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Surprising Success with "Shen" Substances

reishi shen polygala albizzia tcm chinese herbs

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#1 GoingPrimal

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 03:16 PM


Like that alliteration?  ;)

 

So I've been on a pretty big Chinese herbs kick lately, especially as they relate to what the Chinese call the "Three Treasures", Jing, Qi and Shen. I've written about them before so if anyone wants more details, check out my post in the Regimens forum.

 

Shen is said to be our "higher mind", our intellect, intuition, love, compassion and spirit. As such Shen tonics are usually stress-releiving (Reishi, Albizzia), mood-brightening (Albizzia, Goji), energizing to the brain and mind (Rhodiola, Schizandra) or in some cases, slightly sedating (Dragon Bone, Pearl). Of course, there are more esoteric aspects attributed to these herbs, which I'll include in their descriptions in case anyone is interested.

 

I've been using plenty of Jing and Qi tonics for a while with great results, but I've been meaning to improve and go deeper with my meditation, so I decided to pick up a few good Shen tonics - and not a moment too soon, as I've been going through a nasty breakup with my (ex)girlfriend of 5 years. Considering these are supposed to improve something as subtle as the mind and spirit, I wasn't expecting to notice that much, especially anytime soon.

 

So I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly and how strongly these herbs effected me! For as laid back a dude as I already am, I became much more care-free, much more easy-going, less likely to have my feathers ruffled, less proclivity towards addictive behaviors, and felt much more caring and compassionate. Even for me, a strong believer in these Chinese herbs, I was impressed.

 

I'd like to first describe which herbs I'm currently using and their purported effects, and then I'll provide some examples of how they've helped me in this past month or so.

 

The Herbs

 

Albizia Julibrissin (Flower) - The product I'm using is a liquid extract from Dragon Herbs, purchased from Amazon, and contains the standard Albizzia Flower, as well as "Magnolia coco (Cantonese 'hard' Albizzia)", which is apparently used interchangeably in China. "The bark and flower of this exotic tree are especially famous among the Chinese for use when one is experiencing emotional problems such as a broken heart and the experience of great loss. It is also used to help overcome excessive worry, fright, paranoia and insomnia. The flower is more rare and is more emotionally uplifting. It is believed to be one of the ultimate Shen tonics." 

 

I believe the Albizia, along with the Polygala, are having the strongest effects. If I could describe the Albizia, it would be like an herbal Xanax, but much more natural feeling, and not anywhere near as strong, though still noticeable. It also seems to have mood brightening qualities, and this explains why even today it is prescribed by Chinese physicians for anxiety and depression. 

 

Polygala - I purchased a Plum Flower, 100 gram, 5:1 powdered extract off of Amazon. Polygala apparently used to be known as the "Will Strengthener" in old herbal texts, as it was said to increase one's willpower. What pharmacological properties a plant must have in order to do this, I do not know. It's also purported to increase creative thinking and aid in dreaming. 

 

One of the more esoteric reasons I was interested in Polygala was because it's said to help connect the energy meridian (called the Penetrating Vessel) that leads from the Kidneys to the Heart, which in TCM terms means it connects the sexual energy to the loving, caring energy of the heart. And considering the insane surplus of sexual energy I have from all the Jing herbs I'm still taking, I figured this would probably be a good thing. 

 

Chinese Asparagus root - Another Plum Flower, 100 gram, 5:1 extract. "Use of wild Asparagus root is said to lead to a happy, mild manner, excellent vitality and beautiful skin… Taoists emphasize that wild Asparagus root will strike a balance in the internal functions of the body. It is said that one who consumes wild Asparagus root for a long time will feel so light that they can fly. This is not meant to be taken literally, but refers to the spiritual qualities of this amazing herb and also to the energy and natural buoyancy it provides." It's also said that it helps one to have flying dreams, which I have to admit, my rational mind thought How in the hell would an herb do this? while the rest of me said GIMME! I have had one brief flying dream since using it, which may very well have been because I was expecting to, but it should be noted that I don't usually have them.

 

Awaken the Shen - A 10:1 product from Jing Herbs, with a very impressive ingredient list - Reishi, Albizia, Asparagus, Polygala, Pearl, and more. I've been using this product for a while because we sell it where I work. I do think it works, but I'm not really taking that much of it every day, maybe a gram, gram and half's worth, the powder is very fluffy. I will probably fall back on this as my standard Shen tonic when money is tight, as it is a good product and I have easy access to it.

 

I should note that I blend the above ingredients together, two or three times a day. I also add a goji berry extract, shilajit, ginseng and astragalus tinctures and cacao powder, but these are not at all new to my diet, so while there may be some synergy, these herbs are not having the "Shen" effect of the others. The Plum Flower products came with a little spoon to use, and I'd say it's probably 500 mg in size. I use a heaping scoop of this for each of the powders, and the tinctures get a squirt or two, either into the herbal infusion or under the tongue. The resulting mix is actually delicious, and I'll have two or three of these a day.

 

The Examples

 

To start, this is my third time writing this post. The first time I was almost finished, and it was much more detailed, when it accidentally got erased. I shrugged my shoulders, took a break and started rewriting it, only to again have the text deleted by accidentally swiping both my fingers to the left on the mousepad, which on a Macbook is the equivalent of hitting the back button. But again, as frustrated as I usually would be from this, I just found it funny. Haha, good one Universe, ya got me, the irony..

 

I'm going through a nasty break up with a girl I've very much loved for five years. It's nasty because as good a person as she is, she can be very jealous, possessive and controlling, and lets her emotions get the best of her. I am, of course, not perfect either. But my whole attitude during this break up has been, "Well, nothing's permanent. There's no sense beating my head against the same wall I've been beating it against for five years. She's a great gal but our relationship clearly isn't working, so it's time to move on." Of course I'm not happy about this, but it's been amazing how happy and positive thinking I have been considering this is going on, and I've found the prospect of moving on not only acceptable, but actually something I can look forward to.

 

These Shen herbs have helped my social interactions too. I don't have social anxiety, but I'm definitely not the socially outgoing type by nature, and since I've been in this relationship for so long, my socializing skills have suffered a bit in the sense that I'm just not as sharp and witty as I used to be. My rational, critical mind can get in the way of the "flow", so to speak. When the flow is on, socializing comes naturally, but it usually takes some practice to get that stage, over the course of a few weeks or months. That said, I definitely have noticed that I'm popping into the "flow state" so easily and quickly when I'm going out, and reliably so. This is good, as this flow state is a new interest of mine. For those with social anxiety, I think Albizia and Polygala would be worth checking out - Albizia with its anxiety-squashing effects, and Polygala for its "loving" or empathogenic effects, for lack of a better word. 

 

Also, addictive behaviors have been significantly reduced. Checking my phone and social media, alcohol, caffeine intake, poor food choices, all of them have been noticeably reduced, without my trying and without feeling like I'm missing out on anything. I usually go out 2 or 3 times a week for a few drinks with friends. Last week I went six days without drinking - no Herculean feat there, but considering I wasn't trying to do that and felt great about it either way, I was impressed. And on the nights I don't have to drive and would usually have 5 or 6 drinks over the course of a few hours, I'm lately having 3 and having just as good a time. Pretty impressive and unexpected.

 

Over all, I just feel happier, more joyful, and like some of that exuberance from childhood has been pumped back into my life. 

 

If anyone is into herbs for stress reduction, mood improvement or looking to improve their social interactions, some of these may of interest.


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#2 GoingPrimal

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 03:26 PM

Interesting studies on Polygala

 

The discovery of Yuanzhi-1, a triterpenoid saponin derived from the traditional Chinese medicine, has antidepressant-like activity.

 

 

Preclinical evidence of rapid-onset antidepressant-like effect in Radix Polygalae extract.

 

 

Neuroprotective Effects of 3,6'-Disinapoyl Sucrose Through Increased BDNF Levels and CREB Phosphorylation via the CaMKII and ERK1/2 Pathway.

 

and Albizia

 

 

Anxiolytic effects of Julibroside C1 isolated from Albizzia julibrissin in mice.

 

 

Antidepressant-like effects of Albizzia julibrissin in mice: involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor system

 



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#3 8bitmore

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 03:35 PM

I appreciate both your personal write-up and the studies you posted - there's so much variability and inconsistent information on TCM that a post like your really makes a difference (especially since Longecity on the whole is not super oriented towards herbal solutions, should be a TCM sub forum to create dedicated research space in my opinion!). I'm currently trialling pro-biotic "path" towards better mood/energy/life but this Shen approach of your's will be a close second for me when the time is right.


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#4 GoingPrimal

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 03:53 PM

Glad you got some use out of the post, 8bitmore. Intestinal health is definitely the key player for many in terms of improving mood, energy and over all well-being, so keep at it.   Two more on Polygala     Tenuigenin treatment improves behavioral Y-maze learning by enhancing synaptic plasticity in mice

 

 

We found that oral administration of 4mg/kg TEN significantly improved learning and memory in Y-maze task. Treatment with 4mg/kg TEN markedly reduced the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in hippocampus.

 

These results indicate that TEN enhancing learning and memory may result from inhibiting AChE activity, improving antioxidation and enhancing synaptic plasticity in mice. Therefore, TEN shows promise as a potential nootropic product in improving learning and memory.

 

 

 

 

Tenuigenin protects dopaminergic neurons from inflammation-mediated damage induced by the lipopolysaccharide.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that TEN may play a role in protecting dopaminergic neurons against inflammatory challenge.

 

 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not an expert on interpreting studies from pubmed, so if there are shortcomings with these studies, forgive me.



#5 adamh

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 11:09 PM

I'm thinking about trying the Albizzia Flower. Its $15.20 plus 5.95 shipping on amazon from the vendor you mentioned. I see the same product on ebay for the same price but with free shipping. 



#6 Luminosity

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Posted 30 April 2014 - 06:10 AM

Thanks for your post, Going Primal. If it helps, I have some self-expression threads.  

 

http://www.longecity...ession-threads/


Edited by Luminosity, 30 April 2014 - 06:11 AM.


#7 Galaxyshock

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Posted 30 April 2014 - 07:46 AM

Interesting findings. I've been using Reishi along with Cordyceps for a while hoping to energize me and reverse stress, and noticed Reishi alone kinda makes me more accessed with the "higher mind". Polygala and the other herbs you mentioned sound interesting, I might give a try at some point.



#8 GoingPrimal

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Posted 30 April 2014 - 08:34 PM

I say go for it adamh. It's only 15 bucks.

 

Galaxyshock - That's great that Reishi helps you to access your "higher mind" so to speak. Even though Reishi is supposed to be the most "spiritual" herb in TCM, I've yet to notice much from it, at least acutely. Of course they recommend consuming wild reishi over a long period of time, so maybe the changes are just taking place on a deeper level and going (for now) unnoticed. 



#9 MiddleAged49

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Posted 01 May 2014 - 04:51 PM

I also usually don't feel any real cognitive difference when taking Reishi, unless I take a large dose of a particularly potent product - I had two cups of an instant reishi beverage once, containing 2g in total of a high quality dual-extract, and I did feel a bit different, a bit calmer, a bit wiser perhaps, hard to describe. I had the same effect with Chaga.

 

As is GoingPrimal's experience, perhaps I have benefited somehow but haven't noticed anything as the effect is subtle and incremental. I'm unemployed at the moment, so the real test will be when I re-insert myself back onto the grid and start dealing with all the usual nonsense and crap I usually deal with - if I rise above it, or become a CEO or something, then it will have worked. If not, at least I am not allergic to anything any more.



#10 Galaxyshock

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 07:14 AM

I didn't notice any effects from powdered Reishi which I tried in the winter, but this Nature's Way polysaccharide-standardized extract is kicking nicely. One way to recognize the effect of adenosine in Reishi, and also in Cordyceps, is that it kinda cancels out the stimulating effect of caffeine (adenosine-antagonist) and the experience is more of an "energizing". Though sometimes herbs indeed don't really produce much of a mental effect but work subtle in the background.


Edited by Galaxyshock, 02 May 2014 - 07:15 AM.


#11 Ehvam

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 10:30 PM

How long does it take to feel effects from the Albizia? Iordered some and have been taking it for two days but haven't felt anything. Also ordered the polygala, but it hasn't arrived yet.



#12 adamh

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 11:45 PM

How long does it take to feel effects from the Albizia? Iordered some and have been taking it for two days but haven't felt anything. Also ordered the polygala, but it hasn't arrived yet.

 

Thats the one I was thinking of taking. I've ordered too many things that I read glowing reports on and they did nothing.



#13 GoingPrimal

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Posted 03 May 2014 - 02:01 PM

I felt it pretty soon, the first day. That said I was taking it with the polygala, asparagus root and others. Really started to kick in after a few days (in combination with the others). But again, remember, these are herbs. I wouldn't have made the post if I hadn't been so skeptical beforehand and surprised afterwards.


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#14 GoingPrimal

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Posted 08 May 2014 - 11:28 PM

UPDATE -

 

Effects still going strong. Not quite the "honeymoon" effects I was originally feeling, but definitely still in effect. I'm on my second bottle of Albizzia flower, doing 3 or so squirts a day under the tongue. Meditation has been overall much better, and I'm much more motivated to sit down and meditate. Whereas before I was basically having to convince myself to sit, now I actually want to most days, and the past few days have been craving it, in a way.

 

Moods have been really positive and stable, but also feel very natural. It's not any artificial good feeling, not like it's forced upon me or like I'm manic. Just in an easy-breezy, positive and happy mood most days.

 

I still think the Albizzia and Polygala are having the biggest effects, though I'll probably reorder all of them when they run out. I'm about halfway through the Polygala, Asparagus roots, and Awaken the Shen.



#15 protoject

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Posted 09 May 2014 - 01:53 AM

I kinda concur that there is something about Albizia Julibrussin. I took this for like a week or so and I was put in these social situations and everything seemed more lubricated than normal. I wasn't especially motivated to socialize or anything but it took some regularly occuring anxieties or negative thinking patterns and moved them a bit closer to the back burner. I think I need a better source though. I get from this local place and a few of their herbs have made me feel messed up compared to other suppliers that i tried later on. Any recommendation on albizia julibrussin source?



#16 GoingPrimal

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 03:50 PM

I get from this local place and a few of their herbs have made me feel messed up compared to other suppliers that i tried later on. Any recommendation on albizia julibrussin source?

 

I've ordered the Dragon Herbs 1 oz. liquid extract off of Amazon twice now, taking 2-3 squirts a day under the tongue. I haven't experimented with higher dosages but this may be worth looking into.

 

I'm trying to experiment with other brands of Chinese herbs. I've been using Plum Flower brand of Polygala and Chinese asparagus root, and they both seem good quality, though I haven't used any other brands of these herbs individually. Plum Flower does sell an albizia product, both 500 grams of powdered raw herb and 100 grams of a 5:1 concentrate, each about 50 bucks. It's more of an investment to trial albizia, but if winds up being a staple it might be worth looking into, as the 1 oz bottles don't last all that long.



#17 tjcbs

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Posted 14 May 2014 - 06:14 AM

The supplier links you posted now refer back to this page, for whatever reason. 

 

Are you using cured or raw polygala?



#18 GoingPrimal

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Posted 15 May 2014 - 01:36 PM

The supplier links you posted now refer back to this page, for whatever reason. 

 

Are you using cured or raw polygala?

 

Interesting, I didn't even hyperlink it since I figured everyone knows how to use amazon.

 

I believe it's raw, I wasn't aware of polygala being one of the herbs they usually have to cure in TCM. It's Plum Flower brand, a 5:1 concentrate - I guess that means it's not raw, but I don't think it's cured in the same way as He Shou Wu, which is cured with black soy beans. 

 

I may be wrong though.



#19 glws

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Posted 26 April 2015 - 09:24 AM

Has anyone come across the antifertility side-effects of Albizia?

 

"Oral administration of saponins isolated from Albizia lebbeck bark at the dose level of 50 mg/kg/b.w. per day for 60 days to male rats brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. The production of round spermatid was reduced by 73.04% in Albizia lebbeck treated rats. The population of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatogonia were reduced by 65.07% and 47.48% and secondary spermatocytes by 73.41%, respectively. Cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells as well as the cell counts were found to be depleted significantly. Leydig cell nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells were decreased by 57.47% and 54.42%, respectively. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly. Albizia lebbeck reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. [...] The protein, glycogen and cholesterol contents of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle and protein in epididymides were significantly decreased. Histoarchitecture of the testes showed vacuolization at primary spermatocytes stage. Highly reduced seminiferous tubular diameter and increased intertubular space were also observed when compared to controls."

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/15588647

 

Two more papers:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/16492532

http://www.asiaandro...-682x/6/155.htm

 

Although Albizia lebbeck is the form used in these studies, I am thinking Albizia julibrussin probably has a very similar chemical composition. I have not managed to find any information on whether the antifertility effects are reversible.

 

Bacopa, seems like a good comparison, given that it also contains saponins. In its case, arrest in spermatogenesis is reversible. However, saponins are a class of plant-derived chemical compounds. There are at least 12 known analogs in Bacopa, which are specific to this plant. The saponins in Albizia would be different, and it is also possible that saponins are not the only agents responsible for spermatogenesis arrest.

 

The treatment caused reduction in motility, viability, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis. Histologically, testes in mice treated with the plant extract showed alterations in the seminiferous tubules, and the alterations included intraepithelial vacuolation, loosening of germinal epithelium, exfoliation of germ cells and occurrence of giant cells. In severe cases, the tubules were lined by only Sertoli cells or Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Significant reductions were also noted in height of the germinal epithelium and diameter of the seminiferous tubules in Brahmi-treated mice compared to controls. Epididymis in treated males showed slight alterations in histological appearance. [...] The alterations caused in the above reproductive endpoints by the plant extract were reversible, and by 56 days of treatment withdrawal, the parameters recovered to control levels.

http://www.ncbi.nlm....4?dopt=Abstract

 

Does anyone have any info to share on the subject?



#20 son of shen nong

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Posted 26 April 2015 - 05:54 PM

Thanks GoingPrimal, for initiating this thread.  Alliteration always appreciated.

As someone consuming copious quantities of Ling Zhi (alohamedicinals brand & a source from China harvested on Chong Bai mt), I'm of one mind w u on this subject.

I put my red & black Ling Zhi powder in smoothies, along w several qi, blood, & yin tonics.  Raw milk & a banana is my base.

Been on it for the better part of a year now, & I have to say, I have seen numerous beneficial results to date.

Strangest of all, to my mind, is that after approx 3 months daily consumption (I make it delicious, btw), I wanted to mediate.

In the past, I always looked upon meditation more as a duty, something I should do.  Now I want to do it.

Part of Ling Zhi's modus operandi.

Based on your thread, will dive deeper into Shen tonics.



#21 GoingPrimal

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Posted 01 May 2015 - 12:49 PM

Has anyone come across the antifertility side-effects of Albizia?

 

"Oral administration of saponins isolated from Albizia lebbeck bark at the dose level of 50 mg/kg/b.w. per day for 60 days to male rats brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. The production of round spermatid was reduced by 73.04% in Albizia lebbeck treated rats. The population of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatogonia were reduced by 65.07% and 47.48% and secondary spermatocytes by 73.41%, respectively. Cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells as well as the cell counts were found to be depleted significantly. Leydig cell nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells were decreased by 57.47% and 54.42%, respectively. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly. Albizia lebbeck reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. [...] The protein, glycogen and cholesterol contents of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle and protein in epididymides were significantly decreased. Histoarchitecture of the testes showed vacuolization at primary spermatocytes stage. Highly reduced seminiferous tubular diameter and increased intertubular space were also observed when compared to controls."

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/15588647

 

Two more papers:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/16492532

http://www.asiaandro...-682x/6/155.htm

 

Although Albizia lebbeck is the form used in these studies, I am thinking Albizia julibrussin probably has a very similar chemical composition. I have not managed to find any information on whether the antifertility effects are reversible.

 

Bacopa, seems like a good comparison, given that it also contains saponins. In its case, arrest in spermatogenesis is reversible. However, saponins are a class of plant-derived chemical compounds. There are at least 12 known analogs in Bacopa, which are specific to this plant. The saponins in Albizia would be different, and it is also possible that saponins are not the only agents responsible for spermatogenesis arrest.

 

The treatment caused reduction in motility, viability, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis. Histologically, testes in mice treated with the plant extract showed alterations in the seminiferous tubules, and the alterations included intraepithelial vacuolation, loosening of germinal epithelium, exfoliation of germ cells and occurrence of giant cells. In severe cases, the tubules were lined by only Sertoli cells or Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Significant reductions were also noted in height of the germinal epithelium and diameter of the seminiferous tubules in Brahmi-treated mice compared to controls. Epididymis in treated males showed slight alterations in histological appearance. [...] The alterations caused in the above reproductive endpoints by the plant extract were reversible, and by 56 days of treatment withdrawal, the parameters recovered to control levels.

http://www.ncbi.nlm....4?dopt=Abstract

 

Does anyone have any info to share on the subject?

 

Wow, good find. I wouldn't be quick to assume that the two have the same anti-fertility effects - there are roughly 150 albizzia species throughout the world, but then again I haven't found any info saying otherwise. I wouldn't single out saponins either - saponins are the prime active compounds in ginseng, which is spermatogenic.

 

It's interesting that in the wiki page for Albizzia lebbeck they say it is psychoactive.. Wonder in what manner.

 

I can say that my balls have not shrunk and libido is high as ever  ;)

 

 

 

Thanks GoingPrimal, for initiating this thread.  Alliteration always appreciated.

As someone consuming copious quantities of Ling Zhi (alohamedicinals brand & a source from China harvested on Chong Bai mt), I'm of one mind w u on this subject.

I put my red & black Ling Zhi powder in smoothies, along w several qi, blood, & yin tonics.  Raw milk & a banana is my base.

Been on it for the better part of a year now, & I have to say, I have seen numerous beneficial results to date.

Strangest of all, to my mind, is that after approx 3 months daily consumption (I make it delicious, btw), I wanted to mediate.

In the past, I always looked upon meditation more as a duty, something I should do.  Now I want to do it.

Part of Ling Zhi's modus operandi.

Based on your thread, will dive deeper into Shen tonics.

 

It's interesting how that works. I often feel the same way about meditation being a duty, and once I up my intake of Shen herbs, I almost crave meditation.



#22 AlexCanada

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Posted 04 May 2015 - 12:57 AM

He Shou Wu (Fo Ti) is one of the absolute best herbs I have ever tried for adrenal fatigue and melanchonic apathetic depression. Remarkably gives me more life, motivation and a greater sense of connection towards the things around me. Unfortunately it also makes my skin more yellow and dry. Perhaps it is the japanese knotweed content (same as in resveratrol) but it's obviously not good for my liver and whatever else. It is contradicted with people who have certain disorders.

 

 

Does anyone have alternatives? Because it really helped so much for mood but I rather not put myself in an early grave.

 

Also do any herbs aside from gotu kola reliably raise blood sugar?? I am suspecting chronic hypoglycemia.

 

Or does anyone have suggestions for TCM options for blood sugar modulation in general?

 

 

edit:   I have a few local TCM shops here and they have various herbs in jars. Not certain which but these can be brewed or boiled. This is how I got some Shizandra* berries before for just $2 as a trial.  What other common Jar herbs for brewing/boiling would be recommended? For mood, energy, enhancing emotion, and/or pro-social aspects. Would be nice to try some herbs cheap and this is one way to do it. They have all these chinese names though and I don't know what to ask for. 

 

 


Edited by AlexCanada, 04 May 2015 - 01:04 AM.


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#23 GoingPrimal

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Posted 05 May 2015 - 05:45 PM

Alex,

 

For adrenal fatigue I would look into schizandra, rehmannia, ashwagandha and rhodiola. Rhodiola is particularly energizing, and may have some of the same MAOi properties as he shou wu. Unfortunate it doesn't agree with you, it's definitely one of my all time favorite herbs.

 

I would look deeply into the whole concepts of Jing, Qi and Shen, as well as Yin and Yang, as you can use these concepts to meet your specific goals. For example, if you want to be more pro-social, I'd look into herbs that are more Yang in nature - quality red ginseng, cistanche, deer antler, epimedium, rhodiola, etc. Mood enhancing, look for more Shen herbs, as well as Yang herbs listed above. Enhancing emotion, I'd look into Shen herbs. For energy, build up a base of Yin Jing by taking herbs such as goji berry, rehmannia and schizandra, then start incorporating some Yang Jing herbs and Qi herbs.

 

Here is a decent place to start learning about the concepts mentioned above. I would also recommend looking at the different products and formulations on the website and reading their descriptions to gain a better understanding.


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