Ingredients: Siberian Ginseng root extract, Reishi
mushroom extract, Schisandra seed extract, Astragalus root extract, Gotu kola herb
extract, Ginkgo leaf extract, Salvia root extract, Polygala root extract, Curcuma root
extract, Bamboo silica, Coptis rhizome, Alpinia fruit.
1 bottle = 30 capsules = 10 servings
Meditation Ingredient Profile: Siberian Ginseng
(Eleutherococcus senticosus) Eleuthero, Wu cha seng: spicy, bitter, warm; Liver Kidney
Siberian/Eleuthero ginseng has become very famous in the last decade as the original
'adaptogen'.'Adaptogen' literally means something which 'generates adaptation'. The
Russian scientists who researched most of Eleutheros powers found out about it while
searching for a substitiute for 'true ginseng' (Panax ginseng). In terms of reducing many
types of stress however, Eleuthero outperformed its cousin Panax. This led to the idea of
a non-specific, non-toxic, regulating substance to be called an 'adaptogen'. The
stress-reducing power of adaptogens is really what earned them their importance. This is
because the failure to adapt to stress can be seen as the primary cause of disease and
aging. Eleuthero worked to lower high blood pressure but to raise low blood pressure
according to need.
The goal of balance is called 'homeostasis'. Because of the
increasing types of stressors in the modern world, adaptogens have been called the
"medicines of the future". Eleuthero has been historically used for poor
immunity, low endurance, low backache, weak tendons, arthritis and old age. 5 Reishi
mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Varnished Conk Ling zhi, "spirit plant": bitter,
sweet, warm; Heart, Liver, Lung Reishi is one of the premier herbs of Traditional Chinese
Medicine. It has been used for thousands of years in the quests for health, happiness,
long life, wisdom and even spritual realization. It appears to have been used by ancient
alchemists in their search for immortality and may have saved some from mercury poisoning.
A western relative of Reishi (Fomitopsis officinalis) was used
by Greeks and Romans as an alleged antidote to all poisons. Modern research on Reishi
reports effects which are adrenal enhancing, analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-HIV,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antitussive, antiviral, blood pressure
lowering, blood cell enhancing (both red and white), bone marrow enhancing, bronchitis
lessening, cardiotonic, Central Nervous System depressant, expectorant, immune
potentiating, liver protecting, liver detoxifying and protecting against ionizing
radiation. Reishi has been the subject of numerous human studies and is currently used in
Asia and Europe for a variety of conditions. 6 Schisandra fruit (Schisandra chinensis) Wu
wei zi,"five-flavor seed": sour, warm; Heart Kidney, Lung This is a quite
amazing and versatile adaptogenic herb which was traditionally used as a survival food,
mind tonic, medicine and sexual tonic. As an astringent herb it helped the lungs in cough,
wheezing and asthma, the skin in excess sweating, the bowels in diarrhea and the
urinary/genital system in bed-wetting, frequent urination or premature ejaculation. It has
both stimulating and tranquilizing properties which vary according to the extract. Ours
is more stimulating.
In modern research this herb was found to increase the work
efficiency of telegraph operators by improving their nerve reflexes resulting in faster
actions with less mistakes. It seems that large amounts of certain adaptogens such as
Reishi, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu kola or this herb may produce a temporary mental relaxation
or euphoria before the more lasting and cumulative sharpening effects occur. This herb
also increased visual and tactile acuity while decreasing skin allergies and restoring
liver functions in infectious hepatitis. 1, 3, 5, 11 Astragalus root (Astragalus
membranaceous) Yellow Milk-vetch root Huang qi: sweet, slightly warm: Lung, Spleen This
herb has been traditionally used to enhance metabolism, increase energy ('qi') and surface
immunity ('wei-qi') as well as to prevent prolapse, excess sweating and fluid retention.
An article published by the American Cancer Society in Cancer
Magazine stated that a liquid astragalus extract helped restore normal immune response in
90% of cancer patients tested. By decreasing T-suppressor cells and thus increasing
T-cells, this herb is potentially of use in the management of H.I.V. . In animal studies
this herb also significantly lowers blood pressure, protects the liver and kidneys and
increases activity induced weight gain and endurance. 1, 3, 11 Gotu kola (Centella
asiatica) Indian Pennywort Brahmi: bitter, sweet, cool; Heart, Liver This herb was named
after the Hindu 'Supreme Reality' called 'Brahman' which this herb was believed to help
awaken an understanding of. This herb was also to help open the 'crown chakra' gateway to
spiritual awareness. It is believed to be a rejuvenative and restoring 'anti-aging' herb
which is consumed as a prefered food by the South Indian elephants whose memories and
longevity are associated with this herb. Like reishi, it contains tranquilizing
adaptogenic 'terpene' compounds which help regulate a variety of bodily functions. In
general it is traditionally used as a cooling, soothing, relaxing, antispasmodic diuretic.
It's historical applications include sore or inflamed throat, skin, liver and urinary
tract diseases. In some parts of India the plant Bacopa monniera is also called Brahmi and
is used a similar way. 4 Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba) Maidenhair Tree leaf Yin guo ye,
"silver almond nut": sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral; Lungs This herb has
been used for allergies, asthma, wheezing, pain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
heart disease, Alzheimer's, ear and eye diseases and poor circulation, especially to the
head. The nut was the part traditionally used more for asthma-type problems, but the
non-toxic leaf has become the subject of many western studies and is very widely given by
mainstream doctors in Europe to their patients for several of the above conditions. The
leaf works partly from certain antioxidant flavonglycosides and anti-inflammatory terpenes
which enhance circulation and are believed by many to have several protective effects on
cells in general and brain cells in particular. 1, 7, 12 Salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Red Sage root Dan shen, 'cinnabar root': bitter, slightly cold; Heart, Pericardium, Liver
This herb was traditionally used to 'move the blood' in a variety of situations such as
heart or menstrual problems and to reduce irritability, palpitations and insomnia. Modern
research shows that it opens arteries, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces some
forms of heart disease and is mildly sedative. It's name and color are associated with the
ancient use of 'cinnabar', the red mercury ore which was the the alchemical catalyst in
transforming lead into gold. The alchemists were also perhaps the most skilled and nobel
of herbalists, and always considered the heart (where the'spirit' resides in Traditional
Chinese Medicine) and mind of the patient in every medical treatment. In Chinese
Herbalism, they are sometimes called the 'Spirit Pacifying' school of Medicine and their
aim partly was to calm and deepen the awareness so as to aid in a true and lasting health.
1, 3, 9, 11 Polygala root (Polygala tenuifolia) Chinese Senega root Yuan zhi,
"profound will": bitter, spicy, slightly warm; Heart, Lung This herb has been
used for over 2000 years to calm the spirit, ease the heart and emotions, stop coughing,
clear the mind and the lungs and topically for sores and swellings. It's name comes from
it's alleged ability to deepen the will. It is historically used with Curcuma tuber (see
below) to clarify awareness as well as to improve peoples capacities after coma or stroke.
Modern research indicates that it is an expectorant and uterine stimulant.
A close relative was highly valued by American Indians and is
called Senega root after the tribe of the same name. 1, 3, 11, 12 Curcuma root (Curcuma
longa) Tumeric tuber Yu jin, "constrained metal": spicy, bitter, cool; Heart,
Liver, Lung This herb is traditionally used to enhance circulation of blood and vital
energy, smooth the emotions and menstruation, clarify awareness, ease the mind and benefit
some blood and gallbladder disorders. Modern research indicates this herb has some value
in treating viral hepatitis and jaundice.1, 3 Bamboo silica (Bambusa textilis) Tabasheer
Tian zhu huang, "heavenly bamboo yellow": sweet, cold; Gallbladder, Heart, Liver
This herb is traditionally used to clear obscuration from the heart, mind and Lungs. It
was also used after coma and stroke to aid rehabilitation. This herb is the siliceous
secretions collected from the ends of heated strips of bamboo. Silicone and potassium
hydroxide are among known ingredients. 1, 12 Coptis rhizome (Coptis chinensis) Chinese
Goldthread Huang lian, "yellow links": cold, bitter; Heart, Large Intestine,
Liver, Stomach This herb has been widely used for over 2000 years much as we might use a
modern antibiotic. It was traditionally used for infections or inflammations in or on the
body. It also is historically used to aid in calming an irritated or restless mind. A
modern extract of this plant, berberine hydrochoride, is used by many people for dysentery
and other disorders. Modern research indicates that this herb and its constituents act as
antimicrobials, antivirals, antifungals, against coughs, dysentery, typhoid, tuberculosis,
scarlet fever, diptheria, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poor bile output as
well as topically for burns, inflammatory bowel disease, yeast infections, rashes, as ear
drops and as an eye wash. 1, 3, 11 Alpinia fruit (Alpinia oxyphylla) Bitter Seeded
Cardamon Yi zhi ren, "benefit intelligence nut" : spicy, warm; Kidney, Spleen
This herb is traditionally used as a 'Yang tonic' to warm the interior of the body and
assist in genital, urinary or digestive weakness. It is an aromatic fruit from the ginger
family the name for which refers to its alleged powers of benefiting intelligence. It was
traditionally used with Curcuma and Polygala (see above). 1, 3, 11 These statements have
not been evaluated by the F.D.A..
No health claims are made for our products. Our products are not
intended for use in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment or recovery from any
illness or disease.
Our information is offered in a historical and educational
context. Those experiencing health problems are advised to seek assistance from the
qualified health practitioner of their choice.
Bibliography: 1) Bensky and Gamble:
Chinese Herbal Medicine; Materia Medica, Revised Edition, Eastland Press, Seattle, Wash.,
1993 2) Bibra, Baron Ernst von: Plant Intoxicants; A Classic Text on the use of
Mind-Altering Plants, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Ver., 1995 (from 1855). 3)
Dharmananda, Subuti: Prescriptions on Silk and Paper- The History and Development of
Chinese Patent Medicines, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Ore., 1990 4)
Frawley and Lad: The Yoga of Herbs; An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Lotus Press.
Twin Lakes, Wisc., 1986 5) Fulder, Stephen: The Root of Being; Ginseng and the
Pharmacology of Harmony A.K.A. The Tao of Medicine; Oriental Remedies and the Pharmacology
of Harmony, Hutchinsons, London 1980 6) Hobbs, Christopher: Medicinal Mushrooms; An
Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture, Botanica Press, Santa Cruz, Calif., 1995 7)
Leibovitz, Brian: Polyphenols and Bioflavonoids, The Medicines of Tomorrow - Part 2,
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Port Townsend, Wash., May 1994 8) Macciocia,
Giovanni: The Foundations of Chinese Medicine; A comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and
Herbalists, Churchill Livingstone Inc., N.Y., N.Y., 1989 9) Naeser, Margaret: Outline
Guide to Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines in Pill Form, Boston Chinese Medicine, Boston,
Mass., 1992 10) Ratsch, Christian: The Dictionary of Sacred and Magical Plants, Avery Pub.
Group, Garden City Park, New York, 1992 11) Reid, Daniel: A Handbook of Chinese Healing
Herbs, Shambhala Pub., Boston, Mass., 1995 12) Tierra, Michael: Planetary Herbology, Lotus
Press, Twin Lakes, Wisc., 1988
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