Longevity, Wisdom and Strength

There have been numerous accidents in the last several days. Thankfully my husband just procured some Chinese herbs on my behalf. Chinese herbs I have found particularly helpful to injury. Last night I took a decoction made of gu sui bu, du zhong, ho shou wu, fu ling, rehmannia, condonopsis and goji berries to a woman across town who was rear-ended and injured in an auto accident. I wish I had a bit of tien chi, but I have found this combination of herbs to work with incredible efficacy in trauma, abrasion, whip lash, and even with broken bones. It heals mightily fast. My formula also improves sleep and appetite, helps to build ligaments even in the case of stretched knee ligaments. It has benefit to the tendons, and even seems to repair and build cartilage to some extent.

Ginseng is a true panacea. These roots help improve energy, rebuild the body in cases of depletion and renew vitality to counteract exhaustion, and support memory acuity. Ginseng is not advisable for pregnant women, people with diabetes, hypertension, or high blood sugar. I highly recommend using decoctions of Red Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) to enhance libido, if you like being struck by a huge kundalini lightning bolt which creates a surge and uprising of fire and desire in every fiber of your being. If being possessed by Tantric Gods or Goddesses is something on your weekend to-do list, scroll down for the recipe, but heed the cautionary tale below.

I have found Panax ginseng to be superior to Panax quinquefolius (so-called American ginseng), and it is without the kinds of side effects experienced by Viagra users. Traditionally, ginseng has been taken for longevity, wisdom and strength as well as a libido enhancer. But like anything, if your heart isn't in it then the herbs are not effective. A cautionary note for women, if you take the Panax ginseng with ho shou wu and chrysanthemum flowers, you may think yourself impervious to harm as an 'insatiable' Geisha/Tantric Priestess, but try to take it easy on yourself or you may get carried away and experience quite painful post coital cramps.

Yes...my disclaimer is followed by a recipe:

- 2 pints of pure water
- 6 large pieces or 1 oz ho shou wu (Polygonium multiflorum)
- 8 1-in. round pieces of Red Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- 12 goji berries
- 3/4 c. chrysanthemum flowers (Chysanthemum indicum)

In a medium sized pot, bring your ginseng and ho shou wu to a boil. Turn down the heat so that it is still boiling on the lowest possible temperature. Cook for approximately 20-30 more minutes, until half of your liquid has evaporated, making the remaining decoction strong. Your tea will be quite dark now. Infuse your flowers and berries. Do not remove from heat. Once it has cooled to lukewarm, strain into a teapot or other serving vessel. Split the cooked ginseng root pieces with your partner. Eat the cooked roots as well, really, these are quite tasty. Drink 2 tablespoons-8oz depending on your overall constitution and sensitivity to herbs.

This strong tea should not be taken over long periods of time. Chrysanthemum is in the same family as the daisy, and may cause allergies and photo-sensitivity in some people. If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, look at any possible contraindications. Chrysanthemum is a blood pressure lowering herb and therefor in China is sometimes served with ginseng to counteract any strain in could have on the heart. Chrysanthemum has been used to treat migraines, anxiety, mental fatigue, acne and fever. It is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory as well.