Tag: best chinese herbs

A Gift of Healing: The Importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Integrative Cancer Research – A Perspective by Cathy Margolin, L.Ac.

Posted by Cathy on

Dear Friends and Fellow Advocates of Holistic Healing,

I am thrilled to share some spectacular news that not only resonates deeply with my heart but also underscores the incredible potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the realm of cancer research. The City of Hope, a beacon of hope in the world of medical science, has recently received a generous $100 million gift to further integrative cancer research in Sept. 2023. . As a licensed acupuncturist and fervent advocate of TCM, I cannot help but emphasize the significance of this milestone and how it paves the way for a brighter future in holistic healthcare.

 

We all have lost loved ones to cancer.  Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have indeed made remarkable strides in extending and improving the lives of cancer patients. However, they often come with debilitating side effects that can take a profound toll on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

 

In this backdrop, the infusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine into cancer research is nothing short of revolutionary. TCM is an ancient healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years, with a primary focus on balancing the body’s energy, or “qi,” and promoting overall health. It includes therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Qi Gong, all of which have shown promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms and enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatments.

Andrew and Peggy Cherng  acknowledged the value of an integrative approach to cancer care and investment in a future where patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions. TCM plays a pivotal role in achieving this vision. Thank you Andrew and Peggy Cherng.

 

 Acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM and has gained recognition for its effectiveness in managing cancer-related pain, nausea, and fatigue. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it can help alleviate discomfort and improve a patient’s quality of life during treatment.

TCM herbal remedies are tailored to address individual patient needs and are pivotal in complementing conventional therapies by reducing side effects, boosting the immune system, and promoting overall wellness.

TCM also includes dietary therapy which emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with the right foods. It can help cancer patients maintain their strength, manage symptoms, and support their recovery.

Stress reduction and emotional support is another critical factor in the cancer journey where TCM can help patients foster a more positive mindset. Practices like Qi Gong and meditation, both rooted in TCM, can help patients manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

The collaboration between the City of Hope and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a testament to the recognition that the future of medicine lies in integration. It’s about merging the wisdom of ancient healing traditions with cutting-edge medical science to provide patients with the best of both worlds. This approach recognizes that every individual is unique, and their healing journey should be equally unique.

 

As a licensed acupuncturist, I have witnessed the transformative power of TCM in the lives of countless patients. It’s not just about treating symptoms; it’s about nurturing the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. This $100 million gift signifies a shift towards a more holistic, patient-centric approach to cancer care that is profoundly hopeful.

 

The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine into cancer research is a testament to the enduring power of ancient healing traditions in our modern world. It embodies the belief that healing should encompass not only the body but also the mind and spirit. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and am profoundly grateful to all those who have contributed to this important initiative. Together, we can transform the landscape of cancer care and offer patients a brighter, more holistic future.

With heartfelt optimism,

Cathy Margolin, L.Ac. Dipl, Oriental Medicine

Founder Pacific Herbs

artemisia nobel prize

The Chinese Herb For Malaria and Nobel Prize Winner

Posted by Cathy on

Re-published June 2023 because it seems malaria is now a problem in the U.S. as well.  Enjoy.

_____________________

Congratulations go out to Professor Tu for her 1972 discovery in processing the Chinese herb Artemisia (Qing Hao) now recognized with a Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Chinese herbs win Nobel prizeHer work at the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China has saved thousands from malaria deaths in the last forty plus years.

Before Professor Tu studied an ancient Chinese text regarding the cooking of the root artemisia, the herb was not successful at curing malaria patients.  Maybe she read about the prominent physician and alchemist named Ge Hong (284-364 CE) who wrote a formulary called Zhou Hou Bei Zhi Fang (Prescriptions within Arm”s Reach for Use in Emergencies). Many of the formulas in that book are still in use today. He was the first to mention qing hao, (Artemisia Annua) as a treatment for malaria. Professor Tu’s cooking discovery led to chemical constituents in artemisia to be viable and produce a therapeutic effect against deadly malaria. Quercetin has since been identified as the most therapeutic constituent but there are over 30 chemical constituents in the roots of artemisia. (See below)

Continue reading “The Chinese Herb For Malaria and Nobel Prize Winner” →

Fall Advice From Traditional Chinese Medicine

Posted by Cathy on

Post by the late, and much missed Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald

As I write this post, there is a noticeable “nip” in the air, a change in sunlight, and that familiar feeling of introspection that comes with the shift from summer to autumn.

With this shift, comes natural changes in our bodies, moods, and health. Personally, I already feel an extra swing in my step and feel extra tuned into infinite possibilities. Autumn is my favorite season. I absolutely love the coolness in the air, the beauty of the colorful leaves, and the traditional foods that are often associated with autumn, such as pumpkin, butternut squash, and crispy apples. It’s interesting to me how different people resonate with different seasons. Patients often share with me their favorite seasons. I know how I was challenged from the recent humidity here in Santa Monica (something my constitution doesn’t naturally resonate with), while some patients shared how they loved the heat and wished it was hotter!

With autumn around the corner, I have begun seeing more patients with lung issues such as fall allergies, colds, and coughing, as well others seeking treatments to assist them through a grieving process or a letting go process.

This is typical this time of year, which falls under what Traditional Chinese Medicine considers a “Metal” phase in the 5 elements of nature; where the Lung meridian and Large Intestine channels take center stage.

It is also a natural time of year to switch from the more “expansive” spirit of summer (think travel, going out more, and staying up late), to a more “contractive” time conducive to going inward, staying home, and sleeping more.

When we are in tune with our bodies and how the seasons affect us, adjusting our lifestyles to coincide with the change in season is instinctual…

…however, if you’re like most people, you probably don’t sit around thinking about how to adjust your diet, lifestyle, thoughts, exercise, sleep, etc. to harmonize your health with the seasons.

It simply isn’t a part of our cultural consciousness anymore.

Fortunately, I experience more and more people learning to honor the changing needs of the body within the cycles of the seasons, a powerful way to reduce risk of common seasonal concerns of body, mind, and spirit.

In today’s post, you will learn  what you can do to strengthen and protect your health during the fall. This fortifying approach will in turn create a reservoir of health to sustain you in the winter months.

The Emotions of the Lung and Large Intestine
As mentioned above Traditional Chinese Medicine associates the Lung and Large Intestine channels with autumn. They get special attention because they are also the most vulnerable during this season.

The Lung, considered a Yin organ, is associated with taking in the new.

Emotionally, the Lungs coincide with:

Grief and Sadness (unprocessed grief and sadness can stagnate the lung meridian)
Attachment (difficulty letting go can stagnate the lung meridian)
When the lung qi is flowing and balanced, one can experience enhanced:

Clarity of thought
Positive self-image
Surrendering to and allowing inner peace and joy regardless of circumstances
The Large Intestine, considered a Yang organ, releases the old.

The Large Intestine channel is often associated with:

Inability to let go, uptightness, stubbornness, stagnation, negative outlook (glass half empty vs. half full perspective)
How we flow with life’s current
When the large intestine qi is flowing and balanced, there can be increased:

Sense of relaxation
Release of what no longer serves a person
Flowing with life vs. resisting
Focus on the day-to-day vs. big picture/meaning/purpose
A heightened awareness of these emotions can coincide with the change of season.

For example, grief or attachment issues can be associated with the loss of summer which affects some people greatly due to less light and warmth.

Since fall is a natural time of letting go and getting organized (think of trees dropping their leaves and animals getting organized for hibernation), a lack of awareness in this regard can lead to feelings of stagnation and a lack of harmony with life’s flow. All of which can affect the health of your Lungs and Large Intestine channels.

Ways to Break Emotional Stagnation
If you notice a feeling of stagnation, prolonged sadness or grief, it may be necessary to consult with your physician and/or integrative mental health professional. All emotions are important and healthy to experience. The concern is more if you are having challenges moving through any emotional expression in a healthy way. Chinese Medicine offers some suggestions for helping to keep the qi flowing in the lung or large intestine which can assist in healthy emotional expression. Your Doctor of Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist can tailor a treatment specific for your needs while taking into account the energy of the season.

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Out with the Old, In with the New
Fall offers us the perfect time to let go of those things which no longer serve us. This frees up any stagnant mental and emotional space to embrace those healing feelings of clarity, relaxation, release, focus, happiness, and flow.

Here are 5 ways to let go this fall:

Breathe—wind is a key element in fall. Therefore, take the time to focus your deep breathing techniques as you become aware of that which needs to be released. Big exhales.
Purge—this will be unique to each individual, but if nothing else take the time to purge your closets of unused clothing. Not only will it free up more space, but those clothes will be deeply appreciated by those who need them this winter.
Resolve old hurts—what pains or hurt feelings can you release this fall? These unresolved emotions can express themselves as grief and negative self-image, leading to imbalance and illness of the Lungs and Large Intestine. Take advantage of fall’s energy to let old wounds heal. Forgiveness allows us to release what we are holding onto, whether forgiving others or forgiving ourselves.
Give—this goes hand-in-hand with purging and resolving old hurts. Give away what you no longer need, and give yourself the gift of release and freedom that comes from forgiveness of self and others. I find a special joy and satisfaction when I get rid of something I no longer use and drop it off at my local Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Sleep—if you think about it, the act of sleep is the ultimate way of letting go. Thanks to a special type of lymphatic system in the brain (more on that in an upcoming post) called The Glympathic System, sleep facilitates the cleansing and organization of your brain. To keep things simple, aim to go to bed an hour earlier (the kids too) or, if your schedule permits, wake up an hour later.
Hot, Cold, Windy, Dry…Dressing the Part for Fall Health
Your Lungs are particularly vulnerable to winds and extreme temperature changes—both of which are present during the fall.

The best solution to both these problems is to dress appropriately for the weather, making sure you layer to avoid getting too hot or too cold.

I also recommend wearing a scarf often, even a light, stylish one will protect your Lungs and throat from the harsh winds.

Food to Emphasize (and minimize) in Fall
In the Traditional Chinese Medicine tradition, the flavor of fall is pungent and should be balanced with sour. This ensures the body’s mucosa stays moist and warm—which prevents infection, without becoming too damp/cold—which causes congestion in the Lungs.

Some examples of foods to include in your meals this autumn include:

Cooked vegetables
Parsnips
Sweet potatoes
Horseradish
Garlic
Orange vegetables like winter squashes
Onions
Olives
Vinegars
Fermented foods (including yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh)
Adzuki beans
Navy beans
Walnuts
Chestnuts
Lemons and Limes
Apples
Pears
Spices: bay leaves, black pepper, chili, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, rosemary
Dark, leafy winter greens such as kale, chard, mustard greens, etc.
Warming soups and stews

Foods to minimize are those that create coolness and dampness, such as:

Uncultured dairy products like cold milk, cream, etc.
Cucumbers
Watermelon
Cold drinks
Raw foods (including salads, instead opt for cooked vegetables)
Noodles
Potatoes
Bread
Sugar
I hope this post has helped you feel more in tune with the season and all of its possibilities.

Follow these tips and you can rest easy knowing you have created a reserve of strength, happiness, and health for the fall and winter months to come.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for COVID-19: A Systematic Review – PMID 35227280

Posted by Cathy on

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCM) has made an important contribution to preventing and controlling Covid19 since the outbreaks began in 2020.

The NIH published a new study in PubMed Feb 28, 2022.  The study explains how researchers systematically screened literature of various randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Traditionally Chinese herbs used for Cov id and what they found you will never hear about in legacy media. 

After a Meta-analysis of 29 RCT’s involving 12,460 patients herbal treatments were found highly successful for both severe and critical patients. The study, (link below) found Chinese herb blends reduced the mortality rate of patients with severe Cov19 by 55%.

Chinese herbal medicine was also found to relieve clinical symptoms and curtail hospital stays, improve laboratory indicators and more.

In addition, within the randomized studies consulted, a large number of the Chinese herbs used for COVID19 had biological constituents which can bind to antiviral targets and down regulate inflammation and regulate the immune system. 

Authors of the study will continue research into the components of these herbs and the mechanism of actions for Coronavirus diseases. 

Find the study abstract here:: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35227280/

Zhao Z, Li Y, Zhou L, et al. Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 using traditional Chinese medicine: a review. Phytomedicine. 2021;85:153308. – PubMed
An X, Zhang Y, Duan L, et al. The direct evidence and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;137:111267. – PubMed – PMC
An X, Duan L, Zhang YH, et al. The three syndromes and six Chinese patent medicine study during the recovery phase of COVID-19. Chin Med. 2021;16:44. – PubMed – PMC
Liu M, Gao Y, Yuan Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2020;158:104896. – PubMed – PMC
Xiong X, Wang P, Su K, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2020;160:105056. – PubMed – PMC

astragalus Chinese herb

How the Chinese Herb Astragalus Can Help Protect Your Lungs

Posted by Cathy on

astragalus Chinese herb

How do we know the air we breath is good for our bodies and if it’s not, do we have a choice?

We can’t exactly stop breathing.

Do you check your phone app for air quality numbers everyday?

Does your phone alert you to “unhealthy air quality” where you live?  What about your indoor air quality?

I personally don’t spend much more than about one second thinking about the air I breath on any given day or night unless I’m smelling smoke from wildfires, which is common place now in the Pacific Northwest summers. But the study listed below made me think realize I should give air quality a bit more thought.

For me, a regular user of Chinese herbs and the herb astragalus, I’m comforted by the conclusion of this study. Apparently, this highly consumed Traditional Chinese herb helps repair your lungs and has been clinically shown to help repair pulmonary disease. That feels good to know after the last two years where just about everybody on the planet experienced some sort of respiratory disease.

Astragalus, the herb mentioned in the study is found in Pacific Herbs Immune Boost Herb Pack, in fact it is 40% of that herbal product.

So, if you are considering ways to protect and improve your lung function and improve your overall health check out Pacific Herbs Immune Boost Herb Pack and dive into some of the references below for more information on how this herb can make a difference in your lungs. We’re all breathing industrial polluted air but some of us are also hit hard by poor indoor air.

Either way, we need to be outside sometimes and can’t rely on an air purifier 24/7. So fortify yourself with Astragalus, one of my favorite Chinese herbs.

References

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55. Chen X, Chen Y, Chen Y, Wang X, He M. Protective effect of lutein on oxidative stress damage caused by acute PM2.5 exposure in rats. Ann Palliat Med. 2020;9:2028–2036. doi:10.21037/apm-20-1138

56. Zhu Z, Li J, Zhang X. Astragaloside IV protects against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial cell injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:2132–2140. doi:10.12659/MSM.912894

57. Hsieh HL, Liu SH, Chen YL, Huang CY, Wu SJ. Astragaloside IV suppresses inflammatory response via suppression of NF-κB, and MAPK signalling in human bronchial epithelial cells. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2020;1–10. doi:10.1080/13813455.2020.1727525

58. Li Z, Zhang S, Cao L, et al. Tanshinone IIA and Astragaloside IV promote the angiogenesis of mesenchymal stem cell-derived endothelial cell-like cells via upregulation of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43. Exp Ther Med. 2018;15:1847–1854. doi:10.3892/etm.2017.5636

59. Xu H, Xu X, Wang H, et al. LKB1/p53/TIGAR/autophagy-dependent VEGF expression contributes to PM2.5-induced pulmonary inflammatory responses. Sci Rep. 2019;9:16600. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-53247-6

60. Lu X, Li R, Yan X. Airway hyperresponsiveness development and the toxicity of PM2.5. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021;1–8. doi:10.1007/s11356-020-12051-w

61. Painter JD, Galle-Treger L, Akbari O. Role of autophagy in lung inflammation. Front Immunol. 2020;11:1337. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01337

62. Wu YF, Li ZY, Dong LL, et al. Inactivation of MTOR promotes autophagy-mediated epithelial injury in particulate matter-induced airway inflammation. Autophagy. 2020;16:435–450. doi:10.1080/15548627.2019.1628536

63. D’Agostino M, Scerra G, Cannata Serio M, Caporaso MG, Bonatti S, Renna M. Unconventional secretion of α-Crystallin B requires the Autophagic pathway and is controlled by phosphorylation of its serine 59 residue. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):16892. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-53226-x

64. Yin N, Wu C, Qiu J, et al. Protective properties of heme oxygenase-1 expressed in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells help restore the ovarian function of premature ovarian failure mice through activating the JNK/Bcl-2 signal pathway-regulated autophagy and upregulating the circulating of CD8+CD28- T cells. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2020;11(1):49. doi:10.1186/s13287-019-1537-x

65. Bao L, Jaramillo MC, Zhang Z, et al. Induction of autophagy contributes to cisplatin resistance in human ovarian cancer cells. Mol Med Rep. 2015;11(1):91–98. doi:10.3892/mmr.2014.2671

66. Oh SH, Yoon MH, Lim KJ, Yu BS, Jee IG, Jung KT. Nefopam downregulates autophagy and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity in the regulation of neuropathic pain development following spinal nerve ligation. BMC Anesthesiol. 2018;18(1):97. doi:10.1186/s12871-018-0559-8

67. Lai Z, Gu L, Yu L, et al. Delta opioid peptide [d-Ala2, d-Leu5] enkephalin confers neuroprotection by activating delta opioid receptor-AMPK-autophagy axis against global ischemia. Cell Biosci. 2020;10:79. doi:10.1186/s13578-020-00441-z

68. Wei Y, Cao XN, Tang XL, et al. Urban fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure destroys blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity through excessive ROS-mediated autophagy. Toxicol Mech Methods. 2018;28(4):302–319. doi:10.1080/15376516.2017.1410743

69. Gretzmeier C, Eiselein S, Johnson GR, et al. Degradation of protein translation machinery by amino acid starvation-induced macroautophagy. Autophagy. 2017;13:1064–1075. doi:10.1080/15548627.2016.1274485

70. Li D, Wang C, Li Z. Nano-sized Al2O3 particle-induced autophagy reduces osteolysis in aseptic loosening of total hip arthroplasty by negative feedback regulation of RANKL expression in fibroblasts. Cell Death Dis. 2018;9:840. doi:10.1038/s41419-018-0862-9

71. Liu B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Zhang H, Ma Y. Astragaloside IV attenuates lipopolysaccharides-induced pulmonary epithelial cell injury through inhibiting autophagy. Pharmacology. 2020;105(1–2):90–101. doi:10.1159/000502865

72. Bai L, Mei X, Shen Z, et al. Netrin-1 improves functional recovery through autophagy regulation by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in rats with spinal cord injury. Sci Rep. 2017;7:42288. doi:10.1038/srep42288

73. Shahnazari S, Namolovan A, Mogridge J, Kim PK, Brumell JH. Bacterial toxins can inhibit host cell autophagy through cAMP generation. Autophagy. 2011;7:957–965. doi:10.4161/auto.7.9.16435

74. Meng L, Li L, Lu S, et al. The protective effect of dexmedetomidine on LPS-induced acute lung injury through the HMGB1-mediated TLR4/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. Mol Immunol. 2018;94:7–17. doi:10.1016/j.molimm.2017.12.008

75. Huang CY, Deng JS, Huang WC, Jiang WP, Huang GJ. Attenuation of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by hispolon in mice, through regulating the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, and suppressing oxidative stress-mediated ER stress-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Nutrients. 2020;12:1742. doi:10.3390/nu12061742

76. Qu L, Chen C, He W, et al. Glycyrrhizic acid ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury by regulating autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Am J Transl Res. 2019;11:2042–2055.

77. Dibble CC, Cantley LC. Regulation of mTORC1 by PI3K signaling. Trends Cell Biol. 2015;25:545–555. doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2015.06.002

78. Shumin Z, Luying Z, Senlin L, et al. Ambient particulate matter-associated autophagy alleviates pulmonary inflammation induced by Platanus pollen protein 3 (Pla3). Sci Total Environ. 2021;758:143696. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143696

 

https://www.dovepress.com/astragaloside-iv-protects-from-pm25-induced-lung-injury-by-regulating–peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JIR

Corona Virus

Corona Virus and Chinese Herbal Medicine Recommendations

Posted by Cathy on

What we know is that a 100 plus strong team of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts were dispatched to Wuhan, China, on January 25, 2020 to examine patients in hospitals with the Corona virus. The attached information has been presented by a number of TCM Doctors and is comprehensive listing of TCM diagnostics and Chinese herbal formulas suggested for treatment of the Corona virus.  As we know, SARS was treated successfully with Chinese herbal medicine when the outbreak occurred in China in 2002.

The attached information is for practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine. If you are in need of any of these formulas please contact us at Info@PacHerbs.com.

If you are not a practitioner and need any of these herbal formulas please contact us and we can help you find a Licensed Acupuncturist who has herbal training in your area for guidance.

Thank you to the doctors in China who have shared this information. The goal here is to help spread the knowledge of Chinese herbal formulas that are best suited to combat this virus.

Links below

To build your immune system naturally see our Immune Boost Herb Pack.

 

Corona and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Sars-Corona-Virus

 

Update: Jan. 30, 2020  We now know for certain the incubation time is 14 days without any symptoms. So no one knows if they are infected or infecting others. Please be cautious. Hand washing with soap and hot water is an obvious precaution. Face masks and goggles are being worn throughout China prevent the spread. 

SARS-Severe Adult Respiratory Syndrome: Formulas for Prevention and Treatment (For TCM Herbalists)

 

Shared by Pacific Herbs

 

 

Prevention of SARS (or Corona to take prior to ANY type of exposure)

 

5 q       Jin  Yin Hua               Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

5 q       Lian Qiao                    Forsythiae Suspensae, Fructus

3 q       Chan Tui                     Cicadae Periostracum

3 q       Bai Jiang Can              Bombyx Batryticatus

2 q       Bo He                          Mentae Haplocalycis, Herba

2 q       Sheng Gan Cao           Glycyrrhizai Uralensis, Radix  (raw)

Make tea and drink throughout the day for 7-10 days

 

4 q      Cang Zhu                    Atractylodis, Rhizoma

5 q       Bai Zhu                       Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizoma

5 q       Huang Qi                    Astragali Membranacei, Radix

3 q       Fang Feng                   Ledabouriellae Divaricatae, Radix

4 q       Huo Xiang                  Agastaches seu Pogostemi, Herba

5 q       Bei Sha Shen               Adonophorae seu Glehniae, Radix

6 q       Jin Yin Hua                 Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

4 q       Guan Zhong                Guanzhong, Rhizoma

Make tea and drink twice a day for 7-10 days

 

2 q       Guan Zhong                Guanzhong, Rhizoma

3 q       Jin Yin Hua                 Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

3 q       Da Qing Ye                 Daqingye, Folium

3 q       Zi Su Ye                      Perillae Frutescentis, Folium

3 q       Ge Gen                        Radix Puerariae

3 q       Huo Xiang                  Agastaches seu Pogostemi, Herba

3 q       Cang Zhu                    Atractylodis, Rhizoma

5 q       Tai Zi Shen                 Pseudostellariae Heterophyllae, Radix

3 q       Pei Lan                        Eupatorii Fortunei, Herba

Make tea and drink twice a day for 7-10 days

 

 

Other preventative measures:

*Chew on Xi Yang Shen (Panacis Quinquefolii, Radix) or make tea to drink throughout the day.

*Xi Yang Shen 1-2 q and Jin Yin Hua 5 q tea to drink once a day.

*Keep warm, don’t catch cold

*Sleep well

*Moderate stress factors

*Drink more water

*Take vitamin C

*avoid constipation

 

Possible exposure to SARS or CORONA (To take if any kind of exposure has occurred)

Soup:

Cong Bai – Green Onion

Fresh Chinese Daikon

½ of a tangerine peel

Sheng Jiang – Ginger – 3 slices

Cilantro bunch, maybe 10 sprigs

Make a soup and drink often

 

Chinese herbal Formulas:

5 q       Huang Qi                    Astragali Membranacei, Radix

5          Jin Yin Hua                 Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

3          Chai Hu                       Bupleuri, Radix

3          Huang Qin                  Scutellariae Baicalensis, Radix

5          Ban Lan Gen               Isatidis seu Baphicacanthi, Radix

5          Guan Zhong                Guanzhong, Rhizoma

3          Cang Zhu                    Atractylodis, Rhizoma

5          Yi Yi Ren                    Coicis Lachryma-jobi, Semen

3          Huo Xiang                  Agastaches seu Pogostemi, Herba

3          Fang Feng                   Ledabouriellae Divaricatae, Radix

1.5       Sheng Gan Cao           Glycyrrhizai Uralensis, Radix (raw)

 

For prevention and treatment

Tonifies Qi, transforms damp, clears heat and toxins

3          Huang Qi                    Astragali Membranacei, Radix

5          Bai Jiang Cao              Bombyx Batrytiatus

5          Yi Yi Ren                    Coicis Lachryma – Jobi, Semen

2          Jie Geng                      Platycodi Grandiflori, Radix

1          Sheng Gan Cao           Glycyrrhizai Uralensis, Radix (raw)

 

*Clears heat, reduces toxins, drains dampness and dirty Qi, aromatically opens orifices

5          Yu Xing Cao               Houttuyniae Cordatae, Herba cum Radice

2          Ye Ju Hua                   Chrysanthemi Indici, Flos

5          Yin Chen Hao             Artemisiae Yinchenhao, Herba

3          Pei Lan                        Eupatori Fortunei, Herba

1          Cao Guo                      Amomi Tsao-Ko, Fructus

 

Clears heat, reduces toxins, dispels Wind, pushes evil out

5          Pu Gong Ying             Taraxaci Mongolici cum Radice, Herba

*2        Jin Lian Hua –              like Chuan Xin Lian

3          Da Qing Ye                 Daqingye, Folium

3          Ge Gen                        Radix Puerariae

2          Zi Su Ye                      Perillae Frutescentis, Fructus

 

Clears heat, releases exterior, dispels wind, takes out external evil

5          Lu Gen                        Phragmitis Communis, Rhizoma

3          Jin Yin Hua                 Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

3          Lian Qiao                    Forsythiae Suspensae, Fructus

2          Bo He                          Menthae Haplocalycis, Herba

1.5       Sheng Gan Cao           Glycyrrhizai Uralensis, Radix (raw)

 

Tonifies Spleen, Benefits Qi, Dissolves Dampness, Reduces toxins

3          Sheng Huang Qi         Astragali Membranacei, Radix (raw)

2          Bai Zhu                       Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizoma

3          Fang Feng                   Ledabouriellae Divaricatae, Radix

2          Cang Zhu                    Atractylodis, Rhizoma

3          Huo Xiang                  Agastaches seu Pogostemi, Herba

3          Bei Sha Shen               Adenophorae seu Glehniae, Radix

3          Jin Yin Hua                 Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

2          Guan Zhong                Guanzhong, Rhizoma

 

Benefits Qi, Expels external evil, reduces toxins, dispels dampness

5          Tai Zi Shen                 Pseudostellariae Heterophyllae, Radix

2          Guan Zhong                Guanzhong, Rhizoma

3          Jin Yin Hua                 Lonicerae Japonicae, Flos

3          Lian Qiao                    Forsythiae Suspensae, Fructus

3          Da Qing Ye                 Daqingye, Folium

2          Zi Su Ye                      Perillae Frutescentis, Fructus

3          Ge Gen                        Radix Puerariae

3          Huo Xiang                  Agastaches seu Pogostemi, Herba

2          Cang Zhu                    Atractylodis, Rhizoma

3          Pei Lan                        Eupatori Fortunei, Herba

 

The three Stages of SARS and the recovery period  – (note, most formulas clear heat, toxins and damp)

Early stage –  starts as a Wind Heat or Wind Cold cough with Shortness of breath

A.        Heat and Toxins attack the Lung

B.        Damp heat obstruction occurs

C.        There is external cold and internal heat combined with Dampness

TX Principal:  Clear heat, open the Lungs, release exterior, open the meridians

Formulas:   Based on Yin Qiao San combined with Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang modified with herbs as appropriate for patient’s condition.

*If there is more Damp Heat blockage give San Ren Tang – (3 seeds Xing Ren, Bai Dou Kou, Yi Yi Ren to drain damp) or Huo Xiang Huo Po Tang (Huo Xiang, Hou Po, Ban Xia, Fu Ling to dissolve phlegm)

*If there is more external cold and interior heat with damp use Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang with modifications

*To assist in reducing toxins can add herbs like Yu Xing Cao, Lu Gen, Jie Geng, Chuan Xin Lian

 

Disease progressing – Congestion in body becomes worse, fever goes up and down, lung condition worsens, coughing with blood. This is more heat attacking the Lung causing External and internal heat congestion combined with Damp Heat toxins, and evil obstructs the Shao Yang Channel.

Tx principal:  Clear heat and toxicity, drain the Lungs of turbid Qi

Formulas:

A.        Heat toxin attacking the lungs – high fever, coughing with blood

Qing Wen Bai Du San with modifications

B.        External and Internal heat congestion with toxicity Qing Fei Jie Du Tang

C.        Damp heat congestion and toxicity Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan with modifications

D.        Damp heat obstruction in the Shao Yang channel

Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

Collapse – Shock like state with severe sweating, respiratory failure.  Here there    is heat toxicity obstructing the Lungs, the Evil Qi is much more strong, the Zheng

Qi is severely deficient, there is severe Yin deficiency and  internal obstruction with external collapse “Tou Zhen”

A.    Phlegm Damp obstruction with heat toxicity –

Huo Xue Xie Fei Tang or Yi Fei Hua Zhou Tang

B.        Obstruction of Lung Channel

C.        Damp heat obstruction of the Lungs

D.        Qi and Yin Xu

E.         Evil excess, Zheng Qi deficiency

F.         Internal obstruction – respiratory failure – here is where you need to open

Open the orifices, tonify and consolidate Qi

Sheng Fu Tang with modifications

Tx principal:  Benefit Qi, release toxicity, transform phlegm and damp, open the meridians, resolve dirty phlegm, open orifices, tonify  and consolidate Qi

Recovery stage – Pt is still weak with Qi and Yin deficiency, Lung and Spleen deficiency.  Damp heat and toxins are still in the body

A.        Qi and Yin Xu – tonify Qi, Nourish Yin, transform dampness in the meridians. Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang with modifications

B.        Spleen and Lung Deficiency – Tonify Lu and Sp, clear heat and toxins, clears damp Sheng Ling Bai Zhu San

The Corona virus main cause or disease is damp toxicity, not heat toxicity with dampness.  In treating heat toxicity with dampness, the strategy is usually to clear heat, resolve toxins and dispel dampness. However, when treating dampness toxicity that transforms into heat or retained dampness heat toxin, if you clear heat and resolve toxins using cold herbs to early this will inevitably exacerbate the dampness and lead to cold enveloping heat.  Which then creates an adverse effect on treatment outcomes.  So, in treating this disease, the focus should be on resolving turbidity with aroma out thrusting through the exterior and upbearing and down bearing the spleen and stomach. As dampness is resolved, depressed heat can disperse and toxicity will be unable to form – in this way symptoms will gradually resolve.

Transforming heat can progress into yangming brightness bowel repletion, which would exacerbate lung qi depression and block qi.  Once yangming brightness bowel repletion is significant, dampness can very easily transform into damp toxicity, heat, toxicity and stagnation, eventually leading to severe qi reversal and the onset of MODS.  (Multi organ dysfunction syndrome).

In some of the more severe cases where the patient is already on a respirator or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) the stomach and chest are always hot to the touch while the extremities are cold.  This is a symptom of sepsis.  So, a key aspect of treatment is resolving dampness, unblocking the bowels and draining turbidity in the early phase. In keeping with the above discussion, we selected Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang,    Sheng Jiang San, D Yuan Yin, Hou pu Xia Ling Tang, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San and Yin Qiao San as our base formulas and implemented a Chinese Medicine Protocol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chinese Herbs in Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Chinese Herbs in Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Posted by Cathy on


Chinese herbs for Americans that are convenient, taste great and have less packaging. Less packaging is not just environmentally friendly but extremely important to Pacific Herbs. Small packets are used rather than plastic bottles and boxes, or heavy glass jars. Pacific Herbs packets are friendly to the environment especially compared to plastic bottles that can take 500 years to decompose in a landfill.

“We believe as a product manufacturer it is part of our duty to look for the most environmentally friendly packaging we can find.” said Cathy Margolin, Founder of Pacific Herbs. “We found are large size packets are the perfect size and provide an excellent moisture barrier to contain a months supply of our Chinese Herb granules. Our smaller packets 50g contain about a two week supply.”

Most supplement companies and Chinese herb products package their products in capsules full of fillers and use excessive amounts of packaging such as a bottle inside a box. This is simply not environmentally friendly packaging. Companies that make consumer products today should understand the cost of producing excess packaging materials but also the cost to the environment.

Pacific Herbs does not even use capsules for their concentrated herbal granules. No capsules means no unnecessary fillers! Not just good for the environment but also great for our bodies. Often times the fillers used in supplement products today have detrimental side-effects on the body. Nobody really knows because nobody is testing the fillers and how they effect our body.

Pacific Herbs uses Traditional Chinese herbal formulas (recipes) that were written down hundreds of years ago. These time tested herb combinations have hundreds of years of continual use.

Pacific Herbs makes products for menopause symptom relief, pain relief, a natural herbal sleep aid, PMS relief, a stress relief herbal mix and more. Find all Pacific Herb products here.

 

 

 

 

Build A Healthy Immune System

Build A Healthy Immune System By Eating These Foods Daily

Posted by Cathy on

You can build a healthy immune system, if you know the right foods to eat.  Of course vegetables are good for you but have you tried fermented veggies, you know, pickles?  Yes raw pickles are a great option (with no sugar added) for building a health immune system.  You only need a tablespoon of fermented foods everyday to boost your natural immunity and give you a natural energy boost.  Your immune system is located mostly in your gut. If you feed your digestive system, your gut, healthy foods, your gut bacteria in turn grow and thrive. When healthy gut bacteria also known as your microbiome thrive,  you thrive.  Learn which foods will help you stay healthy and avoid colds and flu’s all year long.

Fermented foods like saurekraut, kimchi, yogurt (without sugar), raw pickles, kefir, are a couple easy options.  As little as a tablespoon per day with help feed your gut bacteria exactly what they love to eat.  One word of caution, fermented foods are best in the raw form, not pasteurized.  Sometimes you have to shop with a discerning eye to find these raw foods. Check the labels carefully. Medicinal mushrooms are also excellent at building a healthy immune system.  These mushrooms are high in polysaccharides, the perfect food for your gut microbiome.

For more healthy tips and Chinese herbs to help keep you healthy check out are reishi mushroom, astragalus and another video on how to boost your immune system naturally.

Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Posted by Cathy on

Boost your immune system with foods is the easiest way to stay healthy especially during cold and flu season.

Reishi mushroom is one of the best foods to build your immune system.

Pacific Herbs provides herbal products to improve your immune system from the inside out. 80% of your immune system is in your gut. Eating foods that feed your healthy gut bacteria can boost your immune system and help you avoid colds and flu during the fall and winter months. A great way to build your natural immunity with reishi mushroom. Pacific Herbs has a blend of reishi mushrooms with Astragalus (huang qi) in concentrated herbal granules that are easy to add to a cup of coffee or put them right n your mouth and swallow with water or juice.

Pacific Herbs Immune Boost Herb Pack contains only pure, tested and certified Reishi mushroom, which is extremely high in polysaccharides, food for your microbiome. Recent research shows herbs like reishi mushroom can help you increase the healthy colonies of good bacteria creating an internal strong defense and a healthy immune system.

organic-Chinese-herbs

Happy Lunar New Year 2016

Posted by Cathy on

best Chinese herbs

Happy Lunar New Year.

The year of the Monkey is here and we love to celebrate with a sale.

Enjoy 15% OFF everything in our Chinese herb store for one week.

(ends 2/14/16)

At checkout use code: monkey16  (no caps)

Chinese herbs for sleep

Cinnamon-sugar-control-health

Can Cinnamon Help Protect You From Cancer?

Posted by Cathy on

University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Researchers and the UA Cancer Center say a compound found in cinnamon is a potent colorectal cancer preventor.

New research suggests eating cinnamon may help prevent colorectal cancer, at least in mice.

Previous research has linked this spice to blood pressure reduction and blood sugar control.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used both the cinnamon tree bark and cinnamon tree branches for over a thousand years.

The bark of the tree is known as Gui Zhi and used in Chinese herbal formulations as a warming and dispersing herb. It helps protect against catching a cold and it can facilitate at warming the Qi, or energy of the body.

Researchers at Arizona College of Pharmacy found the compound that gives cinnamon its distinctive smell and flavor, cinnamaldehyde, also seems to protect rodents against colorectal cancer.

“This is a significant finding,” UA Cancer Center researcher Dr. Donna Zhang, said in a press release. “The next steps are to see if the spice alone can protect against cancer, and see if results can be replicated in people.”

“Can cinnamon do it, now that we know pure cinnamaldehyde can?” he said. “And can we use cinnamaldehyde or cinnamon as a weapon to go after other major diseases, such as inflammatory dysregulation and diabetes? “

Chinese herbs like cinnamon have always been used in TCM with other herbs in synergistic combinations. Using this Chinese herb or any others as a single herb should only be done under the care of a professional trained in Chinese medicine or herbal medicine.  In TCM, Chinese herbs are most often combined to enhance or create an entourage effect for the desired action and to minimize any potential side effects.  Should you have any questions about cinnamon or other Chinese herbs,   get in touch with Cathy at Pacific Herbs for a free consultation at 877-818-9990.

Can Chinese Herbs Be The Next Cancer Treatment?

Posted by Cathy on

Traditional forms of  medicine may offer  hope for cancer.  

Experts from Cardiff University's School of Medicine have joined forces with Peking University in China to test the health benefits of a traditional Chinese medicine. The new treatments come from Chinese herbs used for liver, lung, colorectal cancers and osteosarcoma of the bones.

"Traditional Chinese medicine where compounds are extracted from natural products or herbs has been practised for centuries in China, Korea, Japan and other countries in Asia," according to Professor Wen Jiang from Cardiff University's School of Medicine, who is the director of the Cardiff University-Peking University Joint Cancer Institute at Cardiff and led the research as part of a collaboration between Cardiff University and Peking University.

The traditional Chinese herb formula consist of 14 herbs. The formula has been shown to be beneficial to cancer patients.  The researchers have discovered how the formula work.  Apparently it works by blocking a pathway which stops the spread of cancer cells in the body.

"It suggests that combining the formula with conventional as well as new therapies could hold the key to developing new treatments for cancer patients.

"We are already looking to clinical trials in treatment of lung and other cancer types."

Funded by Cancer Research Wales and the Albert Hung Foundation – the results will be presented at the European Cancer Congress 2013 which takes place in Amsterdam between the 27th September and 1st October.

http://www.sciencecodex.com/combining_chinese_and_western_medicine_could_lead_to_new_cancer_treatments-120173 

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