The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Liver Strength
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/18/2012
Hi Meg, Sue and Everyone interested in Chinese herbs, This is a wonderful video of a master Chinese herbalist speaking on developing a strong liver through herbs. The three he speaks about are goji, schizandra and reishi. These are three that I take daily. Hope you enjoy, Lisa
Liver Strength
Posted by Meg (Kansas City, Mo) on 08/18/2012
Lisa, This video is just great! ... Thank you... I could listen to Ron Teeguarden all day, every day, I find him so interesting. I am taking the herbs mentioned in my various herbal formulas now, and I am so glad to report that I am definitely feeling a difference, even after just a few days. I am coming from a long way below 'normal' strength, and the best way to describe my feeling is one of 'soft energy'... No feeling of artificial stimulation at all. I believe I am on the right track for me at last and can only get better and better. Thank you again for all your kindness to me and all. Meg
Liver Strength
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/18/2012
Hi Meg, So glad to hear you have started on your Chinese herb formulas! I love the way you describe how you feel. It's a good description. Calm energy. Not like when you keep drinking coffee to keep yourself going. I did that for years and then about 9 years ago, I couldn't do it anymore. It always worked and then one day, boom! Everytime I'd try drinking coffee in the afternoons for a boost it would absolutely backfire on me. I felt edgy and irritable, a little shaky. Unfocused as I tried to teach... I probably blew out my adrenals way back then from too much coffee!
So, as you take your herbs over time you will feel yourself increasingly stronger, able to keep going in a steady fashion, your skin will change to a healthy glow and as I wrote yesterday to someone, my voice is strong and no more throat issues. I can feel my chi growing...I was excited to watch that video because those are the herbs I've been taking! It just made me feel more resolute in my use of them.
Again, congratulations on beginning your path to "radiant health" as Ron puts it! Keep me posted, I can't wait to hear about the changes you will experience. Blessings on you, Lisa
Liver Strength
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 08/19/2012
Thanks for the link, Lisa. I enjoyed watching Ron and learning. I wanted to share with you, Meg, and everyone my experience so far with my combo of tonic herbs. I started taking them late Wed. Morning (that's when they came.. *smile*) and felt so good Thur. Morning that I exercised. That is not an unusual activity for me, but I did interval walking/jogging. I really felt good the rest of the day, but when I woke up Fri. , I felt absolutely terrible. Couldn't name anything specific, except for extreme fatigue. I thought the herbs were doing a form of detox. So, I called Dragon Herbs and talked with a senior consultant and she told me I overdid it with the exercise. The herbs do not cause you to have any form of a detox. I didn't feel better until the next morning. I have been great since then (I'm on day 5, and walking briskly... Lol). The consultant said that the herbs make you feel so good, that you have a tendency to overdo things. It meant so much to me to be able to "speak" with someone and have some guidance as to what was going on. She also told me that I had to give the herbs at least 100 days to totally do what they're suppose to do. She also told me to check back with her in 2 weeks to see if I needed adjusting with quanity of what I was taking. Love this company! Love the herbs! Thanks again, Lisa.
Liver Strength
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/19/2012
Hi Sue! Wow! Great feedback! Yes, I have made that same mistake! It is reassuring to know you have them to contact to help understand what is going on. I have done that in the past. And yes, 100 days is what they say. As a matter of fact, I was just saying to my husband yesterday how amazing his skin looked. His response was, it had been more than 100 days on goji/ schizandra and it is said those two herbs/ fruits will completely change your skin. I started calculating how long I have been consistently taking my herbs and it's been 5 months or approximately 150 days!
The other day we were in our Do-It Center and the cashier was having a difficult time reading our items. She turned to us and said how awful her eyes were- dry, scratchy, irritable and as a result, had a difficult time reading. My husband said he totally knew what she was talking about. She even told us that she'd had laser surgery to try to correct the problem at a cost of $12,000 and it had only exacerbated the problem! And on top of it, she is back to using her glasses which the laser was supposed to help since the dryness still made it difficult to see clearly. Ouch... We told her about goji/ schizandra and how it had completely corrected that issue for him. Well, she did get the formula and couldn't believe it! Needless to say, she was thrilled and couldn't believe it. So amazing!
Anyway, I know you will continue to feel better each day with your herbs. I know I do and look forward to taking them, knowing their magic. May you be blessed beyond belief, Lisa
Anti- Aging
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/15/2012
Hi everyone, I just wanted to comment on the latest newsletter which referenced the healing power of buckwheat. I just learned that afternoon after receiving the newsletter that ho shou wu otherwise known as fo-ti is part of the buckwheat family. It is a Chinese herb highly revered for its healing abilities and maintenance of health. My friend who is a Chinese herbalist posted this info on his FB page of which I will give excerpts from. I know some of you are interested in learning about Chinese herbs so I thought you might enjoy reading about it. :
"This anti-aging herb is commonly known in the west as Fo-Ti root (or Fo-Ti-Tieng) and is a member of the buckwheat family. This western nickname was given to it in the 70's and is now its most commonly recognized name. The latin name for the Fo-Ti root's whole plant is polygonum multiflorum. The Chinese name is He Shou Wu which roughly translates as Mr. Wu's hair stays black. This should give you an idea of the potential that fertility herbs can have on your health, especially as you supposedly "get older".
Traditional properties:
He Shou Wu is a premier yin tonic and anti-aging herb that can be consumed daily to increase your human longevity potential. It is sweet, bitter, astringent and slightly warming. It affects and tones the liver and kidney meridians. He Shou Wu will increase your energy levels, however it is not a stimulant. It is in fact a Jing herb and slightly sedative. It stands out among the top fertility herbs and builds sexual staying power for men and women (as all yin tonics do)."
This is only a small excerpt from what he wrote so for those of you interested in reading the article in its entirety, you can find it here:
https://www.facebook.com/SovereignTea
I always love learning new info so hopefully, you found this interesting too! BTW, he is an amazing healer and someone I look to for health maintenance! Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 08/10/2012
LISA..... I took your advice and called Dragon Herbs and talked with a lovely, patient young man named Eric. He went over with me what I was already taking, my current issues, and diet. He determined that I needed 3 formulas and I am getting them Wednesday. I'm so excited.
I found myself reading and doing research on "something" that would help with my digestion, hormones, energy, and sleep and try it. I would first try food form, then maybe a supplement. But, my ole' body just said "enough". I had a major bloating, pain episode. From past experiences, I knew that I was doing too much. So, I'm simplifying. This is my first step. Thank you so much, Lisa for all your caring help.
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/10/2012
Hi Sue, Wow! That is awesome! I am so happy you took this step and had someone help guide you. It really makes a difference. Sometimes we just keep trying things aimlessly- at least I've done that. Still, I don't think that goes to waste as I've learned so much in the process!
I have to say though, I feel incredible with my Chinese herbs. Long ago I used them to restore my health because I'd completely blown out my adrenals. I went to Dragon Herbs and a very wise woman diagnosed me there. Then I stopped using them once I was better. Well, when I attended the Longevity back in April I had the chance to hear Ron Teeguarden speak. He's the founder of Dragon Herbs and he talked about the most superior way of using the herbs is to take them as adaptogens so the body never goes to a place of severe illness. You can use herbs to restore the health once it's been lost but that is an inferior way of health. That makes so much sense! So, I went there and asked for help from them once more and have been on a protocol ever since. I can feel such a vital change.
I would love to hear what 3 formulas he suggested if you don't mind. I know it won't be long before you feel the difference! They are so amazing. Bravo to you! Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Meg (Kansas City, Mo) on 08/10/2012
Hi Lisa, Your encouragement re taking the Chinese herbs is wonderful! I can hardly wait to get started myself and thanks for the information about being able to call Dragon Herbs for a free phone consultation. What a gift!
With your experience using Chinese medicine, did you drop conventional supplements etc. , when you began your own protocol? (I take two Isocort in the mornings just to get going and also two Stress End.)
I think I will 'play it by ear' and see how I feel when I begin the 8 Immortals which should arrive next week. My main concern is not to overdo supplementation, because if I do, I cannot sleep at night at all, and that is simply worse than anything else for me because of the fatigue and inability to relax the next day. I try to learn from my mistakes but sometimes I slip up with my sensitive system! Oh to be perfect...(smile)
Thanks again Lisa, and goodluck to Sue also... Sounds as though we may have a few similar problems but there is Light at the end of the tunnel! I am so grateful for this site! Thank you E. C! Meg
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/11/2012
Hi Meg, I'm sure you're excited about the 8 Immortals arriving! I can't wait to hear your feedback on it. Give it at least a week although, I'm sure you'll feel a difference before that. Is that the only formula you're getting? It is quite complete in itself. In my case, because I also just had stem cell therapy and am trying to support that process to its fullest capacity, I went to Ron himself and asked him what would be the best for that. His response immediately was deer antler. He said it's like the stem cell therapy of Chinese medicine. So, I take that additionally. I also use their shilajit since I believe in either fulvic acid, humic acid or shilajit. The other place I put great faith in is Omica's products because I have met Raffy, the creator of them as well and he has such high integrity I would recommend his products to anyone, hands down. So, I'll go between his fulvic acid or shilajit and Dragon Herbs.
You asked me if I take anything else besides my herbs. It's funny because my husband and I were just having this discussion last week. We've tried it all! He said after all the different supplements we've tried, super foods, etc. , the only thing he's felt a real profound difference has been from our Chinese herbs. I really have to agree! We have stopped taking anything else except for Betaine with my meals. On that note, I should probably just can the cupboard shelves full of various supplements!
Also, I too was having such problems with sleeping soundly. But since being on my Chinese herbs, I not only sleep very soundly but get up very early ready to start my day easily. I will be curious to see if you see that change. Remember, these are powerful adaptogens so they help each person's body individually to balance in its own unique way. I have definitely seen those effects in myself and my husband.
I look forward to hearing from you, Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Susan (New York) on 08/11/2012
Hi Lisa, can you let me know which brand of shilajit do you use?
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/11/2012
Hi Susan, Well, currently I use Dragon Herbs shilajit but I have also really liked Omica's as well. The DH is nice because it's in capsules so convenient for me to take with me to use on the go. Both companies have the finest products. Have met both owners/ formulators and they are of the highest integrity. Hope this helps. Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, USA) on 08/12/2012
Hi Lisa.... He prescribed OptDigest (Item#306) 2 capsules 4 to 6x's a day. Said I have compromised my digestion and that I need to take more, at least for a month, to start getting back on track. The other two are Bupleurum & Peony (Item#450) 4 cap a day, and Rehmannia Six Combination (Item#326) 4 cap a day. Eric said it was easier to type in Item#... Lol. I think, from my read, that the 3 will be a good combo. I'll be sure to let you and Meg know how they're working. Thanks so much again!!!
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Meg (Mo) on 08/13/2012
Hi Lisa and Susan, Thought you might like to know that I had a phone appt. with Dragon Herbs this morning and recommended products for my issues are: Optidigest, Return to Youth, and Goji and Schizandra. It was the first time in 20 years that I found someone who was able to not only understand what I was trying to describe in my somewhat scattered way, but he explained to me exactly what I was dealing with and how Traditional Chinese Medicine is able to deal with contradictory patterns in the body. I am thrilled to pieces and can't wait to get started when my products arrive!
Thank you so much Lisa and Susan for your timely tips and information. One of the nicest things about this site is the support being offered to everyone, one way or another. We all need it, that's for sure. I will be in touch again soon. My gratitude always, Meg
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/13/2012
Hi Susan and Meg, So glad to hear your experiences were both so positive. They have always been so patient and helpful I didn't expect otherwise. Still, it is good to hear your feedback. It makes sense that both of you would be given Optidigest as my acupuncturist would always say to me "Stomach is so important! Digestion not good, health not good! " So he would always treat my stomach first before moving onto other organs.
Rehmannia is excellent for restoring/ maintaining kidney health. That will be a noticeable difference especially if you have low back pain, urination issues, low energy. And Meg, my husband loves his goji and schizandra! It has made a big difference in his eyes. Ron Teeguarden said his teacher would say that if he could only use one herb, it would be schizandra! I haven't used Return To Youth, but looking at the herbs in the formula, yes, it has it all!
So, now, just remember, you MUST use them on a regular basis. Then you will see the results. One of the biggest mistakes all the people at Dragon Herbs say is, people get the herbs and then they don't take them! The results are real- I feel the impact on my life from them.
Congratulations again, on taking the steps to restoring optimum health. Wishing you both the very best in health, Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 08/13/2012
Hi Meg, Would you be willing to say how much this entire process has cost? Thank you. It sounds very helpful and interesting but many of us need a ballpark number to know if we can afford it before we would call.
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 08/14/2012
Hi...I know you addressed your question to Meg, but thought I would let you know how much my cost is going to be for my Dragon Herbs. I am getting 3 products, but on 2 of the products, I will be receiving 2 bottles. My cost was $105.52. My representative from Dragon Herbs suggested I take more than what is suggested on bottle, because he feels like I need to do that for the first month... Possibly for the first 3 months. He said my order will last me 25 days. I also want you to know that I didn't order right at the time I talked with him. I asked him to save the information and that I would call back with my order within a couple of days. I wanted to do some processing and further reading of what he recommended. Needless to say, I called back that afternoon.. Lol To offset the cost, except for my healthy fats and magnesium, I won't be taking any other supplements. Gonna give the Chinese Herbs my full attention. Hope this helps.
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Meg (Mo) on 08/14/2012
Hello Uniontown, I would be happy to... The three different formulations I will be taking soon are around $21-30 per bottle for 100 x 500gr capsules. So it would all depend on your particular needs as to what you would spend. The herbalist I spoke to was very professional and helpful, and was able to explain my situation to me in a way that made perfect sense to me. There was never any pressure to buy anything at all, only suggestions as to what formulations would help me, and with explanations as to why they would help me. The consultation was free, with an invitation to call back in a month or so if I wanted to. After Lisa's recommendation and personal experience regarding Chinese herbs, and my own subsequent research, I feel confident about taking the herbs and am eagerly awaiting their arrival. Hope this helps you make a decision. Sue from Worden, in her email above, also mentions prices. Thank you Sue! Cheers, Meg
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Rswuniontown (Uniontown, Oh) on 08/18/2012
Hi Meg and Sue, Thank you so much for posting your experiences and costs of the Chinese medicine. It seems reasonable considering they also provide a consultation, as well. Let us know how you are doing with the herbs. And thank you Lisa, for bringing all this to our attention.
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/18/2012
Hi Rswuniontown, I'm happy both Meg and Sue replied. It's good for them to give feedback on their experience with all of this to help strengthen my testimonies on all the good effects I have felt. I think their consultation alone is worth the price since there comes a point where one feels like you're just stabbing in the dark trying to find the answers sometimes! If it interests you, you can always just call for a consultation. You are not obligated at all to buy! I appreciate that. There have been times when I was strapped financially and when I told them so, they suggested just one if that was all I could afford which would offer the best bang for my buck as they say. Anyway, I'm glad you at least inquired. Best to you, Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 08/01/2012
LISA----how do you go about getting started on the Chinese Herbs? Should I go locally? The closest to me (in St. Louis) is Nature Health Center. Talk to someone from Dragon Herbs and go that route? Any help or advice would really be appreciated. Thank you.
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/01/2012
Hi Sue, Well, I would first ask that you find out who the Chinese herbalist is that you would be consulting locally and what their background/ years of experience is. I have been fortunate since I am here in LA, to have amazing Chinese herbalists both locally and at Dragon Herbs. I guess you could say, I have the best of both worlds.
I think Dragon Herbs are world-class herbal remedies and would not hesitate to recommend them as the finest quality available. I know for certain they will do phone consultations and then recommend a program tailored to your specific needs. It would be done by asking you a series of questions. On the other hand, to visit a Traditional Chinese medicine Dr., they would be able to look at your tongue, look at your eyes, take your pulses of which there are six pulses! It is quite an art to be able to read these pulses as one must be quite sensitive to tune into each one and diagnose based on them. Did you go on the dragon herbs website? I am actually going to give you the link to the page on how to get started from there: http://www.dragonherbs.com/gettingstarted.asp
Anyway, I hope this helps. If you have more questions, feel free to ask. Lisa
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Storage-girl (O'fallon, Mo) on 08/02/2012
Hello! I am from St. Louis. I order herbs online, but also noticed a Chinese Herbal practitioner the other day in Creve Coeur by my dentist's office. Thinking to go see him! It's at Four Seasons Shopping Center (strip mall). Hope this helps?
Finding an Herbalist
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/07/2012
Hi Sue and anyone else interested in Chinese herbs, I thought you might find this audio interview of Ron Teeguarden speaking on Chinese herbs for our health very interesting. He is a master of Chinese herbalism. In it he speaks on reishi and chaga as powerful body adaptogens.
This may give you some insight into the power of herbs. Best to you, Lisa
Hair Loss
Posted by Cez (Tel Aviv, Israel) on 03/12/2012
★★★★★
I have had alopecia areata for over fifteen years (since my early 20's). At its worst, nearly half of the hair on my head was gone - what was left was scattered in different sized patches. I went through the series of treatments offered by dermatologists including topical ointments, injected and oral steroids (! ) There was always new hair growth but it seemed to eventually get worse.
After a few years a friend encouraged me to consult her sister-in-law who is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner. I will refer to her as 'Z'. Immediately I began a regiment of acupuncture, an herbal remedy (taken for a couple of months only), a combo of tui na, shiatsu, reflexology and, the tool that sealed the deal for real results (in my opinion) was treating each balding area with a tiny tool used in acupuncture known as a seven pointed star (I think that's what it's called). It's pretty much a tiny hammer whose head is covered in small short needles.
Basically, Z would disinfect each area with an iodine solution and lightly (ok, not so lightly) give the bald areas whacks until there was a bit of blood flowing. I know, its sounds horrible and for those with a low threshold for pain or for kids, it'll be a real challenge. All I can say is when I saw the results, I didn't mind the pain at all - if anything, enduring it made me stronger. From my very basic understanding of it, this injury serves a couple of purposes: 1.) It gets blood flowing to the stagnant area and 2.) It does what some of the topical western medicines do - creates an injury/irritation so that the immune system (which attacks the hair in those with alopecia) starts to work on healing the irritation and leaves the hair growth alone to do its thing.
While I still have a bald spot or two at any given time, my condition is nowhere near what it was back then. For now it remains almost entirely a non-issue. I have continued to see Z pretty regularly over the years - taking a few breaks here and there - haven't needed the hammer in years as spots that show up tend to remain smaller and easy to hide until regrowth occurs - hope it stays that way.
For those who have the perserverence to go see someone and know that results could be a good three to six months down the road and will require possible long-term maintenance, I can't encourage you enough to give this a try - oh and you may want to work on a good breathing technique for the few intense moments of pain each appointment but trust me it is well worth it!
Cold Showers
Posted by Dave Murray (Derby, Uk) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★
I recall reading that part of the Spartan regime at Gordonstoun School in Scotland is/was cold showers. HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh attended this school and he has recently reached his 90th year. The cold showers haven't done him any harm have they! As for me, I have just discovered them. Kind people have given me a shower head, curtain etc so it's only cost me a few pounds to make my cold shower. It's great!
Cold Showers
Posted by Dave Murray (Derby, Uk) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★
I recall reading that part of the Spartan regime at Gordonstoun School in Scotland is/was cold showers. HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh attended this school and he has recently reached his 90th year. The cold showers haven't done him any harm have they! As for me, I have just discovered them. Kind people have given me a shower head, curtain etc so it's only cost me a few pounds to make my cold shower. It's great!
Tongue Diagnosis
Posted by David (Adealide, Australia) on 03/02/2011
From my research white or yellow or dirty tongue indicates a heavy bacterial issue. Those with this issue usually have it persitently along with bad breath. I have suffered from this all my life. I have just had a deviated septum repair. I was hoping it may relieve my symptoms. But I now have the flu which make the tongue condition worse. Many old remedies dont kill the bacteria. Normal toothpaste also. My conclusion?The sinus's and or nasal cavity in these people are slightly defective. Advances in knowledge may find the problems in the future. I know people who dont practice oral hygiene at all and never have bad breath and always have a nice healthy tongue colour. Im going to try Thera Breath toothpaste and oxyd-8 to complete my research. they show good reviews but I am always sceptical.Cheers
Tongue Diagnosis
Posted by David (Adealide, Australia) on 03/02/2011
From my research white or yellow or dirty tongue indicates a heavy bacterial issue. Those with this issue usually have it persitently along with bad breath. I have suffered from this all my life. I have just had a deviated septum repair. I was hoping it may relieve my symptoms. But I now have the flu which make the tongue condition worse. Many old remedies dont kill the bacteria. Normal toothpaste also. My conclusion?The sinus's and or nasal cavity in these people are slightly defective. Advances in knowledge may find the problems in the future. I know people who dont practice oral hygiene at all and never have bad breath and always have a nice healthy tongue colour. Im going to try Thera Breath toothpaste and oxyd-8 to complete my research. they show good reviews but I am always sceptical.Cheers
Fever
Posted by Tia (Oaxaca, Mexico) on 01/12/2011
★★★★★
Tried this on my husband as he had a fever, with chills and aches. After about 15 minutes, his fever broke and he started sweating. It's been two hours and he is still cool to the touch and says he feels stronger. Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this great remedy!!
Fever
Posted by Tia (Oaxaca, Mexico) on 01/12/2011
★★★★★
Tried this on my husband as he had a fever, with chills and aches. After about 15 minutes, his fever broke and he started sweating. It's been two hours and he is still cool to the touch and says he feels stronger. Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this great remedy!!
Tongue Diagnosis
Posted by Jojo (Brookyn, Ny) on 11/30/2010
With the orange peel are you suppose to chew it or drink it as hot tea?
Tongue Diagnosis
Posted by Diane (Berkeley, Ca) on 11/30/2010
It is dried, and used in soups or teas.
Tongue Diagnosis
Posted by Jojo (Brookyn, Ny) on 11/30/2010
With the orange peel are you suppose to chew it or drink it as hot tea?
Tongue Diagnosis
Posted by Diane (Berkeley, Ca) on 11/30/2010
It is dried, and used in soups or teas.
