Bombax Ceiba, best known as the cotton tree or in Chinese (木棉花), has antioxidant properties commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, diarrhea, fever, chronic inflammation, catarrhal affection, and as a diuretic.
Chinese has long tradition of using Bombax Ceiba as one of the main ingredients in the “Five-Flower Herbal Tea”, to prevent Acne, pigmentation and other related skin problems.
Honeysuckle Flower (金银花) is surrounding by folklores.
It is said to be a living symbol of love, the flowers look like two lovers intertwined and its fragrance is said to induce dream of passion and love. One of the most enduring folk tales is that if one brings a honeysuckle in bloom into their home, a wedding will follow within a year.
Some Facts about Jujubes and Red Date
Jujubes, commonly known as Red Date or (红枣 in Chinese) contain a wide array of nutrition, including potassium, copper, niacin, calcium, manganese, magnesiums, phosphorus, and iron. They contain 20 times more vitamin C than any citrus fruit, strengthening the immune system and fighting infections. That’s why they’ve been used medicinally for millennia in many cultures, especially in South East Asia,Korea, Japan and China
Jujube fruits are often found in herbal tea and supplements to help lower blood pressure, reverse liver disease, treat anemia, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells that can lead to leukemia. Jujube extracts are also used in skin care products to diminish wrinkles, relieve dry skin, and treat sunburn pain. For ladies, Jujube and Angelica are an effective combination for reducing discomfort during menstrual cycle.
Technology today has too many ways to entertain us visually. But, it has too many ways to stress our eyes at the same time. Working long hours in front of a computer can weaken your eyesight. Watching television or spending a lot of time in front of your tablets, and mobile phones also causes tension in your eye. These can eventually contribute to acquiring chronic eye problems.
Vanshow Eye Tonic Herbal Tea combines the best herbal compound from six to seven herbs to help avoid several eye-related ailments. Among these herbs are the three main ingredients that are very effective in strengthening the eyes as well as in providing relief to certain eye conditions.
Eye Tonic Herbal Tea’s three main ingredients are Chinese wolfberry, chrysanthemum, and mulberry leaf combined with other herbs as a tonic compound to create a healthy tea that can give you clearer eyesight and prevent vision issue.
Chinese wolfberry also called Goji berry is high in micronutrients. Goji is a powerful source of vitamin A—the primary vitamin to aid clearer vision. Vitamin A protects the surface of the eyes and toughens it to reduce the risks of eye infections. The berry is also rich in vitamin C that, according to experts, is very good in strengthening connective tissue. It helps maintaining the collagen found in the cornea guarding the eyes from the formation of cataract as well as vision loss due to aging.
Mulberry leaf has nutrients that lower blood glucose levels. The increase of blood glucose levels brought by preexisting condition like diabetes causes the eye to swell. The swelling of the eyes chronically results to changes in the ability to see things. This may cause blurred and hazy vision which when neglected can lead to more serious eye problems or, worst, complete loss of vision. Mulberry helps in regulating sugar levels in the blood to prevent these things.
Chrysanthemum has been noted in the history as an effective herb to treat eye conditions. The herb has micronutrients that protect the eyes from too much strain. Chrysanthemum improves sharpness of vision and is very potent in treating watery eyes, dry eyes, spotty vision and blurred vision.
These herbs are not just effective in treating eye conditions. The powerful trio also helps in improving cardiovascular health, alleviating symptoms of colds, reducing bad cholesterol, preventing inflammation and easing headache..
Reishi Mushroom: The Key to Immortality?
Written by Kirsten Schofield | Published on 16 October 2014
Medically Reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, MS, RD, LD, CDE on 16 October 2014
For over 2,000 years, reishi mushrooms have kept people spry and healthy well into their golden years. Or at least, that’s what people have been saying. According to some herbalists, red reishi mushrooms can cure many of the issues we associate with aging, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, and liver problems.
Before you go and buy your weight in mushrooms, there are a few things to consider about their safety and efficacy.
You can find reishi mushrooms growing on decaying tree stumps across East Asia and North America. They come in six colors, but it’s the red variety that’s linked to alternative medicine.
As with most herbal remedies, there isn’t much scientific research to back up the claims. However, along with their purported ability to help fight symptoms of old age, the mushrooms are famous for their antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants fight the oxidation process that causes cells to die, and are currently being studied for their potential to kill cancer growths. While the body of evidence is growing, the trials are scarce and the link hasn’t been conclusively proven. What we do know for sure is that eating reishi mushroomsdoesn’t interfere with Western cancer treatments. If you’re currently battling cancer, you might ask your doctor about incorporating them into your treatment plan.
In alternative and traditional Chinese medicine, reishi mushrooms are usually dried and powdered to make teas. You can eat them fresh or cooked, as well, but dietitian Lori Zanini says they’re probably too bitter to be enjoyable. “There has not been any research that can confirm that eating reishi mushrooms raw vs. cooked would provide better outcomes,” she adds.
While some herbalists prescribe reishi mushroom supplements to help with high blood pressure, we don’t have a clinical trial to prove that it’s an effective treatment. Reishi mushrooms can cause blood thinning, however, so you should avoid it if you’re taking any medication for your blood pressure, anticoagulants, or antiplatelets.
“Reishi mushrooms might lower blood pressure, and it’s unclear if high doses of reishi mushrooms slows blood clotting,” says Zanini. However, if you’re otherwise healthy, she says most doctors will clear you for 1.5 grams taken with meals. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or clotting, talk with your doctor before adding them to your existing diet.
There’s a lot of research still to be done on reishi mushrooms and their ability to help you live a long, healthy life, but if this supplement sounds like something that might improve your overall well-being, talk to your doctor about integrating a supplement into your diet and exercise routine.
Reference Kirsten Schofield URL: http://www.healthline.com/health/reishi-mushroom-key-to-immortality#1
Reference: Marita Mason http://www.stemcellnutrition.net/he-shou-wu
He Shou Wu Root (Or “Foti” as some call it) is a powerful Kidney and Liver Tonic. Its very action of restoring gray hair back to colour is testimony to this.
Some (But not all) people that have seen their gray hair return to colour from using He Shou Wu. However there are a whole host of more important health benefits surrounding this incredible tonic herb. Weak painful knees are another sign of kidney deficiency as is lower back pain and low sexual energy. He Shou Wu is quite often the answer!
He Shou Wu is a tonic for the endocrine glands; it improves health, stamina and resistance to disease. It is used to reduce cholesterol because of its lecithin. It is used for angina pectoris, bloody stools, hypoglycaemia, diabetes, night sweating, schizophrenia, chronic bronchitis, epilepsy, head injuries, impotence, malaria, sores, cuts, and ringworm. It promotes red blood cells, helps rid intestinal parasites, and is good for resistance to cold.
Studies show that he-shou-wu extract improves the cardiovascular system, enhances immune functions, slows the degeneration of glands, increases antioxidant activity, and reduces the accumulation of lipid peroxidation. Such findings suggest that he-shou-wu is helpful in combating some of the processes that lead to conditions characteristic of old age, thereby also reducing the risk of fatal diseases (e.g., cancer) and incidents (e.g., heart attack, stroke). He Shou Wu was shown to have effects on the antioxidant system superoxide dismutase (SOD), accumulation of lipid peroxidase, and enhancement of cell-mediated immune responses, Other antiaging substances studied extensively include Ginseng, Astragalus, Epimedium, Cordyceps, Ganoderma, Siberian Ginseng, and Polygonatum (Huang Jing).The Amazing Health Benefits of He Shou Wu!
Studies have also demonstrated that various laboratory animals fed He Shou Wu in their diets lived longer than control animals:
The same formula also demonstrated significant results in open human clinical studies.
Also, traditionally this herb is said to increase essence and blood. This combination of attributes indicates that it would increase fertility in a woman and sperm in a man since essence and blood are the two necessary qualities required to bare a child. Both men and women attempting to have children should take He Shou Wu.
To date they have found He Shou Wu contains leucoanthrocyanides (LAC) which are anti-inflammatory, Chrysophanol, Emodin, Rhapontin, Phenolic Glucosides, Nitrogen, Minerals, Starch (up to 50%), Unsaturated Fat, Lecithin, and Oxymethylanthroquinone. (Keep in mind these are only the ones the can identify –There may be hundreds more)
Research has demonstrated that Polygonum multiflorum can very significantly increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. SOD is a powerful natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has been demonstrated to have powerful anti-aging benefits in humans. Polygonum multiflorum also inhibits b -monoamine oxidase (b -MAO). Both of these factors contribute to the anti-aging effects of this herb.
Polygonum multiflorum has been demonstrated to help strengthen the membranes of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and to promote the growth and development of erythrocytes. Polygonum multiflorum has been found to induce the production in human beings of g-interferon.
Polygonum multiflorum is being used clinically in China for patients suffering from Schizophrenia. It is generally combined with Shen stabilizing herbs such as Ziziphus and Polygonum stem. Reportedly, results have been good.
He Shou Wu is good to strengthen the muscles and tendons. It is also very beneficial for the nerves. It is used for backaches, knee joint pain, traumatic bruises, and neurasthenia. It has been used to lower blood pressure. Many people say it helps them to fall asleep at night also. The list goes on and on!
Reference: Marita Mason http://www.stemcellnutrition.net/he-shou-wu
The herbal remedies referred to as “ginseng” are derived from the roots of several plants. One of the most commonly used and researched of the ginsengs is Panax ginseng, also called Asian or Korean ginseng. The main active components of Panax ginseng are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax ginseng may improve psychologic function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes. Overall, Panax ginseng appears to be well tolerated, although caution is advised about concomitant use with some pharmaceuticals, such as warfarin, oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin, and phenelzine. Panax ginseng does not appear to enhance physical performance. Products with a standardized ginsenoside concentration are available.
Herbal remedies known as “ginseng” are based on the roots of several distinct species of plants, mainly Korean or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). All of these species are in the Araliaceae plant family, but each has its own specific effects on the body.
Ginseng products are popularly referred to as “tonics,” a term that has been replaced by “adaptogens” in much of the alternative medicine literature. The term “adaptogen” connotes an agent that purportedly “increases resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and builds up general vitality, including the physical and mental capacity for work.”1(p236) Over-the-counter Panax ginseng products include Celestial Seasonings Ginseng, Centrum Herbals Ginseng, Korean Ginseng Extract from Nature’s Way, Nature Made’s Chinese Red Panax Ginseng, Pharmaton’s Ginsana, and PhytoPharmica’s Ginseng Phytosome.
Panax ginseng is one of the most commonly used and highly researched species of ginseng. This species, which is native to China, Korea, and Russia, has been an important herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, where it has been used primarily as a treatment for weakness and fatigue.2
The main active agents in Panax ginseng are ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins. The majority of published research on the medicinal activity of Panax ginseng has focused on ginsenosides.3 These are the compounds to which some ginseng products are now standardized.
Research reviews2,4 postulate that extracts of Panax ginseng affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system, which could account for many of the documented effects. Animal models and in vitro studies mentioned in these reviews2,4indicate that Panax ginseng enhances phagocytosis, natural killer cell activity, and the production of interferon; improves physical and mental performance in mice and rats; causes vasodilation; increases resistance to exogenous stress factors; and affects hypoglycemic activity.
Panax ginseng is used primarily to improve psychologic function, exercise performance, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes (Table 1). Traditional Chinese medicine and many current research studies5–8 often use products that combine ginseng with other herbal medicines or vitamins. Because of the use of combination products and the limitations of some studies on ginseng (e.g., poor methodologic quality, research focusing on healthy volunteers, small sample size, unstandardized ginseng preparations, varying doses), it is difficult to draw conclusions about some of the clinical effects of ginseng. Many research trials have been performed on the standardized Panax ginseng extract Ginsana (G115).
Trials investigating the effects of Panax ginseng on various psychologic parameters have shown positive effects, no effects, or both. In one study9 of 112 healthy volunteers older than 40 years, the administration of 400 mg per day of the standardized ginseng product Gerimax for eight weeks resulted in better and faster simple reactions and abstract thinking, but no change in concentration, memory, or subjective experience.
The results of two small studies,10,11 each including about 30 young, healthy volunteers who received 200 mg of G115 daily for eight weeks, showed improvement in certain psychomotor functions (i.e., better attention, processing, and auditory reaction time), social functioning, and mental health. However, some of the effects present at the fourth week disappeared by the eighth week.11
A study of 384 postmenopausal women who were randomized to receive placebo or ginseng for 16 weeks showed improvements in three subsets of a Psychological General Well-Being index.12[Evidence level A, randomized controlled trial (RCT)] In addition, a small study7 of 20 healthy young volunteers who received a single 400-mg dose of ginseng found improvement in cognitive performance, secondary memory performance, speed of performing memory tasks, and accuracy of attentional tasks. However, another study13 showed no effect on positive affect, negative affect, or total mood disturbance in 83 young healthy volunteers who took 200 to 400 mg per day of G115 for eight weeks.
Most of the clinical studies investigating the value of Panax ginseng in enhancing physical performance have shown no clinical effect.14 One study15 on the use of 200 mg per day of G115 in 19 healthy adult women showed no change in physical work performance, energy metabolic responses, or oxygen uptake.
Similarly, a study of 31 healthy men who took 200 or 400 mg of G115 daily for eight weeks found no change in physiologic or psychologic responses to submaximal or maximal exercise.16 [Evidence level B, lower quality RCT] In another study,17 a different product standardized to 7 percent ginsenosides and administered at 200 mg per day was given to 28 healthy young adults for 21 days. No ergogenic effects were demonstrated, including no change in maximal oxygen consumption, exercise time, workload, plasma lactate level, hematocrit, or heart rate.
A study18 of 227 healthy volunteers demonstrated that daily administration of 100 mg of G115 for 12 weeks enhanced the efficacy of polyvalent influenza vaccine. The patients who received ginseng had a lower incidence of influenza and colds, higher antibody titers, and higher natural killer cell activity levels. Another study19 in 60 healthy volunteers showed enhanced chemotaxis, phagocytosis, increased total lymphocyte count, and increased numbers of T helper cells in those who received G115 in a dosage of 100 mg twice daily for eight weeks. In a study of 75 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis who were treated with antibiotics or antibiotics plus ginseng, those in the ginseng group showed faster bacterial clearance.20
The effects of Panax ginseng, given in a dosage of 100 or 200 mg per day for eight weeks, were studied in 36 patients with newly diagnosed non–insulin-dependent diabetes.21 The study showed improved fasting blood glucose levels, elevated mood, and improved psychophysical performance on a numbered diagram test. The 200-mg dose also resulted in improved hemoglobin A1Cvalues.
In 45 patients with erectile dysfunction, use of ginseng improved erectile function, sexual desire, and intercourse satisfaction.22
Panax ginseng also appears to have anti-cancer effects. In a prospective cohort study23 of 4,364 persons older than 40 years, the risk of cancer was shown to be lower in those who used ginseng (relative risk: 0.40).
Interpretation of documented adverse effects and drug interactions can be difficult because of the variety of available ginseng formulations, and because the exact amount of ginseng in these products may not be identified.
Panax ginseng generally is well tolerated, and its adverse effects are mild and reversible.24Associated adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, insomnia, headaches, hypertension, hypotension, mastalgia, and vaginal bleeding.4,24,25
Panax ginseng may interact with caffeine to cause hypertension, and it may lower blood alcohol concentrations. It also may decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Concomitant use of Panax ginseng and the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine (Nardil) may result in manic-like symptoms.4,23
Contraindications to the use of Panax ginseng include high blood pressure, acute asthma, acute infections, and nose bleeds or excessive menstruation. These effects appear to occur primarily with high dosages or prolonged use.26
Ginseng also causes hypoglycemic activity, and caution should be exercised in using ginseng products in patients with diabetes because of possible interactions with oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin. One source2 recommends avoiding the use of ginseng products in children and in women who are pregnant or lactating, until more rigorous studies prove safety in these groups.
Most published research studies have used a standardized Panax ginseng extract in a dosage of 200 mg per day. Other sources2,23,27 recommend 0.5 to 2 g of dry root per day on a short-term basis, with the ginseng taken in tea form or chewed. Capsule formulas are generally given in a dosage of 100 to 600 mg per day, usually in divided doses.
Standardization is to the ginsenoside content, which is usually recommended to be 1.5 to 7 percent.2According to one source,28 4 percent is an important standard level.
Ginseng is commonly taken for long periods.1,29 One source1(p239) recommends a two-week ginseng-free period every two to three weeks for some persons.
DAVID KIEFER, M.D., is a fellow in the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson. Dr. Kiefer received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, and completed a family practice residency at Swedish Family Medicine, Seattle.
TRACI PANTUSO, B.S., is a volunteer at the Program in Integrative Medicine. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.
Address correspondence to David Kiefer, M.D., Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, P.O. Box 245153, Tucson, AZ 85724 (e-mail: dskseat@aol.com) Reprints are not available from the authors.
The authors indicate that they do not have any conflicts of interests. Sources of funding: none reported
Reference American Family Physician: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1015/p1539.html
Goji Berry Benefits: 12 Facts About This Healthy Superfood
Article from Arti Patel, The Huffington Post Canada
Even though goji berries date back to the early days of Chinese medicine, people (including celebrities like Madonna and Miranda Kerr) can’t seem to stop talking about this tiny scrunched up fruit.
“The sky is the limit when it comes to incorporating goji berries in your diet,” says health and nutrition expert Rosanna Lee based in Toronto.
Considered both a fruit and a herb, goji berries are typically found in Asian and European countries, but sold in bulk or packages across North America. Although they are a bit pricey, Lee says they include a long list of benefits.
“Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants,” she says, though she cautions against immediately believing all of the berries’ health claims. Helping to reduce cancer risk and its “fountain of youth” claims, for example, aren’t backed up by scientific research.
And these berries aren’t for everyone either — anyone who uses blood thinners or takes diabetic medication may have a negative reaction eating goji berries,according to WebMD. When in doubt, ask your doctor first.
But if you’re just looking for ways to eat a handful of berries here and there, you can make just about anything with them. Add goji berry powder when baking or soak them to blend in with a smoothie.
Here are 12 things you need to know about goji berries before you buy them:
What Are Goji Berries?
A raw goji berry is about the size of the tip of your pinky finger, if not smaller. However, these size berries are difficult to find in North America and are native to parts of Asia (usually in China) and Europe.
The Health Claims
Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, says health and nutrition expert Rosanna Lee.
Some even claim these berries are natural remedies for diabetes, hypertension, malaria or even fever. However, Lee says a lot of these claims may not be true. “At present, there is still inconclusive evidence from research for such claims to be made.”
They Have Other Names
Sometimes goji berries are called wolf berries. They have also been referred to Chinese wolfberries and Tibetan goji.
Where Can I Buy Them?
Typically, goji berries are found in dried packages or sold by weight at bulk food stores, specialty food stores, herbal stores or at markets in Chinatown, for example.
What Do They Taste Like?
Goji berries have a natural tinge of sweetness with a very slight herb-like aftertaste. They also contain tiny seeds (which contain fibre) that add a nice texture to your meals.
How Do You Eat Them?
You can eat them raw or soak them in hot water before munching. Others prefer adding goji berries to trail mixes, smoothies or as a garnish on cereals, salads or yogurts. Basically, goji berries can be baked, cooked, steamed, and processed in any way after they are washed.
But They Can Be Expensive
A 500-gram bag of dried goji berries costs about $15 to $20 at most natural food stores and online. However, prices may vary depending on claims of whether they are organic, naturally sourced, or combined with other ingredients to make a unique trail mix, for example. Organic goji berries have been known to sell for $30 to $40, but you can buy the cheapest bags at local Asian stores.
Healthy, Glowing Skin?
Similar to the benefits you get from eating other berries, goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene (a pigment found in plants and fruits) which helps promote healthy skin.
Protect Your Health … All Over Your Body
Goji berries have also been known to help boost the immune system and protect the eyes — talk about a super fruit. And like other berries, goji berries are also an excellent source of vitamin C and can reduce tough cold symptoms.
Packed With Antioxidants
Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants because of their oxygen radical absorbance cpacity (ORAC) value. An ORAC value indicates a food’s antioxidant power on a relative scale, Lee says.
Yes, They Are Healthy
As a plus, goji berries are low in calories, fat-free and are packed with fibre — which also helps you manage weight and go the bathroom on a regular basis.
Reference: The Huffington Post Canada | By Arti Patel
