Mushroom Ganoderma (Ganoderma Lucidum) (Ling Zhi 紫灵芝)

Sweet (tián 甜) and bitter (kú苦) flavor and Yin-Yang neutral (zhōng xìng 中性) thermal nature and is affiliated with the heart, liver, lung, spleen, and kidney Meridian.

Active compounds:

Ganoderma Lucidum, an oriental fungus, has a long history of promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is not called the divine mushroom of immortality for nothing.

In Chinese, Ling Zhi’s name represents a combination of spiritual potency and the essence of immortality. It is regarded as the “herb of spiritual potency,” symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. Among cultivated mushrooms, Ganoderma is unique because its pharmaceutical rather than nutritional value is paramount among cultivated mushrooms.

Most mushrooms are composed of around 90% water by weight. The remaining 10% consists of 10–40% protein, 2–8% fat, 3–28% carbohydrate, 3–32% fiber, 8–10% ash, and some vitamins and minerals, with potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc, and copper accounting for most of the mineral content. A study of Ganoderma’s nonvolatile components found that the mushroom contains 1.8% ash, 26–28% carbohydrate, 3–5% crude fat, 59% crude fiber, and 7–8% crude protein.

In addition, mushrooms contain a wide variety of bioactive molecules, such as terpenoids, steroids, phenols, nucleotides, their derivatives, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. Mushroom proteins contain all the essential amino acids and are especially rich in lysine and leucine. The low total fat content and a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to the total fatty acids of mushrooms are considered significant contributors to the health value of mushrooms.  Ganoderma is a unique, versatile mushroom with preventive, protective, and therapeutic effects. According to the tumor type, it is complementary cancer therapy.

Clinical Usage and Indications: 

  • Supports the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen).
  • Tonify  kidney Jing (Essence): Improving cognitive ability Ganoderma can help stimulate nerve growth and boost memory and cognitive function, longevity, immunity, and spiritual and emotional well-being.  
  • Strengthen the Zheng Qi (vitality, life force, environmental resistance): agents that enhance the functioning of the host immune system could be expected to enhance health in terms of improved vitality, life force resistance, and, thus, removal of malignant or premalignant cells. Proved different components from Ganoderma to enhance the proliferation and maturation of T and B lymphocytes, splenic mononuclear cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells in culture in vitro and in animal studies in vivo. Furthermore, serum-incorporated treatment with a polysaccharide peptide fraction from Ganoderma markedly inhibited the proliferation of human  lung carcinoma (PG) cells. In contrast, the pure fraction by itself did not induce similar effects.
  • Nourish the heart and calm Shen (mind, the spirit, lives in the heart). Ganoderma can nourish the heart and harmonize, soothe the spirit Shen, heart dysfunction such as coronary, heart disease and its impact on lowering blood pressure. It also helps the restless spirit that will have signs like insomnia, forgetfulness, and fatigue. Therefore, it can use in various states of mild depression, anxiety, panic attack, Etc. Interestingly, Ganoderma helps the heart from the psychological perspective and, according to contemporary studies, from the physical perspective. For this reason, it is possible to be used on a variety of cardiovascular problems.
  • Help on Cancer treatment: this is why it is the most used mushroom for oncological problems after Coriolus. Both can stimulate the immune system to become more active against cancer cells. Coriolus is a bit better in this, but Ganoderma strengthens the body, which is no less important in these cases, especially if a person undergoes a drastic (but often necessary) conventional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It can be administered preferably throughout the entire conventional treatment (and for about two months afterward). It helps eliminate cancer cells and helps the body cope with demanding conventional treatment, usually accompanied by many unpleasant side effects. Antitumor effects of Ganoderma are mediated via effects on the immune system. However, it must be noted that the same research group conducted all studies and that other direct antitumor effects of Ganoderma have not yet been studied on humans in vivo. Ganoderma mushroom has properties that contribute to the healing of tumors, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Laboratory tests have confirmed that the mushroom has extracts that fight some kinds of cancer. These cancers include epithelial ovarian cancer. When tested on an animal, Ganoderma was found to work just like the Shiitake mushroom in preventing cancer metastasis. The stage when Ganoderma mushroom fights cancer best is yet to be specified. It is established, though, that it may inhibit the new formation of tumor-induced blood capillaries or veins. It may inhibit the movement of cancer cells within the body. It also can hinder the cancer cell’s ability to multiply.
  • Antioxidant: Consumption of antioxidant-rich plants may help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. Antioxidants protect cellular components from oxidative damage, are likely to decrease the risk of mutations and carcinogenesis, and protect immune cells, allowing them to maintain immune surveillance and response. Various components of Ganoderma, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids show antioxidant activity in vitro.
  • Moistens the lung, transforming Phlegm, and stopping cough: for various autoimmune or allergic problems, coughs, asthma, hay fever, allergies, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory conditions, a significant improvement when treated with Ganoderma extracts. It dries cough without sputum or cough with scanty sticky sputum. Cook with Bai He (Bulbus Lilli), Feng Mi. Add Yin Er to make tea or to make a thicker soup. It helps the immune system respond better to histamine reactions and helps deter allergic reactions. It is also great for recurrent respiratory system infections, but not in the acute phase. If the condition is acute, it is better to use Coriolus or beta-glucan (in higher doses). According to Chinese medicine, breathing is a matter of two organs: the kidney and the lung. Therefore, in these cases, it is often combined with Cordyceps. Cordyceps in the morning and Ganoderma in the evening.
  • Removes Toxicity: Ganoderma mushroom can help regenerate liver cells more quickly and benefit overall liver health, inhibiting the formation of tumor-induced blood capillaries or veins. It may also inhibit the movement of cancer cells within the body. It also can hinder the cancer cell’s ability to multiply. It is the most used mushroom for oncological problems after Coriolus. Both can stimulate the immune system to become more active against cancer cells. Ganoderma has a pronounced stimulation effect on the immune system, mainly macrophages, and activates NK cells (native killers).
  • Nourishes Yin promotes regeneration of Body Fluid. Since it helps replenish the Yin and blood, it is perfect for women. Sometimes it can be called the “lady’s mushroom,”; perhaps even for its anti-aging effect, since women age far slower when using this mushroom. It helps with various fatigue conditions, even post-partum fatigue, both physical and mental fatigue, because it has a tropism to the  heart (it nourishes the  heart, according to Chinese medicine)
  • It tonify the  stomach and helps with constipation due to  stomach-Yin deficiency. Make a soup and cook with spinach and carrot to clear Heat.   
  • Viral and Bacterial Infections: inhibit viral and bacterial multiplication without affecting normal cells; that is the goal of treatment. The undesired side effects of antibiotics and antivirals and the appearance of resistant and mutant strains make developing new agents an urgent requirement. Ganoderma showed inhibitory effects on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). In a study, a ganoderic acid isolated from Ganoderma showed inhibitory effects on replicating hepatitis B virus (HBV) over eight days. A dried hot water extract of Ganoderma taken orally (equivalent to 36 or 72 g of dried mushroom per day) was used as the sole treatment for postherpetic (varicella-zoster virus) neuralgia in four elderly patients. This treatment was reported to dramatically decrease pain and promote lesions’ healing without toxicity, even at very high doses. The implication is that combination therapy may be safer and cost-effective, as it could use lower amounts of cytotoxic antiviral and antibacterial drugs with a concomitant decrease in the risk of side effects.
  • Treat liver and gastric injury:  Hot water and water–ether extracts of the fruit body of Ganoderma were found to have a potent hepatoprotective effect on   liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. The measured markers for   liver injury included aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Therefore, hepatoprotection may also be mediated by the radical-scavenging properties of Ganoderma. Further, the extract was reported to show hepatic protection and significant radical-scavenging activity against both superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.

Directions: 3-15 grams in decoction, 1.5-3 grams in pills/powders.

For general strengthening of the immune system Ganoderma plus Agaricus, Shiitake, and Coriolus

For allergy therapy, Ganoderma plus Agaricus, Hericium (especially for bowel cleansing)

To support physical and mental health conditions, Ganoderma plus Cordyceps

For complementary cancer therapy, Ganoderma pus according to the tumor type

For  heart and circulation support, Ganoderma plus Shiitake, Agaricus, Maitake, Auricularia, and Cordyceps 

For a natural anti-aging agent, Ganoderma plus Cordyceps.

To remedy sleep disorders, nervous restlessness, and exhaustion, Ganoderma plus Hericium, and Cordyceps

For complementary therapy for liver disorders, Ganoderma plus Maitake, Agaricus, and Shiitake

PrecautionUse caution in patients with excess conditions; infrequent side effects have been reported; they include vertigo, dry mouth/ nose, nausea, epistaxis, constipation, or diarrhea.

♨︎ History: Ling Zhi as Medicinal Mushroom

Lingzhi has been recognized as a medicinal mushroom for over 2000 years, and its powerful effects are documented in ancient scripts. The proliferation of Ganoderma images in art began in 1400 AD and is associated with Taoism. However, Ganoderma’s images extended beyond religion and appeared in paintings, carvings, furniture, and even women’s accessories. The first book wholly describing herbs and their medicinal value was Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, written in the Eastern Han dynasty of China (25-220 AD). This book is also known as “Classic of the Materia Medica” or “Shen-nong’s Herbal Classics.” In the Supplement to Classic of Materia Medica (502-536 AD) and the Ben Cao Gang Mu by Li Shin-Zhen, which is considered to be the first pharmacopeia in China (1590 AD; Ming dynasty), the mushroom was attributed with therapeutic properties, such as tonifying effects, enhancing vital energy, strengthening cardiac function, increasing memory, and anti-aging effects. According to the State Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2000), Ganoderma acts to replenish Qi, ease the mind, and relieve cough and asthma. It is recommended for dizziness, insomnia, palpitation, and shortness of breath.

Wild Ling Zhi is rare, and only the nobility could afford it in the years before it was cultivated. It was believed the sacred fungus grew at the immortal’s home on the “three aisles of the best” off the coast of China. However, its reputation as a panacea may have been earned more by its irregular distribution, rarity, and use by the wealthy and privileged members of Chinese society than by its actual effects. Nevertheless, the Ganoderma species continue to be a popular traditional medicine in Asia, and their use is growing worldwide. However, contemporary medicine still overlooks and neglects this mushroom, but this has gradually changed. Many experiments, research, and clinical studies have been conducted since the 1960s to confirm what people already knew.

From the book Tao of Tummy©

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Catuaba (Erythroxylum) (Kǎ tú bā 卡圖巴)

Catuaba (Erythroxylum) (Kǎ tú bā 卡圖巴Bitter (kú苦) and pungent (xīnlà 辛辣) flavor, Yang-hot (rè 熱) thermal nature and is affiliated with the kidneys, heart, and pericardium Meridians.

Active Compounds: Erythroxylaceae (coca family), native to Brazil, Catuaba is a medium-sized, vigorous growing, leafy tree with a thick knotty trunk. The root system is principaly above ground, and each root measures from 2 to 2.5 meters. It produces pretty yellow and orange flowers and small, oval, dark yellow inedible fruit. It can be found in the Amazon, Pará, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhão, and Alagoas. Catuaba contains alkaloids, catuabine A, catuabine B, catuabine C, phytosterols, and tannins.

Clinical Usage and Indications: 

  • Aphrodisiac. Catuaba is a generic term for bark from different trees such as Trichilia catigua, Erythroxylum Catuaba, Erythroxylum raccinfolium, Anemopaegna arvense, Phyllanthus Nobilis, Etc. These Brazilian trees are used interchangeably by indigenous people, like the Tupi-Guarani tribe. Preparing it as a tea, they claim it produces an immediate lifting of mood and libido. Catuaba is used in Brazilian folk medicine as an aphrodisiac or an adaptogen (which protects the body from environmental factors).  
  • Moves Qi and Blood. Catuaba may also improve the nervous system,  heart, and Blood, promoting the free flow of veins function and memory. It may also increase energy and reduce anxiety or tiredness. 
  • May treat sexual dysfunction. However, at this time, evidence that supports the use of Catuaba for any condition is lacking.

Directions:  To promote sex drive, take 1-3 cups of tea made from the bark of the Catuaba tree, which have been taken by mouth daily for a few days or weeks. Doses of 2-3 milliliters of an alcohol tincture of Catuaba are taken by mouth with breakfast and lunch. Take capsules containing 450-1,000 milligrams of Catuaba or doses containing 1-2 grams of Catuaba daily.
Precaution: Avoid using during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Catuaba may interact with antibacterial herbs, anticancer herbs, antidepressant herbs, anti-inflammatory herbs, antioxidants, antiviral herbs, cardiovascular herbs (herbs and supplements that affect the  heart), and herbs and supplements used to treat erectile dysfunction.

From the book “Tao of Tummy” ©

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Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) (Pútáo Yóu 葡萄柚)

Sweet (tián 甜) and sour (suãn 酸) flavor and Yin-cold (lěng 冷) thermal nature and is affiliated with the Stomach, Spleen and Lung meridian. 

Active compounds:

Grapefruit is renowned for its high vitamin C content. It is also rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and E, fiber, dietary fiber, has a high content of free-radical–fighting phytonutrients, including limonoids and lycopene. It contains pectin, a form of soluble fiber found to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In addition, this fruit also has a low glycemic index, meaning that it gradually releases glucose into the bloodstream over a long period. 

Grapefruit combat free radicals, fight cancer, improve bowel function, fight fatty acids, increase metabolism speed, reduce atherosclerosis plaques and help protect the Heart.

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Regulates Qi down bearing rebel Qi and moving it detoxifying alcohol intoxication
  • Strengthen the Stomach aiding digestion. It has a cooling effect on the body, being helpful for people suffering from weak digestion, Stomach fullness, and improving bowel function.
  • Clears Heat and quenches thirst.
  • Resolve Phlegm 
  • Prevents prostate cancer in men who ate foods high in lycopene, including the wide red-orange grapefruit varieties, were far less likely to develop prostate cancer than those eating a diet low in lycopene. 
  • Boosts the immune system as a powerhouse source of vitamin C; grapefruit helps support the immune system. Grapefruit also boasts a high content of free–radical–fighting phytonutrients, including limonoids and lycopene.
  • Support the Heart. It helps prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing atherosclerosis plaques protecting the Heart, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and excess uric acid, which causes gout, kidney stones, uric arthritis, and infections. Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels
  • Promotes weight loss by lowering insulin levels by blocking fat deposits, also making the body burn more fat than average. Fights fatty acids, increasing metabolism speed.
  • It prevents premature aging due to its action as an antioxidant, combats free radicals, fights cancer, fights fatty acids, and increases metabolism speed.

DirectionsPeel the tangerine and eat them. Since tangerines are easier to peel, they can be a quick and easy snack, especially when on the go.


Precaution: If taking pharmaceutical drugs, check with the physician that grapefruit is not affecting medications. Compounds in grapefruit can cause certain drugs to becoming more potent. For example, when combined with grapefruit, statin drugs become more potent in the body and transport more of the statin drug in the circulation than usual; these raised levels of statin could trigger a rare but severe disease called rhabdomyolysis.


♨︎ The Grapefruit Diet

The grapefruit diet, which has made it known, is based on the consumption of half grapefruit at each meal for ten days, promising to eliminate between 5 and 10 kg. Thanks to the rich in fibers that the fruit presents, its consumption helps to satiate, inhibiting hunger.

From The Tao of Tummy book ©

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Fig (Ficus Carica) (Wú Huā Gǒu 無花果)

Sweet (tián 甜) flavor, Yin-Yang neutral (zhōng xìng 中性) thermal nature and is affiliated with the Lung meridian.

Active compounds: Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. Dried figs also contain smaller amounts of many other nutrients and antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. Some studies have suggested that dead figs can help fight cancer and reduce blood pressure.

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Tonify the Middle Jiao, strengthening it.
  • Has insulin lowering properties. The fig tree leaves are edible and have been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, and can reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons who require insulin injections.
  • Reduces blood pressure, helping lower high blood pressure. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure.
  • It moistens the Lung and relieves coughs.

Directions: Eat raw on its own, in juice, in a smoothie, in baking goods, in soup. Organic figs are preferable to use since the non-organic type are often preserved with chemicals. Non-organic figs should be rinsed and soaked in cool water for a few minutes before cooking.

PrecautionPeople with already existing and untreated Kidneys or Gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating figs. Figs are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystalize and cause health problems.

From The Tao of Tummy book ©

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Carqueja (Baccharis Trimera)

 

carqueja☯ Pungent (xīnlà 辛辣) flavor and warm (nuǎn 暖) thermal nature and is affiliated with the  Liver, Spleen, and Stomach meridians.

Active Compounds: Carqueja is a perennial plant characterized by its green stem. It is found in South America. It belongs from the Asteraceae family.  The plant contains up to 20% flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, nepetin, apigenin, and hispidulin[ 318 ]. These are considered the main active constituents[ 318 ]. Studies have shown that hispidulin has a particularly beneficial effect upon the Liver, though it is more effective when used in combination with the whole plant

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Resolves Damp:  relieves fluid retention, as it has a diuretic effect, promoting the elimination of the liquid retained in the body and reducing swelling;
  • Strengthens the Spleen/Pancreas, regularizes Spleen dysfunction, it is a natural aide for diabetes, having the ability to lower blood sugar levels, and is believed to lower blood pressure
  • Tonify Stomach: is used for reducing stomach acidity, gastritis, indigestion, heartburn, and inflammation, and as treatment for ulcers among others. Stops vomiting, due to Stomach Coldness. Carqueja strengthens intestinal function and also has a history of use as an agent to expel intestinal worms.
  • Antioxidant  to boost defence systems against stress and neuro degeneration, also It has antiviral activity
  • Benefits Heart: decreases blood pressure in people diagnosed with hypertension, also decreases cholesterol due to the presence of saponins in its composition, which helps prevent cholesterol absorption
  • Detoxify Liver: carqueja is used primarily to treat Liver diseases, to strengthen intestinal function, and to help purge obstructions of the Liver and Gallbladder (Gallbladder stones) detoxifying the liver, as it contains flavonoids in the composition that exert a protective function of the liver
  • It has also shown an in vitro inhibition of HIV virus replication in T-cells, which seems to be mainly due to the substance 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid which is found in the plant.This substance is a potent inhibitor of HIV at dosages as low as only 1 mcg/ml (1)

Directions: Make a tea with the branches.

Precaution: Do not use during the flowering period as it may contain fungi.

From The Tao of Tummy book ©

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Açai berry (Euterpe Oleraceae) (Ā sà yī 阿萨伊浆果)

☯  Sour (suãn 酸) and astringent (Sin 涩) flavor, and cold (Lěng 冷) thermal nature and its affiliated with Kidney and Liver meridians.

 

❊  Active Compounds: Açai powder is a rich source of protective antioxidants, omega fatty acids, amino acids, and dietary fiber. The açai berries’ nutrient content is mostly preserved in the freeze drying process. Among many findings, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids were found to be the major phytochemicals in açai berry. The total content of anthocyanins was measured as 3 mg per gram of dry weight. The concentration of total proanthocyanidins was calculated as 13 mg/g dry weight. Other flavonoids homoorietin, isovitexin, scoparin, and taxifolin deoxyhexose, along with several other unknown flavonoids were also detected. In addition components including fatty acids, amino acids, steroids, minerals, and other nutrients were founded. This fruit comes from a palm tree known by the Brazilians as “the tree of life”. Was introduced at the Western market around the year 2000.

  Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Clears Heat, stop thirst, and due to its astringent property also arrests hemorrhaging
  • Very powerful antioxidant properties (higher than cranberry, raspberry and blueberry) that play a role in our cellular protection system, helping to keep cells strong agains the invasion of free radicals associated with disease and aging. Consumption of acai pulp and acai juice actually increases antioxidant concentration in the blood, which shows that the nutrients are effectively absorbed by the human body
  • The pigment red or orange corresponds to carotenoids, anthocyanins, licopene, ficobiliproteins, and bioflavonoids
  • Tonify Stomach.  Promotes a clean digestive system due to the powerful detoxification capacities in the human body besides being a good source of dietary fiber
  • Anti-inflammation properties: have been found cyclooxyrgenase (COX)-1 and (COX)-2 inhibitor activity on the fruit
  • Protects DNA from damage,
  • Supporting an anti-aging process. Açai berries may contribute to an ability to slow or reverse typical processes of aging related to oxidative damage and also improves mental function
  • Moves Qi. Blood vessel vasodilator: improving overall blood circulation, and relaxing the blood vessels, polyphenols in açai berry have the ability to act was vasodilators, preventing blood clots
  • Benefits Kidneys helping on osteoarthritis and arthritis improving in range of motion
  • Suppresses the grown of cancer due to the very high content of vitamin C and elegiac acid, an immune system boosting combination. Is thought that açai phytochemicals can stop the process of carcinogenesis on a molecular level, killing off tumorous cells before they multiply. Açaí is not a cure for cancer but play a potential role in the fight

Directions: Take 2 g. of capsules or 1 oz açai berry powder mixed with water. The inconvenient with açai berries is that they cannot be dried and transported due to the high fat content which inhibits the drying process. Açai juice is the best way to enjoy the nutritional benefits.

☢  Precaution: Açai berries can sometimes interact adversely with chemotherapy drugs since they contain antioxidant properties. it is best to consult with the oncologist before consumption.

From Tao of Tummy book ©

 

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Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) (Shi Liu 石榴)

 

☯ Sweet (tián 甜), slightly bitter (kú苦), and astringent (Sin 涩), neutral (zhōng xìng 中性) thermal nature and is affiliated with the  Lung, Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine.

Active compounds: Pomegranate is packed with poluphenols, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cells from free-radical damage (the stuff that is linked to certain cancers, inflammation, and signs of aging)., they are also a great source of potassium, an important electrolyte for healthy muscles, Pomegranate fruit has a leathery rind (or husk) with many little pockets of edible seeds and juice inside. It’s very rich in tannins.

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Spleen:  induce astringency, stopping prolonged diarrhea, dysentery. Pomegranate husk/rind (shi liu pi) treats rectal prolapse, vaginal discharge, leukorrhea, hematuria vaginal. For chronic diarrhea due to Spleen-Yang deficiency combine pomegranate peel with Bai Shu (Atractylodes rhizomes), Dang Shen (codonopsis roots)  and Fu Ling (poria-cocos mushrooms). For prolapse of the rectum combine pomegranate peel with Huang Qi Radix Astragali) and Sheng Ma (Black Cohosh Rhizome).
  • Stomach:  kills intestinal parasytes, tapeworms (It also is used topically for ringworm), abdominal pain. The dried ripe fruit (with seeds removed) is used in Tibetan medicine to restore weak digestive heat, to correct indigestion and loss of appetite. For taenia or roundworms combine pomegranate peel with Bin Lang (Areca nuts). Treat dry throat, coughs and thirst due to Stomach-Yin deficiency. For a sore dry throat the seeds are crushed, water is added and the mixture simmered, strained, cooled, and consumed. For a persistent cough, eat the seeds, that is the fruit of one almost ripe pomegranate before bedtime
  • Large Intestine:  astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhea.
  • Tonifies Kidneys Essence: pomegranate husk/rind (called shi liu pi) is used to treat spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation, uterine bleeding, due to kidney
  • Lung: the dried ripe fruit (with seeds removed) is used in Tibetan medicine to treat Wind-Cold and disorders of the Lungs
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-infection: A 2012 clinical trial of about 100 dialysis patients suggested that pomegranate juice may help ward off infections. In the study, the patients who were given pomegranate juice three times a week for a year had fewer hospitalizations for infections and fewer signs of inflammation, compared with patients who got the placebo The recommendation is to take those seeds and the skin of the fruit, crush them together, add salt, and cover them with water, then steam them. When done, no time indicated, they say to drink the decoction three time a day.
  • Nourishes Yin: Promote regeneration of body fluid, quenching thirst.
  • NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) funded studies are investigating how pomegranate extracts may affect arthritis.

Directions: Pomegranate is made into capsules, extracts, teas, powders, and juice products.

Precaution: This herb should not be taken during the early stages of diarrhea and dysentery. When using it for parasites, it should not be taken with oils or fats to minimize absorption of the toxin into the system. Some people may be allergic to pomegranate. In rare cases, people who have eaten pomegranate fruit for many years have developed an allergic reaction that causes their tongue or face to swell. Overdoses of this fruit can cause problems including vomiting, dizziness, chills, temporary or permanent vision problems. Certainly eating large amounts of the skin are known to be poisonous. Knowing this, is recommends the rind as an anti-diarrhetic and the use of it for dysentery. Do so carefully because the skin can cause serious gastric irritation, even in small amounts.

From Tao of Tummy book © 

 

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Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Capitata) (Juǎn Xīn Cài 卷心菜)

Untitled

☯ Sweet (tián 甜) and pungent (xīnlà 辛辣) flavor and cool (liáng 涼) thermal nature and is affiliated with the Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine meridians.

Active compounds:

Contains, protein, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, and fluoride. Cabbage is considered the best vegetable for colon cancer prevention. Its vitamins enhance the protective action of mucous membrane on the Stomach wall, and suppress gastric and duodenal ulcers

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Clears Heat, relaxes stools
  • Subdue Common Cold with fever, dysphoria, thirst, dry stool or constipation. Best cooked with Sheng Jiang (ginger) and brown sugar, to moisten the intestines and clear Heat
  • Balances Spleen, Stomach and blood
  • Moves Qi. Improving circulation, benefiting the joints and alleviating acute pain. Clears the meridians removing toxins that might block the Qi and blood around the joints, strengthens the bones and loosens the joints
  • Detoxify. Treats Erysipelas. The stock can be used with Mung bean sprouts. Grind to a paste for topical use
  • Promotes digestion helping Stomach and duodenal ulcers, preventing gastrointestinal diseases

Directions: Cabbage can be eaten raw, as salad, as juice (good for intestinal ulcers),  or cooked. However, with the symptoms mentioned above, it is best if eaten cooked or at room temperature for your salad, not cooled. Cabbage can be fried, boiled and steamed and used in many dishes that suit desires. Cabbage is a great vegetable in that it can be used with most other vegetables in a stir fry. Heat for 5 to 7 minutes on low Heat. You can add pepper to taste.

Prevention: Those suffering from thyroid gland problems, abdominal flatuance and excessive intestinal gas should not eat too much cabbage.

 

From Tao of Tummy © book

 

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Fighting Through Cancer: Carrot (Hú luó bo 胡萝卜)

Sweet (Gan) flavor and neutral thermal nature. Acts on Spleen, Liver, and Lung meridians.

Active compounds:Among all vegetables, carrots contain the most ß-carotene, an antioxidant more potent than a vitamin.E. Not only does it defy aging and promote gastrointestinal functions, but ß-carotene also effectively fights against cancer. The potassium succinate in carrots reduces blood pressure while its dietary fibers ease constipation. Helps night blindness

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Strengthens Spleen promoting digestion, the fullness of epigastrium and abdomen, and irregular bowel movements: Cook with brown sugar making a soup or cook with radish to make a dish.
  • Protects against cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disease
  • Tonifies liver improving eyesight. Blurred vision and night blindness due to liver deficiency. Cook with pork fat or with pork liver.
  • Descends Qi, stops cough. Cough due to Lung Heat and whooping cough. Drink fresh carrot juice, decoct with Da Zao (black jujube)
  • Clears Heat, Inducing detoxification. Carrots are very good at cleansing internal Heat. Measles or incomplete eruption of measles and fever. Cook with Bai Ji Li (Fructose Tribuli Terrestris), Hu Sui (coriander). Make a tea to promote the eruption of measles.
  • Experimental investigations indicate that carrot extract acts to lower blood sugar providing benefits to people living with diabetes.

Directions:It is best to boil or stew them with oil because vitamin A is not easily absorbable with the raw ones. Eat either raw or cooked. Pound to get juice.

Precaution:Not recommended for those with Spleen or Stomach Deficient Cold. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene; however, excessive intake would make the skin yellow.

From The Tao of Tummy © book

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Broccoli (Xī lán huā 西兰花)

broccoli

☯ Sweet (tián 甜) and pungent (xīnlà 辛辣) flavor, cool (liáng 涼) thermal nature and is affiliated with the Lungs, Liver and Large Intestine meridians.

Active compounds:

Broccoli contains ß-carotene and glutathione that fights against cancer. It adds brilliance to the skin and defies aging on cellular level. Its chlorophyll helps prevent arteriosclerosis. Broccoli also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K (enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower), and fiber. One cup of broccoli provides 150 percent of daily vitamin C and 20 percent of fiber required .Contains beneficial amounts of phytochemicals that repair the DNA, block the development of cancer cells and support the immune system due to their antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer properties. Broccoli has been proven to prevent the development of prostate cancer as well. It is one of the best brain foods for the high amount of vitamin K and choline, it will help keep your memory sharp. Broccoli is high in compounds called glucosinolates, it can slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which we need for the central nervous system to perform properly and to keep our brains and our memories sharp. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with Alzheimer’s

Clinical Usage and Indications:

  • Nourishes Yin promoting purgation by moistening and nourishing the intestines. Dry stool or constipation of weak constitution, old aged or due to Intestinal dryness. Blanch broccoli and eat around 250 g a day
  • Clears Heat, relieving restlessness. Promotes reproduction of body fluids and stop thirst
  • Tonifies Liver and promote eyesight. Dizziness, blurred vision due to Liver Heat or Liver Yin deficiency
  • Cools Liver and Blood and purifies it, on epistaxis and hemafecia take 250 g broccoli and make a soup. Cook only 2 – 3 minutes
  • Prevents anemia, and arteriosclerosis and osteoarthritis

Directions: Eat steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or raw. Do not overcook broccoli, though Sulforaphane is Heat resistant, only one-third of its vitamin C is left when it is subject to strong Heat (Sulforaphane is a molecule within the isothiocyanate group of organosulfur compounds. It exhibits anticancer and antimicrobial properties in experimental models).

Precaution: Hemophilia patients and those with blood clotting or bleeding disorders should not eat it broccoli.

♨︎ Cream of Broccoli with Cauliflower

Ingredients

6 flowers whole broccoli
6 flowers whole cauliflower
Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Pepper to taste
Herbs to taste (parsley, chives, basil, oregano)

Sea salt to taste
1 liter of water
2 tablespoons flaxseed

Preparation:

In saucepan put water, broccoli, cauliflower, herbs and salt. Cook until tender flowers. Put everything in a blender, blend until creamy. Serve warm (if you want to add drops of lemon). Once ready add the black pepper kingdom and flaxseed, then drizzle with a little olive oil.

From The Tao of Tummy © book

 

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