LYCIUM BERRY-WOLFBERRY FRUIT (GOU QI ZI): Lycium berry fruit contains polysaccharides which have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system. It is very rich in Vitamins C and B, and is the richest source of carotenoids, (including beta-carotene) in the world. It also contains 18 amino acids, numerous trace elements including germanium, and beta-sitosterol, helpful in clearing heat from the body. Lycium fruit traditionally has been a long favorite herb of Chinese martial artists and athletes because it strengthens the legs and increases vitality. It is also one of the fundamental sexual tonic herbs used in Chinese herbalism, especially when combined with other herbs such as cordyceps, astragalus, ginseng and schizandra. The berries are very nourishing and strengthening to the liver. Lycium fruit has absolutely no toxicity.

ANDROGRAPHIS (CHUAN XIN LIAN): Andrographis is also used to protect the liver, and to dispel irritants from the body. In Scandinavian countries, it is commonly used as an aid in common colds. Research has confirmed that, properly administered, andrographis can be liver-protective. The primary medicinal component of andrographis is andrographolide. The herb has been used medicinally for centuries and has been extensively studied; most of these studies have been performed within the last half of the 20th century. In Ayurvedic medicine (a system used in India), there are at least 26 different formulations containing andrographis that are used as aids in promoting good liver health. Grown in the subtropical areas of China and Southeast Asia, safety studies and clinical trials using andrographis have not reported any toxic effects.

SICHUAN LOVAGE ROOT-LIGUSTICUM (CHUAN XIONG): The Sichuan lovage rhizome is a perennial plant with white flowers, grown in Sichuan, China, that bear fruit in August and September of each year. It is considered by Eastern medical view to regulate and invigorate the blood, dispel wind and to relieve pain. It is most commonly used as an analgesic in headache and rheumatic pain, swelling, and pain due to traumatic injury. It primarily promotes a healthy circulation to the liver, and imparts a vital energy to the body.

ASTRAGALUS ROOT (HUANG QI): Astragalus is one of the oldest known herbs in Chinese Medicine and has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole, strengthen muscle, and improve metabolic functions. It is considered a tonic that protects the body from liver irritation. In China, astragalus is sometimes considered superior to ginseng as an energizer for young people. Astragalus has been proven to have potent immune-modulating effects in both animals and humans and it helps antibody response. It tends to protect the white blood cells,and the polysaccharides found in astragalus are potent anti-oxidants, hundreds of times stronger than Vitamin E, and stronger than that of grape seed extract. Astragalus is also rich in zinc and selenium. Astragalus may be added to almost any tonic formulation designed to strengthen the entire body. It is superb for young or old people, male or female. There are no known side effects associated with standardized astragalus extract.

PORIA (FU LING): Poria is very widely used in Chinese herbalism as a tonic to benefit the internal organs. It is a solid fungus which grows on the roots of old pine trees. It is a safe and effective herb, used in hundreds of classical formulas to improve the flow of water through the body. Recent research has discovered that poria is a powerful immune system tonic. Poria is tranquilizing to the mind, and taken for a long time it can relieve hunger and lengthen the life. Poria is a very safe herb.

MELIA FRUIT (CHUAN LIAN ZI): Also known as the Sichuan pagoda tree, melia regulates qi (energy pathways) and stops pain, especially flank pain and pain in the lower ribs or abdomen. This is usually caused by liver-stomach disharmony or liver qi (energy) stagnation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 2 main functions of the liver are to store the blood and to regulate body energy (qi). The liver regulates qi by promoting its free flow. When the liver is in poor health, qi does not flow freely and smoothly, thereby stagnating. This stagnation of the liver-energy (qi) involves the stomach and is manifested as stomachache, abdominal and rib pain. By regulating the liver qi, the herb calms the liver and alleviates pain.

PEACH KERNEL (TAO REN): Peach kernel is found in all parts of China. Peach kernel helps promote healthy circulation, and acts as a laxative for dry intestines. It is said to "loosen the belly" and open stoppages of the liver. It helps to regulate menstruation and can be used after traumatic injuries with swelling and pain. Its major constituents are: oleic acid, glyceric acid, linoleic acid, and amygdalin emulsion.

SCHIZANDRA FRUIT (WU WEI ZI): Schizandra is one of the primary liver cleansing and hepatic protective herbs used in Chinese herbalism. By taking schizandra regularly, it is possible to rid the body of annoying problems before they have a chance to do serious damage. It can promote and enhance protein and nucleic acid synthesis. The protective action of schizandra is partly due to its ability to promote the regeneration of mitochondria in hepatic cells. This can improve liver cell function. From the fruit of schizandra, 7 active liver enzyme-supporting ingredients have been currently isolated. Schizandra fruit also contains various lignans, mainly schizandrins, which have been found to support good liver health, stimulate natural liver repair and preserve normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various anti-oxidant abilities of the schizandrins. There also have been numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, control anger and combat insomnia, headaches and dizziness. A recent study concluded that schizandra might be helpful in people who are depressed. Schizandra generates vitality and radiant beauty when used regularly. It is a safe and powerful tonic herb which is mildly calming for both men and women.

SOPHORA ROOT (SHAN DOU GEN): The active ingredient in sophora root is oxymatrine. Oxymatrine can improve overall liver well-being through its affect on the cytochrome P450 pathway. Thus, it can strengthen the cleaning capability of the liver. In China, the alkaloids are often given by injection, but since this method of administration is not currently available in the west, oral dosing is used here instead. Chinese researchers have also used the alkaloids in capsule form, with results that appear similar to the injection. Tests done at the Shanghai Second Medical University confirmed that sophora safely helped to calm and protect the liver, with no adverse reactions.

SICHUAN OX KNEE ROOT (CHUAN NIU XI): This is the root of the Achyranthes, a perennial plant, grown in China, Japan and India. It promotes healthy blood circulation, regulates menstruation, nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens bones and muscles. Ox knee root acts predominantly on the lower half of the body and is used also in aiding aching back and knees. Used in combination with peach kernel, it helps soreness and pain of the waist and knees due to prolonged arthralgia. It disperses heat from the liver which can be responsible for dizziness, headaches and nose bleeding, thereby calming the liver. The Chinese consider emotions to have very powerful effects on the functioning of the internal organs, and strong or unresolved emotions can damage the organs with which they are associated. The primary emotion associated with the liver is anger, however, the liver is also responsible for keeping all of the emotions in a state of smooth flow. When there is emotional stress, the liver is overwhelmed and several types of liver weakness can result. Ox knee root helps nourish the liver and keep it healthy by promoting good blood circulation.

LICORICE (GAN CAO): Licorice is the most frequently used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been extensively studied. It is a sweet, mild herb and has many functions. Licorice is the most broad-spectrum natural cleansing agent known, ridding the body of over 1200 different irritants, without any distressful side effects. When combined with white peony root, it is a superb anti-spasmodic to relax both smooth and striated muscle and is famous for relieving cramps in the stomach, calves, and feet. Licorice root is rich in flavonoids, amino acids and biotin. As a tea, it can calm coughing without the drowsiness. It is safe in a carefully prepared formulation. Since the herb is powerful, only small doses are usually sufficient to achieve excellent results. Many Chinese formulas use licorice as a harmonizing ingredient. It is believed that licorice harmonizes the ingredients in an herbal formulation, eliminating harshness of action and promoting smooth activity of the herbs.