• Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis)
Used in different combinations for thousands of years. Contemporary research has focused on Schisandra's very strong antioxidant characteristics.
• Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Referred to in imperial China as "the elixir of life", its use was reserved for the emperor.
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza species)
Native to the Middle East and China. Called the elder statesman because it was thought to harmonize and unify other botanicals within a formulation.
• Chinese rose hips (Rosa laevigata)
Among the various species of roses used for their fruits, the fruits of the R. Laevigata. are the most highly valued traditionally by the Chinese. Classical writings report its effects as "resistant to cold and light in body". High in bioflavonoids, plant acids and other nutrients. Native to China and Japan.
• Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Native to Europe and Asia Traditionally used as a food and as an ingredient in healing mixtures.
• Bee pollen
Rich in nutrients including vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids; 2000-year-old Chinese legend claims that long-term use will cause one to "be light in body and live forever".
• Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
Native to Southern Europe believed to diffuse through the system a relaxing influence.
• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Native to the Near East, now found worldwide; rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, amino acids, and protein; used traditionally as a nutrient to increase vitality.
• Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Native to southern US where it was highly valued by Cherokee Indians, who believed it to be of great importance and used it in a wide range of traditional preparations.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Known for its strong roots - and perceived as a symbol of strength and longevity. Native to Europe; grown and used around the world.
• Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis)
Native to Eastern Europe, some specimens of Juniper are over 1000 years old. The resinous aromatic berry-cones were highly valued by early Europeans who believed the evergreen Juniper to represent life power. Used in the preparation of medicinal juniper and as a classic flavoring ingredient.
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Native to the Mediterranean region; now extensively cultivated worldwide. It has germicidal properties; and it is commonly used in cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals.
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Mainly found in the Middle East and Mediterranean region. One of the truly ancient remedy plants with records of use dating back millennia to ancient Egypt. Said to impart "fire and vigor."
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Native to Southern Asia; cultivated in tropics worldwide. Traditionally thought to cleanse the system. Modern studies have shown it to have antioxidant properties.
• Capsicum fruit (Capsicum species)
Rich in vitamins, traditionally used to enhance the functioning of the body's internal systems; commonly used to help improve action of other botanicals in formulations.
• Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinale)
Native to tropical America and the West Indies. long famed as a folk remedy and currently used in many food products.
• Chinese Pearl barley (Coix lacryma-jobi)
With a use history of over 2000 years, it possesses qualities similar to oriental ginseng, but in a milder form. Found in tropical regions worldwide.
• Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Highly regarded as an ingredient in many Western folk remedies. Now widely used in the health food and cosmetic industries.
• Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata)
Extensively used by Native American Indians. Native to northern North America from Quebec to Georgia.
• Cascara bark (Rhamnus purshiana)
Known as "sacred bark" by Spanish explorers. Native to the Pacific coast of North America; harvested by early American natives who felt it had strengthening properties.
• German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)
Native to Europe; legendary, since ancient times, as an aid to relaxation.
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Considered one of the superior botanicals. Many experts consider it superior even to ginseng in various aspects.
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
One of the most thoroughly documented traditional botanicals. Recently "rediscovered" based on studies by Russian scientists.
The Chinese have recognized the power of nature's bounty for over 3,000 years...
