Friday, August 19, 2016

For boosting immune system and against allergy

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=nt1wCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT67&lpg=PT67&dq=cumin+and+coriander+were+used+as+intestinal+carminatives.&source=bl&ots=NHeNClel-R&sig=zFWNdRD6of-SQS8BgT0r_-B2Eqc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiu__ndvc3OAhXEUZQKHV4DD_YQ6AEIQDAF#v=onepage&q=cumin%20and%20coriander%20were%20used%20as%20intestinal%20carminatives.&f=false

Goldenseal

Overview

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is one of the most popular herbs in the United States, often combined with echinacea and sold to treat or prevent colds. But there is no evidence that it works. In fact, there is very little scientific evidence that goldenseal works to treat any condition.

Nevertheless, goldenseal is often said to kill bacteria and is sometimes used to treat eye infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, canker sores, and vaginitis. A substance in goldenseal, called berberine, does kill some kinds of bacteria and fungus in test tube studies. But scientists do not know if goldenseal would kill any germs in people.

Goldenseal is also popular because of a rumor that taking the herb can help block a positive test for illegal drugs. There is no evidence that it works, and several studies have reported that taking goldenseal does not change the results of a drug test.

Plant Description

Goldenseal is a small plant with a single hairy stem. It has two jagged 5 lobed leaves, small flowers, and raspberry-like fruit. The bitter tasting rhizome, or root, is bright yellow or brown, twisted, and wrinkled. Goldenseal can be found growing wild in rich, shady soil in the northern United States, but it is now grown mostly on farms.

What is it Made Of?

Goldenseal contains a compound called berberine that kills many types of bacteria in test tubes, including the ones that cause diarrhea. Berberine also kills a wide range of other types of germs in test tubes, such as those that cause candida (yeast) infections and parasites such as tapeworms and Giardia. Berberine may also activate white blood cells, making them better at fighting infection and strengthening the immune system.

Berberine is sometimes used as an antibiotic, although studies have not shown whether it works or not in people. It has been studied to treat H. pylori infection (the bacterium that causes ulcers) and infectious diarrhea. It is sometimes recommended to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Berberine may also be useful in heart failure. However, some experts think the berberine in goldenseal is not absorbed very well when it is taken by mouth.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

ANTIBIOTIC OR IMMUNE BOOSTER

Today, goldenseal is sold to help with digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and to kill bacteria. It is considered a natural antibiotic and is often combined with echinacea and promoted as strengthening the immune system. However, only one study found that goldenseal might help boost white blood cells (a measure of the infection-fighting ability of the immune system), and the study was not well designed.

UPPER RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

Goldenseal is often found in herbal remedies for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), colds, and the flu. There is no real evidence that it works to treat upper respiratory infections or allergies in humans, however. It may help ease a sore throat, which often accompanies cold or flu.

MINOR WOUNDS

Because goldenseal seems to have antiseptic properties in test tubes, it is sometimes used to disinfect cuts and scrapes.

OTHER USES

It is commonly used to treat several skin, eye, and mucous membrane problems, such as sinusitis, pink eye, and urinary tract infections. It is also available in mouthwashes for sore throats and canker sores.

Not many scientific studies have looked at goldenseal. Some have looked at berberine, one of the active compounds in goldenseal. Berberine is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat dysentery and infectious diarrhea. Berberine may work in humans to treat malaria, heart failure, and some types of infections, including upper respiratory problems. It may also dilate blood vessels and help treat heart failure. However, oral goldenseal has only very small amounts of berberine, so it is impossible to say whether or not goldenseal would work to treat these conditions.

Available Forms

Goldenseal is available in tablets and capsules (containing the powdered root), liquid extracts, and glycerites (low alcohol extracts). Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea.

How to Take It

Goldenseal is not recommended for children unless your doctor says so. Never give goldenseal to an infant.

For adult use, goldenseal can be taken by mouth. It is often mixed with water and other liquids to create different skin washes, mouthwash, and even as a vaginal douche. Ask your health care provider to find the right kind and dose for you.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use goldenseal.

People with high blood pressure, liver disease, or heart disease should ask their provider before taking goldenseal.

Goldenseal can irritate the skin, mouth, throat, and vagina. It may also cause an increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Goldenseal may interfere with some medications. If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, ask your doctor before taking goldenseal.

Possible Interactions

It is possible that berberine (a major component of goldenseal) and goldenseal itself may interact with many medications, including some that are broken down by the liver and some that are affected by a cell protein. For that reason, anyone who takes any prescription or over-the-counter medication should check with their doctor before taking goldenseal.

Cyclosporine: Goldenseal may cause levels of cyclosporine in the body to get too high.

Digoxin: Goldenseal may raise blood levels of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions. This can increase the risk of side effects.

Tetracycline: One study reported that berberine may cause tetracycline antibiotics to not work as well.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Theoretically, goldenseal and berberine could increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners. Some blood thinners include:

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Plavix (Clopidogrel)
Aspirin

Other drugs: Goldenseal may interact with many medications, including:

Some chemotherapy drugs
Some drugs to treat HIV
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Donepezil (Aricept)
Erythromycin
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Loperamide (Imodium)
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tramadol (Ultram)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Triazolam (Halcion)

12 Fish You Should Never Eat

TOXIC EXPOSURES

12 Fish You Should Never Eat

Sometimes the easiest way to decipher seafood guidelines is in knowing what NOT to eat.

by EMILY MAINFebruary 20, 2015

It's time to pay more attention to the fish to avoid. Our oceans have become so depleted of wild fish stocks, and so polluted with industrial contaminants, that trying to figure out the fish that are both safe and sustainable can make your head spin. "Good fish" lists can change year after year, because stocks rebound or get depleted every few years, but there are some fish that, no matter what, you can always decline. The nonprofit Food and Water Watch looked at all the varieties of fish out there, how they were harvested, how certain species are farmed, and levels of toxic contaminants like mercury or PCBs in the fish, as well as how heavily local fishermen relied upon fisheries for their economic survival. These are the 12 fish, they determined, that all of us should avoid, no matter what.

Imported Catfish

Why It's Bad: Nearly 90 percent of the catfish imported to the U.S. comes from Vietnam, where use of antibiotics that are banned in the U.S. is widespread. Furthermore, the two varieties of Vietnamese catfish sold in the U.S., Swai and Basa, aren't technically considered catfish by the federal government and therefore aren't held to the same inspection rules that other imported catfish are.

Eat This Instead: Stick with domestic, farm-raised catfish, advises Marianne Cufone, director of the Fish Program at Food & Water Watch. It's responsibly farmed and plentiful, making it one of the best fish you can eat. Or, try Asian carp, an invasive species with a similar taste to catfish that's out-competing wild catfish and endangering the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Caviar

Why It's Bad: Caviar from beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are susceptible to overfishing, according to the Food and Water Watch report, but the species are also being threatened by an increase in dam building that pollutes the water in which they live. All forms of caviar come from fish that take a long time to mature, which means that it takes a while for populations to rebound.

Eat This Instead: If you really love caviar, opt for fish eggs from American Lake Sturgeon or American Hackleback/Shovelnose Sturgeon caviar from the Mississippi River system.

Atlantic Cod

Why It's Bad: This one was difficult to add to the "dirty dozen list," says Cufone, because it is so vital to the economic health of New England fishermen. "However, chronic mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service and low stock status made it very difficult to recommend," she says. Atlantic cod stocks collapsed in the mid-1990s and are in such disarray that the species is now listed as one step above endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

Eat This Instead: The good news, if you love fish 'n' chips (which is nearly always made with cod), is that Pacific cod stocks are still strong and are one of Food and Water Watch's best fish picks.

American Eel

Why It's Bad: Also called yellow or silver eel, this fish, which frequently winds up in sushi dishes, made its way onto the list because it's highly contaminated with PCBs and mercury. The fisheries are also suffering from some pollution and overharvesting.

Eat This Instead: If you like the taste of eel, opt for Atlantic- or Pacific-caught squid instead.

Imported Shrimp

Why It's Bad: Imported shrimp actually holds the designation of being the dirtiest of the Dirty Dozen, says Cufone, and it's hard to avoid, as 90 percent of shrimp sold in the U.S. is imported. "Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole bevy of contaminants: antibiotics, residues from chemicals used to clean pens, filth like mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects," Cufone says. "And I didn't even mention things like E. coli that have been detected in imported shrimp." Part of this has to do with the fact that less than 2 percent of ALL imported seafood (shrimp, crab, catfish, or others) gets inspected before its sold, which is why it's that much more important to buy domestic seafood.

Eat This Instead: Look for domestic shrimp. Seventy percent of domestic shrimp comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which relies heavily on shrimp for economic reasons. Pink shrimp from Oregon are another good choice; the fisheries there are certified under the stringent Marine Stewardship Council guidelines.

Atlantic Flatfish

Why It's Bad: This group of fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut that are caught off the Atlantic coast. They found their way onto the list because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. According to Food and Water Watch, populations of these fish are as low as 1 percent of what's necessary to be considered sustainable for long-term fishing.

Eat This Instead: Pacific halibut seems to be doing well, but the group also recommends replacing these fish with other mild-flavored white-fleshed fish, such as domestically farmed catfish or tilapia.

Atlantic Salmon (Wild-Caught or Farm Raised)

Why It's Bad: It's actually illegal to capture wild Atlantic salmon because the fish stocks are so low, and they're low, in part, because of farmed salmon.Salmon farming is very polluting: Thousands of fish are crammed into pens, which leads to the growth of diseases and parasites that require antibiotics and pesticides. Often, the fish escape and compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in native populations. Adding to our salmon woes, in December 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of genetically engineered salmon. This farmed, new-to-nature fish can be sold, unlabeled, to unsuspecting seafood lovers. You'll want to avoid this type of salmon, too.

Eat This Instead: Opt for wild Alaskan salmon.

Imported King Crab

Why It's Bad: The biggest problem with imported crab is that most of it comes from Russia, where limits on fish harvests aren't strongly enforced. But this crab also suffers from something of an identity crisis, says Cufone: "Imported king crab is often misnamed Alaskan king crab, because most people think that's name of the crab," she says, adding that she's often seen labels at supermarkets that say "Alaskan King Crab, Imported." Alaskan king crab is a completely separate animal, she says, and it's much more responsibly harvested than the imported stuff.

Eat This Instead: When you shop for king crab, whatever the label says, ask whether it comes from Alaska or if it's imported. Approximately 70 percent of the king crab sold in the U.S. is imported, so it's important to make that distinction and go domestic.

Shark

Why It's Bad: Problems associated with our eating too many sharks happen at all stages of the food chain, says Cufone. For one, these predatory fish are extremely high in mercury, which poses threats to humans. But ocean ecosystems suffer, too. "With fewer sharks around, the species they eat, like cownose rays and jellyfish, have increased in numbers," Cufone says. "And the rays are eating—and depleting—scallops and other fish." There are fewer of those fish in the oceans for us to eat, placing an economic strain on coastal communities that depend on those fisheries.

Eat this instead: Among the recommendations for shark alternatives are Pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel.

Orange Roughy

Why It's Bad: In addition to having high levels of mercury, orange roughy can take between 20 and 40 years to reach full maturity and reproduces late in life, which makes it difficult for populations to recover from overfishing. Orange roughy has such a reputation for being overharvested that some large restaurant chains, including Red Lobster, refuse to serve it. However, it still pops up in grocer freezers, sometimes mislabeled as "sustainably harvested." There are no fisheries of orange roughy that are considered well-managed or are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, so avoid any that you see.

Eat This Instead: Opt for yellow snapper or domestic catfish to get the same texture as orange roughy in your recipes.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Why It's Bad: A recent analysis by The New York Times found that Atlantic bluefin tuna has the highest levels of mercury of any type of tuna. To top it off, bluefin tuna are severely overharvested, to the point of reaching near-extinction levels, and are considered "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Rather than trying to navigate the ever-changing recommendations for which tuna is best, consider giving it up altogether and switching to a healthy, flavorful alternative, such as Alaska wild-caught salmon.

Eat This Instead: If you really can't give up tuna, opt for American or Canadian (but not imported!) albacore tuna, which is caught while it's young and doesn't contain as high levels of mercury.

Chilean Sea Bass

Why It's Bad: Most Chilean sea bass sold in the U.S. comes from fishermen who have captured them illegally, although the U.S. Department of State says that illegal harvesting of the fish has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, fish stocks are in such bad shape that the nonprofit Greenpeace estimates that, unless people stop eating this fish, the entire species could be commercially extinct within five years. Food and Water Watch's guide notes that these fish are high in mercury, as well.

Eat This Instead: These fish are very popular and considered a delicacy, but you can get the same texture and feel with U.S. hook-and-line–caught haddock.

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Orange Peel

Medicinally orange rind is categorized in two distinct types: Qing Pi (unripe tangerine peel) and Chen Pi (ripe citrus peel). Though both of them are qi-regulating Chinese herbs, they react differently from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine. Hence, you can’t always substitute one for the other just because they come from the same kind of plant. Here this article will base on the former one while focusing on the differences between these two herbs that might confuse you. Is orange rind good for you? Read on to find out what health benefits this herb can bring to you now.

What is green orange rind?

As its name suggests, it mainly refers to the dried peel of immature young fruits or the young fruits themselves of Citrus reticulata Blanco or its cultivars. This is a plant in the family of Rutaceae. And other names of it include Green Tangerine Peel, Pericarpium Citri Reticulate Viride, Unripe Tangerine Peel, and so on. In China Qing Pi and Chen Pi are produced in the same places. And medicinally it comes from two forms. The shed premature fruits are usually collected between May and June or the immature fruits are normally harvested from July to August. The former one is dried in the sun as a whole but the latter one needs to be divided into 4 parts that connect only on the base. It is used raw or stir-baked with vinegar.

Citrus reticulata is a small evergreen tree or shrub, 3 to 4 meters in height. Small branches are mostly with thorns. Leaves are alternate; petiole is from 0.5 to 1.5cm in length, and with narrow wing and node at the top; leaf blade is lanceolate or elliptic, 4 to 11cm long, 1.5 to 4cm wide, and with slightly concave acuminate apex, cuneate base, and entire or wavy margin. Flowers are solitary or a few of them cluster on branch top or leaf axils; cup-shaped calyx is 5-lobed; petals are 5 and white or pink; stamens are 15 to 30, of varying lengths, and groups consisting of 3 to 5 filaments; pistil is 1; ovary is round; stigma is cephaloid. Orange fruits are nearly round or flat round, 4 to 7cm in diameter, and with thin and wide rind that is easy to peel off, 7 to 12 segments, and many little sections with juice inside. Oval seeds are white and with one pointed end and the number can be none, a few, or a dozen. Bloom time is from March to April and the fruiting time is from October to December. Main habitats include hills, low mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastal plains.

Main chemical constituents of dried orange peel are quite similar between unripe or ripe fruits. However, the amount of the ingredients is different. For example, the content of synephrine in green peel is higher than in ripe peel. In addition, the green rind contains a variety of amino acids, such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline, etc.

Orange rind benefits

Dried ripe orange rind is of warm nature and acrid and bitter taste. It goes to meridians of spleen and lung. It contains more essential oil, which mainly contains limonene, isopropenyltoluene, humulene, hesperidin, coumarin, carotene, cryptoxanthin, vitamin B1, vitamin C, etc. Since it regulates qi, harmonizes middle energizer, eliminates dampness, and transforms phlegm, it is often used for the treatment of fullness in the chest or upper abdomen, no desire to eat or drink, vomiting and hiccup, and a cough accompanied by excessive mucus. Modern pharmacological studies confirmed that hesperidin contained could increase blood flow, resist adrenaline-induced vasoconstriction, dilate coronary artery, act on vascular smooth muscle and lower blood pressure slowly. Besides, coumarin and other active ingredients are anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and cholagogic. As a result it is commonly used for strengthening spleen and promoting the circulation of qi.

Dried green tangerine peel is of slightly warm and bitter-acrid taste. It covers meridians of liver and gallbladder. Its main functions are soothing the liver, relieving stagnant Qi, removing stasis, and dissolving phlegm. Major orange rind uses and indications include chest, rib, and stomach pains, hernia, indigestion, breast swelling, nodule in breast, chronic malaria, and a lump in the abdomen. Compared to the ripe rind, the green one has such a stronger healing power that it can relieve stagnant Qi.

As you can see now, Chen Pi is of mild nature, covers qiphase of spleen and lung, and dries damp and eliminates phlegm; Qing Pi is of strong nature, enters meridians of liver and gallbladder, possesses better effect on promoting the circulation of qi, soothes the liver and gallbladder, relieves stagnant Qi, and removes food retention.

Modern pharmacological actions of green orange rinds

1. The volatile oil contained has a mild gastrointestinal stimulation, which can promote the secretion of digestive juices and exclude the accumulation of intestinal gas;
2. Its decoction can inhibit intestinal smooth muscle. That’s to say, it can relieve spasm. And this effect is stronger than that of ripe orange peel;
3. It has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscle of the gallbladder. Besides, it has choleretic effect too;
4. Its intravenous injection can significantly boost blood pressure. And it also has obvious positive effect on cardiac excitability, contractility, conductivity, and self-discipline;
5. Limonene in its volatile oil can make expectoration easy, dilate the bronchial tube, and relieve asthma.

Sample unripe orange rind recipes on herbal remedies

When used in herbal tea, the recommended dosage is from 3 to 10 grams. And it can be also used in powder, pills, extract, and juice.

1. Tian Tai Wu Yao San from Yi Xue Fa Ming (Illuminating the Science of Medicine). It is combined with Wu Yao (Lindera), Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Seed), Mu Xiang (Costus), etc. to treat pain due to hernia.

2. Qi Pi Wan from Shen Shi Zun Sheng Shu (Master Shen’s Writings on Respecting Life). It is formulated with Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven), Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit), Mai Ya (Barley Malt), etc. to cure dyspepsia, qi stagnation, and abdominal pain and bloating.

Orange rind side effects and contraindications

Orange rind is considered non-toxic. Currently there is no adverse reaction reported in the conventional dose of decoction. And long-term use shows no obvious side effects too. TCM wise, use it with care in the case of qi deficiency.

By the way, clinically ripe citrus peel can be used in both deficiency and excess type qi stagnation. However, green tangerine peel should be used in only excess type qi stagnation; both of them are often combined to treat qi stagnation, pain, and bloating due to the inflammation of the liver, gallbladder, intestine, and stomach; When used as assistant or guide drug to protect spleen and stomach, ripe one instead of green one should be picked to coordinate yin and yang, qi and blood, and deficiency and excess in the case of bloating and pain are absent.

Oyster shell

http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/oyster-shells/

For many people, oyster shells, also known as Concha Ostreae in Latin and Mu Li in mandarin, are just something worthless that is to be disposed of. What they care about is the oyster meat since this is a seafood delicacy with tons of health benefits on digestion improvement, calcium intake, detox function, liver care, beauty, skin care, yin nourishing, sex drive and libido boost, etc. However, don’t simply trash its shell either. The reason for doing so is twofold: oyster shell recycling is crucial to marine ecosystems, plus it is of high medicinal value. Medicinally it is commonly used in combination with Long Gu (Dragon Bones) for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, migraine, stroke, palpitations, night emission, and so on. As you can see now, oyster shell has comparable or better medicinal uses.

What are oyster shells medicinally?

As the name suggested, it mainly refers to the shells of Ostrea gigas Thunberg, Ostrea talienwhanensis Crosse, or Ostrea rivularis Gould. All of them are in the family Ostreidae and distributed along China’s coastal area. It can be collected all year round. And the following steps are to remove flesh, keep the shell, wash, and dry in the sun. And it is normally used crushed and raw/calcined.

Crassostrea gigas is in the shape of elongated flake, 10 to 50cm long, and 4 to 15cm wide. Dorsal seam and ventral seam are nearly parallel. Right shell is smaller and with thick scales arranged in layered or lamellar order. Lilac, white or brown outer surface is flat or with a few dents; porcelain white inner surface has no small teeth on sides of shell top. Left shell is sunken deep, and with thicker scales and small attachment surface on top. It is hard, white, odorless, slightly salty, and with layered cross sections.

Ostrea talienwhanensis is triangle and with splayed dorsiventral edges. Right shell is yellow outside and white inside and with loose wavy concentric scales. Left shell is with thick concentric scales, a couple of radial ribs from the top of the shell, recessed box-shaped inner surface, and small hinge surface.

Ostrea rivularis is round, oval, triangular, etc. Right shell is slightly uneven outside, with gray, purple, brown, yellow and other colors and concentric scales arranged in rings. Scales in young ones are thin and brittle. And they stack into layers after years of growing, with white inner surface and lavender edge in some.

80 to 95 % of chemical composition is calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate. Besides, they still contain magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and iron oxide. And another report says that ostrea talienwhanensis contains more than 90% calcium carbonate, 1.72% organic matter, and a small amount of magnesium, iron, silicates, sulfates, phosphates and chlorides. After the calcination, carbonate decomposes and produces calcium oxide and others while organic matter is destroyed.

Oyster shell health benefits

Modern medicine tends to believe that oysters contain a variety of nutrients that is necessary to the body. Clinically it is often combined with dragon bone since they has similar functions – tranquilization and liver-calming if used raw and astringency in the calcined form. More importantly, they supplement each other since oysters can also resolve hard lump while dragon bone has a better sedative action.

To better illustrate how it works, here we take its insomnia-healing property as an example. So, what is the difference between this herb and sleeping pills since both of them can help sleep disorder? To begin with, the former is a concept from traditional Chinese medicine while the latter comes from western medicine. And it doesn’t make any sense to compare them; then, they act at different mechanism – the source of the former’s healing power is its heavy nature, which traditionally is believed to calm agitated heart and spirit and get rid of timidity. And sleeping pills directly act on the nerve center to help sleep; furthermore, mineral and shell drugs have a wider range of application. But sleep pill only applies to temporary insomnia caused by cute psychological stress and physical illness or sleep disorders due to severe mental illness; finally, shell drugs work slowly and steadily, with no apparent side effects or addictive qualities. It can be tailored according to the needs of the individuals. Generally it is used as an assistance drug. Sleeping pills have definite and immediate curative effect. However, it has obvious side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, stomach discomfort, etc. And long-term use would lead to drug dependence and rebound phenomenon.

Modern pharmacological actions of oysters

1. Its flour showed astringency, sedation, detoxification, and anticonvulsant effects. Besides, it has significant analgesic effect in animal experiments;
2. Calcined oyster can significantly improve the resistance to experimental gastric ulcer;
3. Polysaccharides contained have hypolipidemic, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic effect;
4. Its acid extract in vivo has inhibition on poliovirus and thus lower mortality rate of the infected mice.

Sample oyster shell herbal remedies

According to the Chinese Materia Medica, it is salty in flavor and slightly cold in nature. And it acts on the meridians of liver and kidney. Basic functions are to calm the liver and suppress yang, tranquilize with its heavy nature, soften hardness to dissipate stagnation, and induce astringency. Main oyster shells uses and indications include vertigo, tinnitus, palpitation, insomnia, scrofula, goiter and tumor, abdominal mass, spontaneous sweating, night sweat, emission, uterine bleeding, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Recommended dosage is from 15 to 30 grams in decoction, pills or powder. And decocting before the rest herbs is required.

1. Gui Zhi Gan Cao Long Gu Mu Li Tang from Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage). It is combined with Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and dragon bones to treat fidget, palpitation, insomnia, dreaminess, etc.

2. Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang from Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Heart-Felt Experiences in Medicine with Reference to the West). It is designed with dragon bone, Gui Ban (Fresh Water Turtle Shell), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), etc., to cure dizziness, irritability, and tinnitus.

3. Da Ding Feng Zhu from Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Detailed Analysis of Warm Diseases). It is formulated with Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia), Gui Jia (tortoise shell), Bie Jia (Soft Turtle Shell), etc. to heal burning out of yin, deficient wind agitation, and limbs twitching due to chronic febrile diseases.

4. Xiao Luo Wan from Yi Xue Xin Wu (Medical Revelations). It is coupled with Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), etc. to cure subcutaneous nodule, scrofula, goiter and tumor, etc.

5. Mu Li San from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulas of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary). It is used along with Ma Huang Gen (Ephedra root), Fu Xiao Mai (Triticum Aestivum L.), etc. to heal spontaneous perspiration and night sweats.

6. Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan from Yi Fang Ji Jie (Wang Ang and his Variorum of medical recipes). It is matched with Sha Yuan Zi (Flatstem Milkvetch Seed), Dragon bones, Qian Shi (Euryale Seed), etc. to treat nocturnal emission.

Oyster shell side effects and contraindications

Clinically no adverse reactions on oyster shells have been reported. But it is easy to cause constipation and indigestion in long-term use and high doses. According to Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu (Explanation of Canon of Materia Medica), it loathes ephedra, Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit), and Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower). And according to the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing Shu (Commentary on ‘Shen Nong’s Classic of the Materia Medica), oyster shell shouldn’t be used in the cases of deficient cold and spermatorrhea due to cold instead of fire caused by kidney deficiency.

Schizandra berry, Wu Wei Zi, literally Five Flavored Berry

http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/schizandra-berry/

Schizandra berry, also known as Fructus Schisandrae in pharmaceutical Latin, is a top restorative that was first enrolled in The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing). The Newly Revised Herbology (Xin Xiu Ben Cao), compiled in the Tang dynasty (618~907 A.D.), reviewed that the reason why it was named Wu Wei Zi, literally Five Flavored Berry, is because of its sweet, sour, and salty peel and flesh and acrid, bitter pit. It is used so frequently in traditional Chinese medicine that it is viewed as one of the 50 fundamental Chinese herbs these days. So, what is schizandra used for? Now let’s take a close look at this amazing tonic.

What is schizandra?

Actually there are two kinds of schizandra berries that are commonly used medicinally. They are the ripe fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. or Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. Both of them are plant species of family Magnoliaceae. In China the former one is better known as “North schizandra” since it is mainly produced in the Northeast; the latter is better known as “South schizandra” since they are mainly from the southwest and south of the Yangtze River. And the south one is typically believed with better medicinal properties. Other common names include Schisandra Fruit, Schisandra Seed, Five Taste Fruits, Five Flavors Fruit, and more. Medicinally they are collected in fall when the fruits are ripe. And then they are just needed to be dried in the sun. It is normally used raw or steamed with vinegar and honey.

Schisandra chinensis berry is in the shape of irregular ball or flat ball, in the diameter of 5 to 8mm. The surface is red or purplish red, wrinkled, and oily. Some are dark red, covered with frost. Seeds are 1 to 2 and kidney-shaped; surface is brown and shiny; seed coat is thin and brittle; pulp is soft, with slight aroma and sour taste. The crushed seeds are aromatic, spicy, and bitter.

Schisandra sphenanthera berry is spike-like aggregate fruits. They are spherical, fleshy, dark red when ripe. The dried fruits are smaller in size, shriveled, and wrinkled, with reddish brown to dark brown surface and flesh that is often close to the seed.

It contains schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin, neoschizandrin, schizandrol, schisantherin, and so on.

Modern pharmacological actions of schisandra berries

1) It produces stimulation to all levels of the central nervous system;
2) It affects both the excitatory and inhibitory processes of cerebral cortex to therefore bring balance;
3) It stimulates the respiratory system. As a result, it is antitussive and expectorant;
4) It lowers blood pressure;
5) It promotes the discharge of bile, lowers serum transaminases, and protects liver cells;
6) It has ginseng-like adaptogen, which can enhance the body’s defense capabilities to non-specific stimulation;
7) It increases cellular immune function and thus significantly enhances the SOD activity of brain, liver, spleen SOD. Hence, it has immunity-improving, anti-oxidation, and anti-aging effects;
8) It inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and more.

Schizandra berry benefits

In the TCM point of view, it is commonly used to help treat night sweats, polydipsia, frequent urination, urinary incontinence and premature ejaculation because it tonifies kidney and promotes the secretion of body fluid. More importantly, it possesses astringent and tonic properties although the astringency is stronger. The medical sage Zhang Zhongjing loves to combine it with Gan Jiang (dried ginger) and Xi Xin (Herba Asari) to stop cough and asthma by astringing the lung. It makes sense since these herbs oppose each other and yet also complement each other by respective opening and closing nature. Another great finding is its function of reducing excitability and astringing Promordial Qi, typifying by Du Qi Wan, composed of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan plus schizandra. This formula was first recorded in Zhang Shi Yi Tong (Comprehensive Medicine according to Master Zhang) in Qing dynasty and it is traditionally used to treat asthma and vomiting due to kidney deficiency. Today it is confirmed that it protects liver and reduces serum transaminases. In addition, in recent years it has been reported that it could treat myocardial infarction too.

It is conventionally believed with the ability to protect the five internal organs – heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. It is all the rage worldwide now, in particular in China and Japan. As early as 2 thousand years ago, this tonic has been widely used in kings, millionaires, and herbalists. As its name implies, it is a berry that is with 5 kinds of flavors – spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. This makes it easily stand out from the rest herbs that are usually with 1 or 2 flavors. Thanks for that, it helps play an important role in balancing the relationship of five internal organs.

Schisandra is rich in organic acids, vitamins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and lignans. Lignans, e.g. schizandrin and schisandrin B, has a potent recovery effect. It is also one of the few herbs that benefit essence, vital breath and spirit at the same time. In other words, it tonifies vital energy, protecting liver, increasing the efficiency of removing waste in cells, supply more oxygen, create and use energy, improve memory and sexual stamina. That explains well why ancient Russian must take it for the purpose of beefing up each time they went hunting.

However, the schizandra berry health benefits don’t end here. Here are more.

1) It can improve decreased vision, enhance impaired hearing, improve lung health, relieve respiratory diseases like chronic cough and respiratory infections, and heal eczema and hives;

2) It promotes detoxification function of liver, protects the liver from damage of the respiratory tract by accelerating the metabolic rate of acetaminophen and reducing GSH depletion, and promotes the regeneration and reorganization of damaged liver cells;

3) It has good anti-inflammatory effect and activates the metabolism in order to facilitate the repair of synthesis rate of damaged liver cells. So, it helps the regeneration and reproduction of the impaired liver cell;

4) It can strengthen the body’s immune system, help people develop immunity to various diseases, and restore energy. Schisandra is one of the most effective plant based adaptogens, which can improve intelligence, stamina, sensory functions, and resistance to stress force. In short, it can help the body to withstand stress factors, such as cold, heat, noise, emotional overload and the like. So, it helps improve performance, enhance endurance and reduce fatigue;

5) Schisandrin B and schisanhenol have anti-oxidant effect, which can scavenge free radicals and inhibit the formation of lipid peroxidation. In other words, it can delay aging.

Sample schisandra recipes on herbal remedies

The “Chinese Pharmacopoeia” reveals that it is sour, sweet in flavor and warm in nature. It goes to lung, heart, and kidney. Basic functions are astringing lung Qi, stopping diarrhea, enhancing Qi while nourishing fluid, tonifying kidney, and calming the heart. Main schizandra uses and indications include chronic cough, deficiency-type asthma, nocturnal emission, enuresis, frequent urination, chronic diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, thirst due to fluid loss, shortness of breath accompanied with feeble pulse, diabetes caused by internal heat, heart palpitations and insomnia. Recommended schizandra berry dosage is from 1.5 to 6g in decoction. In addition, you can buy it in the forms of schizandra berry tea, extract, supplement, powder, capsules, tincture,

1) Wu Wei Xi Xin Tang from Ji Feng Pu Ji Fang (Universal-Relief Prescriptions from Jifeng). It is combined with Bai Fu Ling (White Poria cocos), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Xi Xin (Herba Asari) to treat coughing incessantly;

2) Wu Wei Zi Wan from Wei Sheng Jia Bao Fang (Treasured Family Prescriptions for Health). It is coupled with poppy shell to cure cough;

3) Sheng Mai San from Qian Jin Fang (Thousand golden essential prescriptions). It is formulated with Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) to heal the primordial Qi impaired by heat, physical fatigue, shortness of breath, laziness to speak, dry mouth for thirst, constant sweating, and so on;

4) Wu Wei Zi Gao from Yi Xue Ru Men (Gate of Entry to Medical Studies). It is simmered with winter honey to make cream for the treatment of wet dream and collapse;

5) Wu Wei Zi San from Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (Prescriptions for Universal Relief). It is matched with Wu Zhu Yu (cornel) to treat diarrhea before dawn;

6) Wu Wei Zi Wan from Jing Yan Liang Fang (Experiential Fine Formulas). It is fried and made into pills with vinegar to cure gonorrhea, kidney deficiency, and pains in waist and back.

Schizandra berry side effects and contraindications

Schizandra berry is considered a drug with a little toxicity and taking it orally may cause some certain adverse reactions, e.g. belching, acid reflux, gastric burning sensation, bowel sound, drowsiness, or sometimes allergic reactions. Some individual patients may also see fever, headache, exhaustion, dry mouth, feeling of peculiar smell, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, and so on. Besides, it excites the respiratory system, increases the respiratory rate, and lowers blood pressure.

Nevertheless, generally the toxicity and side effects of schizandra is less obvious. Even so, long-term use of it is not recommended.