Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is without doubt the most famous of all the Chinese medicinal plants. It is considered the natural remedy to any everyday ailment, as indicated by the etymology of its botanical genus. The word ‘Panax’ refers to ‘panacea’, the Greek goddess of healing, which today is understood to mean a ‘cure-all’. The reason ginseng is described as a panacea is because of the active principles present in the plant’s root, the many health benefits of which include invigorating, strengthening and immune-stimulant effects.
Why take ginseng? In traditional Chinese medicine, the ginseng root is especially used for combatting fatigue, boosting energy, stimulating the body’s defences and increasing physical and mental performance.
In Asia, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a true symbol of longevity! And with good cause, since this tree has survived numerous disasters including atomic bombs. Today, it is believed to be one of the oldest species of tree in the world. Its incredible resistance also makes it one of the most widely-studied Chinese plants. Scientists believe ginkgo’s longevity is largely due to the composition of its leaves. They contain more than 60 natural antioxidants – compounds that are able to combat damage caused by oxidative stress.
Why take ginkgo? As a result of its antioxidant potency, ginkgo has attracted considerable interest in the field of anti-ageing medicine. In tests, it has demonstrated excellent results for protecting the body and preventing a wide range of diseases.
Behind the botanical name Schisandra chinensis is a creeping plant that produces small red berries. Sometimes referred to as the ‘five-flavoured berry’, these fruits are used in Chinese medicine for their adaptogen properties; in other words, they help the body adapt to various stress factors. Alongside these characteristics, researchers attribute these five-flavoured berries with other health-protective effects, including antioxidant potency and an anti-inflammatory action.
Why take Schisandra chinensis? During periods of stress, Schisandra chinensis berries help increase coordination, endurance, concentration and cognitive performance.
Kudzu (Pueraria montana) is a Chinese plant that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Long-used in China, extracts of kudzu are now popular in the West as a natural remedy for hangovers. They are also increasingly recommended for those who wish to use plants to help them stop drinking. A number of studies have also shown that kudzu is a natural aid to quitting smoking. A genuine natural remedy for addiction, this Chinese plant owes its benefits to its isoflavone content. Scientists believe these natural substances offer many effects within the body, including significant antioxidant protection, particularly in liver cells. In addition, kudzu’s isoflavones may exert a relaxing effect which helps people withdraw from drugs such as tobacco and alcohol.
Why take kudzu? Today, this Chinese plant is offered as an excellent natural aid to conquering addictions. In particular, kudzu can be used to ease withdrawal from alcohol or smoking.
Perhaps you frequently suffer from aches and pains, and like everyone, reach for the analgesics every now and then … If that’s the case, you will definitely be interested in these six new discoveries, presented below as a series of statements. Can you guess whether they’re true or false?
According to a US study, 81% of health professionals take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. However, the sensible measures they take themselves are often ‘forgotten’ when it comes to giving advice to their patients...
Eating seasonally is the perfect way of stocking up on health-beneficial micronutrients. As long as you choose the right foods and know just how to get the most benefit from them …
Supplementing with iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium is perhaps more common than supplementing with zinc...
Today, the SuperSmart experts are focusing on chronic fatigue. Though it remains poorly understood and recognised, it’s a condition which should not be seen as untreatable. On the contrary, treating chronic fatigue today means taking up the fight! You need to identify the potential causes and eliminate them one by one.
Think you know all about vitamins and their benefits? Well this article might hold a few surprises for you. To help you get a more complete picture, the experts at SuperSmart have put together this comprehensive guide on vitamins: how they’re defined, their roles, benefits, sources and the risks posed by deficiency …
The most active form of vitamin B12, used primarily to regenerate neurons.
19.00 €(21.06 US$)Beneficial for cardiovascular health. 90% delta-tocotrienols, the most biologically active form of vitamin E.
34.00 €(37.69 US$)Calanus oil, the nutritional gem from the Arctic for boosting heart health and fighting inflammation
42.00 €(46.56 US$)
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