Thursday, May 28, 2009

He Shou Wu ( Polygonum multiflorum )

He Shou Wu, also known by the common names: Fo-ti, seikasku (Japanese), hasuo (Korean) fleeceflower, ha thu o (Vietnamese), has been used throughout the centuries. One of the most known books that give detailed descriptions of its uses was written in 1593! Its root is used widely throughout Asia. It is used for many of its adaptogenic qualities, but one stands out in particular - erectile dysfunction (for males) and lack of libido (for females).

Modern research has revealed reasons that it provides the benefits that He Shou Wu has been traditionally used and additional benefits as well. He Shou Wu has neuroprotective effects - this indicates a potential benefit for people with issues such as Alzheimer's disease. It also seems to help prevent the dopaminergic degeneration caused by toxic pesticide exposure plus improved recall and mental acuity.

We know that regular use of he shou wu stimulates liver and gall bladder function by increasing bile flow, enhances intestinal function and lowers unhealthy cholesterol levels.

He Shou Wu is often used (and mostly known) men with erectile dysfunction, lack of libido, low sperm count and poor sperm mobility. It works very well when combined with Ashwagandha, so yang and morinda root to enhance the effects.

Unprocessed he shou wu (sheng he shou wu) is a strong laxative. It is used internally and topically to clear sores, boils, lymph-adenomas. It is also taken with Artemisia annua to treat people with malaria.

PROPERTIES: Antioxidant, astringent, cholagogue, cholesterol lowering, hepatoprotective, laxative and tumor-inhibiting properties, as well as lecithin and antioxidant polyphenols.
CONSTITUENTS: He shou wu contains anthraquinones, which give it laxative and tumor-inhibiting properties, as well as lecithin and antioxidant polyphenols.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Amla (Emblica Officinalis)

This amazing fruit has many names some of the common names are Amalaki, Emblic Myrobalans, and Indian Gooseberry. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, southern China, and Malaysia. Most commonly cultivated throughout India, below elevations of 3,000 ft.

The benefits of Amla have been used for untold centuries. Its origins go back as far in time as Hindu mythology. In modern Hindu practice, the tree that bears the fruit is considered to be sacred to both Vishnu and Shiva. Amla is one of the most commonly used rasayanas. A rasayana is a rejuvenative remedy. It restores appetite, relieves nausea, stops vomiting, helps with bleeding issues and helps with liver dysfunction. Its name in Sanskrit means "the sustainer" and it traditionally is used to provide nourishment to all the tissues. Research has shown that amla has adaptogenic qualities, which in many ways is the modern equivalent of the ancient Indian concept of rasayana. This modern research has confirmed many of amla's traditional uses.

Amla fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidant flavonoids and polyshenols. These compounds are what would make this fruit an anti-inflammatory and help stabilize connective tissue, blood vessels, bones, hair & eyes.

Properties: Mild adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, aperient (mild laxative), diuretic, and lowers cholesterol.
Constituents: Amla is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, including ellagic acid, phyllemlin, quercetin and emblicol. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin C as well as condensed tannins and flavonoids.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Manchurian Thorn Tree (Aralia Mandchurica)


Aralia Mandshurica, also called Manchurian Thorn Tree, is Thought to Increase Energy

It is an adaptogen, found and used in Russia for many years. The extract of Aralia was approved for official therapeutic use in the Soviet Union in 1957. This plant is said to benefit the mind and body by helping with stress, anxiety and fatigue. The Aralia Mandshurica is also purported to stimulate the immune system and stamina. Athletic performance is also thought to improve . Like another adaptogen Eleutherococcus, Aralia Mandshurica is believed to stimulate the central nervous system, more effectively than other adaptogens. Most of this stimulation comes from the liquid extract of Aralia Mandshurica. Because it affects the central nervous system and is stimulating, this plant helps to increase energy, work capacity and memory.


Some think that Aralia Mandshurica helps patients when recovering from serious illnesses, prevents lipid metabolism disorders, decreases high cholesterol and increases the production of phospholipids.


Adaptogens are said to help balance a person’s body and mind. Although Aralia Mandshurica is an adaptogen that works well to stimulate the central nervous system, other adaptogens can also help with your metabolism, lungs, kidneys, memory as wel as a whole host of other things. In fact, many believe it to have numerous benefits, including alleviating ulcers, jaundice, and even coughs and colds.


This herb works in synergy with other plant ingredients to stimulate the central nervous system, which helps improve immune system function and increase stamina. The Aralia species contain some ginseng-like triterpenoid saponins (Aralosides A, B, and C), which contribute to Aralia’s ability to increase athletic performance.