E-mail your questions and suggestions regarding our content to editor@21st-apothecary.com

Chinese Herbs

Page 5 of 6

Pearl - Also known as Margarita, Pearl is a very special herbal substance used since ancient times. Powdered pearl is used as a Shen tonic to stabilize the emotions, allay fright, ease frustration and anger, brighten the eyes and help regenerate tissue. Pearl is also used as a major beauty tonic, because it is believed that oral consumption of Pearl powder results in lustrous, pure, beautiful skin. Pearl powder is also used topically in skin creams to purify the skin. The best pearls, for herbal purposes, are wild sea water pearls that come from cold northern waters. The smaller the pearls, the more powerful their effect.

Peony - Peony root is a famous and highly prized blood tonic used to relax muscle and cleanse the blood. It is one of the most highly prized women's herbs used traditionally to help regulate the female hormonal cycle and to tonify and purify the blood. It is also used as a pain reducing agent and as an emotional stabilizer by women. It is said to relieve cramps and spasms anywhere in the body. In particular, it is considered to be highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps. Peony root is also believed to extend life and to promote beauty. An old Chinese saying states that "a woman who consumes Peony root regularly becomes as beautiful as the Peony flower itself."

Pinellia - Pinellia is used traditionally as a digestive tonic and is also used in the Orient to relieve lung congestion and in general to clear phlegm from the system.

Pine Nuts - The seed of the pine tree was a favorite food for Taoist hermits. Pine nuts were considered a longevity food by these ancient recluses.

Placenta hominis - Because of its role in nurturing new life, Placenta is considered to be the most profound substance for replenishing Yin and Yang essence and blood. It is also considered to be a major Chi tonic. It is the dominant ingredient in many of the greatest "restorative" formulations, where quick and powerful replenishment is required.

Polygala - This root is traditionally used as a Shen tonic to relax the mind, calm the emotions and to aid in the sleep process. Many people say that it enhances dreaming and aids in creative thinking. It is also used in many tonics to connect the Kidney (sexual) energy with the Heart (love) energy. It does this by opening the energy flow between the Heart and Kidney known as the Penetrating Vessel.

Polygonatum Sibericum - This herb is used as a Yin essence tonic and is said to have a specific benefit on the brain. It is believed to be restorative to mental vitality, especially when the mind has been overworked. It is often used in Shen and Ching tonics to nourish the brain and strengthen the mind.

Polyporus - This woody mushroom, which is similar to Ganoderma, is a Chi tonic used to improve Kidney and bladder function. Recent research conducted in Japan may indicate that Polyporus is a very potent immune system potentiator, similar in this regard to Ganoderma (Reishi).

Poria - Poria is very widely used in Chinese herbalism. It is traditionally used as a Chi tonic to benefit the internal organs. It is a solid fungus which grows on the roots of old pine trees. It is mildly diuretic and sedative, and is considered to be highly nourishing.

Pseudoginseng - "The miracle root for the preservation of life," as it is called by the Chinese, stands as one of the great health preserving herbs known to mankind. Panax Pseudoginseng, also commonly called Tienchi ginseng, is a relative of Panax Ginseng. It is a superb blood tonic and blood cleanser when cooked. It is a powerful blood vitalizing agent when consumed raw, and it believed by the Chinese to protect the heart and vascular system. It can be used externally to stop bleeding. It is widely used in Chinese herbalism internally as a tonic after traumatic injury. It is one of China's premier longevity herbs.

Pseudostellaria - An energy tonic used much like American Ginseng and Codonopsis, Pseudostellaria is very popular in China because it is much less expensive than Panax Ginseng and has many of the same excellent properties. However, it is not a warm Chi tonic like true Panax Ginseng. It is a Yin tonic with moistening effects that counteract dryness.

Psoralea - An excellent Yang tonic, Psoralea benefits the Kidney Yang, strengthens bones and sexual energy. It is one of the main herbs famed for helping maintain strong, upright posture and for preventing prolapsing of the organs.

Pueraria - This herb is a Yin tonic, famous in the Orient for its ability to relax the neck and shoulders. It is also commonly used to relieve sinus congestion and headaches.

<1 2 3 Back 5 Next>