Omega 3

奧米加3

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) / ω-3 fatty acids

Modern Use Many clinical trials are ongoing into the therapeutic uses of omega 3 oils for a variety of conditions from easing the pain of arthritis and slowing the growth of cancer tumours to lowering the risk of heart attacks.

Traditional Use Omega 3 is an unsaturated essential fatty acid, which means it cannot be produced by the body and must be sourced from food. Omega 3 is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease. Other positive effects include anti-inflammatory and anti-blood clotting actions, lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reducing blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids may also reduce the risks and symptoms of other disorders including diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, some cancers and mental decline.

Origin and Sources Omega 3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish including tuna, salmon and mackerel. Plant sources include dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed oils and certain vegetable oils.

Omega 6

奧米加6

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Linoleic Acid (LA), Arachidonic Acid (AA) / ω-6 fatty acids

Traditional Use Omega 6 is an essential unsaturated fatty acid, which means it cannot be made by our bodies and must be sourced from food. Most omega-6 fatty acids in the diet come from vegetable oils in the form of linoleic acid, which is converted to gamma-linolenic acid in the body and then further broken down to arachidonic acid. Clinical trials have shown that essential fatty acids protect against conditions including heart disease; cancer; autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis; and skin diseases, including acne, atopic eczema and psoriasis. They may also protect against strokes.

Origin and Sources Found mostly in plant-based oils including evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, and blackcurrant seed oil.

Omega 9

奧米加9

Oleic acid, Erucic acid / ω-9 fatty acids

Traditional Use Omega 9 is an unsaturated fatty acid. Despite often being described as an essential fatty acid, meaning it can only be sourced from the diet, it is in fact produced by the body in limited amounts. However, this process is dependent on the presence of omega 3 and 6 oils, which your body cannot make and needs to obtain from frood. Omega 9 helps to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arteries - as well as cardiovascular disease and strokes and is thus important for cardiovascular health.

Origin and Sources Olive oil, sesame oil, avocados, cashews and macadamia nuts are all good sources.

Orobanches

不老草

Orobanche coerulescens

History of Use Herba Orobanches is a precious plant that grows wild on the high peaks of Changbai Mountain, an ancient, sacred region on the border between China and North Korea. The plant was discovered by indigenous inhabitants. who prize it for its rejuvenating properties.

Traditional Use Herba Orobanches is a sweet, bland, cooling herb that has an effect on the kidney and stomach meridians. It is used to tonify the kidneys and yang, nourish the intestines, brighten the eyes and strengthen the back, tendons and bones. It is especially prized for endowing vigour and vitality related to kidney health: improving vision, stiffness in the back and joints, improving the body's immune response, aiding detoxification and fighting the signs of ageing.

Origin and Sources The stem of Dendrobium nobile Lindl., or several species in the same genus, family Orchidaceae.