Ingredients:
Siberian Ginseng root extract,
Reishi mushroom extract,
Schizandra seed extract,
Astragalus root extract,
Gotu kola herb extract,
Ginkgo leaf extract,
Salvia root extract,
Polygala root extract,
Curcuma root extract,
Bamboo silica,
Coptis rhizome,
Alpinia fruit,
1 bottle = 30 capsules = 10 servings
U.S. Orders: 1-800-386-4870
info. : (408) 462-0246
voice and fax : (408) 475-4386 (408-475-4FUN)
e-mail : tonics@cruzio.com
website : http://herb.com/shaman.htm
address: Shamanic Tonics, Box 7620, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Meditation Ingredient Profile:
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Eleuthero,
Wu cha seng: spicy, bitter, warm; Liver Kidney
Siberian/Eleuthero ginseng has become very famous in the last decade as the
original 'adaptogen'.'Adaptogen' literally means something which 'generates
adaptation'. The Russian scientists who researched most of Eleutheros powers
found out about it while searching for a substitiute for 'true ginseng'
(Panax ginseng). In terms of reducing many types of stress however,
Eleuthero outperformed its cousin Panax. This led to the idea of a non-specific,
non-toxic, regulating substance to be called an 'adaptogen'.
The stress-reducing power of adaptogens is really what earned them their
importance. This is because the failure to adapt to stress can be seen as
the primary cause of disease and aging. Eleuthero worked to lower high
blood pressure but to raise low blood pressure according to need. That goal of
balance is called 'homeostasis'. Because of the increasing types of stressors
in the modern world, adaptogens have been called the "medicines of the future".
Eleuthero has been historically used for poor immunity, low endurance,
low backache, weak tendons, arthritis and old age. 5
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
Schizandra fruit (Schizandra chinensis)
Wu wei zi,"five-flavor seed": sour, warm; Heart Kidney, Lung
This is a quite amazing and versatile adaptogenic herb which was traditionally
used as a survival food, mind tonic, medicine and sexual tonic. As an
astringent herb it helped the lungs in cough, wheezing and asthma, the skin
in excess sweating, the bowels in diarrhea and the urinary/genital system
in bed-wetting, frequent urination or premature ejaculation. It has both
stimulating and tranquilizing properties which vary according to the extract.
Ours is more stimulating. In modern research this herb was found to increase
the work efficiency of telegraph operators by improving their nerve reflexes
resulting in faster actions with less mistakes. It seems that large amounts
of certain adaptogens such as Reishi, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu kola or this
herb may produce a temporary mental relaxation or euphoria before the more
lasting and cumulative sharpening effects occur. This herb also increased
visual and tactile acuity while decreasing skin allergies and restoring
liver functions in infectious hepatitis. 1, 3, 5, 11
Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceous) Yellow Milk-vetch root
Huang qi: sweet, slightly warm: Lung, Spleen
This herb has been traditionally used to enhance metabolism, increase energy
('qi') and surface immunity ('wei-qi') as well as to prevent prolapse,
excess sweating and fluid retention. An article published by the American
Cancer Society in Cancer Magazine stated that a liquid astragalus extract
helped restore normal immune response in 90% of cancer patients tested.
By decreasing T-suppressor cells and thus increasing T-cells, this herb is
potentially of use in the management of H.I.V. . In animal studies this herb
also significantly lowers blood pressure, protects the liver and kidneys
and increases activity induced weight gain and endurance. 1, 3, 11
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
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
Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba) Maidenhair Tree leaf
Yin guo ye, "silver almond nut": sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral; Lungs
This herb has been used for allergies, asthma, wheezing, pain, high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer's, ear and eye
diseases and poor circulation, especially to the head. The nut was the part
traditionally used more for asthma-type problems, but the non-toxic leaf
has become the subject of many western studies and is very widely given
by mainstream doctors in Europe to their patients for several of the above
conditions. The leaf works partly from certain antioxidant flavonglycosides
and anti-inflammatory terpenes which enhance circulation and are believed
by many to have several protective effects on cells in general and
brain cells in particular. 1, 7, 12
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. 1, 3, 9, 11
Polygala root (Polygala tenuifolia) Chinese Senega root
Yuan zhi, "profound will": bitter, spicy, slightly warm; Heart, Lung
This herb has been used for over 2000 years to calm the spirit, ease the
heart and emotions, stop coughing, clear the mind and the lungs and topically
for sores and swellings. It's name comes from it's alleged ability to deepen
the will. It is historically used with Curcuma tuber (see below) to clarify
awareness as well as to improve peoples capacities after coma or stroke.
Modern research indicates that it is an expectorant and uterine stimulant.
A close relative was highly valued by American Indians and is called Senega
root after the tribe of the same name. 1, 3, 11, 12
Curcuma root (Curcuma longa) Tumeric tuber
Yu jin, "constrained metal": spicy, bitter, cool; Heart, Liver, Lung
This herb is traditionally used to enhance circulation of blood and vital
energy, smooth the emotions and menstruation, clarify awareness, ease the
mind and benefit some blood and gallbladder disorders. Modern research
indicates this herb has some value in treating viral hepatitis and jaundice.1, 3
Bamboo silica (Bambusa textilis) Tabasheer
Tian zhu huang, "heavenly bamboo yellow": sweet, cold; Gallbladder, Heart, Liver
This herb is traditionally used to clear obscuration from the heart, mind
and Lungs. It was also used after coma and stroke to aid rehabilitation.
This herb is the siliceous secretions collected from the ends of heated
strips of bamboo. Silicone and potassium hydroxide are among known ingredients. 1, 12
Coptis rhizome (Coptis chinensis) Chinese Goldthread
Huang lian, "yellow links": cold, bitter; Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach
This herb has been widely used for over 2000 years much as we might use
a modern antibiotic. It was traditionally used for infections or inflammations
in or on the body. It also is historically used to aid in calming an irritated
or restless mind. A modern extract of this plant, berberine hydrochoride,
is used by many people for dysentery and other disorders. Modern research
indicates that this herb and its constituents act as antimicrobials, antivirals,
antifungals, against coughs, dysentery, typhoid, tuberculosis, scarlet fever,
diptheria, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poor bile output as well
as topically for burns, inflammatory bowel disease, yeast infections, rashes,
as ear drops and as an eye wash. 1, 3, 11
Alpinia fruit (Alpinia oxyphylla) Bitter Seeded Cardamon
Yi zhi ren, "benefit intelligence nut" : spicy, warm; Kidney, Spleen
This herb is traditionally used as a 'Yang tonic' to warm the interior
of the body and assist in genital, urinary or digestive weakness. It is
an aromatic fruit from the ginger family the name for which refers to its
alleged powers of benefiting intelligence. It was traditionally used with
Curcuma and Polygala (see above). 1, 3, 11
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.
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. Group, Garden City Park, New York, 1992
11) Reid, Daniel: A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs,
Shambhala Pub., Boston, Mass., 1995
12) Tierra, Michael: Planetary Herbology,
Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisc., 1988
INGREDIENTS
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