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Chinese Herbs

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Eleutherococcus - Widely known as "Siberian Ginseng," Eleutherococcus senticosis is another relative of true Ginseng. Wild Eleutherococcus grows widely in Siberia, Mongolia and Northeastern China. It is famous as an adaptogenic herb, thus aiding in handling of stress. It has been used for centuries to increase physical and mental endurance, to build blood and to improve memory. It is now widely used to regulate blood sugar levels, and is especially popular among athletes.

Ephedra - Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, is commonly used in Chinese herbalism. It is a profound central nervous system stimulant and is an excellent mental stimulant, markedly enhancing mental clarity. It is widely used in Chinese herbalism to clear the lungs and to open the sinuses. It opens and expands the chest, increasing energy and endurance. Used excessively, it can cause agitation and palpitations. Although it is a very popular herb, it is best not used excessively or habitually.

Epimedium - Widely believed to be a powerful sexual tonic and stimulant. Epimedium is known as "goat sex herb," because when goats eat it they begin copulating. Many Oriental people consider it aphrodisiac. Epimedium is also said to strengthen the bones and joints, and to calm and relax the heart. Recent research indicates that Epimedium is a strong immune system regulator.

Eucommmia - Eucommia is a superb Yang essence tonic, used to strengthen the back (especially the lower back), skeleton, and joints (especially the knees and ankles). Eucommia is believed to confer strength and flexibility to the ligaments and tendons. It is often used by athletes to strengthen the entire body. It has been found to help regulate blood pressure, and is believed in China to be a safe and effective sex tonic for men and women.

Ganoderma - Also known as Reishi (Japanese) or Lingzhi (Chinese), this is considered by many people to be the ultimate tonic herb. It is widely renowned in the Orient as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "herb of good fortune." The best Reishi is the wild red variety known as Ganoderma lucidum.

Reishi has been demonstrated in research done in China and Japan to be a significant immune system enhancing agent that also protects the various organs and tissues of the body. It is the supreme Shen tonic of Chinese tonic herbalism, and is also considered to be a major Chi tonic. Reishi has an immediate calming influence, and over time is believed to help enhance wisdom which may lead to true spiritual insight.

Gastrodia - A wonderful herb which is said to open the energy in the upper part of the body. It is traditionally used to relieve dizziness and headaches and is one of the most important herbs used to increase the flow of energy to the brain and to improve intelligence.

Gecko - The Gecko lizard that inhabits southern China is widely used in the Orient as a tonic. The tail and the backbone of the Gecko are used traditionally as a warming Yang tonic. It is a favorite among athletes for strength and endurance, and is said to provide sexual energy. It is also traditionally used as a major lung tonic, as it is said to enhance the extraction of energy (Chi) from the air.

Ginkgo - The leaves of the Ginkgo tree are reputed in th Orient to "benefit the brain," by improving memory and the ability to concentrate. It is now believed that Ginkgo biloba improves oxygen supplies to the brain and other organs. It is also traditionally used to strengthen the heart and lungs. Ginkgo is used in China to improves circulation.

Ginseng - One of the most famous and valued herbs used by mankind, Panax Ginseng is an energy tonic that regulates the human energy system. It has been shown to be stimulating and regulatory to both the central nervous system and the endocrine system. It is the primary Chi tonic of Chinese tonic herbalism. Ginseng helps a person to adapt to all kinds of stresses, and enhances endurance and resilience under stressful conditions. It has thus been termed an "adaptogenic" substance by scientific researchers. Ginseng is also used to tonify digestive and respiratory functions. Ginseng contains many active ingredients, but the most important are the saponins called ginsenosides. Ginsenosides specifically improve adaptability and are believed to help build muscle and endurance in athletes. Ginseng generally has a "warm" energy.

There are in fact many varieties of Ginseng, all of which have distinct characteristics. Most high quality Ginseng is good for men and women alike. Wild and semi-wild Ginseng is generally far superior to the cultivated, commercial varieties. The higher the quality, the more Shen (Spirit) a Ginseng root is said to contain.

Hippocampus - This is the common Sea Horse, which is used in a similar manner and for the identical purposes as Sea Dragon. The Larger the sea horse, the stronger its potency.

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