Chinese Herbs

Ingredient descriptions:

Chinese Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)

Actions: Deep immune activator, diuretic, tonic, hypotensive, vasodilator, anti-stress agent.

Common Use: A digestive aid containing polysaccharides which enhance immune activity and T-cell function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine astragalus is considered a deep immune tonic that increases the "bone marrow reserve", increasing the body's ability to produce more immune effector cells (such as T-cells), protecting us from "pathogens". Also used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well; it has the ability to build the energy reserves in the body and exhibits several anti-stress properties. 20 to 40 drops 1 to 3 times daily.

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Chinese Atractylodes root (Atractylodes macrocephala)

Actions: Stomachic, diuretic, anti-emetic, digestive tonic.

Common Uses: This herb has been used for deficiency of the spleen, physical and mental fatigue, diarrhea, edema, retention of phlegm, dizziness and vomiting. It has a pronounced and long lasting diuretic effect, inhibiting reabsorption by the renal tubules and increasing the secretion of potassium salts. It also has the ability to lower blood sugar levels, promote digestion and the essential oil present in Atractylodes possesses a sedative action. 10 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily or as needed.

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Chinese Codonopsis root (Codonopsis pilosula)

Actions: Stomachic, nutritive tonic, hypotensive, stimulant.

Common Uses: Chinese Codonopsis is considered a nourishing tonic, it has been used to promote digestion, absorption, metabolism and tone and strengthen the stomach and spleen. The herb stimulates the nervous system, increases body resistance and has been shown to increase the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin content. Animal studies have shown that it dilates peripheral blood vessels and inhibits adrenal cortex activity, causing a lowering of blood pressure. This herb also benefits the lungs and is helpful in treating chronic coughs and shortness of breath. Chinese physicians sometimes use Codonopsis as a Ginseng substitute. 20 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

An informative article about Cat's Claw bark.

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Chinese Cordyceps fungus (Codonopsis pilosula)

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, immune stimulant, restorative.

Common Uses: Caterpillar fungus or Winter Worm - Summer Grass, those are the common names used for the highly prized Chinese tonic herb Cordyceps, which gained national publicity in a mainstream publication (Newsweek) a few years back because of its use by Chinese women athletes engaged in breaking world running records. In ancient China this fungus was used exclusively in the Emperor's Palace because of its scarcity. Approximately 5 grams were stuffed into the stomach of a duck and roasted until well cooked, then the Cordyceps was removed and the duck was slowly eaten, twice daily over a period of 8-10 days, this was thought to be as potent as 50 grams of Panax Ginseng. The New York Journal of Medicine reported that Cordyceps has properties similar to Ginseng, being used to strengthen the body after exhaustion or long term illness. It has traditionally been used for impotence, backache, to increase sperm production and to increase blood production. In China, Cordyceps is used medically to regulate and support the gonads and as a lung and kidney tonic. It is used specifically for excess tiredness, chronic cough and asthma, impotence, debility, anemia, to build the bone marrow and reduce excess phlegm. The clinical studies done on Cordyceps in China have been numerous and remarkable, indicating the fungus can improve liver functions, reduce cholesterol, adjust protein metabolism, improve immune functions, inhibit lung carcinoma and has a therapeutic value in the treatment of aging disorders including loss of sexual drive. These are just some of the reported benefits attributed to this remarkable fungus. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Chinese Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis)

Actions: Female tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, immune stimulant.

Common Use: Dong Quai is the most important female tonic remedy in Chinese Medicine. It is used for debility and poor vitality, convalescence and tiredness in women as well as all kinds of gynecological, menstrual, or menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai is also used to provide energy, vitality and resistance to disease and is a wonderful blood tonic, promoting its production and circulation. It is therefore used in treating anemia, boils, headaches, venous problems, low immunity and problems of peripheral blood flow. This plant also has a reputation as a liver tonic, protecting the liver against toxins and stimualting liver metabolism. 10 to 30 drops 3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant unless under the guidance of a medical professional.

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Chinese Fo-Ti root (Ho-Shou-Wu) (Polygonum multiflorum)

Actions: Tonic, hepatic, cardiac tonic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, sexual tonic, rejuvenator.

Common Uses: In China Fo-Ti known as Ho-Shou-Wu in that country, is one of the most popular herbal tonics among the elderly. It is said to tranquilize the spirit, nourish the blood and invigorate the meridians. The properties of this herb are often compared to Ginseng, but it has not yet been subjected to rigorous experimental study. In Oriental philosophy, it is said to increase Yin, thereby improving physical and mental health. Research indicates Fo-Ti can lower blood cholesterol levels, help prevent atherosclerosis, reduce hypertension and lower incidence of coronary heart disease. Chinese Medicine also indicates Fo-Ti as having anti-toxic, anti-swelling and tranquilizing properties as well as being useful for liver and speen weakness, vertigo, scrofula, constipation and as a sedative for insomnia. Also indicated as having beneficial effects on fertility and other female functions involving ovulation. 10 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Ginger root (Zingiber officinale)

Actions: Stimulant, carminative, rubefacient, diaphoretic, stomachic, sialagogue, antioxidant.

Common Use: Ginger may be helpful as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. It is also used as a remedy for digestive problems, sore throats and as a promoter of perspiration in treating fevers. Japanese researchers have discovered cardiac-tonic principles in ginger root. It is also said to be used with other herbs to enhance their effectiveness.

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Ginkgo leaf (Ginko biloba)

Actions: Mental alertness, circulatory stimulant, antioxidant.

Common Use: One of the most interesting herbs of the last few years, Ginkgo improves brain function, including memory and alertness, protects blood vessels, im-proves circulation, and is a powerful antioxidant. Also acts on a wide range of vascular conditions, including verti-go, tinnitus, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, memory and concentration problems, diminished intellec-tual capacity due to insufficient circulation and complications of stroke and skull injuries. European studies have also shown Ginkgo leaf to "correct erection failures" in 50% of the patients studied. 5 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Panax ginseng root (Panax ginseng)
aka Chinese and Korean ginseng

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, restorative, anti-oxidant, immune stimulant.

Common Use: Korean Ginseng has a high content of the Rg1 group of Ginsenosides which are arousing, stimulating and cause an increase in motor activity. This root has also been of benefit in conditions of tiredness, weakness, debility, convalescence, low resistance and aging. It acts on the adrenal and pituitary glands to help them respond to stress more rapidly and is also used to increase mental and physical work capacity, increase concentration and mental activity, enhance mental acuity and intellectual and physical performance and benefit the immune system among other things. 10 to 30 drops to 3 times daily. May cause a slight insomnia if taken at bedtime.

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Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, adrenal agent, antispasmodic, mild laxative, alterative, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antitoxic, tonic, pectoral.

Common Use: In China, licorice root has been called "The Great Detoxifier." It acts on the endocrine system and the liver as an anti-hepatotoxic effective in treating hepatitis and cirrhosis. Also as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory it is useful in coughs and bronchitis. A recent study found that licorice root actually stimulates the production of interferon, that critical chemical in the immune system that could be the key to preventing and treating many immune response deficiency diseases. Licorice root also possesses estrogenic activity, and is said to be beneficial as a uterine tonic and to induce normal ovulation. This herb is also included in the Hoxsey formula. 5 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily. Caution: Excessive and prolonged use of licorice root can cause sodium retention and potassium depletion. Potassium supplementation (75-100mg daily) prevents this problem. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Chinese Ligustrum Privet fruit (Ligustrum lucidum)

Actions: Nutritive tonic, deep immune activator, liver tonic, digestive aid.

Common Use: Ligustrum, or privet fruit, is an excellent digestive aid, it can be of benefit in chronic bowel complaints and ulcerations of the stomach and bowels. Also known to nourish and tone the liver and kidneys, benefit the skin, and act on conditions such as dizziness, spots in front of the eyes, lower back pain and tinnitus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ligustrum is often combined with astragalus root to combat long term weakness, chronic illness or deficiency, and many degenerative ailments such as general immune weakness. 20 to 40 drops 2-4 times daily or 1 time daily for maintenance.

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Chinese Lovage root (Ligusticum wallichii v. sp.)

Actions: Tonic, deep immune activator, antimicrobial, hypotensive, mild nervine.

Common Use: Increasing interest is being shown in plants that impact the immunological process within the tissue that mediates its work, Chinese Lovage root or ligusticum, is one of those plants (this is not Osha root Ligusticum porteri). In addition to its antimicrobial properties, Chinese ligusticum is considered by herbalists to be an immune modulator, or adjuvant, an herb that has a beneficial effect upon the human immune response, not necessarily acting as stimulants or inhibitors, but rather "feeding" the whole process in some, as yet unknown way. 15 to 30 drops 2 to 3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Chinese Lycium berry or Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum)

Actions: Nutritive tonic, liver tonic, hypotensive.

Contents: These berries are very nourishing and can help supply the important nutrients that cells, tissues and organs need for proper functioning. They contain betaine, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zeaxanthin, physalein and linolein acid. Studies have shown an extract of this herb to inhibit the precipitation of fat in liver cells and promote the regeneration of liver cells. It has also shown a hypoglycemia effect; helping to lower the level of blood sugars, and a hypotensive effect; decrease in blood pressure and the ability to stimulate breathing. This herb is a good supplement for the liver and kidneys, it can help produce sperm and blood and has been used successfully to clear vision problems. 20 to 45 drops 2-4 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Japanese Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa)

Actions: T-cell stimulant, anti-neoplastic, immune stimulant.

Common Uses: Maitake extract is an immune stimulant. 20 to 45 drops 2-4 times daily.

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Red Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)

Actions: Adaptogen, deep immune activator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antibacterial, antiviral, cardiac tonic, expectorant, antineoplastic.

Common Use: Reishi is in the most highly rated category of herbs ("Superior"), in terms of multiple benefits and lack of side effects, in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Reishi greatly reduced the symptoms (headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, heart palpitations and extreme fatigue) of oxygen deprivation among Chinese workers who traveled to the high plateau of Tibet, climbing 15,000 feet in 3 days in the process. Reishi is also effective in reducing the symptoms of cardiovascular blockage, including angina, palpitation, fullness in the chest, dizziness and headache, shortness of breath, insomnia and weariness, and loss of memory in 65% or more of the patients in various studies. Reishi is a true adaptogen, enhancing health and normal functions of the body. For example, while it increases some components of immune response, it also inhibits pathological immune functions. It has been reported to reduce the histamine release associated with allergic reactions, and help prevent anaphylactic reaction. It also increased immunoglobulin-A levels in 2,000 chronic bronchitis patients. 20 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Chinese Schizandra berry (Schizandra chinensis)

Actions: Tonic, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, deep immune activator, antioxidant.

Common Use: Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations). Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. A recent study concluded that schizandra may be a useful herb to reverse depression, particularly that due to adrenergic exhaustion. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac ( kidney element). Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.

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Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes)

Actions: Adaptogen, deep immune activator, antiviral, antineoplastic.

Common Use: Shiitake appears to be beneficial for soothing bronchial inflammations and regulating urine incontinence. Shiitake mycelia is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. It contains a polysaccharide-protein complex that studies have shown to: activate macrophages, promoting recognition of antigens and information transmission to the helper T-cells and increasing the rate at which objects are engulfed; reinforce interleukin-1 production, activating the helper T-cells; promote the mitosis of B-lymphocytes (and others), increasing their proliferation; increase antibody production; and, improve health of chronic hepatitis patients. This fungi has been extensively studied in the Orient and elsewhere, the reported beneficial findings are to detailed and numerous to mention here. For anyone with further interest we recommend reading Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs, subjects include reishi, shiitake, maitake, kombucha, and more. 20 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Siberian Ginseng root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Chinese Ciwujia

Actions: Adaptogen, circulatory stimulant, tonic, vasodilator.

Common Use: This herb may safely be used to increase stamina when under stress. After nearly a thousand studies, Siberian Ginseng has been shown to increase energy and stamina and to help the body resist viral infections, environmental toxins, radiation and chemotherapy. In Chinese Medicine it has been used to prevent bronchial, respiratory and viral infections, provide energy and vitality, increase resistance to stress, treat rheumatic and heart ailments, improve cardiovascular and neurovascular conditions and help restore memory, concentration and cognitive abilities which may be impaired from poor blood supply to the brain. Additionally Siberian Ginseng is a popular remedy for debility, depression, fatigue and nervous breakdowns. It has a growing reputation for increasing all kinds of body resistance. Also used to regulate low blood pressure and increase circulation. Excellent as a general tonic. 10 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily. Recommended to be taken for 3-6 months consecutively for best results.

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Astragalus/Ligustrum

Health Promoting Tonic. In Chinese medicine, Astragalus root is regarded as one of the most important tonic and health promoting plants. It is used to increase resistance to disease and infections, restore a depressed immune system, restore energy reserves and reduce stress. Its benefits are said to increase when combined with Chinese Ligustrum fruit.

Contents: 75% Chinese Astragalus root and 25% Chinese Ligustrum (Privet) fruit. 20 to 45 drops 1-3 times daily.

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Cat’s Claw / Astragalus / Reishi

Health Enhancing Tonic. While these herbs have extensive traditional use as immune enhancers, they each have also shown benefits for a number of other conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poor circulation. This formula can be used as a general cardiovascular tonic and health enhancing tonic.

Contents: Peruvian Cat’s Claw bark, Chinese Astragalus root and Red Reishi mushroom. 20 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily. Recommended to be taken for 3-4 months consecutively for best results. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Dong Quai / Fo-Ti Plus

Female Tonic. This formula can have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system and can also be useful as a uterine and menopausal tonic. Chinese Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica) root is the most important female tonic remedy in Chinese medicine, since it is said to help with all kinds of gynecological, menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Fo-Ti is indicated in Chinese Medicine as having a beneficial effect on fertility and other female functions.

Contents: Chinese Dong Quai root, Chinese Fo-Ti root, Vitex (Chastetree) berry, Helonias (False Unicorn) root, Blue Cohosh root, Black Cohosh root, American Ginseng root, Indian Gotu Kola herb, Licorice root and Blessed Thistle herb. 15 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Immun-Essence™ Plus

Deep Immune Activator. The herbs in this formula have traditionally been considered to act as deep immuno-modulators, having a beneficial effect on the cellular foundations of the human immune response. This is a long-term formula for strengthening the body’s deepest powers of defense. Safe to use therapeutically for chronic conditions or as a tonic for deep immune support. Indicated in all chronic viral infections and auto-immune imbalances, such as environmental allergies, candida infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein-Barr, blood disorders, HIV and related immune disorders. Many degenerative diseases such as cancer also fall into this category.

Contents: Chinese Astragalus root, Chinese Ligustrum fruit, Chinese Lovage (Ligusticum v. sp.) root, Peruvian Cat’s Claw bark, St. John’s Wort flowering tops, Red Reishi mushroom, Shiitake mushroom, Chinese Schizandra berry and fresh Venus’ Flytrap. 20 to 50 drops 3-5 times daily or once daily for maintenance. During the acute phase of infections use with surface immune activators such as Echinacea. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Mai-T Mushroom Plus™

Immune, Adaptogenic and Whole Body Tonic. This formula also makes an excellent adaptogenic and whole body detoxifying and revitalizing tonic.

Contents: Japanese Maitake mushroom, Red Reishi mushroom, Shiitake mushroom, Chinese Cordyceps fungus, Chinese Tremella (White) fungus (when available) and Chinese Astragalus root in a base containing approximately 450 mg. of concentrated Rose Hips extract per 30 drops. 20 to 45 drops 3-4 times daily.

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Panax Power Plus™ Ginseng Tonic

Revitalizing Tonic. Panax Ginseng root has been used for centuries by the Chinese for conditions of weakness, tiredness, low resistance, stress, debility, convalescence, aging and poor metabolism. In Europe, clinical trials have found an increase in reaction time, alertness, concentration and visual and motor coordination using this herb. It has also been used to improve physical performance and work capacity, regulate the adrenal glands, help prevent exhaustion and stimulate the immune system. These herbs combine to make a very revitalizing Chinese tonic. The other herbs in this formula enhance and compliment the effects of Panax Ginseng.

Contents: Panax Ginseng root, Siberian Ginseng root, Chinese Astragalus root, Chinese Cordyceps fungus and Licorice root in a base containing 100% pure, fresh and natural Royal Jelly. 15 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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