Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a sweet, tonic herb known as huang qi to the Chinese. One of the most important herbs in the world, astragalus is recognized by modern researchers as a superb and potent, immune-system tonic. Astragalus has been used for several thousand years to strengthen muscle and improve metabolic functions and is an immuno-stimulant which helps fight disease, lower blood pressure, boost the number and activity of white blood cells, inhibit free radicals, and destroy mutant cells that may become cancerous.

Chinese Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis syn. G. viscida) is a sweet, tonic herb called Gan Cao in China. The grandfather of all Chinese herbs, and most widely used, this root has emerged as both and immune enhancer and an immune activator. Chinese practice emphasizes the treatment of deficient nutrient absorption (Chi deficiency) of the spleen with licorice root. Since this root stands alone in its ability to intensify any other herb that is combined with it, licorice becomes a systemic enhancer of the effective functions of other remedies. Besides licorice’s anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects, its protective and detoxicant action on liver cells makes it effective for use in ridding the body of toxic waste. Chinese licorice treats all 12 meridians or organ systems of the body and serves as an important temperer to a variety of toxic plants and their extracted alkaloids, such as coffee (caffeine), tobacco (nicotine), and other drugs. The Chinese theme of licorice revitalizing the center or middle burning space is evidenced as it promotes balance by relieving abdominal pain and congestion while it benefits the functions of the abdominal organs. Also called the Great Detoxifier, Chinese licorice protects and promotes gastrointestinal functions and especially nutrient absorption. It is also held in high esteem for its ability to clean the meridians and allow Chi to flow smoothly.

Dashamula consists of ten Ayurvedic herbs: Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Yasti, Madhu, Punarnava, Arguna, Bilva, Gokshura, Vidari, and Kumari. It is generally used in Indian Ayurvedic Pancha Karma (cleansing therapies consisting of emesis, enema, purgation, and nasal medications). This highly balancing and excellent tonic and carminative is especially useful for Vata disorders.

Dates (Phoenix dactyhifera) have been cultivated as a staple food crop for over 5000 years and there are over 800 recorded uses of the plant, from rope and baskets to liquors and oil. The sweet fruit, which contains vitamin B6 and has a slight laxative action, is used as a binder in Renew. The essence of the date palm is to rejuvenate the body on a cellular level, helping to distribute life force throughout the organism; the plant’s clinical effects are especially pronounced in those who age too fast, or who are fearful of aging.

Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is a bittersweet, astringent, slightly warming herb that is excellent for building the blood while strengthening muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, kidneys, liver and the nervous system. Well-known in India for its use in rebuilding the tissues and reducing enlarged lymph glands, Fo Ti is China’s most renowned longevity herb, with a well-deserved reputation as a rejuvenator. When used in proper combinations, it acts as a synergistic scavenger to magnify the effects of other cellular rejuvenators. By cleansing the liver and kidneys, Fo Ti strengthens them, enabling further cleansing and fortifying of the blood.

Ginseng (American, Wild Woods-Grown) (Panax ginseng) is a sweet, tonic herb whose root shows a beautiful blending of the male and female form. The physical androgyny of the plant can be seen as symbolic for its work on blending and harmonizing the body at other levels. With 18 amino acids and trace minerals, (including copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese), this mild herb in small dosages works to promote healing for life-energy deficiencies.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is a pungent, astringent, aromatic herb also known as Indian myrrh. Ayurvedic herbalism uses guggulu to improve the circulation, metabolism, digestion, immunity, blood impurities, and nervous system. Also used to counteract cracking joints, gas, distention, constipation, coldness, chills, dryness, and pains, guggulu is a gum closely related to myrrh and has similar properties in its ability to reduce blood cholesterol. Guggulu works to disinfect secretions, including mucus, sweat and urination, and helps heal the skin and mucous membranes. While not nutritive in itself, guggulu catalyzes tissue regeneration, particularly nerve tissue. It also reduces fat, toxins, tumors, and necrotic (dead) tissue.

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus laevigata syn. C. oxyacantha) is a sweet and sour, warming herb. Europeans have used the Hawthorn berry in healing since the Middle Ages. Known as the flower of the heart, hawthorn has long been considered the best remedy for the heart and circulation. In American, it is mostly used for circulatory disorders and as a digestive aid, as it has a relaxant effect in the digestive tract. Hawthorn makes an excellent remedy for high blood pressure, particularly that associated with hardening of the arteries. In certain formulas, it serves as a source of enzymes and a nourishment carrier to facilitate a more complete utilization of the herbs.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a sweet, astringent, cooling herb that soothes irritated tissues and relaxes spasms. It is useful for excessive menstruation, cystitis, venereal diseases, fevers, and coughs. The flowers are sacred to Ganesh, the Hindu elephant god.

Marsh Mallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is a sweet, mucilaginous herb whose healing properties were first recorded in the 9^th century B.C., and which was widely used in Greek medicine. It is especially good for inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract, excess mucus, urinary difficulties, and cystitis. It soothes inflamed tissue in the digestive system and helps conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulceration, and colitis.

Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a bitter, pungent, cooling herb that has long been used medicinally by native South Americans. Also called lapacho, it has a reputation for effectiveness against cancer, inflammatory diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, tumors, ulcers, cysts, fungal infections (especially candidiasis), and skin diseases (notably eczema, herpes, and scabies). Combined with other herbs in our formula, pau d’arco works to clear toxins, resolve congestion, and strengthen the immune system.

Rose Hips (Rosa canina) is an acidic, astringent, tonic herb whose berries provide one of the best natural and freely available sources of vitamin C. As a nutrient, mild laxative, mild diuretic, and mild astringent, they are especially helpful in building the body’s defenses against infections, and particularly the intestinal immuno functions. As a tonic for general debility and exhaustion, rose hips are rich in carotene, pectin, fruit acids, and fatty acids and provide nourishment for the endocrine system. Mild gall-bladder problems as well as conditions of the kidney and bladder benefit from the use of rose hips, and this fruit helps balance the meridians so that the gall and liver undergo less stress while the intestinal tract eliminates toxins.

The rose represents full biological perfection and thus reflects a complete healing in the future.

Sarsaparilla root (Smilax china) is a cooling, slightly bitter, alterative herb that is useful for deficiencies of the liver. These are evidenced by scaling skin conditions (such as psoriasis), chronic constipation, allergies, uneven blood sugar regulation, poor fact and protein absorption, dry mouth, poor gums, and a tendency to adrenaline stress. Sarsaparilla helps stabilize a hyperactive immune system, helping with allergies and chronic inflammations. Sarsaparilla root is especially helpful for constipation when combined with Chinese angelica and American ginseng.

Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a sweet and sour, astringent, warming herb. For centuries, schizandra was coveted by the wealthy and was a favorite among the Chinese emperors. This adaptogen, similar to ginseng, increases stamina and fights fatigue. Recent research supports its use as an anti-stress herbal. According to a 1989 article in Phytotherapy Research, polo horses given schizandra performed better and showed better physiological responses to stress after taking the herb.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a highly nutritious Native American herb. Slippery elm contains up to 50 percent mucilage and is rich in calcium and absorbable vitamin C. This sweet herb helps nourish the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, relieving irritation, dryness, and gastric ulceration, generously coats the respiratory and gastric mucosa with mucilage, and provides anti-inflammatory action. Native Americans used slippery elm bark as a survival food. Gentle and easily assimilated, slippery elm used to nourish the intestinal tract, allowing the mucus membranes to function more effectively. It gently lifts old mucoid matter from the intestines.

Shih Hu (Dendrobium nobile) is a mildly analgesic herb often used by the Taoists as a daily tea, and the stems of this Chinese orchid are an excellent tonic and longevity herb. Shih Hu quickly replaces spent adaptive energy that is stored in the kidneys, filling the kidney meridian with new vitality and strengthening muscles and replenishing the whole being.

Suma Root (Pfaffia paniculata) is a member of the Amaranthacea family which grows in ravines in the upper Amazon rainforest. Known as para tudo (literally, "for everything") and also called Brazilian Ginseng, it has long been used by native people as a cure-all. It contains up to 11 percent saponins, including pfaffic acid and derivatives that have been patented as anti-tumor drugs. Suma increases the energy flow in the body, promoting a sense of well-being, and has a reputation as a cellular oxygenator, helping the body adjust to an ever-changing environment.