Schizandra and Lycium Drops

Schizandra and Lycium Drops

 

This is the extraction of the very finest, freshly harvested wild Schizandra, blended with an equal amount of premium organically grown Lycium (Goji) fruit from Heaven Mountain, the premier source of Goji in the world. This superb 8:1 concentrate will surprise you with its multi-textured flavor and wide range of benefits. This is one product that should be on everyone's home herb shelf or home elixir bar. This formulation is suitable for men and women, young or old. Ron Teeguarden adds 2 or 3 squirts to his, and his wife's, Tonic Alchemy superfood drink every day.

 

The Herbs Schizandra and Lycium

 

Schizandra, the herb that does almost everything, develops and protects the primary energies of life. Schizandra, known as the "quintessence of Chinese tonic herbs) generates vitality and radiant beauty when used regularly for some time. Schizandra is said to purify the blood, sharpen the mind, improve memory, rejuvenate the urogenital energy including the sexual energy and functions in both men and women. It is said to promote beautiful skin. Schizandra specifically benefits female sexual response in a positive way (not as a stimulant, but as a functional emphasizer).

 

Lycium, also known as the Goji berry, is an elite tonic herb. Lycium fruit is very widely used throughout Asia as a superb anti-aging herb. Regular consumption of Lycium is traditionally believed to lead to a long, vigorous and happy life. It is believed to fortify the system against disease and to provide the energy to overcome difficult obstacles. And it is said that prolonged consumption of Lycium will promote cheerfulness. Lycium is also said to brighten the eyes and improve vision. Lycium strengthens the legs and has long been a favorite herb of Chinese martial artists and athletes. Lycium fruit is widely believed to increase sexual vigor, libido (sexual interest) and enhance to fertility.

 

Goji Berry (Lycium)

 

Asia’s Incredible Anti-aging Fruit

 

Goji berries, a.k.a. Lycium Fruit or Wolfberries, from the plant Lycium barbarum, have been considered to be a “magical” longevity herb and superfood since the dawn of Asian civilization. To this day Goji is revered in Asia for its youth preserving, health protective, strengthening, and mood-elevating properties. And though it is a fruit, it is considered to be more than a common fruit – it is regarded as one of the elite tonic herbs in the world. It is one of the main herbs used in Chinese amazing herbal system, often used in combination with other major tonic herbs like ginseng, Reishi mushroom and schizandra.

 

But one of the great things about authentic, high grade goji is that it can be consumed as a dried fruit – as easily as raisons – providing an incredible range of nutrients and health benefits. In China it is called a “delicious herb,” suitable for use in cuisine (raw or cooked) and for straight snacking. Most herbs of the potency of goji cannot be consumed so easily simply because they are harder to eat. Most herbs are dried roots or bark, and most are not generally considered delicious. Low quality goji may not be delicious either and may be tough to eat, but high quality “snack grade” goji is an absolute pleasure to consume any time.

 

Asia’s Original Superfood

 

Since Goji can be eaten or consumed in many other ways on a daily basis, it falls into the "superfood" category as well as the "supertonic" category. Finally, Americans and Europeans are discovering what has been known for 5,000 years in Asia – eating Goji fruit regularly helps you to feel, look and perform better on every level of life. And Goji is not a placebo or fad herb. It has been used by billions of people over the period of thousands and years. Hundreds of scientific studies are confirming all its traditional uses and more. Goji is an anti-aging, health protective, life-giving miracle if every Nature created one!

 

And why is flavor and texture so important? Because “compliance is the first rule of herbalism.” If you don’t take your herbs, they cannot do you any good. Many people buy goji berries that lack the sweet flavor and are tough to chew, thinking they are getting high quality goji (taking the marketer’s word for it). They eat it for a little while and then stop, never eating a goji again. Fortunately, the best goji in terms of quality and tonic benefits is also the sweetest and tastiest goji. People who discover this high quality goji enjoy eating a handful or two a day, and compliance is not only easy, but compelling. The highest quality goji is absolutely delicious. It is an attractive snack that is arguably the world’s healthiest superfood.

 

From the Official Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China

 

Botanical Name: Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae)

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Lycii

Action: To benefit the liver and the kidney, to replenish vital essence and to improve eyesight.

Dosage: 18 ~ 36 grams per day

 

What Makes Goji Berries So Special

 

The Goji berry (also known as Lycium berry, Wolfberry and Gouqizi in Mandarin Chinese) is unquestionably one of the supreme superfoods in the world. Goji may well be the healthiest food you could ever consume. And you only need to consume an ounce or two a day to get all the amazing benefits that people have been experiencing from Goji for thousands of years.

 

Fructus Lycii, the dried fruit of Lycium barbarum is one of the most commonly prescribed Yin-modulators used in Chinese herbalism. In Asia and wherever Chinese herbalism is practiced, this herb/superfood is used as a tonic, and is widely used specifically for the treatment of general debility with a deficiency of vital essence. It replenishes the Yin component and blood elements, improves eyesight, lumbago, impotence vertigo and other symptoms of Yin deficiency of the Kidney and Liver energy channels. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been documented extensively as a favorite ingredient in recipes for elderly people. This herb contains simple sugars, polysaccharides, betaine, zeaxanthin and physalein.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

Various human studies have shown the oral administration of goji (Lycium fruit either as an extract or as dried fruit) to in have improved their immune functions, raised the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and hemoglobin but lowered the level of lipid peroxides as well as reduced senility symptoms. Traditional medicinal preparations for sick persons and the elderly usually contain it as one of the ingredients.

 

Convincing evidence supports the traditional notion that consuming goji berries regularly can help support cardiovascular health, protect the pancreas and liver, regulate blood sugar and blood lipid levels, enhance immunity, support eye health, improve mood, and increase libido and fertility.

 

The fruit also contains beta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine.

 

Goji berries possess powerful immune-supporting phytochemicals. Goji berry and its extracts have been shown to neutralize free radicals and to protect DNA. Evidence indicates that goji berries are likely to protect our nervous system (including our brain) and our sexual organs from damage due to stress, temperature variations and free radicals.

 

High Quality Goji Tastes Great

 

Northern Chinese goji (Lycium barbarum) is a delectable dried fruit that can be eaten as a snack food, can be used in cooking and in teas, and can be extracted to be used as an herbal supplement. The best tasting goji comes from Heaven Mountain in Central Asia. It is very sweet, has a rich delicious flavor and is tender (not tough like lower grade goji). These qualities have made goji a favorite superfood in Asia.

 

Goji Is Safe to Consume

 

Goji berries are very safe to consume. Though no food or herb agrees with everybody on Earth, goji is one of the best tolerated foods, so long as one doesn’t eat so much in a single sitting that the body cannot digest it. Goji berries are ubiquitous in China where they are consumed in almost every household as a longevity food and for health protection. Billions of people have consumed these incredible berries regularly over thousands of years and the evidence is clear that goji berries are a quintessential superfood suitable to the whole family.

 

“Happy Fruit”

 

Goji is known as “Happy Fruit” in China. It is said that people who eat it regularly become very happy, and find themselves laughing all the time. A research study conducted in England has shown that consumption of Goji berries for several months significantly enhanced people’s moods.

 

Super-Antioxidant

 

The overproduction of free radicals causes significant damage to the body. Excessive free radical production results in chronic inflammation and destruction of cellular integrity. The daily challenges of modern life, including pollution, poor diet and eating habits, overexposure to the sun’s rays, smoking (or being exposed to second hand smoke), and exposure to radiation all chronically contribute to oxidation.

 

The oxidative stress that results from modern living is overwhelming. It is not possible to avoid oxidative stress. Therefore it is essential that we consciously and consistently include large amounts of antioxidants in our food – and that mean every day. And since it is often impossible to consume enough antioxidants via our diet, the modern lifestyle actually requires that we supplement our diets with rich, concentrated sources of antioxidants. 

 

A diet rich in a wide variety of antioxidants is best for our health. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only one in four Americans are consuming the recommended five to twelve servings of fruits and vegetables a day recognized as the level of intake for maintaining good health. And even if one were consuming an ample supply of fruits and vegetables, it has been proven that certain antioxidants are more powerful health agents than others – and the most potent antioxidants are not necessarily found in the common foods eaten in America. The polyphenols in green tea provide a perfect example, as do the carotenoids and polysaccharides in goji. Natural antioxidant molecules are MORE than just antioxidants – they boost immune functions and are cytoprotective (protect our cells, cell membranes, mitochondria, and DNA) in ways that scientists are just beginning to understand and the public is just beginning to really appreciate.

 

All antioxidants are NOT created equal

 

It has become clear to most health experts, and to many knowledgeable consumers, that antioxidant molecules have widely ranging functions and actions in the body. Because the body is served best by consuming a wide range of antioxidants, it is best to supplement our diet with some super-antioxidant herbs and superfoods in order to protect our bodies, to support our vitality, and to support us on the road to healthy longevity. The incredible efficiency of the antioxidants in goji berries, as is being demonstrated in research around the world, make goji berries a perfect addition to our daily diet and make concentrated goji extracts a perfect tonic herbal supplement.

 

How Goji Works as an Antioxidant

 

Goji is a super-antioxidant food. The raw fruit, either fresh or dried has been demonstrated to be a powerful antioxidant. And it has been proven that cooking does not destroy the antioxidant activity of goji. Both water and alcohol extracts have extraordinary antioxidant activity. Extracts of goji may be refined to contain higher amounts of a potent antioxidant constituent known as LBP (to be discussed in a moment) and these extracts may be consumed as herbal supplements.

 

Goji has been found to be rich in carotenoids (such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin). The carotenoids are the main contributor to the bright reddish-orange color of goji berries. High-grade, fresh (not overly-dried) Chinese goji is extremely rich in highly bioavailable beta-carotene – more beta carotene than carrots. Some researchers estimate that it has the highest content of beta-carotene among all foods on earth. Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Therefore, vitamin A ultimately plays a major influence in Goji’s actions.

 

Goji is widely used to benefit the eyes (subject of a future Dragon Time article). Goji’s function on the eyes is related to its content of another vital carotenoid called zeaxanthin dipalmitate. Zeaxanthin is a potent antioxidant essential for vision and probably for other human functions. It is a predominant carotenoid found in goji berries, comprising as much as 56% of the total carotenoids in high quality goji fruit. A preponderance of data supports the consumption of zeaxanthin-rich foods and supplements to protect our vision as we get older. Zeaxanthin is now considered more important than lutein in this regard.

 

Goji is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The human body needs lots of vitamin C, and it must be replenished daily. Goji berries are estimated to be as rich in vitamin C as fresh lemons. Goji contains a unique vitamin C precursor, known as ascorbic acid 2-beta-G. This stable form of vitamin C is abundant in dried goji. When provided to test animals by oral administration, it increased their blood ascorbic acid and it was also detected in blood from the portal vein. Thus it appears to be easily assimilated by the body and highly bioavailable. The vitamin C content of freeze-dried Lycium has been measured to be 73 mg / 100 grams. Vitamin C is a critical factor at every level of our life. For those who wish to consume a natural form of vitamin C on a daily basis, nothing could be better than consuming an ounce or two of goji every day.

 

Goji fruit is also good provider of riboflavin, vitamin B1 (thiamine), and nicotinic acid.

 

Goji berries contain an abundance of health-promoting constituents including: Lycium polysaccharides (LBP), 18 amino acids, 6 essential fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6, E (not  commonly found in fruit), and more than twenty trace minerals including calcium, organic germanium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron.

 

Goji Suppotrs Our “Youth Enzyme” Antioxidant System

 

Our bodies produce extremely powerful antioxidants, one of which is SOD (superoxide dismutase – see article on page 4). SOD is one of three primary antioxidants produced in the human body designed during evolution to protect the body against natural free radical damage. Without SOD, we cannot live. SOD has been dubbed the “youth enzyme.” SOD protects our cells (including the cells of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and other organs) from the ravages of internally-generated toxins, as well as from toxins and other stressors introduced from the outside environment.

 

Free radicals are responsible for much of the inflammation experienced in the human body. A free radical known as the superoxide anion is responsible for much of this inflammation. SOD will normally counteract this damaging free radical. When we a young, the SOD is generally successful in this task, but as we get older, SOD activity tends to weaken and the free radical damage accumulates, resulting in aging and age-related disease and disability.

 

A superfood that can stimulate the body’s production of SOD is fabulous for our health, and is undoubtedly of great importance as a person ages. What could be better than stimulating OUR OWN native antioxidants? This appears to be exactly what happens when we consume goji. Oral Administration of goji (Lycium fruit) has been shown to raise SOD in the blood stream and in various tissues. Genuine goji can increase SOD production in the body by as much as an astounding 40%!

 

It appears that this stimulatory ability of goji on SOD production is the result of the actions of unique constituents in goji called Lycium polysaccharides (LBP), which we will discuss in more detail later in this article.

 

The science clearly suggests that antioxidants play an important role in preventing many degenerative diseases, and may slow down the aging process. Goji has emerged as one of the elite superstars in the antioxidant arsenal – not a surprise to the Chinese or to tonic herbalists.

 

Goji Flavonoids Protect Red Blood Cell Membranes and Mitochondria

 

Goji contains flavonoids that appear to protect red blood cells and the mitochondria (the energy producing units within our cells) from oxidative stress. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants.

 

The protective effects of the total flavonoids on lipid peroxidation in red blood cells and mitochondria has been investigated. The lipid peroxidation of mitochondrial membranes was significantly inhibited by Goji’s flavonoid component and the fluidity of the mitochondria membrane was also effectively protected. The red blood cells in the oxidized system (no flavonoids present) were significantly damaged, while the shape of red blood cells remained normal with the addition of goji total flavonoids.  

 

If this protection also takes place in human cells, the repercussions are enormous, since our blood cells are essential to carrying oxygen and nutrients to all the cells and tissues of our body. Mitochondria are essential to our life and if they degenerate, degeneration and disease are inevitable.

 

Goji Is a High-ORAC Fruit

 

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) is now the most recognized standard of measurement used to express the antioxidant potency of a substance. Goji is one of the highest ORAC foods on earth. Typically, Goji’s ORAC is around 11,000 – 14,000 ORAC units. There are higher ORAC substances, though not many. But ORAC is not the only factor involved in the oxidative process. Importantly, ORAC does NOT measure a substance’s support of innate antioxidants like SOD. The high bioavailability, efficiency, innate SOD stimulation, and other related factors of goji converge to make it arguably the most protective food on earth.

 

LBPs – The Amazing Super-Constituents in Goji Berries  

 

Indeed, goji is an extraordinary antioxidant fruit, certainly among the most potent natural, broad-spectrum antioxidant foods on earth. And for that reason alone it would be advisable to consume them regularly. But amazingly, the most important constituents of goji are not the classical antioxidants, but a range of constituents known as polysaccharides that are unique to goji. These polysaccharides, generally referred to as Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides, or LBPs, transform goji from a mere superfruit into a potent tonic herb.

 

LBPs are technically known as glycoconjugates. There are at least five LBPs in goji. Glycoconjugates are required by the human body to function, and play an essential role in immune functions and intercellular communication. 

 

Various human studies have shown that the oral consumption of North Chinese goji berries have raised the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and hemoglobin (the red pigment in red blood cells).

 

Anti-Aging Qualities

 

Goji has long been considered to be an anti-aging superfood in Asia. This quality is believed to be its main attribute and is the reason that millions of people consume goji every day in China and throughout Asia. As described above, goji fruit is a powerful detoxifier and removes free radicals that break our tissues down and promote aging. Yet there are many other qualities that have built Goji’s reputation as an anti-aging superfood.

 

The results of pharmacological studies have demonstrated the LBPs are the major active constituents of goji fruit. LBPs enable old animals to restore atrophy of the thymus, increase the percentage of T lymphocytes, and promote proliferation of lymphocytes, phagocytosis of macrophages and antibody content . LBP has been shown to induce a high degree of lymphocyte transformation in both thymus and spleen cells. 

 

Goji possesses a number of regulatory effects on metabolic processes that impact aging. It is reported to be a biostimulator or growth-promoting drug in demented animals. It promotes hematopoiesis and reduces or regulates the high blood sugar level. These functions have been directly connected to the aging process and longevity. Goji protects from liver damage due to carbon tetrachloride.  Experiments on mice indicate that it has anti-aging effects.  LBP also demonstrated an ability to improve sexual disorders in elderly animals.

 

Protects cells

 

A research study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine in June 2006 reports that it has been demonstrated that Lycium barbarum (goji from Northern China) is more than “simply an antioxidant.” It helps protect cell membranes by at least one other mechanism. They showed the Lycium fruit extract high in LBP has distinct cytoprotective (cell protecting) effects against oxidative stressors by mechanisms other than being a simple antioxidant.

 

LBP has been shown to lower the level of lipid peroxides. Lipid peroxides are peroxides produced in the presence of a free radical by the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the cell in the presence of molecular oxygen. The formation of lipid peroxides results in the destruction of the original lipid leading to the loss of integrity of the membranes. They therefore cause a variety of toxic effects in vivo and their formation is considered a pathological process in biological systems. Their formation can be inhibited by antioxidants,

In a study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences in Taiwan, DNA was severely damaged using the chemical alternariol. Goji fruit extract was shown to protect DNA from the attack by alternariol. The researchers concluded that “some substance in the Lycium may bind to plasmid DNA, and this binding reduces the electrophoretic mobility of DNA. These results indicate that substances from Lycium (goji) fruit may be used as DNA protectors.” 

 

Potent Immune-Potentiator

 

LBPs have very potent immune potentiating and immune regulating benefits.

 

All five of the primary LBPs have been found to have pronounced immuno-activity. Goji has been demonstrated in study after study to significantly improve immune functions, thus providing additional resistance to a wide range of disease. Mice that were fed purified LBPs showed “a remarkable effect on immunological enhancement.”

 

Oral consumption of North Chinese goji berries by humans in various studies resulted in the improved immune functions of test subjects.

 

Antifatigue Effect

 

The purified LBP component was extracted from Northern Chinese goji berries. According to the report, the LBPs induced “a remarkable adaptability to exercise load, enhanced resistance and accelerated elimination of fatigue.”  LBP could enhance the storage of muscle and liver glycogen. Furthermore, it increased the activity of LDH before and after swimming.

 

LBPs decrease the increase of blood urea nitrogen after strenuous exercise, and accelerate the clearance of blood urea nitrogen after exercise.

 

Beauty Food

 

In China, goji is considered to be a “beauty food.” I have been repeatedly told that “eating one or two handfuls a day (an ounce or two) can help keep your skin silky smooth, and as clear as porcelain.” It is universally believed in the Far East that goji berries help prevent drying and wrinkling of the skin. Goji is rich in phospholipids, the main lipid component of all cell membranes. In Asia, millions of people consume goji from the Heaven Mountains daily to retain their youthful appearance, energy and youthful sex life. Women are particularly fond of the influence goji has on their skin.

 

Twelve years ago, my wife Yanlin had a meeting (concerning honey and royal jelly) with a business woman in Beijing. I was at the meeting but did not participate because of the language situation (the woman had a strong accent that was way beyond my weak Chinese language skills). But I could not help staring at the woman’s facial skin, which was like no skin I had ever seen before. Although I knew the woman was at least in her fifties, her skin was absolutely flawless – I would say “pure.” There wasn’t one wrinkle, speckle or blemish – it was truly like white jade. At the end of the meeting, I asked my wife to tell her that I could not help but notice her incredible skin and to ask her how she maintained such beautiful skin. She laughed (and I would assume she was pleased with the compliment) and told us that since she was a young woman she had been in the habit of eating a handful of dried goji berries every day. She said that all the women in the region where she lives are in the same habit and that the region is very famous for the beauty of its women. She said “even the old women have beautiful skin.” I asked if there was anything else that she did, but she said that nothing else she did was out of the ordinary. “No, it’s the goji. So long as you eat them consistently, you will have beautiful skin.”

 

As it turned out, she was from the Heaven Mountain region of Xinjiang Province (northwest China). She was the first person to guide us in the direction of Heaven Mountain as a source of superior goji berries. She explained how the berries in the region are large and plump - and much sweeter than those from other regions. And she explained to me that Heaven Mountain goji are the kind people can snack on every day, unlike the dry and lackluster tasting goji that may be available in many markets. She was extremely proud of the fact that certain very high government officials, whom she was visiting in Beijing, would only eat goji from Heaven Mountain. She went on to tell us that the goji in her area were grown without the use of chemicals and solely on the run off from a huge glacier and did not even require irrigation.

 

LBPs were reported, in the January 2005 issue of Phytomedicine, to “display an interesting array of anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial for human skin.” The published report concluded that “We found that one of Lycium barbarum glycoconjugates, the LBP-5, promoted the survival of human fibroblasts cultured in suboptimal conditions…. these results suggest that L. barbarum glycoconjugates in general, and LBP-5 in particular, may have important skin-protective properties.”

 

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects

Goji berries are one of the few known foods or herbs in the world that have both hypoglycemic (blood glucose reducing) and hypolipidemic (blood fat reducing) effects.

 

Goji Helps the Body Regulate Sugar

 

Though Heaven Mountain goji tastes very sweet, it is in fact very beneficial to those who have sugar related issues. Goji has been proven to have significant hypoglycemic effects in the body and can be eaten by anyone (in moderation, of course).

 

How is this possible? High quality goji can be quite sweet. In fact, it should be sweet – this is a marker of the Goji’s quality. Excellent goji contains around 25% glucose and around 25% fructose. One would think that the high glucose levels would cause a negative effect on blood sugar levels and ultimately be harmful to pancreatic functions and related cellular condition. But with goji, the opposite is true. It has been proven that goji consumption can reduce blood glucose to a normal level. For people with a sweet tooth, this is a rare case of being able to “have your cake and eat it too.”

 

Traditionally, goji fruit is used as an ingredient in many herbal formulations for the specific purpose of regulating blood sugar, and very commonly as an ingredient in formulas for diabetes. Of course, we do not claim that goji is a treatment for, or can prevent diabetes, but a recent review by the Chinese Ministry of Health has reported that goji is one of the top ten ingredients used in Chinese medicine for sugar metabolism problems.

 

The secret to Goji’s ability to regulate sugar metabolism lies with its remarkable polysaccharides.

 

In a recent study, the effects of LBP extracted from Northern Chinese goji (not Himalayan goji) on blood glucose, oxidative stress and DNA damage in rats with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were studied. The results show that LBP treatment for 4 weeks led to decreased levels of blood glucose of fasting rats; and to increased serum level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the all-important innate natural antioxidant. Furthermore, LBP could reduce cellular DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of the diabetic rats. These results suggest that LBP can control blood glucose and modulate the metabolism of glucose, leading to significant improvement of oxidative stress markers (such as SOD,) in rats with non-insulin dependent diabetes. It was also found that LBP decreases DNA damage, possibly via a decrease in oxidative stress levels, but also possibly due to other influences. “In conclusion,” the authors wrote, “LBP as a dietary supplement may prevent the development of complications of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in rats.”

 

In another study rabbits were given goji tea, as well as crude and purified extracts of LBP for 10 days. It was found that all three goji fruit extracts could significantly reduce blood glucose levels indicating that there were substantial hypoglycemic (blood sugar reducing) effects.  The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic (blood fat reducing) of goji fruit water decoction, crude polysaccharide extracts (crude LBP), and purified polysaccharide fractions (LBP-X). and serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and at same time markedly increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels after.

 

In a recently published study, the effect of LBP on the improvement of insulin resistance was studied in rats, a model for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). LBP treatment for 3 weeks resulted in decreased fasting plasma insulin levels and significantly increased the Insulin Sensitive Index in NIDDM rats. It was concluded that LBP can ameliorate insulin resistance, and that LBP appears to improve cell-surface level insulin trafficking and intracellular insulin signaling.

 

Goji Reduces Blood Fat

 

Goji has long been believed to help make the body fit and slim. It is not considered to be a fattening food in Asia. It turns out that goji has blood fat reducing effects.

 

The hypolipidemic (blood fat reducing) effects of goji fruit water decoction and LBP has been shown to reduce serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and at same time to markedly increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL – the “good” cholesterol) levels after short term extended use.

 

In a study the tested the lipid profiles of obese NIDDM rats, LBP treatment for 3 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of plasma triglyceride and weight. Furthermore, LBP markedly decreased the plasma cholesterol levels and fasting plasma insulin levels.

 

These are of course not human studies and no final conclusion concerning the effects of LBP on humans can be made. However, since goji is used clinically in thousands of hospitals and clinics in China, Japan and Korea to help in the regulation of sugar and insulin, it may lead one to believe that goji is a healthful food for those concerned about this important health issue.

 

Antibacterial Effects

 

Goji extract has relatively strong antibacterial effects on at least 17 kinds of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus anthracis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae, and Typhoid bacillus.

 

Precautions and Contraindications

 

1.         Those with loose stool due to “insufficiency of the spleen” should take Goji berries with caution. That means, don’t OVER-indulge if you have weak digestion and have trouble digesting fruit, especially raw fruit. Cooking goji or consuming it as tea, or consuming a concentrated extract of goji generally eliminates any issues relating to digestion.

 

2.         There is a potential herbal-drug interaction between warfarin (Coumadin®) and goji (Lycium barbarum). Combination of goji and warfarin should be avoided unless approved and supervised by the physician monitoring the warfarin use. Warfarin activity must be monitored by frequent blood testing. Warfarin is used to prevent thrombosis and embolism. Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of coumarin, a chemical found naturally in many plants.

 

Choose Your Goji Wisely

 

In the current U.S. market, the goji berry (Lycium fruit) has become a very hot commodity. Several companies are selling goji into the mainstream natural products stores. Raw foods advocates are promoting goji very heavily. Multilevel marketing companies are trumpeting its incredible virtues. Unfortunately, most of these companies are not selling truly high quality goji.

 

The goji berry (Lycium barbarum) is one of the most well known and important tonic herbs used in Chinese herbalism. It is considered to be a profound health enhancing tonic herb. In China, it is considered the ultimate superfood and is included in healthy cuisine at almost every restaurant and in almost every household in China.

 

Because of Goji’s great fame over many, many centuries, it has been collected and cultivated in almost every region of China. It grows on hillsides and ridges in most areas of China. The best goji grows in the remote mountainous areas of northwestern China (from Mongolia to the western frontier with Kyrgyzstan. Goji may be collected in the summer and autumn when the fruit is mature.

 

Heaven Mountain Goji – The Best Goji On Earth

 

There is an awesome mountain range that runs through Central Asia. It is called Heaven Mountain. Heaven Mountain is a truly huge mountain range, second in size only to the Himalayas, and in many regards rivaling the Himalayas. It is in fact more remote from civilization and provides just as large of an ecosystem. However, it is more than a thousand miles further north and provides some of the most exotic landscapes, flora and fauna on earth.

 

Heaven Mountain is the authentic source of goji. A confluence of unique factors makes the Heaven Mountain region perfect for growing the “Herb of Happiness.” The water, the air, the climate, the soil and the seed stock native to the region have the precise qualities necessary for producing the best, richest, tastiest, most potent goji on earth.

 

The soil in the foothills and planes running along the northern base of the mountain is highly alkaline. The alkaline salts are clearly visible on the surface of the goji fields, just as they are in the virgin semi-desert soil.

 

Almost every drop of water in the goji-growing fields is derived from the melting snow or glacial melt from Heaven Mountain (a small amount of the moisture comes directly from rain and snowfall). This glacial water is absolutely pure, since the area is still completely pristine. Heaven Mountain is covered year around by snow that drains to the desert valleys below in a million streams and underground waterways.

 

The weather at the northern base of the Heaven Mountains (goji country) is extreme. It is very hot during the day, but can become very cool at night – sometimes ranging as much as 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a 24-hour period. The temperature fluctuation makes the goji grown there a superb adaptogenic herb. The heat and extended intense sunshine produces incredible fruit. In fact, the region is called the “land of fruit” in Asia because all the fruit from the region is extraordinary. Heaven Mountain Lycium berries are plump, tender, juicy and sweet. They lack the bitterness and “heat” of berries grown in less favorable conditions. They are sweeter than goji berries grown elsewhere purely as a result of the perfect growing conditions. After you have eaten Heaven Mountain goji berries, it is hard to eat goji from other places.

 

Heaven Mountain goji is completely natural, but it is not wild. It would be accurate to call it “wildcrafted.” Wild Lycium is never favored in Asia and hasn’t been for centuries. Goji plants live for many years, but they produce fruit that is tonic for only a few of those years. Wild goji plants therefore cannot be relied upon to yield high quality berries that provide the health benefits associated with this fruit. Young bushes produce weak fruit with poor chemistry. Older trees produce tough, bitter fruit with little nutraceutical value. Unlike ginseng, which becomes better with every passing year that it survives, goji has a peak, after which the quality of the berries deteriorates.

 

Goji fruit is best when the plants (bushes) are four to six years old. This is traditional knowledge that has been borne out by chemical analysis and practical experience. When the plants become seven years old or older, the chemical profile of the fruit deteriorates. That is a major reason why wild goji is not favored in Asian societies and is rarely consumed there. I was recently in Xinjiang and traveled widely among the farms and mountains in Heaven Mountain. I saw hundreds of wild goji trees, many of which were old and beautiful. But it was clear that they were not being harvested for their berries. The berries that grow on the wild bushes were small, bitter and generally un-uniform, and were often seriously blemished. I inquired about the wild fruit, but my expert hosts made it clear to me that the berries lacked benefit after the bushes become older. They told me that once the bush became large enough to be called a tree, the berries were no longer fit to be consumed. On the “farms,” the bushes are removed after seven years and new plants are grown. They told me that this has been known for at least a thousand years and that goji had been cultivated or wildcrafted with these facts in mind since the dawn of Chinese agriculture.

 

That is why Dragon Herbs sells goji fruit only from Heaven Mountain.

 

More About Schizandra Fruit

 

The Quintessential Full Spectrum Tonic Herb

 

The very name of Schizandra in Chinese, Wu Wei Zi, tells us a great deal about the qualities of this herb.  Wu Wei Zi means Fruit of Five Flavors.”  Due to the fact that Schizandra possesses all five of the classical “tastes” (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy and salty) and thus possesses the essence of all five of the elemental energies (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), Schizandra is respected as a health-providing tonic in the same class with Ginseng and Ganoderma. 

                       

Schizandra has been used since the dawn of Chinese civilization as a tonic herb.  From the beginning it has been revered, and remains one of the elite herbs of the Chinese system of herbalism. It was first written about in Shen Nong’s Pharmacopoeia (written between 1st and 2nd century A.D.) where it was listed as a Superior herb. 

 

The Taoists especially revered Schizandra.  Schizandra was my teacher’s, Sung Jin Park’s, favorite herb.  This is because Schizandra tonifies all 3 treasures, enters all 12 meridians and nurtures all 5 elements*.  Master Park considered it to be the quintessential herbal substance. 

                       

Though Schizandra is believed to benefit all the functions of the body, it has traditionally been considered to have the most influence on the Kidney, Lung and Liver functions.

 

Wu Wei Zi, Schizandra chinensis

 

1.         Tonifies all 3 treasures.

2.         Enters all 12 meridians

3.         Nurtures all 5 elements.

 

* the 3 treasures are the 3 fundamental energies that make up life, the meridians are the energy channels that flow throughout the body, the 5 elements are the five energy states of nature (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal). In short, Schizandra is a rare herb that can actually benefit all the bodily functions and organs of the body.

 

A Famous Beauty Herb

 

Schizandra is widely used to beautify the skin and to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and wind.  Due to the astringent quality of Schizandra, the skin tends to hold its moisture and becomes full and beautiful.   It has always been very popular with the wealthy men and women of China, especially the women of the imperial court, because of its youth preserving and rejuvenating effects.  It is said that those who use Schizandra consistently will remain youthful in both appearance and physiology.  I have seen the benefits of this herb with my own eyes hundreds of times in my life.  People who start taking Schizandra regularly all change for the better.  Their skin virtually glows and becomes clear and fine after several months. 

 

An Excellent Mind Tonic

 

With Double-Directional – Both Stimulating and Sedative – Regulation On The Central Nervous System

 

This herb is considered to be one of the premium mind tonics of herbalism. It is used to sharpen concentration, improve memory and increase alertness. Yet, unlike caffeine-like stimulants, Schizandra does not produce nervousness.  In fact, some people consider Schizandra mildly “calming” while producing wakefulness and improved focus. 

The ability of the dried fruit to increase mental and physical activity in humans was reported in numerous studies conducted in the 1950s. It has been demonstrated that human intellectual activity can be enhanced and work efficiency increased by consuming Schizandra. Various tests have shown that moderate therapeutic doses of Schizandra can improve various activities requiring concentration, fine coordination, sensitivity and endurance. The tests in humans confirming Schizandra’s efficacy in these areas range from threading needles to running marathons. 

 

Schizandra has been demonstrated in laboratory animals and in humans to have a stimulant action on the central nervous system.  The herb works directly on the nervous tissue. 

Conversely and paradoxically, schizandra also promotes sound sleep when combined with yin herbs or sedative (“Shen stabilizing”) herbs. Schizandra does not make people sleepy, but when it is time to sleep its action on the brain results in deeper, more satisfying sleep.

 

Many studies now indicate that Schizandra actually has a powerful balancing, or regulating, action on the central nervous system.  It can result in accurate and optimal balancing between the excitatory and inhibitory control functions of the cerebral cortex. 

 

Schizandra & Lycium Drops is an alcohol and water extract of Schizandra fruit and Lycium berries (a yin Jing building herb). Schizandra promotes sound sleep when combined with yin herbs like Lycium.

 

Schizandra and Liver Health

Detoxifying, healing, regenerative and protective  

 

Schizandra stands along with Reishi as the primary liver cleansing agents used in tonic programs.  Schizandra does not have the side effects that are associated with many of the “medicinal,” or “inferior” liver cleansing herbs. Schizandra, especially alcohol extracts, are widely believed to protect the liver from damage due to poisons, as well as the byproducts of living. 

 

Phase I and Phase II of detoxification

 

Schizandra has been shown to strengthen and protect the liver. It does this by detoxifying and rejuvenating this critical organ. There are two critical stages to the process of liver detoxification, known as Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I, a detoxifying agent goes into the liver and binds with toxins, releasing them from the liver and taking them into the bloodstream. Almost always, this newly bound toxic bundle is more toxic than the original toxin. This increased toxicity is known as bioactivation. It is obvious that this process can be dangerous. It’s similar to the removal of asbestos from an old house. It needs to be safely removed from the walls and from the building without exposing anyone to it again. Re-exposure to old toxins in their new bioactivated form can make you sick – and much of this material will end up back in the liver again, or stored in other tissues.

 

Is Your Detox Program Making You More Toxic?

 

During phase II of detoxification, the bioactivated toxins, which may be highly active, are safely cleared out of the body. This, of course, is the part we all want to happen in quick and efficient order. If the phase II process is weak, faulty or absent, all we’ve done is re-poison ourselves.

 

Many substances can go into the liver and release old toxins into the bloodstream, but that is all they do, and as a result the person goes through an increased toxic period. The so-called cleansing crisis experienced by many people who go through various types of cleanses, is largely the result of bioactivated toxins wreaking havoc in the body. It is therefore very important that agents which boost phase I activity also have significant effects on enhancing the phase II clearance of the reactive intermediate.

 

Schizandra appears to be very effective in boosting both Phase I detoxification and Phase II clearance of activated toxins.

 

Schizandra can reduce elevated SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase) in patients with chronic hepatitis. This enzyme is found in many body tissues in small amounts, but it is very concentrated in the liver. It is released into the blood when cells that contain it are damaged. It is considered a reliable marker of liver inflammation. The SGPT level is routinely tested by doctors to look for and evaluate damage to the liver. Acute viral infection such as viral hepatitis A or B, and hepatitis C, a chronic viral liver disease, will all cause liver damage.

 

In a clinical study conducted in China, more than 5000 people suffering from various types of hepatitis were given Schizandra and the results were very good.  The aggregate effective rate was 84-97.9%.  SGPT was normalized in about 75% of the cases.

 

A Powerful Sex Tonic for both Men and Women

 

Schizandra is said to increase the Water Qi in the Kidney.  In particular, it is said to vastly increase the “water of the genital organs,” referring to the sexual fluids.  Schizandra is said to promote the production of semen. It is famous for its ability to relieve sexual fatigue and for increasing the sexual staying-power in men.  It is thus an ingredient in the vast majority of men’s sexual tonics in Asian herbalism. 

                       

Women benefit from the same capacity to increase Water Qi of the Kidney.  Schizandra is said to increase circulation and sensitivity in the female genitals.  Many women claim increased genital warmth and sensation after using Schizandra for a period of time. The Chinese sexual classics claim that continuous use by a woman will increase the amount of “female elixir,” a euphemism for vaginal secretions, during intercourse.  On the other hand, Schizandra is used clinically to help counteract vaginal discharge. 

                       

For both men and women, Schizandra is considered to have “aphrodisiac” qualities, especially when combined with other Kidney tonifying herbs like Lycium, Cistanche, deer antler, Epimedium, etc.  Furthermore, Schizandra is one of the most important astringent herbs used in Chinese herbalism.  An astringent herb conserves fluids, and in the case of Schizandra, it tends to contain sexual fluids until the appropriate time of release.  Thus, consuming Schizandra for a period of time, one tends to build up sexual fluids.  Schizandra is used in sexual formulations to prevent premature ejaculation and to help promote incredible endurance. 

 

Vision Benefits

 

Human studies have also shown that Schizandra can improve vision, even enlarging the field of vision, and can improve hearing.  It also improves the discrimination ability of the skin receptors.  It has been determined that this increased sensitivity is due to improved function of the central nervous system’s ability to analyze data flowing to it from the peripheral sensors.

 

Schizandra and Lycium Drops

 

This is the extraction of the very finest, freshly harvested wild Schizandra, blended with an equal amount of premium Lycium (Goji) fruit from Heaven Mountain, the premier source of Goji in the world. This superb 8:1 concentrate will surprise you with its multi-textured flavor and wide range of benefits. This is one product that should be on everyone's home herb shelf or home elixir bar. It is suitable for men and women, young or old. Ron Teeguarden adds 2 or 3 squirts to his, and his wife's, Tonic Alchemy superfood drink every day.

 

Traditional Function: Tonifies all three treasures

 

Who can use it? Anyone

 

Concentration: 8:1

 

Specifications: 2 Fl. Oz.

 

Ingredients: Wild Schisandra fruit, Heaven Mountanin Lycium fruit (Goji berry)

 

Other Ingredients: Water and alcohol

 

Usage: 3-12 droppers per day or as directed by your health care practitioner

 

Remember Ron Teeguarden’s “First Rule of Tonic Herbalism,” summed up in a single word – Compliance. If you don’t take the herbs, they won’t work.”