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Chinese Herbs

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Ho Shou Wu - Constant consumption of th famous "longevity herb" also known as Polygonum multiflorum, is said in the Orient to help return an aging person to youthfulness. It is a classic Yin essence (Ching) tonic, as well as a major blood tonic. It is said to increase energy and to clean the blood. As an essence tonic, it is believed to be a powerful sexual tonic when consumed regularly. Ho Shou Wu is widely believed in China to increase sperm production in men and to increase fertility in women. Ho Shou Wu is used in almost all tonics that are believed in the Orient to nurture the hair and teeth.

Jujube - This special fruit, sometimes called the "red date," has been used since ancient times as a nutrient tonic, a blood cleanser, and as an important adjunctive herb to other tonics, especially in combination with Ginseng and Tang Kuei. Jujube, which is not a true date, is universally believed in the Orient to build strength and extended life. Jujube is slightly sedative and laxative and removes obstructions of the energy flow. The juice of jujube is one of the wonderful and delicious specialties of Chinese tonic herbalism. It is often used as a base for other herbal extracts.

Licorice Root - Chinese Licorice root, or Glycyhrrhiza, is one of the greatest herbs known to mankind. Licorice root builds energy and is an excellent digestive tonic. It is the most broad spectrum natural detoxifying agent known, ridding the body of over 1200 known toxins without any distressful side-effects. It also helps regulate the blood sugar level, helping counteract hypoglycemia, a very common imbalance. Licorice root also provides basic nutrients to the adrenal glands. Licorice helps build and strengthen muscle, and it is a natural muscle relaxer. It is very sweet and adds a delicious flavor to herbal teas. Licorice is included in most Chinese herbal teas and formulations because it is said to harmonize all the ingredients in an herbal formula. Licorice root is very powerful and should be used in small quantities.

Ligusticum - Ligusticum wallichi is a very widely used blood tonic. It is especially common in women's blood tonic formulations. Ligusticum is a superb "blood vitalizing" herb used to improve blood circulation and to disperse blood stagnation. It has recently been found to improve blood circulation in the heart. It is sometimes called Cnidium on some product labels, and should not be confused with Cnidium seed, a Yang essence tonic.

Ligustrum - Ligustrum is a Yin Kidney essence tonic, which is said by the Chinese to prolong life. It has been found to contain significant immune enhancing agents. It is also used as a blood tonic.

Lily Flowers - The Chinese call Lily "the plant for forgetting care and sorrow." They believe that by eating or drinking a tea of lily flowers, one is able to forget unpleasant memories and sorrow. Lily flowers are high in iron and build blood, and also contain several vitamins.

Lohan - This very sweet fruit is a superb Lung tonic used to relieve lung congestion and to cool the lungs, thus "clearing heat" such as one might experience on a hot smoggy day.

Longan - Longan is a wonderful and delicious tonic fruit used by the Chinese as a blood tonic, to nurture the heart, and to add luster and beauty to the skin. It is believed among the Chinese people that Longan is not only a great tonic for the skin, but is also a fantastic sex tonic. For that reason, Longan is considered as a special tonic for women who wish to be both beautiful and sexually active -- it has a 200 year reputation as a love tonic. It is said that the most beautiful woman in the history of China, Yang Kuei Fei, ate Longan every day. Longan is equally beneficial to men. It is believed to have a calming effect and to add radiance to the eyes.

Lycium - This delicious fruit is very widely used as an excellent Yin essence and blood tonic. Regular consumption of lycium is traditionally believed to lead to a long and happy life. It is said that prolonged consumption of Lycium will promote cheerfulness and vitality. Lycium is also said to brighten the eyes and improve vision. It is said that Lycium strengthens the legs and enhances sexual function.

Malt - Malt is a Chi tonic which is said to strengthen muscle and aid in the growth of children

Morinda - Morinda is an excellent Yang essence tonic. It is considered to be highly nutritious and is used in superior tonic formulas for strengthening the body. It is widely used in primal essence formulations, often as the main ingredient. Morinda is widely believed in China to increase mental power. It is also considered to be beneficial to the heart.

Ophiopogon - This herb, which is very similar both biologically and in its actions to wild Asparagus root, is primarily used as a Yin tonic, and especially as a Heart and Lung tonic. It is excellent for moistening any dryness in the body. It is considered to be a cold herb, and is said by the Taoists to be a major Shen tonic herb.

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