Sage oil

鼠尾草精油

Salvia officinalis (LINN.)

Traditional Use Sage oil has multiple uses. It is effective for stimulating the digestion and encouraging appetite; for treating the pain of rheumatism; as a tonic for the liver, kidneys and urinary tract; and due its hormonal regulatory effect, helps regulate menstrual problems and treat female sterility. Sage oil also stimulates the lymphatic system and thereby boosts glandular functions. As a topical remedy it can treat conditions including dermatitis, atonic wounds, sores, ulcers, as well as insect bites and help to reduce large pores. Emotionally, it helps people deal with grief and depression and quickens the senses.

Origin and Sources Sage oil is extracted from the dried leaves from the culinary herb sage, Salvia officinalis, by steam distillation.

Saw Palmetto

鋸櫚

Serenoa Serrulata

History of Use Saw palmetto berries were first used by Native Americans as a diuretic and sexual tonic, as well as for stomach ache and dysentery.

Modern Use Several trials have been conducted into Saw Palmetto as an effective, natural treatment for men with an enlarged prostate gland. Studies are also investigating its possible use in preventing male-pattern baldness.

Traditional Use Saw Palmetto is an antiflammatory and anti-exudative. It is believed that Saw Palmetto extract lowers DHT levels in prostate tissue, a substance that causes enlargement of the prostate gland. As a result, Saw Palmetto increases the flow of urine, reduces painful urination and helps to prevent nocturia, the need to urinate frequently during the night.

Origin and Sources Saw Palmetto is a small, low-growing, dwarf-palm tree, native to southeastern North American, particularly Florida. The extract is prepared from its berries.

Selenium

硒

Modern Use Selenium has been proven to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs and preventing the body's resistance to the drugs. One study of cancer cells in vitro showed that chemotherapeutic drugs, such as Taxol and Adriamycin, were more toxic to strains of cancer cells grown in culture when selenium was added. Its role in reducing deaths from HIV/Aids is also being investigated.

Traditional Use Selenium is an essential micronutrient for good health. It is a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, the metabolic role of which is to protect against oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and resultant tissue damage, meaning it can counter the damage caused by free radicals. It is also important for the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Origin and Sources Selenium is found naturally in brazil nuts, butter, flour, fish, lobsters and smelt. However, the selenium content of plant and animal foodstuffs is affected by the selenium content of the soil and animal feed, respectively.

Shanzha

山楂

Crataegus pinnatifida

History of Use First appeared in Supplement to the Extension of the Materia Medica.

Modern Use An extract of the herb has been shown to have a cardio-tonic effect and a slow but prolonged hypotensive action in anesthetised animals. It also inhibited arrhythmias of experimental animals. The herb lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride level in rabbits, indicating its anti-hyperlipidemic effects.

Traditional Use A sour, sweet tasting herb with warming properties, Shanzha enters the spleen, liver and stomach meridians. It reduces food stagnation, transforms blood stasis and dissipates clumps. Recently it has been used to treat hypertension, coronary artery diseases and hyperlipidemia. It may also be used as a nutritional supplement for children.

Origin and Sources Fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, and C.cuneata Sieb. Et Zucc., family Rosaceae.

Shanzhuyu

山茱萸

Corus officinalis

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

Modern Use Pharmacological properties of shanzhuyu include diuretic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and a stimulatory effect on the metabolism.

Traditional Use This herb comes from the fruits of the Japanese Cornel Dogwood tree. Sour and warm in nature, it enters the kidney and liver meridians. Its uses include tonifying the liver and kidneys and retaining jing (kidney essence) and body fluids. It can treat conditions including excessive sweating, urinary incontinence, and problems arising from jing deficiency such as dizziness, vertigo and back pain.

Origin and Sources The pulp of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc., family Cornaceae.

Shegan

射干

Belamcanda chinensis

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

Traditional Use Shegan, the root of the Blackberry Lily, has cold, bitter properties. It is used to clear heat and toxicity from the body, and since it enters the lung meridian is a useful treatment for expelling phlegm and benefiting the throat.

Origin and Sources Derived from the rhizome of Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC., family Iridaceae.

Shengma

升麻

Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom.

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

Modern Use The pharmacological effects of shengma include antiobiotic, cardiovascular and antipyretic properties.

Traditional Use Shengma is acrid, sweet and cooling, affecting the lung, spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians. It is used to release the exterior, clear heat and to raise the yang chi. It helps drive out heat toxins, addressing symptoms such as swollen, painful gums and mouth, oral ulcers and toothache. It can also treat problems associated with yang or chi deficiency such as prolapsed organs, shortness of breath, fatigue and bleeding.

Origin and Sources Rhizome of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., C. dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. and C. foetida L., family Ranunculaceae.

Shenqu

炒神曲

Massa Fermentata

History of Use First appeared in Materia Medica of Medicinal Properties.

Modern Use Shenqu contains many different enzymes which aid the digestion of carbohydrates, and has been found to be extremely effective in treating indigestion in infants and young children.

Traditional Use Shenqu, a leavened mixture of grains and herbs, is sweet, acrid and warm in nature. It enters the spleen and stomach meridians to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, reduce food stagnation and bring harmony and balance to the stomach.

Origin and Sources A leavened preparation containing a mixture of flour, wheat bran and several herbs.

Shihu

石斛

Dendrobium nobile Lindl.

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

Traditional Use A sweet, bland tasting herb that is slightly cold in nature, shihu is obtained from the stem of a golden coloured orchid. It enters the kidney and stomach meridians to nourish the yin, clear heat, generate fluids, replenish stomach yin deficiency, brighten the vision and strengthen the lower back. It is useful for treating blurred vision and dizziness caused by yin deficiency in the kidneys and liver.

Origin and Sources From the stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl., D. chrysanthum Wall. Ex Lindl., D. loddigesii Rolfe and Ephemerantha fimbriata (Bl.) Hunt et summerh., family Orchidaceae.

Shoudihuang

熟地 又名熟地黃

Processed Rehmannia glutinosa

History of Use First appeared in the Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica.

Traditional Use A sweet, warming herb for the kidney and liver meridians with invigorating and rejuvenating effects. It is used for nourishing the blood, tonifying the liver and kidney yin, replenishing jing (kidney essence) and stopping coughing and wheezing. As a treatment for blood deficiency it is useful in cases of menstrual disorders and anaemia, while its ability to replenish jing means it can be prescribed in cases of premature ageing such as greying hair, dizziness, forgetfulness, impotence and tinnitus. This herb is made from the roots of the Chinese Foxglove, which are harvested in autumn and prepared by stewing in wine.

Origin and Sources Root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., family Scrophulariaceae.

Shouwuteng

首烏藤

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

History of Use First appeared in Journey to the Origin of the Classic of Materia Medica.

Traditional Use Shouwuteng, a herb made from the stems of the Fleece Flower plant, has a sweet, neutral character. It enters the heart and liver meridians, and has traditionally been used as a sedative and tonic. It is useful for calming the spirit, nourishing the blood and treating general bodily weakness. It is also useful for anxiety and insomnia, especially in cases of dream-disturbed sleep.

Origin and Sources Derived from the stems of Polygonum multiflorum Thumb., family Polygonaceae. Prepared by drying or by steaming with the juice of black soya beans.

Soy

大豆

Glycine max

Traditional Use Soy is a rich source of isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens - plant-derived compounds that possess oestrogen-like biological properties. Isoflavones may reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, as well as other cancers. Studies show they may also protect against heart disease. The mild oestrogen activity of soy isoflavones may also ease menopause symptoms for some women, and may help regulate hormone levels in premenopausal women. Soy isoflavones could also play a beneficial role in preventing osteoporosis and autoimmune conditions.

Origin and Sources Derived from soya beans, a species of legume native to East Asia.

Squalene

角鯊烯

Traditional Use Squalene is a naturally occurring oil that is relatively resistant to free radicals and may therefore protect the skin's surface from oxidative damage caused by exposure to sunlight and other sources. It has good moisturising properties, quickly penetrating the skin without leaving a greasy feeling.

Origin and Sources Squalene is a lipid found in large quantities in shark liver oil and in smaller amounts in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil and yeast.

St. John's Wort

貫葉連翹

Hypericum perforatum L.

History of Use The Greek physician Hippocrates was one of the first to document the therapeutic uses of St. John's Wort over 2,000 years ago. It is thought to have been used to treat mental disorders in Europe since the 15th century, as recorded by Swiss physician Paracelsus.

Modern Use St John's Wort is becoming popular as a natural alternative to antidepressants such as Prozac, since it is less likely to cause unwanted side effects such as dizziness or a dry mouth. It may also be an effective treatment for conditions including obsessive compulsive disorder and mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome. In laboratory studies the active ingredient in St John's Wort, hypericin, has been found to have anti-viral properties against some diseases, and is being investigated for its role in the treatment of HIV. Studies have also shown that St. John's Wort oil is antibacterial, and helps prevent infections and speed wound healing.

Traditional Use St John's Wort contains a combination of bioactive ingredients, including hypericin, that appear to boost levels of chemicals in the brain that affect mood, making it an effective antidepressant for cases of mild to moderate depression. As a relaxant, it may also improve concentration powers, memory and receptivity without causing drowsiness. People taking St John's Wort should be aware that it can affect the efficacy of the contraceptive pill and make the skin more susceptible to sun sensitivity, and should not be taken if you have already been prescribed antidepressant medication.

Origin and Sources St. John's Wort preparations consist of dried above-ground parts of the plant, such as flowers and stems, gathered during the flowering season.

Suanzaoren

酸棗仁

Ziaiphus Jujube Mill. Var. Spinosa

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

Modern Use The herb contains flavonoids (swertisins, zivulgarin, spinosin, etc.) which have shown sedative effects on animals in experiments.

Traditional Use Made from the seeds of the sour date, suanzaoren is a sweet, neutral herb that affects the heart and liver meridians. It is a calming remedy that nourishes the heart yin, soothes the spirit and prevents abnormal sweating. It can be prescribed for patients suffering from sleeping problems, fatigue, poor appetite, forgetfulness and irritability.

Origin and Sources Seed of Ziziphus spinosa Hu, family Rhamnaceae.

Suoyang

鎖陽

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.

History of Use First appeared in Supplement to the Extension of the Materia Medica.

Traditional Use Suoyang is made from the roots of cynomorium, a purple-coloured herb native to southwest Asia. This sweet, warming remedy enters the liver, kidney and large intestine channels and has a mild but powerful effect on the kidneys. It is used to tonify kidney yang and treat symptoms of jing (essence) efficiency such as impotence, amenorrhea and infertility, as well as overcome weakness of the back and knees. Suoyang is also an effective treatment for constipation.

Origin and Sources The fleshy stems of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., family Cynomoriaceae.