Can soaking Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian ginseng) roots in water and drinking the infusion treat diabetes?

Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian ginseng) root has traditionally been used to treat bruises, traumatic injuries, and beriberi. Some people soak the root in vinegar and drink the resulting infusion. Can drinking an infusion of Acanthopanax senticosus root treat diabetes?

Can drinking an infusion of Acanthopanax senticosus root treat diabetes?

Acanthopanax senticosus tea is generally not effective for treating diabetes. This herbal tea is commonly used to tonify Qi, strengthen the spleen, nourish the kidneys, and calm the mind. It may help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, and general weakness associated with deficiency of spleen and kidney Yang. However, it has no proven therapeutic effect on diabetes. Diabetes may result from dietary imbalances or insufficient insulin production. Patients should consult an endocrinologist at a hospital for comprehensive evaluation and receive physician-guided management, including appropriate antihyperglycemic medications.

Typical symptoms include progressive weight loss and marked physical emaciation. With appropriate diabetes treatment, weight loss may be halted and even reversed. Notably, many diabetic patients maintain normal or increasing appetite and food intake yet continue to lose weight—primarily due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, which impairs the body’s ability to utilize glucose for energy production, thereby accelerating fat and protein breakdown. With well-controlled diabetes achieved through proper treatment, weight loss can be stabilized and weight may even be regained.

Fatigue and lethargy are also common among diabetic patients. These symptoms arise because glucose cannot be fully oxidized—or effectively utilized—to generate energy; additionally, tissue dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and negative nitrogen balance contribute to generalized weakness and mental fatigue. We hope this article has been helpful to you!