Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Reishi: (Ganoderma lucidum)

*immune system optimizer
*adaptogenic


Reishi is a popular Chinese mushroom with an impressive array of reputed health, including antioxidant properties. Also known as Gandoderma or Lingzhi.
In the Chinese language Ling = spirit and zhi = plant/mushroom of longevity.
So Lingzhi = spiritual mushroom of longevity.
The poysaccharies content of reishi strengthening the body’s overall immune functioning while simultaneously protect against cancer cells, and other microbial such as viruses, bacteria and yeast. Often used as an immune stimulant by people with cancer, as well as HIV The ganoderic contained in Reishi aid in allergies and auto-immune disorders. Ganoderic acids inhibit histamine release, improve oxygen utilization and improve liver function. The beta-1,3-glucan in reishihave been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels. Some triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum [ganoderic acid C and derivatives] are able to inhibit the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Reishi has a unique ability to calm and support nerve function and therefore it use for chronic stress, anxiety, or insomnia (Hobbs C. 1995).
There reviews that describe pharmacological active compounds from mushrooms. Compounds and complex substances with antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antiallergic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and central activities are covered, focusing on the review of recent literature.


Ganoderma: a therapeutic fungal biofactor.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16905165

Ganoderma and its pharmaceutically active compounds
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17875480

Ganoderma: a potent pharmacological macrofungus
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19939212


















This is a wonderful book about Reishi.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Tonics and Balance

Balance your World with a World Class Ancient Tonic: Emperors Chi


You see the key word here is "Balance". Balanced body, balanced lifestyle, balanced mind and balanced spirit.


So how do we create Balance in ours lives. The Taoist Masters use the analogy of a candle to describe three forces.
Jing: is the base of the candle which is your body, your essence, the sum parts of who you are.
Qi: (chi) is the candle flame and therefore your life force. This is the force that fuels you, moves you, and motivates you through out your life
Shen: is your Spirit and Light given off by the candle that equals the light you share with World.

If the body needs rest it will promote rest and healing. If the body needs energy it will promote vitality.

Like a phoenix raising from the ashes Emperor’s Chi has returned.
The benefits of drinking tonic teas is connected with the Chinese philosophy
of Taoism.

The history of tea reaches back to 2737 B.C. and the myths of ancient China. There, the legendary Emperor Shen Nong, who is also considered the father of Chinese herbology, is said to be responsible for the discovery of tea when a few leaves from an overhanging tea tree fell into his cup of hot water. He drank the brew and commented on its invigorating qualities.

Lu Tung, a Chinese poet of the T’ang Dynasty had this to say in a poem called “Drinking Tea”

“The first cup moistens my lips and throat;

The second cup breaks my loneliness;

The third cup helps my digestion;

The fourth cup raises a slight perspiration--all the

Wrongs of life pass out through my pores;

At the fifth cup I am purified;

The sixth cup calls me to the realms of the Immortals;

The seventh cup--ah, but I could take no more!...”

The Taoist believed that human vitality lies within channels, channels of energy. And tea acts like a filter-absorbing impurities to help clear these
channels. Included in their philosophy of keeping and maintaining good health by using food and herbs. Tea elixirs also serve as the Taoist way of elevating ones spiritual self.
The tonic herbs are defined as herbs which promote a long, healthy, vibrant, happy life, without any unwanted side effects even when taken over a long period of time. Essentially, the tonic, or Superior Herbs, are wonderful, healthful 'super-foods' which benefit our well being in ways that more common foods cannot. And they have a protective, balancing, vitalizing quality beyond that of any other herbs. They are generally consumed as a supplement to a well balanced healthy diet for the purpose of completing our nutritional needs.

* 1. A tonic herb must contain at least one of the Three Treasures in such abundance that it can contribute to the building and maintenance of that Treasure in one who consumes it. Some of the tonic herbs contain just one of the Treasures, some contain two and some contain all three.
* 2. A tonic herb must aid in the attainment of a long life.
* 3. A tonic herb must have broad and profound health-promoting actions that result in a radiantly healthy life.
* 4. A tonic herb must have no negative side-effects when used reasonably, and therefore may be taken continuously over a long period of time if desired, yielding cumulative, long-term benefits. This emphasis on safety is in accordance with the first law of Chinese herbalism--"Do no harm."
* 5. A tonic herb must help balance our emotional and psychic energy so as to help improve one's state of spiritual and emotional well being and happiness.
* 6. A tonic herb must taste good enough to be consumed easily and must be easily digestible and assimilable when prepared correctly. Most of the herbs in the tonic category do taste good and in fact, any of the tonic herbs may be used in healthy cooking. Tonic herbs are considered to be a major food group in the Chinese diet.


The tonics are used to promote over-all well being, to enhance the body's energy, and to regulate the bodily and psychic functioning, to protect the body and mind so as to create what the Chinese call 'Radiant Health.'

Saturday, February 19, 2011

JING your essence

Jing Energy:


The Jing energy is the basis energy in the body that corresponds to kidney and adrenals . Its energy pattern pursues extremely intimately to the spine, all the way into the cervical vertebra.
Weaken in or depleted Jing energy can traces to lower back pain. As well as adrenal malfunctions. Calcium that the body absorbs can not be properly utilized.

Ther are four kidney energy elements that are important in the development and improvement of the human body. The four elements are Kidney jing (essence), Kidney yin (water), Kidney yang (fire) and Kidney Qi.
The skin of those with weak kidney energy is often brown and lacks elasticity. There is poor circulation, especially in the hips. Also frequent urination. The kidneys govern the sex organs and thus influence hormonal balance.
When kidney energy is depleted, sex drive is also weak. People with weak Jing energy have trouble getting a deep sleep. The kidneys also influence the health of the bones. Weak kidney jing can lead to bone weaknesses , including osteoporosis and fractures.
Psychologically speaking, those with weak kidney energy are chronically anxious and fearful. They also suffer from lack of determination. They usually have family troubles because they lack patience and endurance. This also corresponds to the third chakra area, your power center.
which influences adrenal glands, profound effect on sympathetic nervous system, muscular energy, heartbeat, digestion, circulation, mood, stress, chronic fatigue and nervous disorders.
Kidney energy has many effects in the body: It restores youthfulness; it detoxifies; it balances hormones, metabolism, digestion, enzymes, immunity and the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands set on top of the kidneys, are composed of the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla, are involved in many physiological processes such as blood pressure regulation, steroid hormone synthesis, and the body’s stress response mechanism. The adrenal cortex produces
androgens (eg, DHEA), glucocorticoids (eg, cortisol) and mineral-corticoids (eg, aldosterone), while the adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. The glucocorticoids play a critical role in the body’s response or resistance to stress and the mineralcorticoids serve to regulate electrolyte and water balance. Epinephrine and norepinephrine also participate in the body’s stress response. Generally, compromised adrenal function will negatively impact one’s
blood pressure, energy level, and resistance to infection.
In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kidney/Jing Energy is: The seat of procreation, the power keep moving upright, the vitality center of the body, the basis for clarity of our thinking, the ability to regenerate our body. Healthy and abundant Jing is necessary for manifesting Qi, blood, body fluid and Shen.
This your body Core. Strengthen your Core muscle will provide benefit to the structure of lower back and spine. Beside Emperors Chi, Water and Salt are vital for Kidney/Adrenal Jing functioning.
Some example of Jing herbs are Reishi, which regulates the immune system.
Eucommia bark used in TCM to strengthen kidneys, lower back skeletal structure structure and
endocrine system. And Lycium fruit is said promote you essence Long term consumption of this fruit is said to promote happiness and longevity.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Emperors Chi: The finest tonic available

He came one day as if from nowhere. For six days and six nights he sat and prayed by the Temple doors.



From whence did he come and to where did he go? All we know is what he said - "Chi"



What was left was a special blend of magical life enhancing herbs, twigs and fruits.



For thousand of years, the Chinese have believed that entire universe is pervaded by a special energy and an all pervading force.

This energy found on Earth itself, is of a exact and precise nature that has allowed life to come forth. The Earth was conceived to sit at the center of all the cosmological forces, receiving energy in balance from outer-space, which the Chinese have simply termed

"Heaven" and from the Earth. This all-powerful life-force energy is known as "CHI" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The greatest concentration of this this life-force energy is the human body and should be treasured and nourished daily so as to achieve every-lasting

health and wisdom.

Emperors Chi is from the Original recipe that was consumed only the Emperors and the royal courts of ancient China over 2000 years ago.

The Yellow emperor was the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. Legend has it that because of the energy it took establishing rule in the empire he sent the word to find a elixir great enough that he and his court would only consume this tea to give them rightous Qi.

This Journey of discovery called Life is to be on the Tao, the path, the Way. There are three forces that will make this journey easier and effortless.

These forces are the Three Treasures. Jing is your Vital Essence, Qi (chi) is your vital spark that manifest your energy, and Shen your spirit, your light.



With the Up and down times of Wall Street and down times on Main street. How do we deal the Stress, the foreclosers, the down-sizing, the lay-offs, the raising of cost of Living. How do we keep our head above water. We want our life more than just treading water.

In our 24/7 A.D.D. stressful world we must find ways to not let stress burn up Our candle to quickly.

This is what I call the Chi Lifestyle, the Tao of Qi. They are meditation, prayer, contemplation, deep breathing, diet, exercise and of course Emperors Chi.



You see the key word here is "Balance". Balanced body, balanced lifestyle, balanced mind and balanced spirit.



Balance your World with Emperors Chi!



So how do we create Balance in ours lives. TheTaoist Masters use the analogy of a candle to describe three forces.

Jing: is the base of the candle which is your body, your essence, the sum parts of who you are.

Qi: (chi)is the candle flame and therefore your life force. This is the force that fuels you, moves you, and motivates you through out your life

Shen: is your Spirit and Light given off by the candle that equals the light you share with World.



A problem arises when you concentrate on or just stimulate your Chi. We get up in the morning, grab that coffee or coke on your way to work or the gym.

Have you ever tried to make a fire with only kindling. It burns hot and fast and dies out quickly.

When you do this you increase your Chi. But if there is not enough to start with, no substance

to maintain the your fire. You start burning your stores, your Jing. You start robbing your body very slowly which will rob your Shen and the world will lost your wonderful gift, wonderful Light.



The Taoist gave us the answers to help balance our lives. And one of the answers is

Emperors Chi!



Emperors Chi contains some of world greatest herbs called Tonic herbs



Schisandra:

*One the best Tonic Herb for the Kidneys;

*Sharpens the mind, improves lucidity, concentration, precise coordination and focus;

*Improves both short and long term memory;

*Increases hydration due to its astringent properties;

*Prevents the leaking or wasting of Jing, our precious and irreplaceable reserve energy,

probably its most crucial quality;

*Increases potency in men, fertility in women;

*Aids in preventing premature ejaculation, restoring sex drive, and increasing sexual

endurance (worth having for this quality alone right?);

*Increases sexual desire, vaginal secretions, and genital sensation in women (worth

having for this quality alone right?);

*Excellent to restore and maintain a youthful appearance and attitude;

*Improves hearing and vision.

This truly one of oldest Super fruits. This wonder berry has been used for a millennium in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Schisandra has been used as a tonic for anti-aging, anti-fatigue and sexual enhancing. Modern studies have shown that Schisandra improves concentration, coordination and endurance. It calms the mind and nerves, nourishes the Yin, generates fluids, strengthens general vitality and tonifies and protects the heart, liver and lungs.

Human studies in Russia hindicate that schisandra has an adaptogenic activity, prompting telegraph operators to transmit messages more accurately, increasing recovery after exercise, and improving blood levels of nitric oxide after heavy exercise. It was also shown to promote recuperation in racehorses after exercise (Roy Upton, 1999).

SAFETY ISSUES: Use with caution if pregnant. Avoid if you have elevated intracranial pressure or epilepsy. May increase stomach acidity. May potentiate barbituates. (reported in Upton, 1999).





Gynostemma:

Improves digestion

Strengthens the mind

Reduces fatigue

Improves oxygen utilisation

Revered in China as “the immortality herb.” This herb was reserved for Chinese Royalty in promoting life, longevity, fertility, and immortality. This herb restores balance and equilibrium to all five body systems, the cardiovascular, the digestive, the immune, the nervous and reproductive

system. The adaptogenic characteristics of Gynostemma comes from saponins (triterpene glycosides or gypenosides).

Research has shown that these compounds directly stimulate nitric oxide release, a process that is very beneficial to the heart (Tanner, et al., 1999)

The ultimate benefit of Gynostemma is found in its broad adaptogenic properties. It has the ability to bring balance to the body through out a wide range of stressful situations.

Long term consumption of Gynostemma has highly protective quality because it strengthens the adaptive capacity of the person at every level of life.



Rhodiola:

*Adaptogen

*muscle recovery

*enhances memory

*benefits Cardiovascular system

*benefits Immune system

*enhances mood

Rhodiola in Tibet is considered a sacred herb, used as a powerful adaptogenic vitalizer and as a substantial medicinal agent since the beginning of Tibetan civilization. It is regarded as a life-prolonging, wisdom enhancing "superior herb", and used by the Tibetan monks to enhance their inner spiritual power, the power of concentration and physical endurance.

Beneficial for people who work very hard, either physically or mentally, as this herb improves endurance and mental capacity, including memory enhancement. It is a superb tonic and energizer for those into physical fitness, as consumption of a small amount of Rhodiola extract significantly improves a person’s capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen, beneficial to the cardiovascular system, and also good for anyone stuck behind a desk or at a computer terminal for long periods of time. People stay focused and suffer far less from fatigue even under severe stress.



Eleuthero:



*increases endurance

*memory enhancement

*anti-inflammatory

* immune tonic

*chemoprotective

*radiological protection

*aid in insomnia

*improves appetite



Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has been shown to reduce the activation of the adrenal cortex in response to stress. Eleuthero helps to increase physical and mental endurance and helps to improve memory and alterness. Eleuthero is benefical in inproving work output as well as exercise recovery.Eleuthero helps to build blood and improves the ability of the body to absorb and efficiently use oxygen. Eleuthero is a potent immune modulator, and has in particular been shown to promote antibody formation. Eleuthero has a detoxifying action, protecting animals against various poisons. Recent Korean have shown that the polysaccarides in Eleuthero enhance the function of the liver by reducing the levels

of enzymes that may be related to altering liver function.



Reishi:



*immune system optimizer

*adaptogenic



The poysaccharies content of reishi strengthening the body’s overall immune functioning while simultaneously protect against cancer cells, and other microbials

such as viruses, bacteria and yeast. The ganoderic contained in Reishi aid in allergies and auto-immune disorders. Ganoderic acids inhibit histamine release,

improve oxygen utilization and improve liver function. The beta-1,3-glucan in reishi

have been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels.



Astragulas:



*Known as the ‘Great Protector’

*Adaptogenic

* Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.
* It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections.
* Astragalus has also been used for heart disease.



Protects the circulating energy that is just under the skin and run the muscles.

This the known as the ‘Wei Chi’ as known as the protective chi. It’s role is to act as a protective shield that protective against invading organism and enviroment.

Rejuvetive to Qi that is necessary regain health.





The next set of herbs support the adrenals When not nourished properly the adrenal glands are easily depleted. Providing them with key elements for health helps prevent disorders and keeps the body in balance. With high stress levels in our lives as well as bad eating habits, we can easily compromise the health of our bodies.

In TCM the adrenal glands are part of the water element and relate to kidney energy. The kidneys are seen as the single most important organ affecting the length and quality of your life. They control your internal Chi, your Yin/Yang balance and house your Jing which is your life force, your aliveness, your creative power and your essence. Abundant kidney Chi correlates to a strong physical constitution as well as a strong innate sense of purpose and will.



Goji Berries:



Benefits include:

*eyesight improvement

*increasing libido

*mood enhancement

*improvement energy

*improving sleeping

*enhancing your for life

*immunomodulatory

*may protect against age-related diseases



Most of Goji’s benefit are due its high antioxidant and polsaccarides content.





These super packed berries are high in minerals and most of the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids





Rehmannia (prepared):



One of the world best Kidney/Adernal tonifying herbs.

Aids in slowing the aging process.

Builds your Yin Jing, recharges your batteries.

Rejuvenation at its best.

Enhances your ability to heal and heal faster.

It is considered a premium blood tonic.

Strengthens your reproductive system therefore benefits the sexual function of both

male and female.



Morinda Root



Morinda is an superior Yang Jing tonic, considered to be highly nutritious and strengthen the body.

Benefical in inproving your mental prowess.

Considered to be benefical to the heart.

Increase your ability to be more active and gain strength.





Eucommia Bark



Eucommia is also a superior Yang Jing tonic therefore considered to be a sexual for both males and females.

Found to be useful in regulating blood pressure.

Very useful to the athlete because of its abilty to strengthen the back, skeleton, and joints.





The next set of Chinese herbs are from an ancient formula called Four Gentleman.

This set of herbs will up lift your Chi (the energy source that runs through your body),

make your stronger, improve the digestion and reproductive system.

This herbs in combination also act like catalyzes to the main body of herbs to help your

utilize them better

There are as followed;



Licorice Root



Licorice roots builds energy and is a wonderful digestive aid.

It is a natural detoxifying agent. It also helps balance blood sugar levels and

nourishes the adrenal glands. Licorice is wonderful muscle relaxant as well as

a muscle strengthener. Licorice root is used in small amounts because it is so

powerful.



Codonopsis Root



Codonopsis is a excellent blood tonic, a major immune system tonic as well

as invigorating the Spleen and Lung function so that Chi is replenished.

It promotes the production of body fluids, strengthens the digestive and

respiratory systems.

It has a wonderful blood building quality that makes it especially good for

someone who is in a weaken state.





White Atractylodes Root



Attractylodes is a potent Chi tonic that regulates the digestive function as well as a

powerful energy booster.



Poria Mushroom



This mushrooms was used for centuries by Taoist hermits as a source of food.

Too calm the mind and improve the digestion. It is a Chi tonic that benefit the

internal organs.



Jujube Fruit



Sometimes called red date, though not a true date, has been used for centuries

as nutrient tonic, a blood tonic and to improve the function of other tonic herbs.

Jujube removes the obstruction that are blocking your energy flow.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Is your Basil HOLY?

Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) in Ayurveda is considered a Rasayana (a sanskrit word for juice or elixir).
Rasayanas are herbs used to rejuvenate or change degenerative processes that lead to disease.
Native to India, “Holy Basil”, is also known as “Tulsi”, or “the incomparable one”.
The presence of Tulsi is a highly sacred symbol in Hindu religious tradition.
Tulsi is so Sacred, so Holy that a Hindu household is considered incomplete if it doesn’t have a Tulsi plant in the courtyard.
Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the 'Gandharv Tantra,' include "grounds overgrown with Tulsi plants".
The Tulsi Manas Mandir at Varanasi is one such famous temple, where Tulsi is worshipped along with other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Vaishnavites or believers of Lord Vishnu, worship the Tulsi leaf because it's the one that pleases Lord Vishnu the most.
They also wear beaded necklaces made of Tulsi stems. The manufacture of these Tulsi necklaces is a cottage industry in pilgrimage and temple towns.
Tulsi As An Elixir :
Apart from its religious significance Tulsi is a kind of "the elixir of life" as it promotes longevity.
The plant's extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and ailments like the common cold, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria.
Most of all however is the amazing power known as “adaptogenics” that it empowers to the body.
This is the highest level of medicine in both India and China and indeed in all of the East.
It means that it literally re-programs the body and the mind (and spirit) to “adapt” to the situation around it and remain in control, in full power of all abilities.
You can’t control the jackhammer outside your bedroom window, but you can give your body something that will “adapt” it to the situation, rendering the trauma invisible and insignificant.
In fighting something like cancer, this is an extraordinary adjunct to any treatment and totally unknown to modern day oncologists who can only grapple with clumsy chemotherapy drugs and radiation. It is health in another dimension.
Studies have shown that Tulsi (Holy Basil) has “Cox-2 Inhibitor” qualities, acting like a herbal Celebrex to dramatically reduce cellular inflammation.
Which in turn leads to a reduction in Fibromyalgia and everyday aches and pains, normalizing your blood glucose, and imparting a highly positive benefit to your mental outlook.
Some of the benefits listed on PubMed (National Institute of Health databases) are:

* a significant cardioprotective effect
* antimicrobial
* antiidiabetic
* hepato(liver)- protective
* anti-inflammatory
* anti-carcinogenic
* immunodulatory
* neuro-protective