• Standardized Extract – Laboratory Tested, Quality Guaranteed
• Helps Maintain a Strong Immune System **
• 500mg Astragalus Root Extract
• 16% Polysaccharides, 0.2% flavones
• Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus/ Pin Yin: Huang Qi
• 60 Vegetarian capsules/bottle Dose: 1 capsule/2-3x/day taken with warm water or tea. May be taken with food or between meals.

“Throughout our lives our immune systems are under assault from environmental toxins. Living in crowded cities, traveling frequently in airplanes, and spending time in day care centers and schools all expose us to many more germs than people had to deal with in the past. We can protect and strengthen our immunity by eating right, getting enough activity and rest, practicing stress reduction, and cultivating healthy emotional states. There are also several tonic herbs, astragalus being one of the best, that can help maintain a strong immune system. Obtained from the root of Astragalus membranaceous in the pea family, astragalus has a long history in Chinese medicine for prevention of disease. Astragalus in TCM has a special affinity for the ‘metal’ element and benefits the lung, large intestine and skin. And due to the body/mind connection can be beneficial for anyone dealing with stress. According to Dr. Weil Astragalus can be beneficial for:

• People who “get everything going around”
• Those with immune deficiencies
• Healthy people year round*

Look for standardized extracts in capsules and follow package directions.” From: Daily Tips: Featured Herb – Astragalus DrWeil.com 12/21/05

*What is Astragalus?top | shop

Astragalus is a tonic herb from the legume family. It is indigenous to China and has been used as a preventive health tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine since ancient times. The botanical name of Astragalus is: Astragalus membranaceus. Astragalus is one of the herbs known to stimulate the body’s natural production of interferon. It is known as a “Chi” tonic or replenisher. Chi is a concept in Chinese Medicine of the body’s “Vital Life Energy”. Astragalus is suitable for long-term use as an important aid in supporting the body’s natural defense system*.

*How does Astragalus work?top | shop

The Astragalus root is the part containing the active ingredients and it is used as an immunomodulator, meaning it balances and helps maintain a healthy immune system. The constituents of the root include: Polysaccharides, choline, betaine, rumatakenin, [beta]-sitosterol*. Astragalus was first referenced in the original material medica of the late Han period in China. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is considered sweet and slightly warming. It is considered to be very safe and non-toxic and may be consumed daily. It is well known for its ability to strengthen and support the body’s immune system. Astragalus has become an important botanical in the West since research demonstrating its immunoprotective effects have been documented. Astragalus is an ideal tonic for anyone who wants to help maintain a strong immune system*. Astragalus is also an important adaptogenic herb used to invigorate and balance the immune system. Astragalus is a natural anti-viral agent, and it may be taken preventively. Astragalus helps promote the bodies own healing and protective energy. In ancient times (and still in parts of modern Asia), Astragalus root was cooked with food and has been revered for centuries for health protection.*

*Health benefits of Astragalustop | shop

Astragalus also helps to balance night or day sweats by what is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine is its ability to help build Yin and Blood as well as the protective Chi in the body. In Western Medicine, Astragalus has been shown to benefit the immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity, and by boosting bodies’ production of antibodies and interferon. Astragalus has numerous immune enhancing benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, long-term intake of Astragalus builds Chi (Vital Life Energy) in the body. This extra Chi helps to prevent depletion of our resources. Astragalus in combination with Dong Quai improves the circulation of Chi and blood in the skin making it more supple and healthy*.

Cautionstop | shop

Astragalus has shown no toxicity with long term use. Astragalus should be discontinued when experiencing excess heat in the body as it is a warming herb. It should be discontinued when there are symptoms of fever, dry cough, or constipation. When these symptoms are not present Astragalus may be continued and taken daily. As with all herbal and dietary supplements, you should always inform your physician about what you are taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions*.

RESEARCH

1. Immunotherapy with Chinese Medicinal Herbs. Immune restoration of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vitro. Chu-DT; Wong-WL; Mavligit-GM. J Clin Lab Immunol 1988 Mar 25(3):119-23
2. Hepatoprotective Effects of Astragalus Root. Zhang-ZL; Wen-QZ; Liu-CX. J Ethnopharmacol 1990 Sep 30(2):145-9
3. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus On Natural Killer Cell Activity and Induction of Alpha and Gamma Interferon in Patients With Coxsackie B Viral Myocarditis. Yang-YZ; Jin-PY; Guo-Q; Wang-QD; Li-ZS; Ye-YC; Shan-YF; Zhao-HY; Zhu-JR; Pu-SY; Chen-HZ. Chin Med J 1990 Apr; 103(4):304-7
4. Botanical Influences on Cardiovascular Disease. Miller-AL. Alternat Med Rev 1998 Dec 3(6):422-31 … Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herb, is often used as a “Qi tonifier” and has been studied for its therapeutic benefit in treatment of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and relief of anginal pain. Clinical studies have indicated that its in-vitro antioxidant activity is the mechanism by which it affords its cardioprotective benefit.
5. Alternat Med Rev 1998 Oct; 3(5):338-44 ABSTRACT: Although Astragalus, Ligusticum and Schizandrae have a long history of medicinal use within the traditional Chinese system, only recently has the West begun to understand their pharmacological possibilities and clinical applications. Astragalus has demonstrated a wide range of immunopotentiating effects and has proven efficacious as an adjunct cancer therapy.

REFERENCES

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 509653.
2. Foster S, Chongxi Y. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 279633.
3. Shu HY. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Palos Verdes, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Press, 1986, 5219623.20.

*Ginkgo Biloba Proprietary Blend:

120 mg. Contains Ginkgo biloba extract (24% flavonoid glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) and Ginkgo biloba leaf powder.

• Standardized Extract – Laboratory Tested, Quality Guaranteed
• Enhances Mental Clarity*
• Improves Circulation *
• Potent Anti-Oxidant*
• Botanical name: Ginkgo Biloba / Pin Yin: yin xing
• 90 Vegetarian capsules. Dose: 1 capsule 2-3 times/day. Taken with warm water or tea. May be taken with food or between meals.

*Aging Gracefully

• “Everyone is getting older, and no one is getting younger. Understanding and embracing this truth can make accepting the aging process and facing the challenges that aging can bring easier. From eating an anti-inflammatory diet – shown to help reduce the risk of many age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s and cancer – to regular exercise and stress management, small preventive tactics can make a big difference in your life-long health and enjoyment.
• Ginkgo biloba – Increases circulation to the brain. Provides memory enhancing effects.*”

From DrWeil.com on Healthy Aging, 2005

*What is Ginkgo Biloba?top | shop

Ginkgo has demonstrated enhanced memory, alertness and mental acuity due to its ability to enhance circulation. Recent studies show Ginkgo Biloba contains many potent antioxidants and is a free radical scavenger. Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 4,000 years. Ginkgo is one of the most researched herbs in the world and has been shown to be highly effective. The Ginkgo biloba tree is the world’s oldest living tree species – geological records indicate this plant has been growing on earth for 150 – 200 million years. Chinese monks are credited with keeping the tree in existence, as a sacred herb and ginkgo biloba has been used in China for hundreds of years. For herbal purposes the ginkgo biloba leaves are used in the form of a concentrated, standardized extract. Ginkgo biloba is among the most widely used prescription medicines in Germany and France, and it is one of the most popular herbs sold in the US*.

*How does Ginkgo Biloba work?top | shop

Recent studies show that Ginkgo Biloba increases blood flow to the brain and that it increases the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP boosts the brain’s metabolism of glucose. Research also indicates that Ginkgo extracts raises oxygen levels in brain tissues. This would result in enhanced memory. German researchers found treatment with Ginkgo extracts improved circulation to the extremities, ear and eyes. Ginkgo has been shown to benefit the tone and elasticity of blood vessels*. There is considerable evidence from clinical trials to support the therapeutic use of ginkgo biloba for a wide range of cognitive and peripheral vascular conditions. Ginkgo biloba benefits blood flow to the retina and benefits eye health. Clinical tests show ginkgo biloba has improved hearing and memory in the elderly*. Ginkgo biloba works in an interesting way with two groups of active substances, flavonoids including ginkgolides A, B, and C, bilobalide, quercetin, and kaempferol, and terpene lactones. The ginkgolides have been shown to control allergic inflammation, anaphylactic shock and asthma. The flavonoids in ginkgo biloba extract function as antioxidants and free-radical scavengers, helping to prevent cell damage. Ginkgo biloba also works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body’s network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organ systems. It increases metabolism efficiency, regulates neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain, which uses 20% of the body’s oxygen. The terpenes help to reduce blood clots by reducing the platelet aggregation. This helps to promote vasodilation and improved blood flow in the arteries and capillaries*. Preparations of standardized ginkgo biloba are adjusted to a potency of 24% flavonoids and 6% terpenes (ginkgolides) for Herbal Fortress. Ginkgo biloba extract and capsules should be taken for 12 weeks in order to be effective*.

*Health benefits of Ginkgo Bilobatop | shop

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stagnation of Chi and of Blood can lead to disease. When our blood is circulating properly, many functional disorders can be avoided. Depression, anxiety, headaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness have all been linked to reduced blood flow to the brain. By improving blood circulation, ginkgo may be useful for improving these disorders*. By improving blood circulation to the extremities, ginkgo helps ease painful coldness in the hands and feet. It can also reduce the calf cramping and leg weakness due by improving circulation in the legs. Improved penile blood circulation has been documented after six weeks of use*. Some studies suggest that ginkgo may benefit vision and help prevent macular degeneration because it increases blood flow to the nerve-rich fibers of the eyes. The herb’s antioxidant capabilities may also help to neutralize the cell-damaging free radicals that are considered a leading cause of this disorder. Ginkgo biloba’s powerful antioxidant and circulation-promoting properties may also be of help in treating blurring and dimming of vision*. By reducing the “stickiness” of the blood, as aspirin does, ginkgo may lower the risk of blood clots and possibly reduce the risk of heart attacks or stroke. Studies are also evaluating the herb’s effectiveness in speeding recovery from stroke. And help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Long used in China, ginkgo is also used to relieve the airway spasms and wheezing associated with breathing disorders*.

Cautionstop | shop

There are some things to be aware of when using ginkgo biloba. It is known to reduce clotting time of blood due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This may be a problem with people on anticoagulant medications including aspirin and Warfarin (Coumadin and would have an additive effect in thinning the blood). Ginkgo biloba may interfere with the action of some prescribed medications for high blood pressure as Ginkgo may have an additive effect in lowering blood pressure. As with all herbal and dietary supplements, you should always inform your physician about what you are taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions*.

RESEARCH

1. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica Revised Edition, Compiled and Translated by Dan Bensky & Andrew Gamble, with Ted Kaptchuck, 1993 Eastland Press, Inc.
2. Radiant Health – The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs, Ron Teeguarden, 1998, Warner Books.

• Standardized Extract – Laboratory Tested, Quality Guaranteed (1% Ligustilides)
• Superior Nutritional Tonic for Women *
• 500 mg Dong Quai (Tang Kuei) root extract – Vegetable capsule
• Botanical name: Radix Angelicae Sinensis Pin Yin: Dang gui
• 60 – Vegetarian capsules / Dose: 2 capsules daily. Take with warm water or tea. May be taken with food or between meals.

What is Dong Quai?top | shop

Dong Quai has been called the “female ginseng” and is an excellent women’s herb. It has been used for centuries in China for maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. Dong Quai can help to build blood, maintain bowel regularity, relieve dryness, and improve general well-being. Dong Quai also helps to improves blood flow throughout the body*. Dong Quai (sometimes referred to as Tang Kuai) has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a tonic for the female reproductive system. In fact, it ranks just below ginseng as the most popular herb in China and Japan*.

How does Dong Quai work?top | shop

Most of the actions of Dong Quai depend on the presence of coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides and flavonoids. Dong Quai helps to promote uterine health and regulate the menstrual cycle. Coumarins dilate blood vessels, stimulating the central nervous system and increasing blood flow throughout the body. They may also relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, which would help to explain the herb’s traditional use for menstrual cramps*. Dong Quai is known as a beauty tonic. The herb has been found to benefit the complexion by improving circulation in the skin and by detoxifying, thus helping to clear blemishes. Dong Quai has also shown an inhibitory effect against many bacteria including hemolytic Streptoccoccus and Shigella. *

*Health benefits of Dong Quaitop | shop

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong Quai has been used to help balance Blood and Chi in the body. In TCM, where there is an obstruction of Blood, there can be dis-ease and Dong Quai works to restore balance*. Dong Quai helps skin tone as it enriches the blood and improves circulation. Dong Quai is an important herb for women whose skin is sallow, dry and lacking a healthy glow. Astragalus is often used in combination with Dong Quai to further improve the circulation of Chi and blood in the skin making it more supple and healthy*. Dong Quai’s reputation as a female tonic rests largely with its ability to balance PMS and the menstural cycle, and for its benefit to the skin and circulation. The herb’s long-standing popularity for benefiting menstrual cramps has been ascribed to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions. Dong Quai works best for stressed women who suffer hot flashes but are generally chilly. Dong Quai will help warm the woman and also help support the liver chi*. Dong Quai also helps to improve blood circulation, nourish body fluids, counter fatigue, and balance blood pressure. As a rich source of vitamin B12, Dong Quai may play a role in stimulating red blood cell production. It may therefore indirectly boost energy and lessen fatigue by increasing the number of red blood cells transporting oxygen throughout the body*.

Cautionstop | shop

If you are taking an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen), check with your doctor before trying Dong Quai as it will have additive blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties. Dong Quai also contains substances called psoralens that can react to sunlight, especially in fair-skinned people. Dong Quai may have a mild laxative effect, and menstrual bleeding may increase when taking Dong Quai. Stop taking Dong Quai if a skin rash or photosensivity develops. Don’t take Dong Quai if you are pregnant or nursing. As with all herbal and dietary supplements, you should always inform your physician about what you are taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions*.

REFERENCES

1. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica Revised Edition, Compiled and Translated by Dan Bensky & Andrew Gamble, with Ted Kaptchuck, 1993 Eastland Press, Inc.
2. Hormone Balance – A Woman’s Guide to Restoring Health and Vitality Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, 2005, Adams Media, Avon, Massachusetts.
3. Radiant Health – The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs, Ron Teeguarden, 1998, Warner Books.

• Standardized Extract – Laboratory Tested
• Adaptogenic Energizer*
• 500 mg Siberian Eleuthero Extract.
• Quality Guaranteed (0.8% eleutherosides)
• Botanical name: Eleutherococcus senticocus / Pin Yin: ci wu jia
• eleuthero (E. Senticosus) Formerly known as “Siberian Ginseng”
• 60 Vegetarian capsules. Dose: 2 capsules daily taken with warm water or tea. May be taken with food or between meals.

*What is Siberian Eleuthero?top | shop

Siberian Eleuthero is a remarkable herb from Russia, and is the root of the herb formerly known as “Siberian Ginseng.” Eleuthero is considered a tonic herb and it is an adaptogen*. As an adaptogen, Siberian Eleuthero also helps the body adapt to stress. It does this by supporting healthy adrenal gland functions, allowing them to function optimally when challenged by stress. Siberian Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the “crash” that comes with caffeinated products. Another way that Siberian Eleuthero supports the body is by combating harmful toxins*. Siberian Eleuthero helps increase mental alertness, combat fatigue, and to boost the body’s healing system. Eleuthero is beneficial for physical endurance and has a remarkable normalizing and strengthening effect on the body. Siberian Eleuthero improves energy naturally. It benefits the liver, kidney and lung functions. Russian scientists concluded that Siberian Eleuthero (formerly called Siberian Ginseng), was similar in properties to Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). Thus, the misleading term “Siberian ginseng” was coined in the early 1950’s. The US Farm Bureau ruled that the name “Siberian ginseng” be discontinued in the US in the early 2,000’s because it is not actually in the ginseng family. The name should now be either Eleuthero or Siberian Eleuthero; but many companies have not complied to date.

*How does Siberian Eleuthero work?top | shop

Eleuthero has a wide range of beneficial actions on performance, wellness and adaptation to change. The active constituents in the root of the plant contains a series of steroid-like compounds (eleutherosides) that counteract the “alarm” stage of stress response in the body, and benefits the adrenals. It has also been shown to be very beneficial and balancing for women during menopause. Siberian Eleuthero helps women overcome the fatigue associated with hormonal fluctuations*. *Siberian Eleuthero has demonstrated ability to increase stamina and endurance. This led Soviet Olympic athletes to use it to enhance their training. Explorers, divers, sailors, and miners used Siberian Eleuthero to prevent stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident, many Russian and Ukrainian citizens were given Siberian Eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation. Research has shown that Siberian Eleuthero improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle, which means that a person is able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and recover from workouts more quickly*.

*Health benefits of Siberian Eleutherotop | shop

Healthy people taking 450 mg of the standardized extract (0.8%) two – three times per day have been shown to produce increased numbers of immune cells (T lymphocytes)*. Siberian Eleuthero has been used as an adaptogenic energizer in connection with the following conditions: Primary: Fatigue and Stress Secondary: Chemotherapy Support Other: menopause balance, endurance support, fatique support*

Cautionstop | shop

Reported side effects from using Siberian Eleuthero are minimal. Mild, transient diarrhea has been reported by a very small number of users. Siberian Eleuthero may cause insomnia in some people if taken too close to bedtime. Eleuthero is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure as the increased energy may cause a slight rise in blood pressure in some individuals. As with all herbal and dietary supplements, you should always inform your physician about what you are taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.

REFERENCES

1. Collisson RJ. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus). Brit J Phytother 1991;2:619671 [review].
2. Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, HZ Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 15596215 [review].
3. Hikino H, Takahashi M, et al. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F and G: glycans of Eleutheroecoccus senticosus roots. J Natural Prod 1986;49:2939697.
4. Wagner H, NF6rr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:639676 [review].
5. Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, HZ Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 15596215 [review].
6. Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica 1986;37:1759677.
7. Collisson RJ. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus). Brit J Phytother 1991;2:619671 [review].
8. Ben-Hur E, Fulder S. Effect of P. ginseng saponins and Eleutherococcus S. on survival of cultured mammalian cells after ionizing radiation. Am J Chin Med 1981;9:489656.
9. Kupin VI, Polevaia EB. Stimulation of the immunological reactivity of cancer patients by eleutherococcus extract. Vopr Onkol 1986;32:219626 [in Russian].
10. Bohn B, Nebe CT, Birr C. Flow cytometric studies with Eleutherococcus senticosus extract as an immunomodulating agent. Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1987;37:11939696.