Library

Congee herbs provides this library of health-related articles for your enjoyment and learning. These articles provide information that will be of great value to you in your quest for health and longevity.

Articals

Hypocrites stated, “Your food should be your medicine and your medicine should be your food.” Obviously he was not speaking of antibiotics, antacids, laxatives, or Prozac. Hippocrates had no way of knowing that we would stop eating whole foods as he knew them in favor of things far less nutritious and much harder to digest; foods totally incapable of healing us.

First we changed our soil by using petroleum-based fertilizers and a myriad of chemical sprays on them. This began to produce weak plants that were eaten by animals that became weak. As we ate the weak plants and the weak animals, we also became weak.

By the 1970s most of the food consumed by Americans was “processed” meaning we had changed it from a whole food to refined food loaded with preservatives, food dyes, and enriched with so-called vitamins and minerals our bodies couldn’t absorb. By so doing, we paved the way to becoming a sick people. In 1986 when I began to study the Taoist approach to health and longevity, it became clear to me that we were designed to live on whole foods. Our bodies understand them and know exactly how to break them down to obtain the nutrition that we need in order to live in optimum health.

As I began to study Chinese herbs, the herbs that interested me the most were the ones described by Shen Nong (author of the first Materia Medica) as Superior Herbs (those that were to be eaten as foods). It did not surprise me that the longevity foods that gave the Taoists their long life were made up to a large extent from these Superior herbs which so perfectly fit the description Hippocrates gave to the foods to keep us well. This naturally led me to congees as the perfect food for humans.

Congee is a Chinese concept describing a mixture of grains, beans, and Superior grade herbs. Although grains and legumes are probably the least expensive foods in the world they are certainly nearest to the Superior grade herbs in their quality of nutrition.

Most of you are at least somewhat familiar with the fact that the healthiest people on the earth eat a diet made up mostly from grains and beans. Let me now approach a more complete analysis of the herbs, grains, and beans in the eight-herb congee.

As I began to study Chinese herbs, the herbs that interested me the most were the ones described by Shen Nong (author of the first Materia Medica) as Superior Herbs (those that were to be eaten as foods). It did not surprise me that the longevity foods that gave the Taoists their long life were made up to a large extent from these Superior Herbs which so perfectly fit the description Hypocrites gave to the foods to keep us well. This naturally led me to congees as the perfect food for humans. Here's what's in our Congees.

Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg 478. They are system specific to the large intestine, the lungs, and the immune system in general. The apex of the kernel is toxic and has been removed. They are classified as a bitter herb and have a drying and dispersing action inside the body. They lubricate the intestines and relieve constipation. They are excellent for removing edema and dampness from the body. They are used to treat asthma, bronchitis, sinus, colds, coughs, etc. They also clear excessive heat.

(Gou Qi Zi) ) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg 326. They are system specific for the liver, lungs, kidneys, and the blood. They nourish the yin parts of us and are often used to heal impotence and treat menopause problems. They are used by Taoists for a myriad of eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts and brightening vision. They are also used by Oriental Medical Doctors with diabetes. They are tonic in nature and are often used to correct or prevent imbalances.

(Suan Zao Ren) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg 328. They are system specific to the stomach, spleen, liver, heart channels, blood deficiency, immune regulating anti-allergenic, and the nervous system. This herb strengthens and tonifies the spleen as well as nourishing the body. It lubricates lungs, stops coughs, stops diarrhea, and works as a diplomat or carrier herb within the formula of congee harmonizing and enhancing all the other herbs. It is prescribed for night sweats, blood in the urine, anemia, bruises, and nervous hysteria. This is a wonderful and nutritious food for strengthening and energizing the body and blood. It is excellent to balance the spleen.

(Shan Yao) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg 262. This Herb is system specific for kidneys, spleen, lungs, large and small intestine, anemia, diarrhea, incontinence, and diabetes. This herb greatly aids assimilation and creates energy. It is indicated for any digestion or respiratory problem.

(Qian Shi) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg 356 describes this herb. addresses Kidney, spleen, urinary tract, reproductive system, and lymphatic system. This is another herb to treat diarrhea. Insomnia responds to it as well.

(Bai He) nourishes the heart, cardiovascular, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and spleen. It is great for irritability, anxiety, apprehension, headaches, and visual disturbances, bronchitis, laryngitis, TB, asthma, and peptic ulcers.

(Lian Zi) ) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg 274 is system specific to the entire digestive system and is anti-diarrheal, also is great for incontinence, feminine disorders like leucorrhea, menorrhigia, and spermatorrhea. The seeds also nourish the heart, spleen and kidneys.

(Fa Seng) Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 233 describes raw peanuts. They help edema, insomnia, lack of appetite, hypertension, nephritis, and ulcers.

(Hei Zhi Ma) Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg 532 describes Black Sesame seeds tonifies the yin fluids and blood; strengthens the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen-pancreas, and lungs. Acts as a general tonic. Used to relieve rheumatism, constipation, dry cough, and blurry vision as well as ringing in the ears.

(Gan Cao) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg. 559 describes licorice as addressing the endocrine , immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, circulatory systems. We use this herb sparingly.

(Ou Jie) Peter Holmes in his book Jade Remedies pg. 217 describes this herb as benefiting digestive, respiratory, stomach, lung systems.

(Kanten) Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 582 describes Agar Agar as benefiting the liver, and reducing inflammation effecting heart and lungs. It is used to promote digestion and weight loss, treat hemorrhoids and to carry toxic and radio active waste out of the body. An obvious good source of calcium and iron.

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 582. Strengthens spleen-pancreas, helps with colitis and other digestive disorders like diarrhea. At the Hildegard Practice in Konstanz Germany spelt has been used for many disorders, especially chronic digestive disorders. Also chronic infections like aids and herpes as well as nerve and bone disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and cancer. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 461. Strengthens spleen-pancreas, helps with colitis and other digestive disorders. Benefits the blood and the gall bladder. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 472. Strengthens spleen-pancreas, helps with colitis and other digestive disorders. Good for diabetes, depression. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, especially the B vitamins.

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 510. One of the most nutritious foods we have. Strengthens spleen-pancreas, helps with colitis and other digestive disorders. It promotes clear vision, eliminates toxins from the body. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 507. Good for the kidney and adrenal function. An excellent diuretic. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 509. Detoxifies the body, especially the gall bladder and liver. A diuretic. Also good for high blood pressure and the heart. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

Paul Pitchford in his book Healing with Whole Foods pg. 507. Especially beneficial for kidneys and reproductive organs. Builds blood. Very rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

*NOTE: Statements made on this site concerning various products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Superior Herbs, the secret to life

It is possible to live healthier, longer. Herbs of wellness are the key. Your body solves its own problems best and the herbs, extracts and foods we can provide will help your body in this process.

Whenever a healing or regeneration (reversing the aging process) takes place, the body has done its magic … and will continue to do its magic until you die - if you do your part. Every human body is programmed to achieve its ultimate genetic destiny - a long, healthy life. Every cell in your body strives for that excellence as long as you are alive.

A human cannot achieve their ultimate genetic destiny unless:

1. They have the nutrients necessary to accomplish the task
2. The flow of toxic substances into the body is diminished
3. The toxins stored over years in the body and brain are removed.

Our congees are wonderfully delicious and loaded with nutrients most of us have not had access to given our eating habits. They can revolutionize your approach to health and become the foundation of a completely new concept of what your body, mind, and spirit can attain.

Most of us have a concept of what we are eating and drinking that we should not. Our approach is to bring balance. In particular, we teach how to balance alkaline and acid in our bodies by changing our intake of food and drink.

Our whole lives we live in the chemical soup humanity has created for us. To cleanse our bodies is not a quick or easy process. However, we can share with you the way to cleanse your body, and become the pure being you wish to be.

Anyone who improves nutrition, stops harmful intake and cleanses refuse stored in their body over their lifetime, will begin to realize their potential in every area of their life. We think that this is achievable, and we would love to help everyone attain this goal.

Tested for Over 5000 Years!

6,250 years ago Shen Nong, a Taoist Master, became the Emperor of China. This is the man given credit as the Father of Agriculture and the author of the Materia Medica, the first book to divide herbs into categories and teach how to use them for better health. He also taught the Taoists what herbs and foods should be eaten to maintain perfect health. The Taoists followed his advise and have for 6,250 years found his advise to be excellent. We personally benefit from Shen Nong’s advice, and pass it on to our friends seeking good health.

Secrets of Health and Longevity

If you wish to achieve better health and longevity than you currently enjoy, we recommend the following tasks:

1. You must increase the quality and quantity of nutrients you are consuming
2. You must reduce the harmful foods and drinks you are currently consuming
3. You must cleanse the toxins stored in your body over your lifetime

If you accomplish these three things, your health will improve dramatically and you will begin to experience regeneration (reversing the aging process) mentally, physically, and spiritually. All of the products on our web site relate to one of these three categories.

Secrets of Health and Longevity

We all know that chickens don’t normally live long lives. Alexis Carrel M.D. was a noted French surgeon and winner of the Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine.  In 1912 he was working at the Rockefeller Institute in New York and he clearly demonstrated the relationship of cleansing and longevity by placing micro slices of heart tissue of a chicken embryo in a solution that provided nourishment to the living cells and washed away their waste material.  He wanted to demonstrate that if cells were given nutrients and the waste material was cleansed that cells could live a very long time … maybe indefinitely. 

The tissues on the slides were rinsed daily in a solution and the solution was replaced the following day.  The cells in this tissue survived for twenty-nine years.  They finally died when a laboratory assistant failed to change the solution.  When the solution was not replaced, the cells and tissue died from autointoxication.  Dr. Carrol said,“The cell is immortal.  It is only the fluid it floats in that degenerates.  Renew this fluid at intervals, give the cell something upon which to feed and, so far as we know, the pulsation of life may go on forever.”  

Makes one wonder what would happen if we were fed an ideal diet and kept ourselves properly detoxified …. How long would we remain young and reverse aging?  How long would we live?

Wolfberries

Wolfberries are perhaps the most nutritionally dense fruit on the planet. Wolfberries contain 18 kinds of amino acids and contain all 8 essential amino acids. Wolfberries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).

Wolfberries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! They contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges. They also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Mature fruits contain beta-sisterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine.

Wolfberries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland). They boost the bodies production of the anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase. Numerous studies by the Chinese government have shown that Chinese wolfberries are extremely useful for boosting the immune system, protecting the liver, improving the quality of blood, and improving vision.

Wolfberry fruits are used in many herbal formulas to maintain overall health when suffering from chronic conditions, such as weariness of the loins and legs, dizziness and ringing in the ear, visual degeneration, headaches, insomnia, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, tuberculosis, and hypertension.

Scientists in modern China have extensively studied wolfberry fruits, their nutrients and their medical benefits. They have further substantiated the ancient medical applications such as: maintain healthy immune system (including specific and non-specific immune response), improving eye conditions, support healthy liver function, maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar. Wolfberry is also an excellent herb for anti-oxidant and anti-aging.

In 1983, the Ministry of the Public Health of China approved Wolfberry to be marketed as a natural food or botanical medicine.

Since the early 1980's, the Chinese wolfberry has been the subject of a number of important clinical studies which substantiate its historical use in improving health. Several of these studies were published by the prestigious State Scientific and Technological Commission in China. These studies have documented the antioxidant and immune strengthening properties of the Chinese wolfberry.

Many studies have shown wolfberry fruits support a strong immune system by increasing the lymphocyte transformation rate. Wolfberry assists spleen lymphocyte transformation induced by Concavalin A (7). It increases the antibody reaction to T cell-dependant antigen (SRBC) which means that wolfberry selectively strengthen the T cell immune response (8). Wolfberry enhances the T cell immune response by increasing the number of E receptors on the surface of T cells or increasing the numbers of T cells directly.

Wolfberry also can be used to reduce lead toxicity because it inhibits the reduction of T cells and delayed allergy activity induced by lead.

Wolfberries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed that all the patients spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients, 95% of the patients slept better, and 35% of the patients partially recovered their sexual function.

According to one study published by the State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, the Chinese wolfberry caused the blood indexes of aged volunteers to noticeably "reverse to a young state." In one study in China, a 48% increase of Super Oxide Dismutase and a 12% increase of hemoglobin were found in serum for all senior participants. A 65% decrease of LPO in serum was found in the same study. This indicates wolfberry fruit is a potent anti-oxidant, which may slow the aging process.

Wolfberries have a higher antioxidant status than most foods ever studied. According to a new laboratory test known as the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), developed by researchers at Tufts University, here's how some common foods rate in their ability to neutralize free radicals:

Top Antioxidant Foods (ORAC)

Wolfberry fruit has been shown to inhibit gene mutation and the growth of cancer cells. Other studies from China show an extract from wolfberry fruit inhibits the gene mutation. (16). Some scientists believe that wolfberry fruit may be a very good supplement to prevent liver cancer because it exerts liver protection and anticancer effects at the same time.

Another study from China showed wolfberries increased the sensitivity to radiation therapy (11) and enhanced the immune system for cancer patients.

One study in China discovered that the hepaprotective component (zeaxanthin dipalmitate) from wolfberry helps counteract carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

Another study from China found wolfberries exerts hepaprotection through inhibiting the lipid peroxidation of liver cells in aging mice (13). Wolfberries help to repair liver cell injury induced by CCl4 and facilitates recovery from hepatic necrosis (14).

Studies by the Chinese government have shown that Chinese wolfberries are extremely useful for improving vision.(6)

Wolfberry fruits were very popular for their vision improvement properties in ancient China. Modern Chinese scientists found wolfberry fruits reduce dark adapting time and improve vision under subdued light.

Wolfberries, are perhaps the most nutritionally dense fruit on the planet.
Wolfberries contain 18 kinds of amino acids and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).

Wolfberries contain up to 21 trace minerals, the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus.

Wolfberries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! They contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges. These berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Wolfberries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).

Its tender leaves are edible and the fruits and roots are used as medicinal foods. The bright red berries are usually harvested in late summer or early autumn when the fruit is mature. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then sun dried in partial shade until the cortex is wrinkled, and then dried in the sun until the fruit is crusted with the pulp still soft. They are often used unprepared. The roots are usually harvested in the spring, although they can be dug any time of the year. The roots can be used either fresh or dried.

A good daily intake of Wolfberries is 20-40 grams or 3-4 tablespoons or more. Wolfberries may be used as snacks or mixed with recipes or smoothies like other dried fruits.