Tag Archives: TCM Chinese Herbs

The Aduki bean is popular around the world, especially so in Asian countries. Japan is a large consumer of the Adzuki bean. The minerals - Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium and Zinc can all be found in the in it.

 

In addition to supplying high levels of soluble fibre and protein, aduki beans, like other types of beans, are packed full of trace minerals. These trace minerals are utilized by the body as component of enzymes.

 

For example, a 1/2 cup of aduki beans provides almost 200% of the daily recommended intake for molybdenum, which is necessary for the production of an enzyme called sulphite oxide, one of the most important enzymes in a liver detoxification pathway called sulphoxidation.

 

Poor sulphoxidation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and with inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, delayed food sensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities and diet-responsive autism.

 

High in protein and low in fat, azuki beans contain high levels of potassium, fiber, folic acid, as well as B vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and manganese. Azuki beans are rich in soluble fiber, which speeds up the elimination of waste from the body, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing the body from absorbing harmful substances. Soluble fiber has also been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) in the blood.

 

Beans are high in soluble fibre, which can aid regular bowel function and are a rich source of Vitamins B1, B3 and Niacin. Beans are also high in protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.

 

What are the health benefits of Azuki beans?
Aduki Beans are low in sodium and can reduce and aid in preventing high blood pressure.

 

Some research into phytoestrogens shows evidence the Azuki bean may help to prevent breast cancer. The study of oestrogens is well beyond the scope of this article but to touch the surface, in women, phytoestrogens fool the body into believing it is still producing real

 

According to traditional Chinese medicine, azuki beans been used to aid the urinary tract benefit bladder and reproductive functions and the kidneys, and are therefore used to treat problems such as urinary dysfunction and bladder infections.

 

Azuki beans are thought to boost energy, promote regular bowel movements, and help lower cholesterol. They may have a role in preventing breast cancer.

 

It tones the heart and spleen, promotes the flow of fluids and urination, heal swelling as in edema, and stop vomiting and diarrhea. Adzuki beans specialize in removing water accumulated in the lower region of the body. Adzuki bean sprouts are good for blood in stools, bleeding during pregnancy.

 

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TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed) 薏苡 or 薏仁 is also known as the seed of Job's tears and Pearl Barley. The cultivation of coixseed has a long history in China. It is one of the ancient cereal crops in China which can be both used for eating and for medicine. As coixseed has a high nutritional value, it is known as the "king of the gramineous plants in the world". In Europe, it is known as the "the crops of life and health". In Japan, it has recently been classified as an anti-cancer food, so its nutritional value is greatly increased.

 

The Chinese believes that the coix seeds are diuretic, anti-swelling, pus-expelling and cooling. It is therefore most commonly recommended to people suffering from stiff and painful joints, arthritis, rheumatism, warts and eczema. Findings from recent scientific research conducted by Japanese scientists have been positive.

 

As TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed)薏苡 or 薏仁 contains a variety of vitamins, numerous amino acids, lysine, arginine, B1, adenoisine, and thiamin, so it has the function of promoting the metabolism and reducing the burden of the stomach and intestine. Coixseed can be used as a kind of corroborant food for the physically frail patients. Eating coixseed products regularly is also very beneficial to the treatment of chronic enteritis and dyspepsia.

 

TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed)薏苡 or 薏仁 is easy to digest and absorb. No matter it is used for nourishing or medical treatment, its effects are all very mild. Coixseed is also commonly used in many formulas for arthritis and rheumatism since these conditions are associated with excess moisture. Coixseed can enhance the function of the kidney, clean up the heat and promote urination. As a result, it is also very helpful for the patients who suffer from edema. Chinese pearl barley is used as a traditional Chinese tonic for primarily the skin, lungs, and the spleen.

 

It improves the flow of water throughout the body, so it can be used by that experiencing water stagnation such as abdominal bloating and edema (excessive water weight).

TCM Chinese Herbs, Health Benefits of Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed) 薏苡 or 薏仁:

 

Promote healthy blood sugar: The fiber content in barley will prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high. Those suffering from Type 2 diabetes should consume more barley.

 

Reduce cholesterol: Beta-glucan from barley's soluble fiber is responsible for lowering cholesterol.

 

Lower the risk of some types of cancer: By the modern pharmacological studies, it has been proved that coixseed has an anti-cancer effect. The anti-cancer active ingredients in coixseed include selenium and together with fiber which can effectively inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, thus it can be used as the adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer, cervical cancer, helps prevent colon cancer and breast cancer.

 

If the healthy people always eat TCM Chinese Herbs, Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed)薏苡 or 薏仁, it known as an anti-tumor agent and can help them reduce the incidence of cancer.

 

Heart friendly: Regular consumption of barley reduces heart disease. In 2005 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that whole grain barley and barley -containing products are allowed to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It is a good source of niacin, a B vitamin that provides numerous protective actions against cardiovascular risk factors.

 

Weight management: Barley is good for the control of weight and obesity as it is rich in beta-glucan soluble fiber. Eating fiber-rich foods may help increase satiety or a feeling of fullness.

 

Protection against childhood asthma: Consumption of barley could help reduce the risk of childhood asthma by about 50%.

Nourishing the skin: helping to clear blemishes and soften coarse skin, thus it is considered as a beauty aid in Asia. By grinding the TCM Chinese Herbs, Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears, Coixseed) 苡 or 薏仁 seeds and mixing with honey, a paste can be made to smooth on problem skin, reducing blemishes and redness.

 

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Jiaogulan belongs to the same family of plants as cucumbers and melons, but it does not bear an edible fruit or vegetable. Harvested in the late summer, the leaves of Jiaogulan are dried and used for healthcare products and medicine.

Ancient Chinese medicine has no record of this herb. But recent research has found that it is helpful in anti-aging, boosting energy, combating cancer, prevents tumors, treats ulcers, relieves stress, promotes long life and improves memory, ease pain and adjusting endocrine levels. Jiaogulan is also believed to have calming effects and to be useful in combination with codonopsis for jet lag and altitude sickness.

Its chemical constituents include the triterpenoid saponins gypenosides which are closely structurally related to the ginsenosides from the well-known medicinal plant ginseng. Ginseng alternatives, only jiaogulan actually contains compounds closely related to ginsenosides, although ginsenosides alone do not determine the effectiveness of ginseng. This herb is in the category called "Tonify Qi." This means strengthening energy and vitality.

Little was known about the plant until after the 1960s, when the Chinese began to realize that it might be an inexpensive source of adaptogenic compounds, taking pressure off of the ginseng stock. Think it may be a substitute for the ginseng that was being harvested by the ton. Worried that ginseng would get scarce, they began studies of jiaogulan. Jiaogulan is a plant that is either a female plant or a male plant. When the seeds are wanted from this herb, you must grow both the plants. The jiaogulan does not show any toxic effects.

 

More importantly for heart health, it also reduces cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, helps regulate blood sugar and reduces inflammation. What's not to like? Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) tea has been used in a Randomized Controlled Trial to treat type 2 diabetic patients.

If you decide to take it you might want to start with a small amount for a short time and see how your body responds before taking it full time.

Although it has long been used for beverages and medicine in southern China, praised in China as the herb of immortality, a Japanese researcher, discovered Jiaogulan have many qualities similar to ginseng. It sparks scientific research on Jiaogulan, revealing it to be a powerful adaptogenic and antioxidant herb with many health-giving properties.

Studies have confirmed the Possible Benefits of Jiaogulan
Studies recently have shown it contains many ingredients found in Asian ginseng. The properties that ginseng is known for such as preventing stress from causing an imbalance in the body have been found in this herb as well.

Cholesterol
Scientific studies have confirmed Jiaogulan ability to assist the regulation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol, which helps to metabolize cholesterol from the arteries).

Blood Pressure
Jiaogulan has been widely reported to be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Although the exact mechanism is still being researched, studies have shown that it improves the metabolism of the heart directly as well as enhances the release of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax the coronary blood vessels.

Digestion
While it is great for regulating cholesterol, it also assists a good weight loss program, by improving and strengthening digestion. At the same time, it helps an underweight person by assisting the absorption of nutrients. This regulatory effect on bodily functions is the hallmark of an Adaptogen.

Strength and Endurance
The results of human studies confirm that Jiaogulan can enhance the contractility of the heart muscle and heart pumping function. Other studies have shown that the saponins (chemical compounds having a soapy characteristic), as well as trace minerals, amino acids, proteins, and vitamins. Jiaogulan increase strength and endurance in the body. Considering these findings overall, Jiaogulan becomes the perfect herb for anyone who wants to improve his competitive edge in any field of athletic performance.

Immunity
Jiaogulan has also demonstrated an ability to support the immune system when under the siege of various destructive agents.

Adaptogenic Properties
Jiaogulan has a biphasic effect on brain functions, energizing or calming the system depending upon need, as well as on the regulation of hormonal functions in both men and women. The healthy maintenance of these physiological actions plays a major role in the body's ability to cope with stress. It has the ability to adapt and regulate our sympathetic nervous system. Depending on the person or the situation it can calm or excite, yet there is no caffeine found in it.

Antioxidant Properties
The results of many scientific studies show that Jiaogulan powerful antioxidant quality protects against free radical damage.

People called Jiaogulan an 'immortality herb' and sometimes called "Southern Ginseng" or "poor man's ginseng". It was used in the Guizhou Province where people make a tea with the plant. The immortality associated with this herb comes from the fact that the people of this area live to be quite old.

Jiaogulan is a Chinese herb also called the Longevity Herb and in Japan it is called Amachazuru and it is used to increase the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body. Researchers use the SOD levels in studies as a reliable indicator of long life. SOD is one of the body's most important antioxidants. Human studies have showed that SOD levels can returned to youthful levels after taking it for only one month.

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