Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

藤黃果

Garcinia Cambogia

Traditional Use Garcinia Cambogia is a pumpkin-like fruit that contains the active ingredient hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is used as a weight-loss aid. HCA can inhibit an enzyme in cells, citrate lyase, which is needed for the conversion of carbohydrates into fat, thus suppressing the synthesis of fat and aiding in weight control.

Origin and Sources Garcinia Cambogia is a fruit common to India and Southeast Asia.

Garlic

大蒜

Allium sativum L.

History of Use In traditional British herbal-based medicine, garlic was used garlic to treat hoarseness and coughs, both as a syrup and in a salve made of garlic and lard, which was rubbed on the chest and back. Cherokee Indians also used it as an expectorant for coughs and croup. In 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic's antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II.

Modern Use In the US and Western Europe, garlic is one of the most popular substances used to reduce various risks associated with heart disease.

Traditional Use The active ingredient in garlic is allicin, a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal compound. Garlic is mainly prized for its heart-protecting properties, but is also able to reduce blood glucose levels, is an antioxidant, an antimicrobial, has anti-cancer properties, and helps control sickle cell anaemia. In the management of heart disease, garlic lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, helps prevent the formation of plaque in the blood and lowers blood pressure. It is even thought to be effective as a mosquito repellent, although there are many more pleasant smelling alternatives.

Origin and Sources Garlic preparations consist of the fresh or dried bulbs (main bulb and secondary bulbs or cloves) of Allium sativum L.

Ginkgo

銀杏葉

Ginkgo biloba L.

History of Use Ginkgo is the oldest living species of tree on earth, dating back to the Paleozoic period (more than 225 million years ago). The medicinal use of ginkgo leaf is first mentioned in Chinese medicine in the Ming dynasty in 1436. A standardised extract of ginkgo leaf is one of the most clinically tested and frequently prescribed phytomedicines in Europe, and has been one of the 10 best-selling herbal dietary supplements in the US for about six years.

Modern Use Ginkgo helps prevent a harmful fatty build up in blood vessels. In addition, it promotes blood flow to vital organs, including the brain, thus helping sharpen the memory and keep the mind active. It may also be beneficial to people suffering from tension headaches - one of its chemical constituents, bilobol, has an inhibitory effect on hypertension.

Traditional Use Ginkgo leaf affects the lung meridian, and has sweet, bitter, astringent and neutral properties. It is primarily used to improve lung health, reduce wheezing and treat chest pain. In terms of Western medicine, it works by increasing the fluidity of the blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thus improving blood flow and reducing thrombosis, inflammation, allergies and bronchoconstriction. Ginkgo use results in improvement of a variety of conditions including cognition; working memory; tinnitus, short-term visual memory, attention and concentration spans and social functioning in patients with dementia; short-term memory in people with cerebral insufficiency; intermittent claudication (muscle cramps); activities of daily living (ADL) scores in people under 60 years old; and mood and sleep in older individuals.

Origin and Sources The leaf of Ginkgo biloba L., family Ginkgoaceae.

Ginseng

人蔘

Panax Ginseng C. A. Mey

History of Use Ginseng first appeared in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica. The species Panax ginseng is thought to have been discovered over 5,000 years ago in the mountains of Manchuria, China. Although probably originally used as food, it quickly became revered for its strength-giving and rejuvenating powers and became an important trade item with neighbouring countries. It is prized for restoring harmony and balance to body: a concept understood in Chinese medicine as Yin Yang Theory. Western medicine looks upon ginseng as an adaptogen, a modern term which essentially means the same thing: restoring natural balance to the body.

Modern Use Ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides or panaxosides. It is thought to be an adaptogen, meaning that it adapts itself as necessary to treat imbalances in the body. It has been shown to help balance blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and hormones in both men and women. Some studies have also indicated possible beneficial effects on immune function.

Traditional Use Ginseng, known in Chinese as renshen, meaning "man's root", is one of the most well-known traditional Asian medicines. It is named after its roots, which often grow into the shape of a human form. This herb is sweet, bitter and slightly warm. It enters the lung and spleen meridians, where it tonifies the yuan chi (the source of the body's chi); benefits the spleen, lungs, chi and blood; promotes the generation of body fluids; treats impotence; calms the spirit and improves mental functions. Ginseng is the best herb to strengthen the body and restore vitality. It can also treat deficiencies of the middle jiao characterised by fatigue, lack of energy, nausea and a sallow complexion; and lung deficiencies that are characterised by breathing problems. It is also recommended for improving memory, overcoming confusion and forgetfulness, insomnia, headaches and excessive worrying.

Origin and Sources From the root of Panax Ginseng C.A. Mey, family Araliaceae.

Glucosamine Sulfate

硫酸葡萄糖胺

Glucosamine Sulfate

Traditional Use Glucosamine stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans, the key structural component of cartilage, the protective cushion around our joints. It also helps cartilage to incorporate sulphur, an element that is necessary for its production and repair, making it useful for people suffering wear and tear to their joints either through exercise or old age. Additionally it can also be used to treat and delay the progression of osteoarthritis.

Origin and Sources Supplemental sources of glucosamine sulfate are derived from chitin, the hard outer shells of shrimp, lobsters and crabs.

Glycerin

甘油

Traditional Use Glycerin is a sweet tasting, colourless viscous liquid. It functions as a kind of emollient that fills in the spaces between the cells in the skin, helping replace lipids and thus smoothing, moisturising and lubricating rough complexions. It is tolerated by sensitive skins and can be used to make glycerol soap, which is especially suitable for dry or easily irritated skin.

Origin and Sources Synthetic. Glycerol is a chemical compound with the formula HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH.

Glycine

甘氨酸

l-glycine

Traditional Use Glycine is an amino acid of major importance in the production of many substances in the human body. It helps synthesise protein and amino acids, construct nucleic acids (our genetic material) and convert glucose into energy. It is also involved in the synthesis of bile and therefore vital for a healthy digestive system. Glycine is also a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Origin and Sources Protein-rich foods contain good amounts of glycine. It is found in fish, meat, beans and dairy products.

Gouqizi

枸杞子

Lycium barbarum L.

History of Use First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.

Modern Use An aqueous extract of Frustus Lycii has been found to enhance non-specific immunity and relieve liver damage in mice. It also contains carotene which is important for good eyesight.

Traditional Use Gouqizi is a sweet, neutral herb that enters the liver, kidneys and lungs. In English it is known as Wolfberry. It is used for nourishing and tonifying the liver and kidneys, benefiting the essence, brightening the eyes, enriching the yin, nourishing blood and moistening the lungs.

Origin and Sources From the fruit of Lycium barbarum L., family Solanaceae.

Grape Seed

葡萄核

Vitis vinifera

Modern Use Grape seed is sometimes used in the preparation of anti-ageing skincare products due to its high levels of antioxidants and bioflavanoids.

Traditional Use Grape seed extract is a rich source of antioxidants and bioflavanoids and helps to protect cells from damage caused by oxidation and free radicals. Its antioxidant properties can also prevent blood vessels from deteriorating as the body ages and grape seed is thus thought to be an effective supplement to promote healthy circulation. It is also considered helpful in improving and preserving the elasticity of skin by stabilising collagen and elastin.

Origin and Sources Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes.

Great Burdock

牛蒡

Arctium lappi L.

Modern Use Oily extract of burdock root contains fatty acids and other essential nutrients for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair.

Traditional Use Burdock is spicy, bitter and cold and is associated with the lung and stomach meridians. Its main function is to expel wind-heat and soothe associated symptoms, including constipation, sore throat, tonsillitis, coughs and fever. It also promotes the eruption of measles when the rash has not fully vented. The herb is prepared from burdock fruit, which are gathered in autumn and dried in the sun.

Origin and Sources Arctium lappa L., family compositae.

Green Tea

綠茶

Camellia Sinensis

History of Use In China green tea has been used for centuries to treat poor digestion, headaches, prevent fatigue and sharpen the mind. Tea plants themselves are indigenous to rainy Asian forests and are cultivated widely across China, Sri Lanka, India, Japan, Indonesia and the African continent.

Modern Use In recent times, green tea extract has used to fight cancer, treat blood clotting problems, lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar and facilitate weight loss. Many of these claims have yet to be scientifically verified, however there is some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer.

Traditional Use Green tea is renowned for its antioxidant properties, general health-enhancing effects and ability to help relieve mental and physical fatigue. It is also high in bioflavanoids, which help to fight free radicals. The traditional method is to steep the leaves in hot water to make a refreshing drink: green tea extract contains the leaves in a powdered form that has been standardised to guarantee a high dose of the active ingredients.

Origin and Sources Green tea consists of the rapidly dried, freshly picked leaves and leaf buds of Camellia sinensis, a plant of the Theaceae family.

Guijia or Guiban

龜板

Carapace and plastrum of Chinemys reevesii

History of Use First appeared in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.

Traditional Use This medicine derived from the shells of fresh water turtles is salty, sweet and cold in nature. It enters the liver, kidney and heart meridians to nourish yin and anchor yang, tonify the kidneys, strengthen the bones and nourish the heart and blood. It can be used to treat symptoms of liver yin deficiency with rising fire, which include dizziness, vertigo, a flushed face and irritability. It can also address deficiencies of kidney yin and jing (essence), combatting symptoms such as weak bones, a sore back and weight loss. Since the kidneys are responsible for hair health, this herb will also help to improve weak, brittle or greying hair.

Origin and Sources The Plastron of Chinemys reevesii (Gray), family Testudinidae.