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Ingredients
He Shou Wu:
This herb was first written about in an Oriental text about
813 AD. Traditionally it was used as a tonic to slow down the signs of aging.
Modern research has shown that He Shou We
stimulates the peristaltic movement of the intestines, inhibits the increase
of serum cholesterol and decreases the absorption of cholesterol by the
alimentary canal, helps prevent the retention of lipids in the blood serum or
inhibits the deposittion of lipiod on the inner membrane of arteries. In
addition, it has been shown to act against viruses and possesses a
stimullartory action on the nervous system.
In the book, Jade Remedies by Peter Holmes, Snow Lotus Press, Boulder,
CO 1997, the author writes,"...the remedy's impressive therapeutic profile
certgainly justifies its consistent characterization prevalent in both
professional and popular Chinese medicine, as a premire longevity remedy."
Da Zao:
One of the "kingly herbs" that has been used medicinally since
ancient times, acting as a general tonic.
It is found in some Chinese anti-cancer formulas and Japanese research
suggests it promotes immunity. Da Zao is frequently added to
formulas as a supplementary ingredient for its harmonizing effect on digestion
and enhancement of nutrient assimilation as a whole.
It has been proven time and time again to increase endurance, assist the
liver in recovering from toxic exposure, and reduce serum transminase levels
in a variety of liver disorders.
Dang Qui:
Also known as Dong Quai, this herb is considered the female
ginseng. It is revered in the Orient as an aid for women's health because it
has mild sedative, pain releiving, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic
properties. It is one of the most widely used and respected herbs in Chinese
traditional medicine used as a liver, blood and circulation tonic. Modern
research has shown it to be an effective herb for the liver by increasing
oxygen consusmption by the liver and decreasing liver sugar in cases with
acute hepatitis.
Chinese herbal physicans favor it for treating cirrhosis. It also has a
diuretic effect by promoting urine excretion. Because of Dang Qui's
multifaceted cardivascular and cornary relaxant actions, many Chinese
hospitals use it for treating conditions such as hypertension, thrombangitis
and neurogenic cardic disorder.
More recent research has shown that some of the component modulate
antitumoral, interferon-inducing and innune-stimulating actions.
Studies have also shown it to releive constipation, especially in the elderly
Some studies in vitro have shown an inhibitory effect against many bacteria.
Gan Cao
Better known as licorice. Gan Cao or licorice is known to
have been used extensively, even before recorded history and is one of the
most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine---classified as a superior herb
and called the "great detoxifier".
Licorice is a popular sweetner and used frequently for cough, some
complaints of tuberculosis, and chest complaint in general. Licorice contains
compounds similar to those found in ginseng and sarsaparilla, which are
thought to help the adrenal glands function more smoothly in conditions of
stress and exhaustion. It boosts adrenal and pancreatic weakness, especially
those presenting blood sugar function difficuties.
Studies have shown that Glycyrrhizin, a saponin in licorice root,
produces a detoxifying action on bacterial toxins and possesses
anti-inflammatary actions similar to those specific hormones secreted by the
adrenal glands.
Additional studies have shown that licorice possesses anti-ulcer and
blood fat reduction actions and has been used as a digestive stimulant.
Licorice derivatives have been recommended as a standard nutritional support
for ulcer suffers in Europe.
Studies also show licorice stimulates the production of interferon.
Frank Murray writes in Better Nutrition for Today' Living, June 1990,
"Japanese researchers have shown that a licorice extract is effective against
HIV virus...".
Note: Licorice in high amounts is not recommended for persons
with high blood pressure.
Ginseng:
The ginseng used in Grand
Master's Tonic is Ren Shen or Panax Ginseng. Panax genseng has been
used in China for over 5,000 years, revered as the Fountain of Youth, as a
tonic for the elderly and for general weakness and extra energy.
James A Duke, Ph.D., in the Green Pharmacy
says, "Andrew Weil, M.D., herb advocate, professor at the University of
Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, AZ and author of Natural Health
, Natural Medicine, frequently recommends ginseng to help
strengthen people who are weakened by old age or chronic illness.
"Commission E, the group of
scientistis that advises the German government about herbs, endorses ginseng
as a tonic to combat feelings of lassitude and debility, lack of energy and
ability to concentrate, and during convalance."
Russian scientist claim that ginseng root
stimulates both physical and mental performance, improves endocrine glandular
function, and has a positive effect on the sex glands.
James F. Balch, M.D. in his book Prescrioption for
Nutritional Healing states, "Today it (ginseng) is being used for
fatigue because ginseng spares glycogen utilization in muscle, by increasing
the use of fatty acids as an energy source, to rejuvenate and to increase
longevity, and to detoxify and normalize the entire system."
Worldwide, scentific research has shown ginseng
acts on the pitutary and stimulates the adrenal gland, increasing the body's
resistance to stress, it hastens nervous reflexes, speeds up transmission of
nervous impulses, increasies the intensity of conditional reflexes, improves
the ability to think analytically and overall mental performance and it acts
against muscular fatigue and tension.
Yerba Mate:
This rainforest herb is a stimulating general tonic to the
body and mind. It has been recommended for arthritis, fatique, stress and for
cleansing the blood, toning the nervous system and stimulating the mind and to
retard aging. It is thought to enhance the healing powers of other herbs.
Huan Choi:
More commonly known as Astragalus or Huang-chi, it is classified as
a superior herb and considered one of the most important tonic herbs.
Chinese doctors have used Astragalus for treating
dificiency conditions involving metabolic or digestive dysfunction.
This herb acts as a tonic to protect the immune system and as a diuretic
to reduce edema (especially in nephritis). In China it is rountinely included
in botanical prescriptions for kidney disorders.
Research has shown the herb increases contraction of normal hearts and
is even more dramatic in hearts exhausted by fatigue. In addition, research
has shown it dialates blood vessels, improves blood circulation of the skin
and enhances nutrition and has been proven to lower blood pressure--probably
through its vasodilation action. It has been shown to enhance cellular
metabolism, therby making more energy available on cellular levels. This
qualifies it as an adaptogenic function.
The action of the flavonoids and amino acids found in Astragalus are
thought to oprovide liver restoration and protection. The saponin content
indicates a rejuvenating action on red blood cells and increased nutrient
absorption by the intestines. In his book The Green Pharmacy,
James A. Duke, Ph.D. states, "Astragulas has no demonstrated anti-HIV effect
that I know of, but it's safe. If I had HIV, I would give it the benefit of
the doublt based on its known potent anti-viral activity against a wide range
of other viruses."
A small study in China showed increased levels of alpha and gamma
interferon, the body's own anti-viral compounds.
Damiana:
This herb has been used as a tonic for the central nervous system
and the hormaonal system. It has been used to help treat depression and
anxiety. It stimulates muscular contractions of the intestinal tract. In some
cultures it is thought to be an aphrodisiac.
Rou Gui:
Commonly known as Cinnamon bark. This wonderful herb is used for
more than its delicious flavor. It is known for stimulating the
gastrointestional spasms, elimates gas in the digestive tract and inhibits
abnormal fermentation processes in the intestines, important consideration in
the ability of this herb to enhance the effects of other herbs, helping them
to reach areas where they could not otherwise reach. It is also classified as
one of the herbs with anti-fungal properties.
Refenences:
Oriental Materia Medica a Concise Guide
by Hong-Yen. Oriental Healing Art Center, Long Beach, CA 1986.
Jade Remedies-a Chinese Herbal Reference for
the West (Volume 1&2) by Peter Holmes. Snow Lotus Press, Inc.,
Boulder, CO 1996.
Chinese Herbal Medicine--Materia Medica
(Revised Edition) compiled and translated by Dan Bensky & Andrew Gamble.
Eastland Press, Inc., Seattle, WA 1993.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing
by James R. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. Avery Publishing Group, Inc.,
Garden City Park, NY 1990.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal by
Penelopy Ody. Dorling Kindersley, New York, NY 1993.
Chinese Herbal Cures by Henry C. Lu.
Sterling Publishing Co., New York, NY 1991.
Naturopathic Handbook of Herbal Formulas
by Herbal Research Publications, Inc., 1995.
The Green Pharmacy by James A Duke,
Ph.D. Rodell Press, Emmaus, PA 1997.
Eyewitness Handbook--HERBS by Lesley
Bremness. Dorling Kindersley, New York, NY 1994.
RD Home Handbooks-HERBS. Contributing
editor Lesley Bremness. the Reader's Digenst Asdsociation, Inc.,
Pleasantville, NY 1990.
The Herb Book by John Lust, ND, DBM.
Bantam Books, New York, NY 1971.
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve.
Dover Publications, Inc., Newe York 1971.
Culpepper's Complete Herbal; by
Wordworth Reference. Wordworth Editions, Ltd., Cumberland House, Herforshoire,
England 1995.
The Authenic Kloss Family--BACK to EDEN
by Jethro Kloss. Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 1939.
From the Spephards Purse by Max G.
Barlow, Everbest Printing Co., Ltd., Hong Kong 1990.
The Essiac Report by Richard Thomas.
The Alternative Treatment Information Network, Los Angeles, CA 1993.
Essiac: A Native Herbal Cancer Herbal Remedy
by Cynthia Olsen with contribution by Dr. Jim Chan. Klai Press, Pagosa
Springs, CO 1996.
The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine
by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., with forward by Dr. Jeffery Bland. Keats
Publishing Co., New Canaan, CT 1986. Globalherb by Steve Blake,
1996.
Better Nutrition for Today's Living.
June 1990 issue.
Better Nutrition for Today's Living,
"Red Clover Herfbal Healer" by Rob McCale. December 1993 issue.
Science News May 20,1990.
Botanical Safety Handbook (American
herbal Products Association) edited by Michael McGuffin, Christopher Hobbs,
Roy Upton, and Alica Goldberg. CRC Press, LLC, Boca Roton, FL 1997.
The Complete German Commission E
Monographs--Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines by Blumenthal,
Busse, Goldberg, Gruenwald, Hall, Klein, Riggins, and Rister. American
Botanical Council, Aistin, TX 1998.
The Cure for All Cancers by Hulda
Clark, Ph.D., N.D., New Century Press, San Diego, CA 1993.
The Townsend Newsletter for Doctors and
Patients, "The American Components of Essiac" by Morton Walker, DPM.
December 1997 issue.
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