Reishi mushroom (G. lucidum, G. sinensis)*

Indicated for immune hypo (cancer, AIDS and chronic fatigue) or hyper functioning (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing ppondylitis). Reishi is an active antihepatotoxin as well as a cardiotonic, antioxidant and nervine. The “kingly remedy” is also used to treat altitude sickness, allergies, insomnia, leukopenia, ADD/ADHD and elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

Turmeric fresh rhizome (Curcuma longa)*

Useful as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic in treatment of osteo arthritis, colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis. It is also an antihepatotoxin, cholagogue, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It helps maintain glutathione levels in the liver, improves phase II liver detoxification and protects the hepatocytes against damage caused by viruses, environmental or drug toxins.

Huang Qin (Baikel Skullcap) root (Scutellaria baicalensis)*

Commonly used in TCM for excess heat symptoms such as fever, hypertension, red inflamed skin or eyes, nosebleeds, acute hepatitis, uterine bleeding and fire poison (shingles, boils, staph infections). This root is antibacterial and antiviral, making it useful for colds, flu, herpes, bronchial infections and Staphylococcus aureus. Huang Qin is also an antihepatotoxin and antioxidant used in treating Hepatitis A-C. It reduces inflammatory response in allergies and autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, interstitial cystitis, scleroderma, lupus, etc.)

Licorice root (Glycerrhiza glabra, G. uralensis)*

Has an ancient history of use in China and the Middle East. This intensely sweet root is an adaptogen, demulcent, expectorant, pectoral, antiviral and antidepressant. Licorice strengthens endocrine function, especially the adrenals, ovaries, Isles of Langerhans and hypothalamus making it useful for chronic fatigue syndrome, menopausal symptoms, hypoglycemia and auto-immune disease. The demulcent action heals mucous membrane tissue especially the stomach (ulcers), large and small intestine (irritable bowel syndrome) and lung (dry, irritated cough). Excessive use of Licorice can elevate blood pressure.

Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera)*

A traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant considered one of the best tonic remedies of India. It is a calming adaptogen and nervine used to reduce stress, stimulate libido and male reproductive functioning as well as reducing fatigue and brain fog associated with menopause or old age. It also acts as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory and along with Black Cohosh, Kava and Wood Betony is specific for fibromyalgia pain.

Unprocessed Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)*

Used in TCM to cool the blood, stop hemorraging and nourish the yin (dry cough, dry constipation). It is anti-inflammatory, an antipyretic, antihemorrhagic and mild anti-hepatotoxin. It reduces the Th2T Lymphocyte dominance and is especially useful for hemorragic purpurea, psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis as well as hives and eczema.

Bibliography:

Bone, K.  Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs, Phytotherapy Press, 1996.

Snow, J.  Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) in the Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, vol. 1, #2, 1995

Williamson, E.M., Major Herbs of Ayurveda, Churchill Livingstone, 2002.

You-Ping, Zhu Chinese Materia Medica-Chemistry, Pharmacology Applications, Harwood Academic Publications, 1998.