Chinese Herbs

Albizzia  The bark or flower of this exotic tree is especially famous among the Chinese for use when one is experiencing emotional problems such as broken heart and the experience of great loss. It is also used to help overcome excessive worry, fright, paranoia and insomnia. It is considered to be a Shen tonic which nourishes the heart and strengthens the body. Both the bark and the flower are considered to have these qualities, although the flower is more rare and is believed to be one of the ultimate Shen tonics.

Alisma  Alisma is a Chi tonic used to move water. It strengthens the kidneys. Alisma is used in most weight control formulations and in formulas to promotion urination.

Amber  Amber is the fossilized remains of the sap of an extinct tree. Amber is used like Dragon Bone as a Shen stabilizer, but is even more highly prized.

American Ginseng  Panax Quinquefolium is a true ginseng family member even though it grows in North America. It contains saponins similar to those found in Panax Ginseng (Oriental ginseng). However, American ginseng is considered to be a Yin tonic herb, especially nourishing to the lungs, skin and stomach. It builds adaptive energy without the warming effects of Asian ginseng and thus the ginseng of choice for overly Yang people. American ginseng is extremely popular in China. The wild variety is far superior to the cultivated.

Asparagus Root  Wild Asparagus root is a marvelous Shen tonic and Yin tonic. It was credited by Chinese wise men as being able to open the heart, prolong life, and also to tonify the sexual functions of both men and women. It is also traditionally used in Chinese herbalism as a major lung tonic, and is widely used to add luster to the skin. It is also said that those who consume Asparagus over a long period of time come to feel so light and buoyant that they feel like they can fly.

Astragalus  One of the most important herbs in the world, Astragalus has been recognized as a superb and potent immune system tonic by modern researchers. Astragalus has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole. Astragalus is believed by the Oriental people to strengthen the "upright Chi," which supports our posture and the position of the organs. Astragalus has been found to be a tonic to bone marrow.

Attractylodes  is an important and great energy (Chi) tonic which is famous for regulating the digestive functions and as a powerful energy booster. This variety of Attractiveness is known as "White Attractylodes." It is widely used in China by athletes and martial artists, and in weight control programs. It has mild diuretic action. Atractylodes may be used by anyone wishing to increase vitality.

Bupleurum  Bupleurum is a very important and very widely used herb, commonly used to reduce tension and to "cleanse the liver." It is used in the majority of anti-tension and anti-stress formulas in Chinese herbalism. It is slightly sedative and helps relax muscle, and is said to allow energy to flow smoothly, preventing energy stagnation. Bupleurum has a powerful detoxifying action when combined with other blood cleansing agents. It also helps regulate digestive functions and helps assimilate calcium.

Chrysanthemum  The flower of a special variety of Chrysanthemum is used in China to improve the circulation in the head and face and is thus traditionally used for headaches and sinus conditions. Since it has a cooling action, it is used to relieve red, swollen eye such as that caused by smog and summer heat.

Cinnamon Bark  Chinese cinnamon bark is a strong essence tonic that promotes good circulation and powerful internal energy. It is sweet and spicy, and is considered to have a very hot energy. Cinnamon bark is said to increase the Yang energy and sexual vitality. The best cinnamon bark the world comes from Southeast Asia from trees where the bark is, at best, almost a half inch thick and over twenty years old.

Cinnamon Twig  The young twig of cinnamon strengthens the body and is said to result in a more youthful complexion. Cinnamon twig can be used to relax neck and shoulder tension. It is categorized as a warm herb, capable of warming the entire body, and is primarily used in Chinese herbalism to open blood channels and thus to improve circulation. It is not as deeply tonifying as the much older and richer bark.

Cistanche  This mushroom is used like Cynomorium to strengthen the Yang energy, and is famous in China as a sexual tonic which was used by Chinese royalty.

Cnidium  The small fruit is considered to be a superb tonic to the primal Yang essence and is thus used in many tonics for both men and women. It is widely believed in the Orient to be a superb longevity herb and an excellent sexual tonic and stimulant. It is said to strengthen the bones.

Codonopsis  This superb Chi tonic is used in much the same manner as Ginseng, and is considered to be an excellent substitute for Ginseng, in any formulation calling for basic Ginseng. It is favored over Ginseng when Ginseng's energy may b e too strong or too warm. It is said to restore energy, balance the metabolism and stimulate the production of blood. It is also traditionally used to clear the lungs of mucous and as a tonic of special value to nursing mothers. It is said to help the skin become elastic, smooth and radiant, and is thus used in many tonic formulations designed to increased both beauty and vitality.

Cordyceps  This rare and strange herb is considered to be a moderately Yang primal essence (Ching) tonic of the highest stature, in the same league as other major super tonic herbs such as Deer Antler, Reishi and Ginseng. It is a mushroom that grows on the head of a particular kind of caterpillar in mountainous regions of Mongolia and Tibet. It has enormous renown as a super tonic, and is said to build sexual and physical power, mental energy, the immune system and is universally believed in the Orient to prolong life.

Cornus  This sour fruit plays an important role in many Essence tonics. It is said to be "astringent," thereby locking energy into the system and preventing the energy from "leaking" out. In its own right it is a powerful Yin essence tonic.

Cuscuta  Cuscuta is commonly used in long term tonic programs. It is a gentle tonic for the Kidney Yin and Yang, and also helps nourish Chi. It helps the Kidney to consolidate the Chi. It is widely used to improve vision, nourish the sperm and marrow, strengthen bones and sinews and to strengthen sexual functions.

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