Rhizoma ATRACTYLODES
(BAI ZHU)
 

Warms and harmonizes the Middle (meaning the Spleen and Stomach). The Chinese say that it drys "dampness" by strengthening the Spleen. Modern Western research has shown it to have a diuretic effect. It is used in the formula "Liu jun zi tang" (Six Gentlemen Decoction). The ingredients are as follows: Codonopsis (Dan Shen) 6-9 grams, Attractylodes (Bai zhu)6-9grams, Poria (Fu Ling) 6-9 grams, Pinellia (Ban Xia) 3-6 grams, Aged Citrus Peel (Chen Pi) 3-6 grams, and Licorice (Gan Cao) 3-6 grams. This formula is good for those who have digestive problems due to "Spleen Qi Deficiency" with symptoms such as loose stools, or diarrhea, indigestion, poor appetite, gas, bloating, acid regurgitation, and nausea. Our Atractylodes comes from the zhejiang province, where the best Atractylodes grows.
Usage: 3-12 grams

Radix CODONOPSIS
(DANG SHEN)
 

Often used as a Ginseng substitute when Ginseng's energy is too strong. It is considered to have approximately half the strength of Ginseng. It is said to tonify the Qi of the Spleen, Stomach, and Lungs. Modern Western research has shown it it increase the production of red blood cells in the body as well as increase the blood glucose level. This thereby corresponds to what the Chinese have said for over two thousand years: Codonopsis being able to tonify the Qi or energy of a person. Our Codonopsis comes from the northern part of China in what is known as the Shanxi province and in the vicinity of Inner Mongolia - where the best Codonopsis grows.
Usage: 6-15 grams

Radix DIOSCOREA
(SHAN YAO; English: Chinese Yam Root)
 

Used to tonify the Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys. It benefits the Yin and Yang of the Lungs and Kidneys. It is used to help strengthen digestion and increase energy. Our Dioscorea comes from Henan province in China.
Usage: 9-30 grams

GANODERMA LUCIDUM
(LING ZHI;Reishi Mushroom)
 

Ling Zhi means "spiritual mushroom". It is traditionally known as the "Great Protector" and the "Mushroom of Immortality". Modern research shows that it significantly strengthens the immune system. Its uses extend to adjunctive therapies including colds, flus, allergies, cancer, AIDS, chronic fatigue, etc. It has a noted calming effect helping to relieve insomnia, anxiety and nervousness.

Usage: 5-10 grams

Radix GLYCYRRHIZA
(GAN CAO, English: Chinese Licorice Root)

Harmonizes and moderates the harsh characteristics of other herbs. It rids the body of over 1200 known toxins without harmful side effects including nicotine, caffeine and cocaine. It tonifies the Spleen and Lungs and is said to enter all 12 acupuncture meridians. Research has shown it to have an effect on the adrenal cortex thereby exerting an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
Usage: 3-6 grams

Radix PANAX GINSENG
(REN SHEN, English: Man Root)

Considered to be the best herb to strongly tonify the Qi. Ginseng strongly tonifies the Lungs and Spleen as well as being a tonic to the rest of the five viscera (organs, including the Heart, Kidneys, and Liver). Modern Western research has shown it to affect the central nervous system through the hypothalamus-pituitary axis being both stimulating to the Heart, strengthening the contractions, as well as increasing the activity of RNA polymerase in the nucleus of Liver cells. This corresponds to the Chinese belief in that Ginseng is a tonic to the five viscera. People who take it notice increased energy and endurance, and the ability to handle stress better. Many different types of Ginseng are available: Kirin, Korean Red, Chang Bai Mountain, and American. Kirin, which is the least expensive and is used commercially in pills, capsules and extracts; Korean Red, which is soaked in an herb decoction containing Aconite, then steamed, is used as the hottest Ginseng; Chang Bai Mountain Ginseng, which is from the Chang Bai Mountains in Jilin province where the best Ginseng grows. In fact, it is also believed that Ginseng originated from this province. Virtually all the cultivated Ginseng that comes into this country is sprayed with a fungicide called quintozene. What makes this Ginseng special is that it has been tested for quintozene and was shown to be free of it. It was tested by several manufacturers on different occasions, and on each occasion was shown to be free of this fungicide. As far as is known about the Ginseng that is imported from China, very nearly all the Ginseng that comes from China is sprayed with this fungicide. (We are very privileged to offer this exquisite quintozene free for persons who have more cold signs in their constitution.) Red Ginseng is definitely contraindicated for those persons of a Yin deficient constitution with heat signs (thin body type, feels warm especially in the afternoon or evening, flushed face, nervous ungrounded energy, restlessness, etc.), heat excess, or without signs of Qi deficiency. The white ginseng is not as warming as the red and is more balanced in its energy. Ginseng is also contraindicated for high blood pressure with individuals with Liver Yang rising (systolic BP over 180 degrees). Drinking green or black tea, citrus, strong spices, eating radishes or turnips will tend to neutralize the effects of Ginseng. For persons of a Yin deficient constitution, Yin tonics are the method preferred and used to balance any Yin deficiencies. The type of Ginseng that is recommended for a person of that constitution is the American Ginseng, which is cooler in property in comparison to the Chinese, and will help to nourish the Yin (fluids). The American Ginseng that we carry is known to be pesticide free and is of the highest quality.
Usage: 1-9 grams

Radix PSEUDOSTELLARIA
(TAI ZI SHEN, English: Prince Ginseng)

Strengthens the Spleen, tonifies the Lung Yin and tonifies the Qi. It is said to tonify the Qi more strongly than American Ginseng, whereas American Ginseng tonifies the Yin (body fluids) more strongly than Prince Ginseng.
Usage: 6-15 grams

Fructus ZIZYPHUS JUJUBE
(HONG ZAO, English: "Red Date")

Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, calms the Spirit, and harmonizes the harsh effects of other herbs when used in formulas. Research has shown that it increases weight gain and endurance. It is useful for women going through menopause. The larger dates offered below are sometimes preferred to the smaller ones for eating as a delicious snack, whereas the smaller ones are used to harmonize formulas. Our red dates come from Tianjin, a city in Hebei, China where it is considered to have the best red dates.
Usage: 3-12 fruit

Fructus ZIZYPHUS JUJUBE
(LARGE)(DA HONG ZAO, English: "Big Red Date")

Has the same attributes as above but are larger fruit. Some customers prefer the larger dates that we are able to provide as they make a delicious snack. Steep these in hot water and add a little sugar in it. Yummy!!
Usage: 3-6 fruit