The above is chart #3 and the final chart in the series of TCM Liver Patterns of Disharmony. Certainly, there are more combinations possible (ie Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, Liver Qi stagnation invading the Lungs, etc), to keep the chart to a reasonable size I have concentrated on the above patterns.
20 Things About Evening Primrose - Oenothera biennis - Sun Drops
Native to North America
Flowers open and release scent in the evenings and are pollinated by moths
Parts used: root, root bark, leaf, flower, seed, stem
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (muscle tension, spasms, etc), astringent, diuretic, sedative
Uses:
Native Americans used poultices for bruises and wounds, ingested for bowel pains, weight loss, and muscle strength
Whooping cough, asthma, hiccups, COPD
Gastrointestinal uses include IBS, IBD, colitis, poor digestion, vomiting, diverticulitis, chronic indigestion, chronic diarrhea
Blood or mucus in urine, bladder spasms, nervous bladder
Antidepressant - depression when toxins and waste have accumulated in the digestive tract
Sluggish Liver and Liver inflammation
Nervous exhaustion and anxiety
Seeds were recommended as a coffee substitute in wartime
Evening Primrose Seed Oil:
Yin tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Contains Gamma lipoic acid (GLA) -essential fatty acids that help balance hormones and fight inflammation and Linolenic acid - contains fatty acids, supports Heart health, improves insulin sensitivity and Blood pressure
Hypertension, anxiety, and fatigue
Women: PMS, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, sore breasts, fibrocystic breasts
Skin: Burns, atopic dermatitis (especially itching), psoriasis, eczema, and acne
Anti-cancer therapy - In studies, the oil has shown antiproliferative effects against breast, hepatic, prostate, and leukemia cancer cell lines
Benefits seen through clinical trials include diabetic neuropathy, hypertension, mastalgia, PMS, osteoporosis, and dementia. Mixed results in trials for atopic eczema and dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetic lipid metabolism, and alcoholism.
Osteoporosis: Combined with fish oil a trial confirmed osteocalcin levels rose (a bone formation marker) and alkaline phosphatase levels dropped (indicates an increase in bone mineral density)
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6003444;ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116039;pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22414479;pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28555835;pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1185351; nccih.nih.gov/health/evening-primrose-oil; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116039/#:~:text=Evening%20primroseGranica, S.; ´nska, M.E.; Piwowarski, J.P.; Ziaja, M.; Kiss, A.K. Chemical composition, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts prepared from aerial parts of Oenothera biennis L. and Oenothera paradoxa Hudziok obtained after seeds cultivation. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2013, 61, 801–810The Worst Weeds Are Your Best Medicine– The Common and Weedy Plant Materia Medica ©2005 Revised 2018 David Winston, RH (AHG)
Christopher Hobbs - Herbal prescriber databasePrinciples and Practice of Phytotherapy - Modern Herbal Medicine Simon Mills, Kerry BoneMedical Herbalism - The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman
The Way of Herbs - Michael TierraThe Admirable Secrets of Herbs, Roots & Barks - Matthew Wood
10 Things About American Ginseng →
Ginseng is widely used because people want more energy, stamina, and mental clarity. Often found as an ingredient in an energy shot or soft drink. There are five types of Ginsengs. They share similar properties, however, they aren’t all of the same plant species. Today I am focusing on American Ginseng, and 10 Things to Know about it.
It is an adaptogen and tonic herb entering the Kidney, Heart, and Lung channels
From a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine perspective it Nourishes Yin, Tonifies Qi, Clears Deficient Heat, and Clears Lung Fire.
American Ginseng is less stimulating than Panax Ginseng and cool whereas Panax Ginseng is slightly warm.
CNS (Central Nervous System) suppressant making it useful for insomnia, ADD, and tinnitus.
It generates fluids aiding in dry mouth, thirst, dry Lungs, hoarse throat, and dry cough with blood.
Useful for respiratory conditions wheezing, asthma, and allergies.
Benefits the digestive system making it helpful for atonic indigestion, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive weakness.
Helpful in cases of menopause for night sweats, and hot flashes.
Balances hormones and protects the adrenals. Stress and fatigue, weak adrenals, dark circles under the eyes, catch colds easily.
Helps control metabolic syndrome and Type II Diabetes.
One bonus and unexpected use - jetlag!
Remember, not every herb works for everybody. Let me know if I can help you determine if American Ginseng might be right for you.
Energy/Taste: slightly bitter, sweet, slightly cool (Tierra) / cold (Bensky) | Channels and Organs affected: Lung, Kidney, Heart | Dosage: 3-6g
References: Chen & Chen,(2012) Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology; Bensky, Clavey, Stoger w/Gamble,(2015) Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Michael and Lesley Tierra,(2017) East-West Herb Course Materia Medica; David Winston,(2007) Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief