Chinese Healing Tonic (CT–422)
Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)
Also known as Brazilian ginseng.
Source: Root
Principal body parts it benefits: Lung, spleen, pancreas.
Principal health related actions: Adaptogen, demulcent, energy tonic, nutrient.
Suggested uses: For people with low energy, poor stamina or chronic fatigue. If you are recovering from the flu, use suma to perk yourself up. Considered equal to Siberian or Panax ginseng for its adaptogenic energy, tonic properties. It strengthens the immune system. Speeds wound and fracture healing. Dr. Brazzach, Sao Paulo University’s Head of the Pharmaceutical Department is a leading authority on suma. His interest was aroused when his wife cured herself of breast cancer by eating large amounts of the suma root. Since then, he has successfully used it on many serious diseases, with incredible results – leukemia, various types of cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein-Barr disease, Hodgkin’s disease, and diabetes. Relieves and alleviates menopausal symptoms.
Dosage: Orally, take 1 or 2 tablets or capsules, up to three times a day or as per package directions.
Ginseng
Also known as jen sheng.
There are over 100 varieties of ginseng, depending on the plant’s root. The Chinese consider red ginseng, from shiu chu root, the best. In the Chinese healing system, ginseng is a warming herb. It is regarded as the best herbal tonic and longevity herb.
Source: Root.
Principal body system and parts it benefits: Heart, circulation, entire body.
Principal health related actions: Alternative, cardiac tonic, demulcent, hepatic tonic, stimulant, stomachic, general body tonic.
Suggested uses: Antifatigue – overcomes deficiencies, insomnia, poor appetite, nervousness, and weaknesses. Enhances the immune system. Aids adrenal gland function. Anti-stress. Stimulates both mental and physical activity. Normalizes blood pressure. Prevents atherosclerosis. Reduces blood cholesterol levels. Nourishes blood. Treats anemia. Beneficial in treating diabetes, since it reduces blood sugar levels.
Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Asian ginseng does the following:
FACTS
You’ve seen it advertised on television as a new and exciting supplement that can rejuvenate and reinvigorate like none other. In reality, ginseng, an ancient herb grown in North America and Asia, is as old as recorded history. Ginseng first became popular in the West in the 1970’s, when it was reported that Russian athletes used it to maintain their competitive edge. Russian scientists claimed that ginseng could improve strength, stamina, and concentration – all attributes required for competitive sports. The fact that Russian athletes performed so well in international competitions – and often far outperformed Western athletes – reinforced ginseng’s reputation. Interest in ginseng began to wane as newer and more high-tech sports supplements were brought to market. Today, however, ginseng is enjoying a revival and is being marketed to baby boomers as an antidote to aging.
Ginseng is a tonic herb designed to enhance health and wellbeing. In herbal language, ginseng is an adaptogen – a word used to describe supplements that help the body perform at optimal levels and counter the ill effects of stress. Numerous studies have shown that ginseng can increase energy and alertness, strengthen immune function, and help relieve stress. It can also inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors in animals. A rich source of phytoestrogen, ginseng is used by many women to counteract the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
Because many suppliers and manufacturers are unscrupulous, as much as 10 percent of all products that purport to be ginseng are nothing more than poor imitations. The American Botanical Council, based in Austin, Texas, is in the midst of a three-year study to test the authenticity of more than 400 different ginseng products. Your best bet is to purchase your ginseng from companies that you can trust. If you use Asian or American ginseng, look for products containing 4 to 7 percent ginsenosides; for Siberian ginseng, look for products that contain eleutherosisdes equal to 1 percent of the total weight.
The Right Amount
Take up to six 500 mg. capsules daily.
Caution
Avoid products combining ginseng with another herbal stimulant, ma huang (ephedra); these products make some people jittery. Ditto for caffeine: if you take ginseng, restrict your intake of caffeinated beverages.
German studies suggest that Siberian ginseng may aggravate severe high blood pressure and therefore should not be used by people with this condition. People with insomnia should steer clear of American and Asian ginseng because it may be too stimulating. Siberian ginseng, however, has a more gentle effect and is often used as a treatment for insomnia.