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A central feature of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the
emphasis on the role of disease prevention in living a healthy life. That is to ward off a disease before
it even becomes a disease. In TCM, health is build upon the balance of Yin, Yang, Qi (Chi) etc.
To maintain such balances, Chinese believe in the herbal tonics and take them regularly, much like the
way Americans take vitamins.
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Herbal tonics represent a major part of Chinese herbal medicines.
While the terms such as Yin, Yang and Qi remain vague in the modern medicine, studies suggest many herbal
tonics may modulate the function of the immune system one way or another. As we know, the immune system
basically functions to distinguish parts (like proteins) of ourselves from that of the invaded (like virus)
or the diseased (like cancer cells) and to eliminate the bad parts. The immune function requires immunoglobulins (Ig),
T lymphocytes, microphages, cytokines like interferons etc. When the immune system gets weaker, it does
not clear off the pathogens like viruses or the diseased tissues like cancer cells. When the immune system
gets overactivated, it may attack the normal tissues. Thus, regulation of herbal tonics on the immune system
makes sense in terms of disease prevention.
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Here we briefly introduce several herbal tonics that may boost our immune functions
among the many herbal tonics we carry.
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1.
Yu Ping Feng Wan (Jade Screen formula). It is an ancient Chinese herbal medicine used for building up the resistance of the body against
the invasion of pathogenic influences. Today it is the most recommended herbal remedy
for boosting the immune defense to the infection of bacteria and viruses.†
Studies consistently
found that Yu Ping Feng San increases IgG and IgA production, enhances microphage function, and inhibits
the growth of influenza virus H3N2.1
Yu Ping Feng Wan was the basic herbal formula recommended by Chinese
health authorities to the public for prevention of SARS two years when SARS occured in China.
In the verge of a superflu pandemic, we would recommend its use for strengthening our defense
to any possible flu outbreak. (Please see more discussion on
Cold, Flu, & Prevention.)
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2. Reishi.
Reishi is
among the rarest and most precious herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Reishi is symbolic of
immortality in the Chinese culture. Modern studies suggest Reishi may enhance
the immune function of our body and may be used as an accessary treatment of
tumours after chemotherapy.†
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3. Cordyceps.
Cordyceps is perhaps
the rarest and most precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps
has been used for the general health well being by Chinese for centuries, but remained
unknown for the rest of the world until in 1992 Olympics when the Chinese women's track
team athletes broke multiple world records and attributed their success in part to Cordyceps they took
as an herbal dietary supplement. Modern studies suggest Cordyceps may enhance
the immune function of our body, may stimulate progesterone production, boost energy and endurance†.
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All Chinese Herbs we carry are 100% natural herbal remedies.
They are time-tested and safe, with no pharmaceuticals,
no preservatives, no artifical colors.
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References
1. Chen Q. Renowned Patent Traditional Chinese Medicines: Pharmacology and Clinical Applications (1998).
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by X. Li, Ph. D.
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