stress.

One hormone plays an especially important role in all of this: cortisol.

And this is where Siberian ginseng becomes interesting.

What is Siberian ginseng?

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in parts of Asia and Russia.

Despite its name, it isn't a true ginseng. It belongs to a different botanical genus from Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).

It is best known as an adaptogen, a term in herbal medicine for plants traditionally used to support the body's resilience with physical or psychological stress.

Unlike a stimulant, which may temporarily increase alertness, an adaptogen is traditionally used to support the body's capacity to cope with ongoing demands.

Adaptogens have become increasingly popular in the last few years. 

Understanding cortisol: it's not the enemy

Cortisol is often described as the stress hormone, and it's easy to assume that less cortisol must be better.

But that's not quite how our bodies work.

Cortisol is essential for life. Produced by our adrenal glands, it helps regulate blood sugar, metabolism, inflammation and our response to stressful situations.

It also follows a natural daily rhythm. Levels generally rise around waking, helping us become alert, and gradually fall throughout the day as we prepare for sleep.

Problems can arise when prolonged stress disrupts the systems that regulate this rhythm.

The body's stress response is coordinated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) our communication network connecting the brain with the adrenal glands. It helps determine how we respond to stress.

Chronic stress can affect this system, although it doesn't necessarily mean cortisol remains constantly elevated. Responses vary considerably between individuals.

Why does this matter for women?

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate and eventually decline.

These hormonal changes can influence sleep, mood, temperature regulation and our experience of stress. Poor sleep, in particular, can make everyday challenges feel much harder to manage.

Oestrogen also interacts with the body systems that are involved in regulating the stress response, although the relationship between menopause and cortisol is complex.

This means that the pressures we've managed for years may suddenly feel more difficult.

It's something many women recognise: the feeling that our resilience isn't quite what it used to be.

Why we've included Siberian ginseng in The Alchemist

At Herbs of Grace, we've combined the benefits of several herbs in The Alchemist, including Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, schisandra, dandelion root and licorice.

Each has its own traditional role, and we've combined them in a formula informed by herbal approaches to stress and resilience.

Siberian ginseng is particularly interesting because of its history of use during periods of fatigue and physical or mental demand.

Ashwagandha, has already been recognised for its effects on stress and cortisol. It is widely available as a support for our bodies during times of stress. 

A final thought

As women, we sometimes become so accustomed to being busy, tired or under pressure that we begin to think it's simply part of getting older.

But our bodies are constantly responding to what we ask of them.

Good nutrition, regular movement, restorative sleep and finding ways to manage stress remain the foundations of wellbeing.

Herbal medicine has a long tradition of working alongside these everyday habits, and Siberian ginseng is one of the herbs that is part of that tradition. 

A note on safety: Siberian ginseng can cause insomnia, irritability, palpitations or headaches in some people. Anyone taking medication, managing a medical condition, or who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek professional advice before using it. (EMA) 

This article is not intended as medical advice.