Training & Nutrition - Adaptogens

Anyone had any experience of using what the Soviets called 'adaptogens' and in particular the herb 'Eleutheroccus senticosus'.
They are suppose to help the body adapt to the various stresses living subjects it to and also to resist illness. Basically they keep you strong and free from illness so that you can train hard and consistently. At least that is the claim.
I have just ordered 3 months supplies from a company called Elagen Sport ( www.elagen.com ) and am looking forward to some positive results.
See also this link: http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0269.htm

It's just ginseng. If it was a lot of money, I'd cancel the order. Do you have a Chinese community you can get to? Find a Chinese apothecary, and ask for their best ginseng. Get it sliced extra thin, say an ounce. Keep it in a sealed jar
in the cupboard. Takes about 5 minutes of steeping; you will need to brew it with herbal tea, or at least add honey to improve the flavor. it's stimulating, so I wouldn't brew it with tea.. There is a lot of disagreement as to what is the best ginseng. I'd tell the guy behind the counter that I was an athlete, and ask to to suggest the best he had for my purposes. Me, I just act the idiot and ask for the best. They give me Chinese red,
and it's expensive. Start with half a slice to see how you react to it.
Btw, as you might have guessed, I really like ginseng. But I don't think of it as a performance enhancer.I think all that yak about 'adaptogen' is BS. My experience is that it does squat to put off the symptoms of overtraining. What it is good for, is after you've been sick. Seems to help me cover that long grey period after sickness, but before I can get up to speed in the gym, or on the bike. FWIW, and YMMV......

I've heard it referred to as Siberian Ginsing but read specifically that it is not. I've also read that its important to source the herb from a quality supply so as to contain the essential elements in the necessary strengths. Articles refer to Russian supplies as being the best with Chinese and other asian supplies not being of the quality recommended.

Hi,
1) do a web search on it, using the botanical name.
2) I have used Russian, American, etc..... including blended varieties. There is one product that has about 10 different varieties. Try them, see what you think. I have over 30 years of experience using the stuff, and that's my opinion.