Rhodiola

紅景天

Rhodiola Sacra

History of Use First appeared in Xi Bu Yi Dian.

Modern Use Used for the prevention of acute mountain sickness.

Traditional Use This preparation is made from the roots of Rhodiola, a plant that grows high in the mountains of Tibet. Neutral in nature, it helps to tonify and promote circulation. Rhodiola replenishes energy and promotes the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, making it useful for treating fatigue and preventing high altitude sickness.

Origin and Sources Herb of Rhodiola Sacra, family crassulaceae.

Rosemary oil

迷迭香油

Rosmarinus Officinalis

History of Use The Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans considered rosemary to be sacred, and even in the Middle Ages it was used to ward off evil spirits and for protection against the plague. It has also long been associated with improving the memory.

Traditional Use Rosemary oil has a strong, refreshing herbal smell and is valued for its ability to fight mental fatigue and help with headaches. It also has an antiseptic and astringent effect. When applied topically in a lotion it is most beneficial for improving blood circulation and decongesting the skin, helping to ease puffiness and swelling and treating conditions such as acne, dermatitis and eczema. It is also beneficial for respiratory problems.

Origin and Sources Extracted from the fresh flowering tops of the plant Rosmarinus Officinalis by steam distillation.

Roucongrong

肉蓯蓉

Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma

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

Traditional Use Roucongrong is sweet and salty in taste with warming properties. It enters the large intestines and kidneys. Its uses include tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the yang, moistening the large intestines and treating constipation. As a kidney tonic, Roucongrong addresses associated symptoms such as weakness in the joints, soreness in the back and knees, tinnitus, dizziness, loss of hearing and forgetfulness. It is also able to improve hair health, since in Chinese medicine the kidneys are associated with nourishing the hair.

Origin and Sources The fleshy stem of Cistache deserticola Y.C. Ma, family Orobanchaceae.

Royal Jelly

蜂王漿

Traditional Use Royal jelly is a secretion made by honey bees and is collected from commercial hives. One healthy hive takes up to six months to produce around 500 grams of royal jelly. It is a naturally rich source of minerals, B-complex vitamins, protein and essential amino acids with antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects. It is a popular tonic and is often added to skin creams. It is also sometimes used to treat allergies; however, anyone allergic to honey or bee stings should not consume royal jelly.

Origin and Sources Royal jelly is a secretion produced by honey bees to feed their larvae.