Indian Mulberry Root

巴戟天

Morindae Officinalis

History of Use First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, classified as upper class.

Traditional Use Bajitian is a sweet, warming herb associated with the kidney and liver channels. The plant is harvested during spring or winter, and the herb is prepared by drying the roots, then steaming them and slicing the softer outer parts. Its main use is for reinforcing kidney yang and invigorating the body, strengthening sinews and bones, and treating painful obstruction syndrome in which the flow of chi and blood is blocked.

Origin and Sources The fleshy root of Morinda officinalis How, family Rubiaceae.

Indigowoad Root (Banlangen)

板藍根

Isatis tinctoria L.

History of Use First appeared in Shui Wen and the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, classified as upper class.

Modern Use Woad has been found to be a rich source of the cancer preventing substance glucobrassicin, containing 20 times more than broccoli.

Traditional Use Banlangen is made from the roots of the woad plant, which are harvested in northern China during the late autumn or early winter and dried. (Compare to Daqingye, which is made from the leaves of the same plant.) The granules are often drunk as a tea to relieve sore throats and influenza. It is bitter, cold herb that enters the heart and stomach meridians to clear heat, relieve fire toxicity, cool the blood and benefit the throat.

Origin and Sources Derived from the root of Isatis tinctoria L., family Cruciferae, or Baphicacanthus cusia ( Nees) Berm, family Acanthaceae.

Inositol

肌醇

Myoinositol

Modern Use Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder and diabetes.

Traditional Use Inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin and functions closely with a B complex vitamin, choline. It is a fundamental ingredient of cell membranes and is necessary for proper functioning of the nerves, brain and muscles. It also aids in the breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood cholesterol, and can prevent thinning hair. Although it is often classified as a B vitamin itself and is sometimes referred to as vitamin B8, it is not really a vitamin as it can be manufactured by the human body.

Origin and Sources Inositol is available from both plant and animal sources. However the plant form, phytic acid, can bind with minerals and negatively affect their absorption. The body is also able to manufacture inositol. Food sources include wheat germ, brewers yeast, bananas, liver, brown rice, oat flakes, nuts, unrefined molasses, raisins and vegetables.

Iodine

碘

Traditional Use The main function of iodine in the human body is the making of iodine-containing thyroid hormones. It is also vital to hair growth. Since the main dietary source of iodine is from seafood and kelp, iodine deficiency tends to affect people living in inland areas causing hypothyroidism, distinguished by fatigue, an enlarged thyroid gland, depression and mental problems.

Origin and Sources Among natural foods the best sources of iodine are kelp, seafoods and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soils and iodized salt. Stabilised iodized salt contains 0.01% potassium iodide (0.0076%), or 76 mcg of iodine per gram.

Iron

鐵

Traditional Use Iron combines with protein to make haemoglobin, the iron-containing compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. Iron is also stored in the muscles, so it can supply the oxygen need to make them contract. In addition, it is a component of enzymes which are involved in energy metabolism. Iron deficiency is the most common type of dietary deficiency worldwide, resulting in anaemia, which is characterised by pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath and dizziness.

Origin and Sources Found in red meat, egg yolks and dark green, leafy vegetables.