BRIC countries

MADRID (Dow Jones)--Emerging economies will lead global growth in coming years, with Brazil, Russia, India and China, known as the BRIC countries, accounting for two-thirds of world growth this year, Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said Wednesday.

Tea Production in China affected by Drought

Tea production in southeast China has suffered due to one of the longest droughts on record. Production and quality is lower and prices are higher because of the drought.

Weaverville Museum

Here's a picture of objects on display in one of the cabinets. You can see coins, scales, and opium pipe and other interesting objects. The museum also has weapons used in a local Tong war including a butterfly knife and a very long sword.
If you are passing through Weaverville, CA stop at the Joss House and the Museum.

Weaverville Chinese History

Chinese miners settled in the Weaverville area in the 1800's. We found a museum across the parking lot from the Joss House that was really interesting. There were several cases filled with Chinese related historical objects. One that we found interesting was a medical book on display that had prescriptions for toothache, skin problems, and a Dit Da Jow formula. The formulas are all written by brush.
Unfortunately the book was locked in a cabinet and inaccessible. I would love to go through the book and have it translated.
Here's a picture of the page that is displayed. At the top, in the center you can find the characters for Tian Qi or Psuedoginseng which is a standard ingredient in dit da jow formulas.

Weaverville Joss House

There's a small museum that you enter before being able to take a tour of the temple that displays many interesting Chinese artifacts. One item that caught my eye is this bottle that contained a tonic wine with Wu Jia Pi (otherwise known as Siberian Ginseng). The characters for Wu Jia Pi are near the top of the label printed with smaller characters and written from right to left.

Weaverville, CA Joss House

Yun Lin Miao (Cloud Forest temple) is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. Located in Weaverville, California, the temple was built in 1874 as a replacement for another that had burned. This is a small temple but filled with history.
I traveled there with my friends, Huang Li and daughter, Xin Yu, and Kang Shu Jin.
Inside the temple there is a main alter and behind that three smaller alters with dieties. Here is a picture of some of the dieties.
Because my friends are Chinese we were allowed to go up to the alters to view it more closely.









Pictured in front of the Temple (Left to right) are my friends Kang Shu Jin, Huang Li, and Xin Yu.

eastearthherb on twitter

You can now get daily herbal and health insights from East Earth Trade Winds on twitter. Go to twitter.com then search for and follow: eastearthherb

skin problems

Q: I have checked www.eastearthtrade.com for chronic ingrown hair condition on my legs only and I did not see anything listed that would meet that criterion. Can you please recommend what product may help with this condition? I've dealt with this for several years and it keeps getting worse. It seems as though since I have such coarse hair, it will curl back under the skin before exiting the upper dermis. I?m not sure if I just have very tough skin or what is causing this condition, but it's extremely embarrassing. Specialists are saying that they want to put me on steroids and/or growth inhibitors, but I DO NOT want to go this route, it's very harmful. I am desperate to find an all natural remedy for this condition. Any insights of recommendations for one of your products, would be greatly appreciated!

A: Here's a suggestion for two products that may help. One is a topical called Yin Care. I suggest making a 10% solution to start. You'll have to experiment a little to see what works best.
Here's the Link: http://eastearthtrade.com/yin-care.aspx

The other product is internal and works good for acne, blemishes and other skin problems. The dosage is 4 tablets twice a day.
Here's the link: http://eastearthtrade.com/lienchiaopaitupien.aspx

Hopefully you'll see results within 7-10 days or less.

Clostridium difficile and Chinese Herbs

Clostridium difficile (C-diff) is a hospital related diarrhea. Recent reports suggest that it is surpassing MRSA infections. Western medicine is having more trouble treating this problem. We know that:
• Clindamycin resistant outbreaks of C-diff were identified in U.S. 1989 through 1992
• Ciprofloxin and Levaquin resistance C-diff was reported in 2005
How can Chinese herbs help? We know from research that certain herbs can treat C-diff. These herbs* have been identified as:
• Anemone pulsatilla (Bai Tou Weng)
• Artemisia (Ai Ye)
• Camellia (Lu Cha)
• Cassia seed (Jue Ming Zi)
• Coptis (Huang Lian)
• Gingko leaf (Yin Xing Ye)
• Rhus chinensis (Wu Bei Zi)
It would be in the best interest of patients to integrate Chinese herb therapy when fighting problems such as C-diff or other antibiotic resistant organisms.

*The herbs with the exception of Rhus Chinensis, can be found by looking up the Chinese name at http://eastearthtrade.com/sanjiuherbalextracts.aspx

Wontons and Potstickers Recipe

An easy way to make wontons or potstickers is to buy the wrappers in the supermarket and make the filling.
Ingredients:
1/2 pound shrimp
1.5 pounds ground pork
green onions
celery
fresh ginger
sesame oil
soy sauce
salt
square wonton wrappers

1). It a small blender grind the ginger and green onions. Add to the ground pork.
2). clean the shrimp
3). boil water. cut two celery stalks in half. Add to the boiling water and cook for two minutes. Then remove and grind. Squeeze the water our and add to the meat
4). chop the shrimp and add to the meat
5). add sesame oil, salt and soy sauce. Mix with your hands.
6). wrap the mixed meat in the wonton wraps. Put a small amount in the center. fold the wrap in half then wet the edge and pinch closed. Any extra can be frozen.

For Wonton soup: add oil, soy sauce, salt, vinegar, and chopped green onions. Bring the water to a boil and add the wontons, boil for a few minutes and add more water. Bring to a boil again. do this four times. Serve as soup.

For Potstickers: Place potstickers in a shallow pan with some water in it and cook until all the water is gone.

Heartworm herbs

Q:

I recently bought from another company some Empirical Heartworm support herbal product. I decided to look up some of the ingredients on your web site and did not find a thing. So tell me, did I waste my money on this stuff> If it isn't to much of a bother, I will list some of the ingredients for you.....

Bing Lang ( Semen Arecae)

Wu Mei (Fructus Mume)

Shi Jun ( Fructus Quisqualis)

Fu Ling (Poria) etc

Please if it isn't too much trouble tell me if this stuff is real.

Thank you. -Virginia S.

A: Some of these herbs are used for parasites in Chinese medicine but not specifically heartworm. I don't know if it will work. You should ask the other company what research they have that supports their claim.

Cloud Hands Seminar with Sifu Share K. Lew

Sifu Lew Cloud Hands Qi Gong Workshop taught by Master Share K. Lew
will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and June 6, 2010 in Redding, CA

The exercises that Master Lew teaches are part of the "internal system" of the martial arts, known as Nui Kung or energy cultivation. These exercises strengthen the circulation of the Chi (vital energy), which increases vitality, health, and sensory perception. All of these exercises have traditionally been kept secret. Daily practice of the exercises will give the student a tangible experience of Chi energy.
The Cloud Hands set is the beginning set of Nui Kung (internal energy cultivation) which builds a foundation for both better health and further Nui Kung. The Cloud Hands consist of five relatively non-strenuous movements along with quiet seated meditation. These Taoist exercises help the body maintain good health and increase vitality. The time required for practice will fit into anyone’s schedule.
****

The Instructor
Share K. Lew, now in his nineties, is a Taoist priest with over 70 years experience in the traditional Taoist arts. Master Lew received part of his education at Wong Lung Kwan, a Taoist monastery on the Luo Fo mountains near Canton, China.
Master Lew studied at Wong Lung Kwan monastery for 13 years. During that time he trained in the full range of Taoist healing and martial arts. At the core of his training was the secret system of cultivation known as Qigong (Chi kung). Master Lew was the first person to openly teach authentic Taoist Qigong to non-Chinese, beginning in Los Angeles in 1970. Master Lew’s monastery style, the Tao Ahn Pai (Taoist Elixir Style), dates back over 1300 years to Lu Dung Bin, who was born during the Tang Dynasty, and became one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism.


For information and reservations call John Price at (530) 524-6942 or email: 6mmrem@gmail.com

*****
Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and June 6, 2010
Time: 10:00 to 4:00 pm, with lunch break from 12-2:00 pm
Location: Tobacco and Brew on Hilltop Drive in Redding

Fee: $200

Reservations: Pre-registration is recommended. A deposit of $100 will reserve your space. Class size is limited to 35 people.
• Bring a small pillow to sit on

herpes virus

Q: I have the herpes virus. Based on my studies, I know you can not tell me that you have a cure for herpes, I know you can not use the word cure. However, I need t know what is your best product for my condition and has any of your customers told you that they feel better after taking your product for this type of virus. Also Do you have an herb called PRATAN. This herb comes from Thailand and suppose to be good for herpes. Can you assist me in making a connection to some body in that country.
A: The Long Dan Xie Gan Wan is the best formula for this problem. It is to be taken whenever you feel like you are having an outbreak. Don't take it all the time. This product is not a cure but helps control the outbreaks. You also need to have a good diet and reduce stress to prevent future outbreaks and above all don't have sexual intercourse when you are having an outbreak. Do not pass this on.
I am not familiar with the herb Pratan.

Tinnitus

Q: I was wondering which products you suggest for hearing loss and tinnitus.

A: Er Long Zuo Ci Wan, is according to Chinese medicine books, said to be helpful. It all depends on the cause of the tinnitus so I really don't know if it would help or not. You may have to try several weeks or longer.

Chrysanthemum Tea

Looking to make a pleasant tasting tea? Add 3-4 chrysanthemum flowers along with the juice from half a lemon and add a little bit of honey to make a surprisingly delicious tea! Chrysanthemi, Flos (Chinese: Ju hua)) is said to be good for the eyes and clears and calms the Liver.

You can buy Chrysanthemum at www.eastearthtrade.com

Translating Acupuncture Texts

The topic of Acupuncturist's translating Chinese medical texts came up in a discussion recently. Occasionally I'll run across articles where an American acupuncturist's states that he or she translated the original Chinese text for the article. For example, Bob Flaws, OMD, of Blue Poppy Press, is a prolific "translator" who, according to his biography, taught himself to read "medical Chinese". He has in the past offered courses on reading Medical Chinese. He has also published a book "Teach Yourself to Read Modern Medical Chinese: A Step-by-Step Workbook and Guide". The pitch for this books states: "Bob shares all the 'quick and dirty' methods he’s used to teach himself. You can begin translating modern medical Chinese within hours"
While I have never read the book, advertising the translation methods as "quick and dirty" or promising you can begin translating Chinese into English "within hours" makes it sound like a side-show carnival product.(1)
Don't be misled, Chinese is not an easy language to learn or translate. The US Government classifies Mandarin Chinese as a Category IV language - one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn.
My concern is that Acupuncturists that read some of these "translated" articles or books take for granted that the translator is actually qualified to do that kind of work.
Those who want to translate and publish Chinese medical texts into English need to have a formal education in Chinese Language and translation from an institute of higher learning.
I propose passing Level 11 of the HSK exam as a minimum standard for translators of Chinese medical texts.
The HSK(2) is a standard test of Proficiency in Chinese language. The amount of words a person should know at the basic test level ranges from 400-3,000 Chinese words. In the advanced level HSK (Level 11) they should have knowledge of 5,000-8,000 words. According to the HSK website a person passing HSK Level 11 is proficient in Chinese at the advanced (high) level and can be regarded as qualified as an intermediate-level translator.

I also believe that a translator in the field of acupuncture should have the translations reviewed for accuracy by a translation committee prior to publication.

The whole purpose of setting high standards is to elevate the profession of acupuncture and make sure that accurate information is disseminated to practitioners.

Notes:
(1) A reviewer on amazon.com said this about Bob Flaws book:
"...I would like to say though, I found the book not that helpful in two ways. 1) The terminology although has pinyin romanization, it lacks the intonation marks. While this book is for reading, tones added will make the book able to help those wanting to learn to speak or listen to Chinese. 2) The book is full of errors. The wrong characters are written and often the meaning is either too simple or in error...so many errors!

(2) For more information on Chinese Proficiency Tests see HSK

Texas Acupuncture Warning

Did you know that if you are a Chiropractor in Texas you can practice acupuncture with just 100 hours of training? As unbelievable as it may seem this is true.
To put this in perspective, to qualify for the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) which is accepted as the main certifying agency in most states you need almost 3,000 hours training from a formal education program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

So, do people in Texas seeking acupuncture treatment know this? They should. Chiropractors in Texas who portray themselves as trained acupuncturists are less than forthright. They have organizations they belong to but as far as I can tell they certify themselves.
Think about 100 hours of training. That's not much in any field, much less medicine. For comparison, in a typical Oriental Medical College that will produce a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), a first year student will take 165 hours a semester and they won't even begin to touch a needle much less claim to know acupuncture.

My advice: If you live in Texas and seek acupuncture go to an acupuncturist with the credentials of "L.Ac." (Licensed Acupuncturist) These people have extensive and proper training and will be much more capable of treating you as a professional - and they won't have studied acupuncture by correspondence course either.

For more reading see: AAOM challenges 300-Hour "Chiropractice Acupucnture" Program.

Culing Pill

Q: Is there any wheat or any form of gluten in Culing Pill?
A: One ingredient, Massa Fermenta, or MASSA FERMENTATA (Chinese: Shen Qu) is in the formula. You probably don't want to use it.

Green Tea

Tea Power

Drinking green tea may not only prevent cancer - it may also shrink tumors. University of Mississippi medical Center researchers gave water mixed with a green tea anti-oxidant called EGCG to mice with breast cancer. After five weeks, their tumors were 66 percent smaller and 68 percent lighter than those in mice who drank just water.

As Reported by the Reader's Digest (October 2008, page 121).

Swallowing capsules

Q: Could I melt the capsules? I'm not very good at swallowing big pills.

Is this something I will have to take everyday to feel the effect? I am looking for something that's more "on the go" type or immediate relief.

A: You can open the capsules and pour the contents into tea. I'm not sure how well it would dissolve. One trick to swallowing any pill or capsule is to tuck your chin down as you swallow. The capsule will go down much easier this way. If you tilt your head back it is much harder to swallow anything.

You might take it daily for the 1st two weeks than use as needed. You'll have to see how it works for you. Herbs are not as strong as prescription drugs so you can't always expect "immediate" relief, especially if you are using it for panic attacks or anxiety. It may need to build up in your system.

Dog's Liver Enzymes

Q: my dog has high liver enyzmes vet doesn't know why with Diarrhea muccus can she take liu wei Di Huang wan if so she is 28 lbs how much can i give her and how many times aday are 2 pills enough? i want to make sure on the box it says something about liver problems i'm confused because it's for the liver

A: Use about five pills a day for a 28 pound dog. The liver warning on the box has to do with the product containing licorice. If you take about 1/3 of an ounce of licorice daily for months on end you may have blood pressure problems - hence, the warning. However, there is not even a gram of licorice in the whole box. The warning is just to protect the company in case of legal action. You should also know that this product has been around for over 200 years without a warning label and many other companies make the same product without a warning label. However, you need to make the choice whether to use it or not.

Hand and Leg Pain

Q: I suffer from inflammation in many parts of my body, especially along the meridian (gall bladder?) which runs down the outside of my thighs and on down, so much so that just touching anywhere along it causes extreme pain. The other issue is poor circulation, where my hands fall asleep at night. I don't know if these two things are related, but wondered if there were something you could suggest taking for either/both of these issues.
A: The pain down the side of your leg could be sciatic pain or sciatica. Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan may help.
The hands falling asleep at night may be carpal tunnel syndrome. China Tung Hsueh may help.
Both these products can be found at www.eastearthtrade.com

Lei Gong Teng Thunder God Vine

Q: Do you know where I can get thunder god vine, lei gong teng, Latin Name Tripterygium Wilfordii?

A: Many people are interested in Lei Gong Teng because of reported positive effects in treating rheumatoid arthritis and tumors. However, lacking in the printed stories is the fact that Lei Gong Teng is a very toxic herb and should never be used in its raw form unless under the supervision of someone trained in its use. The product described in news stories is not the same as boiling up the bulk herb with no knowledge of its use. This herb is not discussed in American Acupuncture Colleges because it is so toxic. It's use is not very common and it is not available commercially for good reasons.
Properties and action: Bitter tasting, highly toxic. Reduces inflammation, detoxifies, kills maggots and larvae, poisons rats and birds (by baiting), destroys oncomelania snails.
Conditions most used for: Waistband ulcers and pruritus.
Preparation: Roots, leaves, flowers or fruits are used medicinally for EXTERNAL purposes in suitable amounts. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY.

Lei Gong Teng contains a strong neurotoxin. Intoxication symptoms such as burning pain in mouth and throat, excessive salivation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, etc., usually appear with half an hour of taking this herb. Following this, dilated pupils or even blindness, drooping eyelids, dizziness, dysphasia, cold clammy hands and feet, muscular weakness or cramps, swallowing difficulties and coma, may be manifest. Finally, bradycardia followed by tachycardia and irregular respiration, if not treated immediately, may culminate in respiratory failure and death.
Prevention: Lei Gong Teng is used for EXTERNAL purposes to eliminate and eradicate pests. Do not take by mistake.

Other: Lei Gong Teng will cause infertility in women.

Note: Lei Gong Teng is also known as Lei-Kung T'eng

I suggest using Tung Shueh for muscle and joint pain. This product is good for arthritis and pain relief and is safe to use. It can be found at eastearthtrade.com

China Tung Hsueh

Q: I have seen China Tung Hsueh listed under pet remedies. Is it really safe for human beings to take these medicine? I am really worried as this will badly affect my health. Need your immediate reply on the matter.

A: China Tung Hsueh is not per se a "pet remedy" but many people have found that their pet will benefit from it. Many people use the Chinese formula's for pets. See the book Four Paws, Five Directions for example. This is also true of human prescription medicine. They are often used in animals.

Lajiao

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

I never thought about pickled peppers before but last night I was having dinner at the home of a Chinese friend when I came across an interesting looking vegetable. I took a taste and thought it was a pickle but moments later after chewing thoroughly and swallowing it I realized to late that it was not a pickle. I asked my friend what it was and she told me it was "La jiao" or in English a hot pepper. What I had eaten was a pickled pepper and it was way too hot for me. I didn't dare eat the rest of them though the noodles they were in were very good.

Run Chang Wan

Q: I have some pain in the lower left abdomen. A friend of mine suggested it might be constipation.

I am wondering if Run Chang Wan might be a short term help. Long term I am not sure what to do. Now I just need to figure out how to help the bowels run more smoothly.

We also have some 'phase two' cleansing tonic, with Cascara Sagarada. I suppose I could try a very small amount of that.

A. Run Chang Wan is a very gentle intestinal lubricant. It is safe for long-term use or for elderly people or those recovering from an illness. Cascara is a harsh laxative. I think the Run Chang Wan is better. You can buy it at East Earth Trade Winds.

Pearl Powder

Q: Do you know where to get pearl powder? Are there varying qualities of the stuff?

A: East Earth Trade Winds has mother-of-pearl (margaritifera) available. This is used as a substitute for pearl powder. Pearl powder itself is generally more expensive. The pearls used are not jewel quality so there aren't different grades.