By Cathy Margolin
on July 29, 2010
When I was a teen and found Prevention Magazine I was in heaven because it was the first magazine of it's kind that talked about natural cures and I knew then, (circa 1976) they were on to something. Now, some years later, the whole country knows what Prevention Magazine knew back then. Natural cures do work, from Acupuncture, to chocolate for it's flavonoids, and certainly the ancient practice of Tai Chi. Here's a quick video from the Today Show and the editor of Prevention Magazine about "9 Natural Cures you Trust".
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed Chinese herbs did make Prevention's top "9" list. There are certainly enough studies done on herbs especially Chinese herbs that are used by over a billion people on the planet to qualify them as…
By Cathy Margolin
on July 29, 2010
I am often asked, "What's a good herb for weight loss?" Ever since ephedra was banned it seems people have wanted a substitute. Lately, one Chinese herb in particular is showing up in a lot of weight loss supplements. That herb is unripe bitter orange. Although it is not ephedra (ma huang), is does contain a similar chemical to the ephedrin called synephrine.
Bitter orange refers to the peel of a particular specie of unripe orange and has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries. Also known around the world as citrus aurantium it's a native of the Far East and grows well in most warm climates. Unripe bitter orange is part of the Chinese herb pharmacopeia and has been used in Chinese cuisine, fragrance and medicine for over 2000 years.
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By Cathy Margolin
on July 25, 2010
From time to time I get calls asking if children can take iSleep Herb Pac. While the herbs in the Pac Herbs product iSleep, are completely safe for children (adjusted to child's weight) on principal alone I do not recommend sleep aids for children. The reason for this, and I am referring to approximate age of 13 and under, is generally speaking children our very healthy and should not have problems sleeping.
Although it is not uncommon for teens to have sleep disorders usually due to stress, children younger than 10 normally will only have an occasional bad dream that wakes them and falling asleep is completely related to the amount of exercise they have done on any given day. If your adolescent is
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By Cathy Margolin
on July 22, 2010
Yesterday, I was on talking with a buyer for a large chain health food store who emphatically told me that he has been in the natural products business for 20 years and there has never been a need for a woman's menstrual pain, cramp and PMS relief product.
For about a full second, and no more than that, I acknowledged that this individual is highly intelligent and certainly knows much about the natural supplement business. But, it took no more than a second for my mind to say "Are you crazy?" Granted he's not a woman and obviously has not spent enough time around women, and maybe he's simply making excuses to get me off his back about adding my products to his store. Whatever it is, he couldn't…
By Cathy Margolin
on July 21, 2010
I not really much for celebrity gossip but tabloids are reporting Tiger Woods texted his friend Rachel saying "I feel like taking pills is my only alternative" for sleep. No doubt Tiger has been on the high stress life style for many years. Fame and fortune do have a price and like millions of people, it's easy to feel the only way to get a good nights sleep is with the help of a prescription drug.
Would somebody please pass him an iSleep Herb Pac before he lands in rehab, or pass on an address and I will be happy to send him some. Poor guy, somebody tell him Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to calm the mind and provide a peaceful, non-addictive way to fall asleep. I actually feel terrible for anyone…
By Cathy Margolin
on July 19, 2010
I love the Farmers Markets near me. The Los Angeles area has a different Farmers Market everyday of the week. Lately I've found red dates at the market, they're called da zao or fructus jujubae in Chinese Medicine. They taste a little sweet fresh but when dried the sugar content seems much more concentrated. A little like the difference between fresh grapes and dried raisins.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the red date is used to tonify or strengthen the Qi (energy). Tonic herbs such as ginseng and red date can be eaten daily to boost immunity strengthen the a persons constitution and improve overall health. Red date can tonify the blood, which means it can help organs such as the liver and spleen do their jobs better. To receive the maximum health benefits…
By Cathy Margolin
on July 16, 2010
I wanted to post something different, something completely off the topic of Chinese herbal medicine. Sometimes life is just short and passing us by and without a little gratitude we forget how good life can really be. And not every blog needs to always talk about Chinese herbs, everyday.
So here's a thought… If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world. To feel even more grateful read the rest below.
Thanks and credit to Jason Mraz.
By Cathy Margolin
on July 12, 2010
I realized it's been a year since I posted an article about transparency of herbal products on the market today. Much has changed with new GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) laws and much has stayed the same. I decided to re-post this while talking with a client about what to look for in the best Chinese herb products on the market. It will always be a buyers-beware market. You must do your homework when shopping for supplements. The first order of business is to check out the manufacturer. If you would like our Free Special Report on: "What you need to know about Chinese Herbs before you buy" just sign up for our news letter and you will receive it FREE. Or click here. Enjoy this article about transparency and what we've done to help provide…
