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Chinese Herbs

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Rehmannia - Rehmannia is said to be the "Kidney's own food." It is thus believed to be a Kidney tonic and longevity herb and is found in many common "anti-aging" formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is said to benefit sexual functions in men and women. The steamed variety is said to be warm in nature. The raw variety has a cold energy, and though it acts upon the Kidney, it does not have the tonic qualities associated with steamed Rehmannia. Steamed Rehmannia used as a tonic should be combined with Chi tonics to improve its assimilation.

Royal Jelly - A natural food substance produced by worker bees for their queen. This incredibly nutritious whole food is rich in a very broad spectrum of important vitamins, minerals and other substances essential to radiant health. Royal Jelly is believed to be an important beauty aid and is said to beautify the skin, eyes and hair. It is available in many commercial prepared products or can be obtained fresh, straight from the hive.

Salvia - Salvia is a "blood vitalizing" herb used to improve circulation. Recent research in China and Japan indicates that this herb may improve the condition and functioning of the vascular system. It is a famed longevity herb.

Schizandra - Schizandra is a famous tonic historically consumed by Chinese royalty. It is one of the few herbs that contains all three treasures. Schizandra is renowned as a beauty tonic and is considered to be a youth preserving herb. It has been used for centuries to make the skin soft, moist and radiant. It is also said to be a powerful tonic to the brain and mind, and is believed in China to improve memory. It is also said to be an excellent sexual tonic when consumed regularly. It is said to help produce abundant sexual fluids, increase sexual endurance and to strengthen the whole body. It is used in many tonic formulations as an "astringent." Schizandra has a wonderful multi-layered flavor when processed properly.

Signathus - This variety of fish, also known as Sea Dragon is a close relative of the Sea Horse. It is an extremely Yang and powerful Essence tonic, reputed in China to have “aphrodisiac' qualities. Large, wild Sea Dragons are rare and highly prized. The larger the Sea Dragon, the more potent its energy.

Spirit Poria - This special variety of Poria is considered a premium Shen tonic herb. It is the part of the Poria mushroom which contains the root of the old pine tree, upon which it has grown. Spirit Poria is said to benefit the heart, to nourish the Spirit and to lead to a long and happy life. It is often used by those wishing to overcome anxiety, worry, fear, etc. This is a very special herb traditionally used by Taoists adepts to help attain enlightenment.

Tang Kuei - Tang Kuei, Angelica sinesis, is used by men and women alike as a superb blood tonic. It is also an important blood vitalizing herb (e.g., it improves blood circulation). Men use it as a muscle building blood tonic. However, Tang Kuei is most famous as a women's tonic, because women so often use it as a blood tonic and to regulate the female menstrual cycle. It is found in most women's tonic preparations.

Tortoise Shell - The shell of the tortoise is a very special and potent Yin Essence tonic that also builds blood. It is said to increase fluids, build hormones and to replenish substances lost to stress and excessive behavior. The species used is cultivated for food and is not endangered.

Walnuts - Walnut is considered to be a useful and important essence tonic with both Yin and Yang energies. It is said to tonify the functions of the Kidneys and liver, and thus by Chinese reckoning is useful as a sexual tonic. It is also used as a brain tonic to strengthen the mind. Walnuts, because of their lubricating qualities, are said to beautify the skin and to improve the functioning of the colon. It is usually combined with Longan fruit. The skin of the walnut is considered to be bitter and slightly toxic, so for culinary and tonic purposes the best organic walnuts are peeled.

Xanthium - The small fruit is used as a tonic to the immune system and is often used in the Orient to strengthen the response to various allergies.

Zizyphus - The roasted seeds of a variety of Jujube are quite sedative and calming and are traditionally used to nourish the Heart and as a Shen stabilizer, thus calming the emotions and relaxing the nerves. This herb is very famous as a tonic for people who suffer from insomnia and experience disturbed sleep.

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