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Frankincense and myrrh are two herbs mentioned repeatedly in the bible.  I find it fascinating that Egyptians used myrrh for embalming the bodies of Pharaohs while frankincense was used in India as incense for worship during biblical times. These shrubs, or small trees, of the family Burseraceae produce a liquid when the bark is punctured.  That liquid or resin is then dried and cooked with vinegar or honey for medicinal uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While both trees originated in the Arabian peninsula, we know they arrived in China by 400 AD, where the exploration of their medicinal properties was noted. 

What’s incredible is that the resin from both of these trees is used in TCM combinations or herb formulas mainly to unblock the flow of blood, treat traumatic injury and stop pain. They are excellent for abdominal pain during menstruation and for irregular menstruation .  These herbal resins can also be used in combination to help treat amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Furthermore, both can be used externally.  Frankincense is known to ease the tendons and muscles while myrrh is used for non-healing sores such as bed sores.

Boswellic acid is the active substance of frankincense from which several dietary supplements are produced.  Researchers have identified Boswellic acid as a potent anti-inflammatory agent . This acid inhibits the 5-LOX (lipoxygenase) system, which is involved with enzymatic pathways that produce leukotrienes and thrombaxanes (inflammatory molecules) from fatty acids (following all this?).  Drugs that inhibit this pathway are normally used to treat arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis.  Boswellic acid, unlike conventional NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, the accepted treatments for pain and inflammation, does not seem to cause stomach irritation in small doses.  Neither does it cause liver damage like acetaminophen. The anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellic acid are also effective in reducing the aching and stiffness associated with back pain.

Guggulsterone is the active substance within the myrrh resin. After many years of research, guggulsterone, also known as Guggul, has become popular in the United States for its cholesterol-lowering properties. (1) By inhibiting the FXR gene in the nucleus of liver cells, this leads to the more efficient excretion of cholesterol in the liver, thus lowering serum cholesterol levels. Amazing what comes from a scrubby desert tree.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes frankincense and myrrh as blood regulating herbs that complement each other. They invigorate the blood, dispel blood stasis and reduce swelling, relieve pain and promote healing. It is more than coincidence that myrrh is commonly used in TCM for menstrual irregularities and Western medicine research  substantiates guggul’s ability to improve liver functions.  TCM theory emphasizes the importance of liver blood for regular and healthy menstrual function and recognizes stagnate liver blood as a cause of painful periods.

Given the compelling scientific evidence regarding the chemicals in these two herbal resins and the history of frankincense and myrrh, we can be certain of their potent medicinal properties. It certainly is amazing that nature has given us such powerful medicines for menstrual cramps, arthritis, cholesterol and for pain. Nature sure has had a remarkable way of providing for our needs, today and in ancient times.

1.(Tripathi YB, et all Thyroid stimulating actions of z-guggulsterone obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta Med 1984;1:78).

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Back in the 1950s, about 7.5 hours of sleep a night was the norm for most Americans, according to a USA Today article. These days, the average American sleeps for around 6.5 hours a day, and if you’re a full time student chances are you get even less. So how DO we all function with so much less sleep? That’s a whole night of sleep, missing from our lives each week. Unfortunately, cutting back on sleep seems to have become the norm in our society.

Studies have shown, however, that we need 7-8 hours of sleep a night to be high-functioning during the day. It is a common belief that sleeping in on week-ends will somehow balance out the sleep debt incurred during the week. However, once one starts cutting sleep during the week again, there is a significant effect on alertness, mood, and performance. A study in 1995 found that there is significant sleep loss in 1/3 of American adults. This state of perennial sleepiness has been estimated to cause about 2-56 billion dollars in sleep-related accidents on the road each year, and even more in lost productivity, medical illness, or shortened lifespan secondary to sleepiness or sleep pathology.

Because of both the normal aging process and modern societal pressures to succeed, our hours in the sack are continually sacrificed. People working the graveyard shift tend to accumulate the highest amount of sleepiness, as they are sleeping during a poor circadian time. Furthermore, the advent of electricity has, in some ways, interfered with our natural circadian rhythms. The primary reason is that melatonin, a hormone implicated in helping us fall asleep at night, is only produced in the absence of light. When light hits the retina, a signal is sent via the optic nerve to the pineal gland that causes melatonin production to cease.

With our ability to create artificial light (i.e. computer screens and television), the release of melatonin is delayed until these appliances have been turned off. Melatonin supplements often work to help restore one’s natural circadian rhythm, yet too often this is not enough. For many people, the next alternative for staying asleep is to purchase prescription sleep aids. Although drugs may help, they have a short-term effect which fades rapidly once you stop taking them. This makes it necessary to continually renew your stock of sleep aids, which, monetarily speaking, adds up quickly, and often becomes addicting.

Chinese herbs offer a different kind of solution. Traditional Chinese Medicine has treated the insomnia cycle for hundreds of years. The theory needs explaining first. It is all about a reversal of the energy of our spirits. It’s up at night, in our head stimulating our brain rather than sleeping in our hearts where Chinese medicine believes our spirit is stored and nourished while we sleep. When our heads are thinking too much at night it does not allow the heart to rest.

This type of short-term insomnia problem can be effectively treated using Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal medicine calms the mind, nourishes the blood (the heart), anchors the spirit (figuratively) and allows the heart to settle quietly into a natural sleep. It’s non- addicting, and, after used for a short period of time, acute insomniacs can again return to a normal sleep pattern without the use of herbs. If you have not yet tried Chinese herbal medicine for your sleeplessness, you need to find a good acupuncturist who can help you with the right prescription of herbs which will make all the difference in both your nighttime and daytime hours.

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Chinese medicine existed 5,000 years ago. During our emperor’s time, various herbs have been used and tested to bring about the benefit of weight loss. To this day, Chinese herbs or Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) have been popular among those who wish to get remedies, without facing dangerous health consequences. This is because these weight loss herbs are said to be very safe for all consumers.

One of the most well known herbs is Citrus Aurantium. Citrus Aurantium consists of synephrine, which is believed to result in fat burning. This research is done at McGill University. This herb helps to improve the thermo genesis of brown fatty tissue, which refers to the fat that is hardest to burn off. This form of herb is very safe for everyone’s use, unlike ephedra.

Although Ephedra can help in weight loss just like the other herbs, this herb is not highly recommended for weight loss purposes. This is because it can affect the person’s nervous system. Ephedra is usually used for acute health problems like asthma attack. It can cause the person to be even more lethargic and depletes his adrenaline.

Herbs that can boost he metabolic function are herbs that can increase the yang and qi energy of the body. These herbs would refer to ginseng, stractylodes, ginger, eucommian bark, cinnamon and astragalus. Not only that these herbs promote weight loss, they also give you energy boost. To maintain this weight loss, it is advised that one follows on an exercise regimen.

Other than weight loss, these herbs aid in healthy digestion. For those you want to get rid of love handles or weight around the abdominal area, try on these herbs. You can also choose to try on bitter and detoxifying herbs for the same effect of weight loss. Other than that, these Chinese medicines promote healthy digestion, healthy metabolism and healthy mental attitude. There are so many benefits that you can reap simply by taking them!

How these herbs works is by reducing acidic and inflammatory conditions in the body, which tends to trigger cravings that cause people to consume unhealthy food. These herbs are recommended for those with voracious appetites for oily, sweet and spicy food.

There are side effects to these Chinese herbs too, but they are not as serious as that of diet drugs. The side effects include constipation, sweating and sleepiness. If you are facing these side effects, simply cut down your dosage by half. Do take note that these weight loss herbs are not advisable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are having severe weight problem, then these herbs are definitely the answer to you problem.

Sick and tired of trying diet drugs? Give these Chinese medicines a try and you will be surprised at the results that it will offer you.

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Chinese herbs are a separate category of medicines altogether and rightfully so. They can strengthen the immune system, inhibit the growth of tumors, manage blood pressure and increase sexuality – indeed, the range is very wide. There are numerous herbs, including those that are considered common and those that are the jealously guarded secrets of traditional Chinese herbalists.

Here are some examples of Chinese herbs and what all they can be used for:

Ginseng is a commonly available root that has a flair for healing and rejuvenation. The Korean ginseng, for example, stimulates the cerebral cortex and counters exhaustion and extreme infirmity. It helps to replenish depleted energy and body fluids. It can also stimulate the sex glands and is capable of removing toxins from the body. The taste is mildly bittersweet.

The black and red Reishi mushrooms are other examples of prized Chinese herbs. They can strengthen the immune system, increase vitality of white blood corpuscles and accentuate the impact of anti-oxidants. These mushrooms also have a calming influence on the mind. They alleviate insomnia and female sexual dysfunction.

The Lotus seed is yet another indispensable Chinese herb. It tones the kidney and spleen and eases diarrhea. It stimulates appetite and has a sweet to neutral taste.

The Licorice root comes as a blessing because it can detoxify the body, invigorating and cooling it down at the same time. It acts as an analgesic and can regulate the action of other herbs. It can also be used as a natural sweetener.

Ginko biloba is a distinguished herb and arguably the oldest in traditional Chinese medicine. It has proven beneficial effects on the heart and lungs. It is used to treat coughs, asthma, and chronic allergic inflammation, and is one of the best herbal nutritional supplements available.

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Not long ago, an article was released from the Ditan Hospital in Beijing,  reporting that, “88 out of 117 patients treated for (H1N1) the disease only on the herbs fully recovered and were discharged.” This is a 75%  success rate. What are these Chinese herbs that worked so well? The Deputy Director of the hospital said there were four herbs in the packets given to patients who drank them as a tea and used as a mouth wash. Lonicera Japonica, (honeysuckle flower), Isatis Indigodica, Mentha (mint) and Glycyrrhiza (licorice). All were dosed at 3 grams per serving.  These same herbs are available in Chinese herbal medicine shops here in the US. 

Lonicera is used pretty much exclusively to prevent and treat the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, sore throats, and general flu symptoms. It can be used in a vaporizer and inhaled along with the traditional way of ingesting it after cooking (decocting) in water. In one study, 1150 patients were treated for influenza using a combination of herbs which included Lonicera and had excellent results. Using fresh Lonicera is best as it contains the most anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. As an antibiotic, it has “demonstrated a broad spectrum of inhibitory actions against staphylococcus aureus, E. Coli” and a host of other pathogens.  

Woad root (Isatis) is the next herb in the flu fighting formula.  This herb is categorized as a toxic heat clearing herb in Chinese herbal medicine and is also commonly used for upper respiratory infections. It’s pharmacological effects have been well studied and research supports its success in treating acute sore throats and influenza viruses.  Like other Chinese herbs, it is often used in a formula combined with other herbs.  Herbs often work more effectively when cooked together with the right combination of other synergistically compatible herbs. People allergic to sulfonamides may have an allergic reaction to this herb, and it is not recommended for those taking Coumadin or any blood thinning medication as it may potentiate this action. However, the risk of any serious interaction is slight. I mention this to emphasize that herbs are strong medicine and should be prescribed and dosed by a qualified practitioner.

The last two herbs in this very simple formula are herbs that I am certain everyone has heard of, but may not have held in high regard for treatment of flu virus such as Swine flu.  I hope this article changes that perspective. Mint is seen in nearly every grocery store in the U.S. and we’ve all heard of licorice. Yet these two herbs are not necessarily found in the neighborhood grocery store. You must be certain of obtaining the correct species and there are literally hundreds when it comes to mint. Mentha has quite a history when comes to treating high fever accompanied by flu symptoms. In fact, the original source text on mentha was written in approximately 600 A.D., while the beneficial effects of licorice were documented even earlier.  Sore throats, red eyes, and headache are some of the most common symptoms mentha can treat. It is included in many famous Chinese herb formulas as is licorice. Both are considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA.  Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica with volumes of information and research. It is traditionally used to “harmonize” a formula in Chinese medicine, yet it has many therapeutic actions of its own. More than I can list here.

The four herbs mentioned above are very effective, and together they are more than just the sum of their individual parts. Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has introduced a H1N1 prevention herbal medicine pack. If you are traveling to China, you may want to pick up a few. Better yet, consult your local Acupuncturist or Herbalist and get your very own powerhouse of herbs custom made for your constitution.

References:

Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Chen & Chen, Art of Medicine Press, 2001.

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Overcome Infertility 141–how To Treat Infertility With Herbs Ginseng

As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist.We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat infertility with herb ginseng.

I. Definition
Ginseng is one of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belongs to the family Araliaceae and native to Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia. It is one of expensive herb which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in enhancing reproductive system for fertility.

II. How ginseng effects fertility
1. Sexual libido
The traditional Chinese medicine believes ginseng containing chemical agent which helps to increase the levels of testosterone in men and women alike, thereby increasing the sexual deisre resulting in creasing the chance of fertility.

2. Uterus tonic
For women, ginseng help to tone the uterus by reducing the qi stagnation in the reproductive organs, thereby, increasing the blood and qi flow to the uterus leading to normal implantation of the fertilized egg.

3. Sperm count
As the same reason above, it helps to reduce the qi and blood stagnation in the testicles resulting increasing the test in production of quality sperm.

4. Yang qi enhancer
It is one of fertility enhancing traditional Chinese medicine by slightly increasing the yang qi in the women body which is said to be necessary for increasing sexual desire and enhancing the process of fertilization.

5. Sexual dysfunction
Ginseng is also has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in treating sexual dysfunction caused by qi and blood stagnation in the abnormal region resulting in increasing the chance of fertility. Siberian Ginseng is the best.

III. Risks
1. Hypertension
Since ginseng ( specially Siberian ginseng) raises the level
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s of yang qi, therefore it may cause over blood flow and people with hypertension will only used with approving of their herbalist.

2. Insomnia
It also cause insomnia, if over dose as resulting in yin qi deficiency.

3. Nervous tension
Since it stimulate the production of certain hormones, over dose may cause nervous tension such as anxiety, emotional and physical stress.
Please consult with your herbalist before applying.

By: Kyle Norton

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For the best pregnancy self help program review, please visit
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For series of Infertility Articles, please visit
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or my home page at
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Pre Menstrual Syndrome 94- Pre Menstrual Syndrome (pms) And Chinese Herbs -dandelion

As we mentioned in previous article, Premenstrual syndrome effects over 70 of women before menopause in the US and less for women in Southeast Asia because of their difference in living style and social structure. The occurrence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have more than doubled over the past 50 years due to the acceptance of it as a medical condition that is caused by unhealthy diet with high in saturated food. Premenstrual syndrome is defined as faulty function of the ovaries related to the women’s menstrual cycle, it effects a women’s physical and emotional state, and sometimes interferes with daily activities as a result of hormone fluctuation. The syndrome occurs one to two weeks before menstruation and then declines when the period starts. In this article, we will discuss how Chinese herbs – dandelion effects women with PMS.

I. Definition
Dandelion a large flowering plant belongs to family Asteraceae, native to Europe, North America and Asia. It contains high amount of minerals, vitamins, fiber, micronutrients and lecithin and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for body detoxification including the liver toxins.

II. How dandelion effects women with PMS.
1. Liver function
Dandelion helps to clean the bloodstream and increase liver in bile secretion into the intestine resulting in improving the liver function in regulating the production of insulin and circulatory system in transporting the oxygen and nutrients to the body cells need, thereby reducing the risk of food craving and energy.

2. Diuretics
It also improve the kidney function in toxins elimination through urinary secretion resulting in lessening the risk of fluid retention and weight gains.

3. Sugar regulating
Dandelion also contains substance which helps to improve function of pancreas in production of insulin if the blood sugar is high and stop the production of insulin if blood sugar is too low, thereby decreasing the risk of food craving for some women with PMS.

4. Laxative
Since it contains high amount of fiber, it not only helps to detoxify the large intestine but also improve the muscles in the large intestine in
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moving stool resulting in lessening the risk of constipation.

5. Abscesses
Dandelion also increases the collection of neutrophils in a cavity, usually caused by bacteria and parasites resulting in preventing the spread of infectious materials to other parts of the body, thereby, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation to the reproductive organs.

By: Kyle Norton

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

pre-menstrualsyndrome-pms.blogspot.com/
To read all articles of women health, please visit medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
For series of Infertility Articles, please visit
fertility-infertility.blogspot.com/

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Do the products from Gaia Herbs really work?

I've been diagnosed with bronchitis for over a month now (by two different doctors). I've taken the prescribed antibiotics but my breathing trouble will not subside (feeling as if I'm breathing through a straw). Any recommendations?

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Nausea is one of the more uncomfortable sensations a person can experience. The causes of nausea range from motion sickness to side-effects from Western drugs. Eating excessive amounts of cold, fatty, sweet, spicy, or processed food can also lead to conditions where nausea is a symptom. Chinese medicine views nausea as an abnormal upward movement of “qi” from the stomach, and anyone who has experienced nausea can attest to the “abnormal” feeling like something that should be down, wants to come up.

In light of this, Chinese medicine treats nausea with a number of different methods. First, to deal with the acute sick feeling Chinese medicine uses herbs that help to “redirect” the qi of the stomach downward. There are a number of herbs that are very good for this purpose Fennel, Tangerine peel, and Ginger are three of the most important. Ginger is very well researched for this and all three are very safe as well as being effective.

Next, Chinese medicine looks at the possible causes of nausea and treats them. One of the most common causes is poor digestion or the inability to digest excessively in the diet. This can be due to either weakness or poor eating habits. When a person has poor eating habits food can accumulate, especially meat and fats. Chinese Hawthorne is the most important herb to treat this condition and is widely used in China by people on a daily basis or during holidays when they tend to over-eat.

To strengthen the digestion there are a number of excellent herbs. The combination of Bai-zhu Atractylodes, Codonopsis, Chinese Licorice, and Poria is called the “Four Gentlemen” is the most famous combination in Chinese medicine to strengthen the digestion. When Ginger and Tangerine peel are added this become the “Six Gentlemen” and is particularly useful when there is digestive weakness leading to nausea, vomiting, and other digestive difficulties.

When the digestion is weak its ability to process food and fluids is poor and they can accumulate, especially fluids. The combination of Job’s Tears, Poria, and Astragalus are very good for both strengthening and helping the body to rid itself of this accumulated fluid. Finally, sometimes there is inflammation in the stomach and the combination of Dendrobium and Job’s Tears is excellent to cool the inflammation and nourish the stomach.

Most people will suffer occasionally from this very uncomfortable ailment. The use of Chinese herbs can be extremely helpful in treating this and relieving the suffering of an otherwise disturbing time. For those that have a chronic nausea problem, Chinese herbs could be the answer they are looking for.

Thomas Avery Garran is a Chinese medicine practitioner with 17 years of experience, a number of articles, and a book, “Western Herbs According Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Practitioners Guide.” His blog is http://sourcepointherbs.blogspot.com and he is writing for the website, http://www.immuneenhance.com/products/apazin

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Do Chinese herbs actually work?

I always wondered if they work and treat medical conditions such as psoriasis..

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