Based on the now famous Reishi mushroom. It was considered in ancient China to be the most beneficial and least harmful of all healing herbs. In the last few decades, humans have learned to efficiently cultivate both Reishi and Cordyceps fungi so they are no longer available only to royalty, the ultra-rich or remote forest shaman. Reishi has lists of researched benefits too long to include here. In both traditional theory and modern research, Reishi has especially amazing powers over the heart, which it seems to calm, strengthen and regulate in both spiritual and physical ways.

INGREDIENTS:

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
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.

Zizyphus seed (Zizyphus spinosa):
This seed is a famous anxiety reducing herb which is traditionally said to 'calm the spirit', as does 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.

Fo ti (Polygonum multiflorum):

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.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica):

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.

Salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza):

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.

Hawthorn fruit (Crataegus pinnatifida):

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 and cholesterol.

Anemarrhena rhizome (Anemarrhena asphodeloides):

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.

Aucklandia root (Aucklandia lappa):

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.

Atractylodes root (Atractylodes macrocephala):

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.

Poria fungus/sclerotium (Poria cocos):

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.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis):

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.

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.