What is Cistanche? Cistanche (肉苁蓉) is a plant from the parasitic family Orobanchaceae, that grows in deserts and arid regions all over the world. Several unique varieties of Cistanche with potential medicinal properties exist in China, growing primarily in Gansu, Shaanxi, and Qinghai provinces, and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Cistanche is a small, cone-shaped […]

What is Dragons Blood? Dragon’s Blood is a vivid red resin that is derived from a variety of different plant genera, including Croton, Dracaena, Daemonorops, Calamus rotang and Pterocarpus. It has been utilized by people from all four corners of the globe and the history of its use dates back several thousand years. In medieval

What is Tongkat Ali? Tongkat Ali, commonly known as Eurycoma Longifolia, Malaysian Ginseng, Pasak Bumi and occasionally Longjack, is a tree native to areas of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. It is not related to true Panax Ginseng, and differs in its medicinal properties. Many parts of Tongkat Ali, specifically the roots

What is Jiaogulan? Jiaogulan, also known as, Southern Ginseng or Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, is a herb that is native to China. Like Ginseng, Jiaogulan is full of ginsenosides which have been shown to increase energy levels and contain some antidiabetic properties. Many people around the world have started switching to Jiaogulan teas and supplements as a

What is Pearl Powder? The Chinese have been using pearl powder for both its medicinal and cosmetic properties since approximately 320 AD. It is thought that the Empress Wu Ze Xian (625 AD – 705 AD), famed for her beautiful and youthful complexion, used pearl powder both externally and internally.  During the Ming dynasty, pearl

What is Shilajit? Shilajit is a waxy or resinous substance that can be found in mountainous rocks at high altitudes, usually in the 1000-5000 metre range. Shilajit is typically produced in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and Russia, in mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Caucasus, and Hindu Kush. However, “Andean shilajit” has also been found

What is Eucommia Bark? The word Eucommia refers to the bark of what is called the “Hardy Rubbertree”, which can reach up to sixty feet in height wherever it is grown. Originating in central China, Eucommia is used for ornamental and shade purposes, as well as for its medicinal properties. It is grown in temperate

What is Rehmannia? Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) , also called di huang or Chinese foxglove, is a flowering plant that grows throughout China. It can be referred to as either shēng dì huáng (生地黄) or gān dì huáng (干地黄) – with 生 shēng meaning life and 干 gān meaning dried. Rehmannia Glutinosa grows to 0.3 to

What is Osha Root? Osha root, sometimes referred to as Porter’s licorice-root, bear root, or chuchupate, is scientifically known as Lingusticum porteri and belongs to the family Apiaceae which includes celery, carrots and parsley. It is a perennial plant, native to the western mountains of the United States and Mexico.  The plant is characterized by