Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

This slow-growing, short plant with fleshy roots can be classified three ways, depending on how long it is grown: fresh, white or red.

Fresh ginseng is harvested before 4 years, while white ginseng is harvested between 4–6 years and red ginseng is harvested after 6 or more years.

There are many types of this herb, but the most popular are American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).

American and Asian ginseng vary in their concentration of active compounds and effects on the body. It is believed that American ginseng works as a relaxing agent, whereas the Asian variety has an invigorating effect

Goji berries are also known as Lycium barbarum. The goji berry is native to Asia, and people in Asia have been using this brightly colored fruit for more than 2,000 years as a medicinal herb and food supplement. Goji berries are widely available for purchase in health food stores and online.

More recently, supporters have introduced goji berries to the rest of the world with claims of many potential health benefits. Modern science is investigating these claims, and researchers have backed many of them.

What the science says about goji berries

Here are seven possible benefits of the goji berry with the scientific evidence supporting them:

1. Protects the eyes

Studies have found that goji berries may help reduce the risk of glaucoma.

Goji berries are believed to protect against age-related eye diseases.

Goji berries can help vision because they contain high levels of healthy antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin.

The same antioxidants can also stop damage from:

UV light

free radicals

oxidative stress.

One study reported in the American Academy of Optometry’s journal Optometry and Vision Science found that seniors who drank goji berry juice for 90 days increased zeaxanthin and other antioxidant levels significantly.

A second study reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy shows goji berries protect the retina from the ganglion cells responsible for glaucomaTrusted Source, a condition that can lead to vision loss.

2. Provides immune system support

Goji berries contain healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their immune-boosting qualities and their ability to fight harmful free radicals and inflammation.

Goji berries contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, similarly to other berries, including blueberries and raspberries. Vitamins A and C are vital for building immunity and preventing illnesses, ranging from the common cold to cancer.

3. Protects against cancer

High levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, are responsible for fighting cancer cells. Antioxidants slow tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and help to remove harmful substances from the body.

Research on miceTrusted Source, reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy, finds goji berries may inhibit tumor growth and boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

4. Promotes healthy skin

Goji berries contain beta-carotene, which is an essential plant phytochemical. Beta-carotene is known for its ability to promote healthy skin.

Beta-carotene is an ingredient used in skin creams to:

improve skin health

reduce skin irritation

manage the effects of the sun

manage the impact of aging

One studyTrusted Source in mice found that when they drank 5 percent goji juice, it gave them enough antioxidants to protect against UV light damage and skin disorders.

5. Stabilizes blood sugar

Goji berries may be helpful in controlling the release of sugar into the blood. ResearchTrusted Source from 2015 shows that goji berries balance insulin and glucose levels in the blood.

The same study linked goji berries to increased HDL levelsTrusted Source in people with type 2 diabetes. HDL is known as good cholesterol.

6. Improves depression, anxiety, and sleep

Lingzhi has been recognized as a medicinal mushroom for over 2000 years, and its powerful effects have been documented in ancient scripts (Wasser 2005). The proliferation of G. lucidum images in art began in 1400 AD, and they are associated with Taoism (McMeekin 2005). However, G. lucidum images extended beyond religion and appeared in paintings, carvings, furniture, and even women’s accessories (Wasser 2005). The first book wholly devoted to the description of herbs and their medicinal value was Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, written in the Eastern Han dynasty of China (25-220 AD). This book is also known as “Classic of the Materia Medica” or “Shen-nong’s Herbal Classics.” It describes botanical, zoological, and mineral substances, and was composed in the second century under the pseudonym of Shen-nong (“the holy farmer”; Zhu, 1998). The book, which has been continually updated and extended, describes the beneficial effects of several mushrooms with a reference to the medicinal mushroom G. lucidum (Zhu, 1998; Upton 2000; Sanodiya et al. 2009). In the Supplement to Classic of Materia Medica (502-536 AD) and the Ben Cao Gang Mu by Li Shin-Zhen, which is considered to be the first pharmacopoeia in China (1590 AD; Ming dynasty), the mushroom was attributed with therapeutic properties, such as tonifying effects, enhancing vital energy, strengthening cardiac function, increasing memory, and antiaging effects. According to the State Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2000), G. lucidum acts to replenish Qi, ease the mind, and relieve cough and asthma, and it is recommended for dizziness, insomnia, palpitation, and shortness of breath.

Radix Angelica Sinensis, the dried root of Angelica sinensis (Danggui), is a herb used in Chinese medicine to enrich blood, promote blood circulation and modulate the immune system. It is also used to treat chronic constipation of the elderly and debilitated as well as menstrual disorders. Research has demonstrated that Danggui and its active ingredients, as anti-arthrosclerotic, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant anti-inflammatory agents which would limit platelet aggregation, are effective in reducing the size of cerebral infarction and improving neurological deficit scores.

China Rose

Latin name: Rosa chinensis

Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Medicinal use of China Rose:

The flowers, and to a lesser degree the roots and leaves, are anodyne, emmenagogue and used in the treatment of women's complaints. They regulate menstruation and stimulate blood circulation. The leaves, fruits and roots are decocted and used in the treatment of arthritis, boils, coughs etc. The fruit is applied to sprains, ulcers and wounds.

The flower buds are used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, poor circulation, stomach pains and swellings. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.

Traditional Chinese medicine - Honeysuckle Flower ( Jin Yin Hua, 金银花)

In Traditional Chinese medicine, Honeysuckle flower has sweet and cold properties, and is associated with the Lung, Stomach and Heart meridians. It is rich in proteins, sugars, Vitamins A & C, flavonoids, saponins, organic acids- derivatives of chlorogenic acid and anti-oxidants that help to heal and nourish the skin.

It is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fevers, ulcers, inflammation and sore throats to skin infections. Honeysuckle flower may be used internally, drank as tea or externally used for wash/bath soak. It is commonly used to treat symptoms for heatiness such as feeling dizzy, thirst, excessive sweating or diarrhoea. It is also used to treat flu, cold, sore throat, tonsillitis, haemorrhoids, lung and skin infections such as boils and skin sores.

Key benefits and uses of Honeysuckle Flower

Improves blood circulation and replenish Qi

Relieves body heat and detoxifies blood

Relieves symptoms of cold and flu and upper respiratory infections

Rich in anti-oxidants that are anti-aging and heals and nourish the skin

Treat acute infectious diseases due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy

Treats skin infections such as boils or pus-filled infections reducing pain, swelling and redness

Treats & cures acne on face and body

Relieves skin rashes, itching, discomfort and anti-allergy for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis

Reduces high fever and other symptoms of excessive heat such as dizziness, thirst and excessive sweating

Lowers fat deposits & blood pressure

Improves immunity

Relieves sore throat and tonsillitis

Nourishes the liver and improves production of fluids in the body

Precautions

Due to its cold nature, it is not suitable for pregnant women or to be taken during menstrual period. Those with a weak stomach or digestive system should take it after food.

Poria is a type of fungus related to polyporus, which usually grows on pine trees. Although it can range in color from white to pale red, the typical color of poria is light brown, with striations on the outer skin. It is relatively soft to the touch, odorless, and has slightly elastic properties. It is usually gathered from the tree, cut into pieces of various length, and dried in the shade before being used medicinally.

In traditional Chinese medicine, poria is considered to have either a sweet taste or no taste, and neutral properties. It is associated with the Heart, Spleen, Lung and Kidney meridians. Among its functions, poria expels dampness, invigorates the spleen, relaxes the mind and replenishes the middle jiao. It is often combined with other herbs to create larger formulas used to treat conditions ranging from dysuria and edema to insomnia.

Experiments conducted in China show that poria decoctions can inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria, including s. aureus, bacillus coli, and bacillus proteus. It is also used to promote diuresis and treat

Danshen is an herb. People use the root to make medicine.

Danshen is used for circulation problems, “brain attack” (stroke), chest pain (angina pectoris), and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It is also used for menstrual disorders, chronic liver disease, and trouble sleeping caused by complaints such as rapid heartbeat and tight chest. Some people use Danshen for skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also used to relieve bruising and to aid in wound healing.

Danshen is used for heart and blood vessel health, cancer, and many other conditions.

Danshen appears to thin the blood by preventing platelet and blood clotting. It also causes blood vessels to widen, and this can improve circulation.