Chinese Herbs

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Leaf Extract

Artichoke has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a specific liver and gallbladder remedy, as well as for high cholesterol and digestive disorders. The active ingredients are believed to help protecting liver cells from damage and are also believed to stimulate the production of bile acid, which is released from the gall bladder into the digestive tract to help in the breakdown of fats and fat digestion.

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Black Cardamom / Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia oxyphylla) Fruit Extract

Black Cardamom is a member of the ginger family and is known in Chinese herbal medicine as Yi Zhi Ren, meaning the fruit that benefits intelligence or increases wisdom. It is thought to improve the thinking function associated with the spleen and the will associated with the kidney. It has a long history as a remedy for problems of the urinary tract, including urgent urination and incontinence. It is believed to help control frequent urination and loss of bladder control. It contains aromatic oil thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Alpinia oxyphylla is also used in the treatment of impotence, premature ejaculation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

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Dong Quai / Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis) Root Extract

Dong Quai is one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine and is used primarily for health conditions in women. The root has been called “female ginseng,” based on its use for gynaecological disorders such as painful menstruation or pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness, fatigue and low vitality and is considered the ultimate, all-purpose woman’s tonic herb. The Chinese are frequently using Dong Quai as a strengthening treatment for the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Both men and women use the herb as a general blood tonic, as a blood purifier and to promote blood circulation. Studies show that it can aid in regulating blood sugar and in lowering blood pressure. It is high in iron content and may help to prevent iron deficiency and anaemia. Dong Quai possesses the distinction of being one of the few good non-animal sources of Vitamin B12, which is essential for a healthy nervous system and vital for red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 also promotes maintenance and growth of tissue and helps maintain nerve cells. Symptoms of a deficiency of this vitamin are poor coordination, frequent forgetfulness, and Depression.

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Goji Berry / Chinese Wolfberry / Gou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum)

Wolfberries have long played important roles in traditional Chinese, Tibetan, Japanese and Korean medicine where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. In recent years wolfberry has been increasingly mentioned in reports on the emerging functional food industry as one of the “exotic superfruits.” These are meant to imply nutrient richness with medical research results indicating potential health benefits, combined with uncommon but appealing taste, pigmentation, and antioxidant strength.

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Cistanche / Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche deserticola) Stem Extract Powder

Rou Cong Rong is one of the commonly used drugs in Chinese traditional medicine to improve energy levels and strengthen the back and knees. It is used to treat impotence and reinforce the vital function of kidney. It is said that many of the compounds found in Cistanche have antioxidant properties and protect the liver from toxins.

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Cornus / Asiatic Dogwood / Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis) Fruit Extract

Shan Zhu Yu has been used for at least 2,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. Cornus berries have a long history of use in a variety of medicinal tonics, including those used to treat excessive urination, incontinence, excessive sweating, excessive menstrual bleeding, decreased erectile function and premature ejaculation. Cornus is also an ingredient in formulas that treat ringing of the ears (tinnitus), poor hearing, blurred vision, dizziness, shock and trauma, and a wide range of other conditions.

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Cnidium / She Chuang Zi (Cnidium monnieri) Fruit Extract

Cnidium fruit is considered as a tonic for the kidneys and as an aphrodisiac. Men and women use it for the purpose of strengthening sexual potency and as a natural libido booster to increase drive and desire. Its astringent qualities may help prevent premature ejaculation in men. Cnidium use has a long tradition in China and was often found in formulas designed specifically for the emperor.

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Dang Shen / Codonopsis (Codonopsis tangshen) Root Extract

Codonopsis is one of the most famous and widely used Chinese tonic herbs. It is regarded as an energy tonic, an immune system tonic and also as an excellent blood tonic. Its blood building quality is considered especially good for people who are weakened due to illness. It is believed to have powerful strengthening effects similar to Ginseng, but milder, making it an excellent herb for children. It is taken in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness. It is said to be very effective at relieving chronic fatigue.

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Dodder Seed (Cuscuta chinensis) Extract

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dodder Seed is known for powerful effects on the male constitution. It is widely used to remedy sexual problems like impotency, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, and low sperm count. It helps nourishing the kidneys and boosting energy levels. It is also taken to alleviate other symptoms of kidney deficiency like low back pain, tinnitus, diarrhoea, dizziness, and blurred vision, and has a long history of use as a longevity herb.

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Eucommia / Hardy Rubber Tree / Du Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides) Bark Extract

Eucommia bark is regarded to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen bones, tendons and knees, and to relieve lower backache. People suffering from flaccid limps, weakness, dizziness and urinary problems may find it helpful. Women who have been through frequent miscarriages can benefit from taking Eucommia bark, particularly if lower backache is also a symptom accompanying the pregnancy. Clinical studies have reportedly shown that the extract may be effective in lowering blood pressure. It is widely used now in the treatment of hypertension, a serious health hazard of urban living.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) root extract

Ginseng has been used in China for more than 2,000 years as a general body tonic to enhance physical strength and resistance and is becoming more and more popular in the western world. It is one of the most highly regarded of herbal medicines in the Orient, where it has gained an almost magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigour and also to prolong life. It is taken to stimulate and relax the nervous system, encourage the secretion of hormones, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increase resistance to disease. Further it is used in the treatment of debility associated with old age or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock and chronic illness. Athletes with the intention of improving stamina commonly use Ginseng.

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Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extract

Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its amazing health benefits, with some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer. Green tea has also been claimed as a useful aid for "weight loss management". Green tea extract is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. This extract contains 30% natural caffeine and together with the other contained phytochemicals it makes a healthy and potent energy booster. Caution: Individuals sensitive to caffeine should be careful with this product.

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Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum) Herb Extract

Horny Goat Weed is one of the most valued tonics and natural sexual enhancers in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its use dates back to at least 400 A.D., where it has been used as a tonic for the reproductive system and as a rejuvenating tonic. It is considered a top libido-lifter for men and women, restoring sexual desire and treating impotence. The Chinese claim that it improves circulation, restores energy and that the regular use of Horny Goat Weed slows the aging process, as it can improve the overall quality of life as well. More info

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) Leaf Extract

In China Jiaogulan is regarded as a “Herb of Immortality” due to its many health giving qualities and anti-aging effects and it is praised for its illness-prevention and therapeutic qualities. Scientists found Jiaogulan to function as both an adaptogen herb and as an antioxidant herb, containing many health-giving saponins as well as trace minerals, amino acids, proteins, and vitamins. Jiaogulan is said to aid the regulation of hormonal functions in both men and women and to have a powerful regulatory effect on a number of bodily systems; like blood pressure, the reproductive system, the digestive system, the immune system, mental functions and more.

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Kudzu / Ge Gen (Pueraria lobata) Root Extract

In Traditional Chinese Medicine Kudzu is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs and is used to treat stiff shoulders and neck muscles, severe thirst, diarrhoea fever, headache, tinnitus and high blood pressure. In recent years Kudzu became famous especially for its effects on severe thirst for alcohol. Studies have shown that extracts of Kudzu can reduce cravings for alcohol. It may be a natural alternative to the few available medications used to treat alcohol dependence, which may have side effects that limit their use.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) Root Extract

Liquorice is probably the most widely used herb in Chinese medicine.  Due to its ability to create balance and synergy it is added to many herbal formulas, both helping with flavour and through its ability to moderate or potentate the other herbs. Its main actions are related to its sweet taste and high content of natural sugars, and its content of hormonal compounds. The root is regarded to have strong immune-building properties, to reduce inflammation, soothe a sore throat, reduce allergy symptoms, balance blood sugar and to optimize hormone levels.

The Liquorice root extract powder is a very good additive to greatly improve dark homebrewed beer.

Milk Vetch Root / Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus)

For more than 2,000 years, Chinese herbalists have used Milk vetch root to encourage the body systems to function correctly, to improve physical endurance and for its immune enhancing properties, especially to the cold. It can strengthen the heart, improve microcirculation, rapidly but briefly reduce blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, promote the development and maturity of blood cells, and improve kidney function. In China, it has long been used as a classic energy tonic and is considered to be superior to ginseng for young, physically active people, helping to increase stamina and endurance. Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-aging effects it is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine.

Reishi / Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom

In Chinese Ling Zhi means “spirit plant” and has been prized by Chinese royalty and sages for ages for its legendary qualities. This mushroom has a 4,000-year history for use in an unusually wide range of ailments, but is particularly renowned for promoting longevity. It has shown in recent studies to be helpful for treating high cholesterol, hepatitis and other diseases of the liver, normalizing blood pressure, regulating circulatory system and help cure on allergies. Reishi mushroom contains a high amount of polysaccharides, which are essential for proper functioning of the immune system. Chinese and Japanese herbalists have traditionally recommended Reishi mushrooms for insomnia due to their “sleep-promoting factor”. Long-term use may cause significant promotion of slow wave sleep. Further Reishi seems to improve blood oxygenation and makes it greatly helpful to reduce altitude sickness. More info

Schisandra berry / Wu Wei Zi / (Schisandra chinensis)

The classical Chinese medicine described Schisandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of medical conditions, especially as a kidney tonic and lung astringent. It is also widely known as a non-irritating aphrodisiac, regarded to increase stamina in males and excitability in females. Chinese herbalists use Schisandra as a kidney tonic, for coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst, and physical exhaustion. It is also regarded useful to improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) Mushroom

This mushroom is of legendary healing powers, native to China, where it has been cultivated for over 1000 years. Chinese emperors consumed Shiitake mushrooms in large quantities to fend off old age. It was also believed to boost Qi, the life energy and to prevent premature aging. Further it was taken as a remedy for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, exhaustion and weakness. In the ancient Japanese courts Shiitake was valued for its aphrodisiac properties. The growing sites were well hidden and heavily guarded.
Shiitake mushrooms have been extensively researched and it is reportedly proven that medicinal benefits include antiviral, antifungal, and anti-tumour effects and that the consumption of shiitake mushrooms significantly lowers blood cholesterol. It is reported to contain all eight essential amino acids in better proportions than soy beans, meat, milk, or eggs as well as a good blend of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, B12, C, D and Niacin.