Reishi Reilaxer is
based on the now famous Reishi mushroom, once called the 'Divine Mushroom of Immortality'.
Most people seem to use this formula to either help de-stress and relax or to enhance
sleep. We suggest reading Terry Willard's Reishi Mushroom, Herb of Spiritual Potency for
more details on Reishi.
Reishi Reilaxer Ingredient
Profile:
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] Fo ti (Polygonum multiflorum) Fleeceflower root Ho shou wu, "Mr. Ho's
hair-blackener": sweet, bitter, astringent, slightly warm; Liver, Kidney This herb is
widely used to nourish the blood, reproductive essence ('jing') and lubricative moisture
('yin') of the body. This 'moistening' approach is vital in many restorative or
'anti-aging' herbal combinations.
In T.C.M. (Traditional Chinese
Medicine) the brain, reproductive essence and bone marrow are all functions of the 'water
element'. This herb is also used for sharpening vision and helping hair retain or restore
its original color as well as low backache, debilty and skin sores. Modern research
indicates value in lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, atherosclerosis,
arteriosclerosis, constipation and malaria. [1, 3, 11, 12]
Zizyphus seed (Zizyphus spinosa) Spiny
jujube seed Suan zao ren, "sour date seed": sweet, sour, neutral; Gallbladder,
Heart, Liver, Spleen. This seed is a famous anxiety reducing herb which is traditionally
said to 'calm the spirit', as is Reishi. This seed traditionally was used to reduce
irritabilty and insomnia as well as abnormal sweating. In the classic formula 'Spiny
Zizyphus Soup' it was also combined with Poria fungus, Anemarrhena rhizome and Licorice
root, as we did here. The only other ingredient was the 'blood mover' Chuan xiong
(Ligusticum wallichii), for which we substituted with the more 'cool' Salvia root. In
modern research this seed has effects which are sedative, hypnotic, pain reducing and
lower blood pressure. [1, 3] 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 used 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] 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 and happiness. [1, 3, 11] Hawthorn fruit (Crataegus pinnatifida)
Crataegus Shan zha: sour, sweet, slightly warm; Liver, Spleen, Stomach Somewhat different
forms of this herb are widely used in the East and West of the world today. It is grown as
a food in China, where it is believed to assist digestion, especially of meaty or fatty
foods. It is traditionally used to ease abdominal pain or bloating as well 'blood
stagnation' of various sorts and diarrhea.
Modern research indicates that it
reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and atherosclerosis, opens blood vessels, is
antibiotic and significantly improves bacillary dysentery (a sometimes severe type of
diarrhea). [1, 11, 12] Anemarrhena rhizome (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) Anemarrhena Zhi mu,
"know about mother": bitter, cold; Lung, Stomach, Kidney This herb has been used
for over 2000 yrs. to reduce fever, cough, irritabilty, thirst and inflammation. This herb
is traditionally somewhat unusual because it removes 'damp heat' while still itself being
moistening. Modern research shows this herb is antibiotic and reduces or eliminates fevers
and tuberculosis. [1, 11] Aucklandia root (Aucklandia lappa) Costus root Mu xiang,
"wood fragrance": spicy, bitter, warm; Gallbladder, Large Intestine, Spleen,
Stomach
This herb has been used for over 2000
years in Asian medicine for its spicy aromatic effects on digestion. Its 'regulating'
action was employed in abdominal pain, distention, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
dysentery. It is often used with energy promoting ('qi tonic') herbs to circulate their
influence. Modern research shows spasm inhibiting, blood pressure lowering and
bronchodilating effects. [1, 3, 11] Atractylodes root (Atractylodes macrocephala) 'White'
Atractylodes Bai zhu: bitter, sweet, warm: Spleen, Stomach This herb is traditionally used
primarily as a digestive. It is believed to enhance fluid metabolism and nutrient
assimilation. This is said to promote better energy production. In modern research this
herb is a strong diuretic and increases glucose (energy) production and storage as well as
the weight and endurance of exercised animals. [1, 3, 11]
Poria fungus/sclerotium (Poria cocos)
Hoelen or Tuckahoe fungus Fu ling: sweet, bland, neutral; Heart, Spleen, Lung This herb
has been used for over 2000 years to enhance digestion and fluid metabolism as well as to
clarify and stabilize the mind. It was used for edema, distention, poor appetite,
palpitations, insomnia and forgetfulness. Modern research indicates C.N.S. tranquilizing
and muscle relaxing as well as serum glucose lowering actions. [1, 3, 6, 11] Licorice root
(Glycyrrhiza uralensis) Ural Licorice Gan cao, "sweet herb": sweet, neutral; all
12 channels This herb has been used over 2000 for a wide variety of conditions and
purposes. Various relatives were highly valued in many parts of the ancient world
including Egypt. In China it was traditionally used for general weakness, digestive pain
and insufficiency, coughing and wheezing as well as infections and poisonings of various
sorts. Modern research indicates anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, anti- allergic,
anti-tuberculosis, aldosterone-like and cortisone enhancing, anti-ulcer, detoxifying,
bile-increasing, blood pressure and cholesterol lowering actions. [1, 3, 11, 12]
These statements have not been
evaluated by the F.D.A. No health claims are made for our products. These 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.
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Press, Twin Lakes, Wisc., 1988
