Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Simatai Great Wall

 The Simatai section of the Great Wall is about 75 miles northeast of Beijing. This area is known for the majestic views and steep terrain. My first trip there was in 1999 when it had limited development for tourism. At that time you could walk as far as you dared. The picture on the top of the blog is from that trip and is a section that we decided was too narrow and too steep -with sheer drops of several hundred feet -  to continue. 

The last time I was there was in 2009 (my third trip there) and tourists were not allowed to go past a certain point. I was glad I had been there years before and had been able to go farther. The pictures below are from my last trip there. A misty, lightly rainy day. Any section of the Great Wall is wonderful to see but this is one section that I would like to return to someday.






You can find my original post on Simatai in the post dated August 30, 2009


Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Herbal treatment for Hemorrhoids

Anyone who has had hemorrhoids knows that they can be painful at times. Modern medicine tends to treat them with diet, stool softeners, over-the-counter products such as Preparation H, or surgery but in China where over-the-counter (OTC) remedies tend to be herbally based there is a well-know herbal remedy that can help reduce the inflammation and shrink the hemorrhoids. The Chinese herbal formula is called "Fargelin" and comes in a small box of 36 pills. Use three tablets three times a day when hemorrhoids are starting to bother you. No medicinal claims can be made on herbal products sold in the USA so there is no mention on the box as to what it is used for. It only says it "promotes anal health" which is a vague statement but satisfies legal product labeling requirements. One of the main herbs is San Qi otherwise known as Tian Qi. This herb can stop bleeding. It is also found in the formula Yunnan Bai Yao - which is known for stopping bleeding.

Contains: San Qi Ginseng, Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria), Sophora, Callicarpa, Amber, Sanguisorba, Corydalis. Other ingredients: Sugar, Corn Starch, water


Fargelin can be ordered online from East Earth Trade Winds. Here is the link: https://www.eastearthtrade.com/fargelin-hua-zhi-ling.aspx


Monday, September 21, 2020

Shou Wu Chih or Shou Wu Capsules?

 Shou Wu Chih is a popular tonic formula from China popularized in the 1980's book "Chinese Tonic Herbs" by Ron Teeguarden. East Earth Trade Winds sold it for many years but discontinued it. There were several reasons for not carrying it anymore. The supply changed over the years and the ingredients would change slightly depending on the manufacturer. In China the formula is made by many companies and all have very similar labeling and bottle shape. Another problem was the alcohol content. Though small it was alcohol non-the-less.

The solution to these problems was to have the original formula made into capsules using extract powders. Once made they called the product "Shou Wu Capsules" instead of "Shou Wu Chih". The new product was superior in many ways, foremost, was that the formula was never altered and they had a consistant reliable product to sell. The alcohol problem was eliminated as it did not need a preservative and there was no problem with breakage in shipping. It also made the product easier to take with you when traveling.

Shou Wu Capsules gently increase the energy level, tonify and invigorate the blood, and nourish the Liver and Kidney function. Tthe herbs in this formula are also said to be good for the bones and joints and it is a good restorative to take after an illness. This is considered a tonic formula that is suitable for long-term use.

You can buy Shou Wu Capsules at: https://www.eastearthtrade.com/Shou-Wu-Caps.aspx


Friday, September 18, 2020

"China Uncensored" review by Nathan Rich

Last updated: September 18, 2020 

I came across this video by Nathan Rich which I think everyone who is interested in China should watch. He links the youtube channel "China Uncensored" to Falun Gong and does a pretty thorough review of their channel and how biased it is with anti-China propaganda.

Here the link. Please take time to watch.

By the way, Falun Gong is the same group that promotes Shun Yun.



Pain Relieving Plasters help Manage Chronic Pai

Many people have chronic pain as the result of an injury or accident or because of aging and arthritis. One solution is to use Pain Relieving Medicated Plasters. They give temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. The plasters are easy to use. Just remove the backing and apply to your skin. The plasters may be trimmed to fit the area you want to place it on, .e.g., trim a strip to wrap around the shoulder or knee. One word of caution for men: if you have hair in the area, for example, around your knees, I suggest shaving the area first because when it is time to remove the plaster you'll regret it if you don't!


The Active Ingredients, i.e., those ingredients recognized by the FDA as having a therapeutic value are: Menthol 6%; Methyl Salicylate 10%

The Inactive Ingredients, what in my opinion actually makes this a fantastic remedy is: Black Catechu, Chinese Rhubarb, Dandelion, Dragon's Blood, Drynaria, Fossilized bone, Gardenia, Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Safflower, Sichuan Teasel, Somalian Myrrh. 

This product comes in a box of ten plasters and are for external use only. 

You can buy them at East Earth Trade Winds. Here's a link:

 https://www.eastearthtrade.com/pain-relieving-medicated-plasters.aspx.


Here's a discussion of the "inactive" ingredients.

Black Catechu (Chinese: Er cha) belongs to the category of Substances for topical application. It moderates pain, stops bleeding due to external trauma

Chinese Rhubarb (Chinese: Da Huang) belongs to the category of Downward Draining Herbs. These herbs are commonly used to stimulate or lubricate the gastrointestinal tract and facilitate the expulsion of stool. Da Huang whose main purpose is to drain heat and purge accumulations also has the effect of invigorating the blood and dispelling blood stasis and it is used for blood stasis due to traumatic injury. It is used with Angelicae sinensis (dang gui), Semen Persicae (tao ren) and Carthami (hong hua) for blood stasis.

Dandelion or Herba Taraxaci (Chinese: Pu gong Ying) belong to the herbal category Herbs that Clear Heat and Resolve Toxicity. This herb can disperse Qi stagnation and reduce swelling.

Dragon's Blood (Chinese: Xue Jie; Botanical name: Sanguis Draconis) is a resinous secretion of the fruit of Daemonorops draco. It gets its name because of its resemblance to dried blood. It belongs to the category of Herbs that Circulate the Blood. It dispels blood stasis and alleviates pain and is used for symptoms related to injury from falls, fractures, bruises, and sprains. It is used with Olibanum and Myrrh for bruising, swelling, and pain from trauma. It can stop bleeding when applied topically to an external injury. It invigorates the blood, disperse stasis, and stops pain. Sanguis Draconis is often combined with Olibanum and Myrrh. All three of these herbs have similar functions but Sanguis Draconis is most able to promote the regeneration of tissue, help sores heal, and stop bleeding.

Drynaria (Chinese: Gu sui bu) is a Yang Tonifying Herb. It tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens bones. It promotes the mending of the sinews and bones and is used for traumatic injuries such as falls,fractures, contusions, and sprains. It is especially useful for ligament injuries and simple fractures.

Fossilized bone (Botanical name: Os Draconis; Chinese: Long gu) belongs to the category of Substances that Calm the Spirit. It is used topically for chronic, non-healing sores and ulcers

Gardenia (Chinese: Zhi zi) belongs to the Category Herbs that Clear Heat and Drain Fire. It can reduce swelling and move blood stagnation due to trauma.

Honeysuckle (Botanical name: Lonicera; Chinese: Jin yin hua) belongs to the category of Herbs that Clear Heat and Resolve Toxicity. It disperses heat, resolves toxicity, cools the blood, and stops bleeding. It can be used for hot painful sores and swellings.

Safflower (Botanical: Carthami; Chinese: Hong Hua) belongs to the category of Herbs that Circulate the Blood. It invigorates the blood, dispels stasis, and stops pain. Because it is light in weight it is said to have a rapid effect on the movement of blood and the transformation of stasis and stopping pain.

Sichuan Teasel (Botanical name: Radix Dipsaci; Chinese: Xu duan) is a Yang Tonifying Herb. It tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the sinews and bones and is used for sore and painful lower back and knees, and stiffness in the joints. It also promotes the movement of blood, alleviates pain, and reconnects the sinews and bones. It is often used for trauma especially for pain and swelling in the lower back and limbs from trauma.

Somalian Myrrh (Chinese: Mo Yao; Botanical name: Myrrh) is a fragrant gum resin that also belongs to the category of Herbs that Circulate the Blood. It in said to break up blood stagnation to stop pain, reduce swelling, and generate flesh. It promotes healing. When used in conjunction with Olibanum both the Qi and Blood are addressed. Olibanum invigorates the blood, Myrrh disperses blood. Myrrh is said to be better for stagnation. Both can stop pain, reduce swelling and promote regeneration of damaged tissue. For this reason the two herbs are often used together.



Yunnan Bai Yao stops bleeding in People and Pets

A lot of people are looking for Yunnan Bai Yao to treat their pets. There is a trend for Holistic Veterinarians to suggest using this remedy for dogs that have cancer and bleeding issues.

Recently a lady told us her dog was given only two weeks to live but it ended up living for nine more months due to the Yunnan Bai Yao.

Yunnan Bai Yao (Yunnan is the province in China where it is made. "Bai" means "white", and "Yao" means "medicine") has a long history for stopping bleeding. I've used it many times on myself and my friends. It will stop bleeding (cuts, bloody nose, etc. ) instantly. Women who have heavy periods find that it helps slow down or stop the bleeding. 

This product is something everyone should have on hand for an emergency bleeding situation.

The original formula was a secret but due to current labeling requirements the ingredients are printed on the box. The main ingredient is Tian qi - an herb that is well known for stopping bleeding. You can take the capsules internally or open the capsules and pour in a wound.

If your dog has bleeding problems talk to your vet about using it.

The best source we know of is East Earth Trade Winds. They have fair prices and fast service. Here's a link to their page: