CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE HISTORY

The Chinese are the most advance nation in herbal medicine.Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around for thousands of years. Although the first recorded history of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)dates back over 2,000 years, it is believed that the origins of TCM go back more than 5,000 years. Bear in mind that, apart from the recorded documents, much of what is said about the origins of Chinese medicine is more legend than history.

It appears most of the "facts" about the evolution of CHM are clouded. Though there are many writings that have been passed down, recent archaeological findings seem to provide not only confusion about the times of their origin, but also doubt as to the existence of some of the authors. "During the Western Han Dynasty, in the time period between the Mawangdui medical corpus and the text of earliest traditional medical classics, especially the Nanjing, that is during the several decades between 168 B.C. and the first century B.C. as part of a more general process in Chinese thought, we can recognize a grand scale standardization and systematization of Chinese medical thought and terminology, the medical knowledge and experience of the preceding centuries was revised and shaped into a new integrated model

The earliest extant evidence of nascent herbalism in China comes from two graves from the Han Era at 202 BCE to 220 CE. In 1973, the grave of a Han aristocrat was found at Mawangdui in Hunan Province. This exciting find included valuable medical data written on silk scrolls. The herbal literature included reference to 247 substances that were used by these early people for many different maladies. The body had been placed in the grave in 168 BCE. This means that the medical information is well over 2000 years old and is the oldest extant therapeutic material.
A year earlier, Chinese archaeologists discovered the tomb of a Later Han (25 to 220 CE) physician in Wu-Wei County, Kansu Province. The grave contained 92 wooden bamboo slips, which provided important pharmaceutical data. The medical records included a list of some thirty prescriptions, which featured about a hundred drugs. It is evident from the extant material that some three centuries after the burial of the Han elite at Mawangdui, Chinese herbal medicine had developed to an increased level of therapeutic sophistication. This development was to continue and in 500 CE, the first extensive materia medica or compendium of herbal substances was published. It was the work of the Daoist adept Taohong Jing and had 364 entries.
On 1596, the Ben Cao Gang Mu of the Ming medical literatus Li Shizhen (1518-1593) exemplified the apogee of Chinese herbalism. Published three years after his demise, this Grand Materia Medica contained no less that 1892 entries. In the succeeding centuries of the Imperial Era, Chinese herbal medicine continued to develop. Despite the temporary setbacks incurred following the collapse of the Manchu Dynasty in 1911, it remains on equal footing with biomedicine in China today. So to, it is now of interest to those seeking a more natural approach to their medical problems in many countries outside the People's Republic of China.
Now in Modern world growing popularity of Chinese herbalism within the wider Australian community has led to widespread acceptance of TCM as an avenue of primary health care.
The University of Technology, Sydney, is in the forefront of education in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Western World. It was the second University in Australia to introduce an undergraduate degree in acupuncture, and remains one of only a few English language universities, anywhere in the world, that offer professional education in TCM.
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In traditional Chinese medical philosophy, health is described in terms of balance within the body, or yin and yang. Yin refers to blood and essence, while yang refers to vital warmth and Chi. Chi is energy, the life force that flows within us. It’s probably best described as energy resulting from metabolic activity. According to Chinese philosophy, there are two basic principles, and while they sometimes oppose, they are nevertheless, dependent upon each other. Although yin and yang may at time be opposites, they are not hostile to each other, each has need of the other, for without one, the other could not exist, nor is one superior to the other.Man is considered to be a microcosm of the universe, and subject to the same laws. The forces of yin and yang are expressed in the body through such things as contraction and dilation of the heart, inhaling and exhaling of the lungs, and the opposites of waking and sleeping. One of the most important concepts that form yin and yang is that of wholeness. The basic idea is that any system of our body is inseparable from the others. When one organ becomes unhealthy, the others are disturbed as well. While treating one part of the body, one must pay attention to the other systems of the body, and take heed not to hurt the other organs. Diseases arise because of deficiency or imbalance of the vital energy in our organs, and their associated systems.An example of this philosophy can be seen in how the Chinese deal with shortness of breath. When considering shortness of breath, Chinese Doctors say the spleen must also be strengthened so that it can support the lungs. So when dealing with this condition, rather than simply addressing the lungs, they also prescribe treating the spleen. This ‘ whole systems" approach is what distinguishes Chinese herbal practices from Western medicine.

DOCTORS & HEALTH EXPERTS COMENTS ON SPIRULINA
Several years ago, the National Cancer Institute announced sulfolipids from blue-green algae like spirulina were remarkably active in test tube experiments against the AIDS virus.
In 1993-95, research showed natural polysaccharides in spirulina increased T-cell counts, strengthened the immune system and raised disease resistance in chickens, fish and mice. The animal feed industry is embracing spirulina as a new probiotic to replace overused antiobiotic drugs in animal feeds. In 1994, a Russian patent was awarded for spirulina as a medicine for reducing allergic reactions from radiation in the Children of Chernobyl

This superfood of the 1990s is not a synthetic laboratory brew. This immortal life form has been renewing itself for over 3.5 billion years. Through history, this remarkable aquatic plant has nourished people in Africa and America. Today, spirulina is consumed by health conscious people all over the world. If you are moving away from empty processed food and chemical vitamins to natural foods, start using spirulina, nature's longest living food.

Dr Ishak, a co-researcher for Alpha-PSP, has done several clinical studies on his patients with Neurofood - a functional food. The Neurofood is prescribed for his patients along with his treatments and organic produce from his Health Farm in Melaka, Malaysia. The Neurofood is available in sachet packs, which can be sprinkled onto drinks, liquid foods, soup or salad, etc. It is best consumed with warm or hot water, tea or coffee.
In April 1996, scientists from the Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and Earthrise Farms, Calipatria, California, announced on-going research, saying "Water extract of Spirulina platensis inhibits HIV-1 replication in human derived T-cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A concentration of 5-10 µg/ml was found to reduce viral production" 1.
HIV-1 is the AIDS virus. Small amounts of Spirulina extract reduced viral replication while higher concentrations totally stopped its reproduction. Importantly, with a therapeutic index of >100, Spirulina extract was non-toxic to the human cells at concentrations stopping viral replication.

Another group of medical scientists has published new studies regarding a purified water extract unique to Spirulina named Calcium-Spirulan. It inhibits replication of HIV-1, Herpes Simplex, Human Cytomegalovirus, Influenza A virus, Mumps virus and Measles virus in-vitro yet is very safe for human cells. It protects human and monkey cells from viral infection in cell culture. According to peer reviewed scientific journal reports this extract, "holds great promise for treatment of ...HIV-1, HSV-1, and HCM infections, which is particularly advantageous for AIDS patients who are prone to these life-threatening infections." 8.
Chinese scientists document Phycocyanin stimulating hematopoiesis, (the creation of blood), emulating the affect of the hormone erythropoetin, (EPO). EPO is produced by healthy kidneys and regulates bone marrow stem cell production of red blood cells. Chinese scientists claim Phycocyanin also regulates production of white blood cells, even when bone marrow stem cells are damaged by toxic chemicals or radiation 17.

Based on this effect, Spirulina is approved in Russia as a "medicine food" for treating radiation sickness. The Children of Chernobyl suffer radiation poisoning from eating food grown on radioactive soil. Their bone marrow is damaged, rendering them immunodeficient. Radiation damaged bone marrow cannot produce normal red or white blood cells. The children are anemic and suffer from terrible allergic reactions. Children fed just five grams of Spirulina in tablets each day make dramatic recoveries within six weeks.(Evets L.B. et al Grodenski State Medical University.Russia)

So,take power of Spirulina in your lifeJust feel good inside and look good outside. Add it to your daily diet to supplement the power of the good foods you eat. Lean on it when you can't eat, or don't eat, the foods you should. Do it soon and start feeling wonderful right away.

BENIFITS OF SPIRULINA

The Benefits of Spirulina in today's society are becoming to great not to take noitce of as life for many gets busier and busier, alot of diets are dictated by the time you have available for eating, from the rushed breakfast, to the small break in the working day. This leaves many people sold on convenience foods which can be prepared in an instant, which are often high in fats, sugars and carbohydrates, and low in protein, natural nutrients and fibre. To receive the supply of nutrients to assist the body to function at optimum levels, larger volumes of nutritionally empty foods are consumed. Convenience foods typically increase bodyfat, raise cholesterol levels, and contribute to digestive and health challenges in later years.


Benefits of Spirulina :-
World's highest beta carotene food reduces long term health risks.Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1-2, including french fries), get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to help support your body's defenses.
60% easy-to-digest vegetable protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat.People are eating less meat and dairy protein because they want to lower fat, cholesterol, and chemicals in their diet. Spirulina is the highest protein food with all the essential amino acids and has only a few calories to keep your waistline where you want it.
A rare essential fatty acid is a key to health.Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in mother's milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.
Iron for women and children's health.Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.
High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex.Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.
Unusual phytonutrients for health and cleansing.Scientists are discovering the benefits of polysaccharides, sulfolipids & glycolipids, and the rainbow of natural pigments that give spirulina a deep green color. Green (chlorophyll), blue (phycocyanin) and orange (carotenoids) colors collect the sun's energy and power growth. Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser and is often referred to as nature's green magic

Clean green energy is good for everyoneSpirulina is the most extensively researched food microalgae, well documented in numerous books, journal articles, and periodicals. Many people use Spirulina in their own self-care strategy for more energy, nutritional insurance, weight control and cleansing. Perfect in between or before meals for good nutrition without the heaviness of bulky food. Athletes discover more endurance and strength. Seniors find better nutrient absorption. Ideal and safe for children, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Easy to take anytime for more vitalityThe experience of long time consumers and the scientific evidence suggest that 3 to 10 grams a day will provide significant health benefits. Daily use is most beneficial. Tablets are convenient anytime, between, before, or with meals. Many enjoy mixing Spirulina powder in a green fruit juice smoothie as an instant breakfast, or a vegetable juice smoothie in the afternoon.
Feel the power of Spirulina in your lifeFeel good inside and look good outside. Add it to your daily diet to supplement the power of the good foods you eat. Lean on it when you can't eat, or don't eat, the foods you should. Do it soon and start feeling wonderful right away

The Green Future Diet
You must learn to work with your body, not against it. People are using spirulina for a dietary supplement as part of the transform in their health and vitality. Spirulina is a very concentrated natural food. Many are using it as a dietary supplement and a complete food. For those who lead busy lives it is ideal.
Does not need to be chewed, ideal food on the run.
Prepared in seconds
Highly concentrated for easy nutrient absorbtion
High quality protien
As part of a wholesome natural food diet, spirulina can help bring bodyfat back to a healthy level. Many people use it along with a low carbohydrate diet and exercise to achieve their results. Taking a heaping teaspoon of powder (about 5 grams), one hour before meals can help satisfy your body's appetite. It is not an appetite suppressant in any way, and contains no drugs or chemicals that trick the body. It is simply super concentrated, easily digested natural nutrition. With digestion being the largest process occuring in the body the less work the body has to do to extract the nutrients from the food, the more it can spend using them on repair, growth and vital functions. Exactly what the body needs.