Reishi - Ganoderma lucidum - lovely adaptogen
I'm reading David Winston's "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief" an excellent overview of the class of herbs that everyone should be taking. Why? They decrease the effects of stress on your body (and stress is broad here - anything that stresses your body - like life!) leading to a longer, more dis-ease free life.
I often use traditional chinese medicine (TCM) pattern diagnosis in working with clients. I was excited to see the following chart on 5 classes of the "Superior" herbs in TCM. Superior herbs support the three treasures of our lives - jing (essence, life force), shen (spirit), and qi (movement, vitality). Everyone should be taking them!
QI TONICS
Increase energy and treat depletion: Asian ginseng, dang shen, eleuthero, ginseng, licorice, and prince seng.
BLOOD TONICS
Blood builders: he sou wu, lycium (goji berry), rehmannia, dang gui
JING TONICS
Conserve or strengthen your vital force: asian ginseng, cordyceps, reishi, scisandra
YIN TONICS
Nourish your fluids, relieve dryness, strengthen lungs, skin and bowels:
American ginseng, prince seng, lycium, and shatavari
YANG TONICS
Use for deficient kidney conditions affecting reproduction & adrenal function:
ashwagandha, cordyceps, epimedium, morinda root
You don't need an appointment with me to start taking one of these herbs. Go to your local apothecary and pick up whichever herb you find yourself drawn to and experiment on yourself. Not all herbs are right for all people, but by being intentional and noticing how your body responds, you will find the herb that's right for you.
I wish you vitality, ease and freedom in your path!
I often use traditional chinese medicine (TCM) pattern diagnosis in working with clients. I was excited to see the following chart on 5 classes of the "Superior" herbs in TCM. Superior herbs support the three treasures of our lives - jing (essence, life force), shen (spirit), and qi (movement, vitality). Everyone should be taking them!
QI TONICS
Increase energy and treat depletion: Asian ginseng, dang shen, eleuthero, ginseng, licorice, and prince seng.
BLOOD TONICS
Blood builders: he sou wu, lycium (goji berry), rehmannia, dang gui
JING TONICS
Conserve or strengthen your vital force: asian ginseng, cordyceps, reishi, scisandra
YIN TONICS
Nourish your fluids, relieve dryness, strengthen lungs, skin and bowels:
American ginseng, prince seng, lycium, and shatavari
YANG TONICS
Use for deficient kidney conditions affecting reproduction & adrenal function:
ashwagandha, cordyceps, epimedium, morinda root
You don't need an appointment with me to start taking one of these herbs. Go to your local apothecary and pick up whichever herb you find yourself drawn to and experiment on yourself. Not all herbs are right for all people, but by being intentional and noticing how your body responds, you will find the herb that's right for you.
I wish you vitality, ease and freedom in your path!
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