like to share with you all. Big Leung Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a great treasure of Chinas ancient history and culture. Written for health professionals, researchers, social scientists and educators, this book elaborates a view that TCM is embodied in diverse and complex human dimensions and meanings in Chinese culture - Encircling Cultural Meaning - including the TCM concept Qi, the holistic approach, which embodies culture in medicine. The book identifies intricate human dimensions of TCM in: the life stages of youth, adulthood and old age, as family connections, as identity, as balancing / harmonising life, as complementary and knowledge transmission roles. In particular, TCM is seen through the lens of leadership as refining human relationships, as self, as moral practice, as good management practice, and as embracing the cultural environment.  (less)

give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Rehmannia Root - Botanical Extract 5:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Chinese Foxglove, Shen di huang, Yellow Earth, Ti Huang Chiu Long used in China to heal many ailments and even as a tonic to prolong life, Rehmannia Root is becoming popular in the West as a blood refresher. It is often recommended to regulate deficient blood patterns, such as anemia, irregular menses, uterine and postpartum bleeding, pallor and light-headedness. Healthy blood is a good start for a better body. History: Rehmannia Root is a native of China and is one of the first species of the genus to be introduced and cultivated in the West. It thrives in light, moist, well-drained, neutral-to-acid, sandy soil in full sun, and when cultivated, the thick, reddish-yellow roots are lifted in autumn or early winter for use in herbal medicine. Rehmannia Root is one of the most popular tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has been used for thousands of years. Listed as one of the fifty most important Chinese herbs, it was first mentioned in Chinese medical literature during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- A.D.23). The fresh or dried roots have been used in China for centuries to treat a long list of ailments and was even used as a tonic to counter the effects of ageing! Some of the constituents included in Rehmannia Root are beta-sitosterol, calcium, copper, glucose, glucosamine, histidine, mannitol, zinc, amino acids and vitamins A, B, C and D. Beneficial Uses: Rehmannia Root is considered a tonic for the blood and enhances circulation throughout the body, especially to the brain. As a blood energizer, the herb has been used to treat blood-related deficiencies, including anemia, dizziness, pallid face and light-headedness. It is also said to control hemorrhage of all kinds, including excessive menstruation, and women find the herb helpful when used to regulate flow and strengthen the body after the weakening effects of childbirth. The glycoside content in Rehmannia Root helps to manufacture certain hormones that are believed to ease many unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, restlessness, insomnia and loss of bone strength. Rehmannia Root has also been regarded as an effective fertility enhancer. Rehmannia Root is thought to protect the liver and shows promise in relieving hepatitis (when used by herbalists in combi  (less)

Ton category. We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Rehmannia Root - Botanical Extract 5:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Chinese Foxglove, Shen di huang, Yellow Earth, Ti Huang Chiu Long used in China to heal many ailments and even as a tonic to prolong life, Rehmannia Root is becoming popular in the West as a blood refresher. It is often recommended to regulate deficient blood patterns, such as anemia, irregular menses, uterine and postpartum bleeding, pallor and light-headedness. Healthy blood is a good start for a better body. History: Rehmannia Root is a native of China and is one of the first species of the genus to be introduced and cultivated in the West. It thrives in light, moist, well-drained, neutral-to-acid, sandy soil in full sun, and when cultivated, the thick, reddish-yellow roots are lifted in autumn or early winter for use in herbal medicine. Rehmannia Root is one of the most popular tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has been used for thousands of years. Listed as one of the fifty most important Chinese herbs, it was first mentioned in Chinese medical literature during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- A.D.23). The fresh or dried roots have been used in China for centuries to treat a long list of ailments and was even used as a tonic to counter the effects of ageing! Some of the constituents included in Rehmannia Root are beta-sitosterol, calcium, copper, glucose, glucosamine, histidine, mannitol, zinc, amino acids and vitamins A, B, C and D. Beneficial Uses: Rehmannia Root is considered a tonic for the blood and enhances circulation throughout the body, especially to the brain. As a blood energizer, the herb has been used to treat blood-related deficiencies, including anemia, dizziness, pallid face and light-headedness. It is also said to control hemorrhage of all kinds, including excessive menstruation, and women find the herb helpful when used to regulate flow and strengthen the body after the weakening effects of childbirth. The glycoside content in Rehmannia Root helps to manufacture certain hormones that are believed to ease many unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, restlessness, insomnia and loss of bone strength. Rehmannia  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Bitter Melon - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Balsam Pear, Bitter Cucumber, LaGua, Cerasee, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Squash, Karela, Leprosy Gourd, Momordica Bitter Melon is an important food and medicinal staple in tropical parts of the world. Perhaps more importantly, Bitter Melon has demonstrated great promise in recent studies for the treatment of diabetes and may have great potential in the treatment of other serious malignant diseases, including leukemia (although there is no definitive evidence to prove this last claim). Traditional herbalists have long used it as a male aphrodisiac, a treatment for certain malignancies and infections and even a remedy for bad breath. Extracts of Bitter Melon (often called Balsam Pear) may also be more effective than popular prescription drugs for destroying certain strains of herpes viruses. History: Bitter Melon is a fast-growing annual vine that is native to southern Asia and also cultivated in the tropical and subtropical climates of Africa, Asia and other warm-weather regions of the world, where it grows in savannas and bush. This fast-growing climber that was naturalized in the Americas, reaches a height of six feet and bears deeply lobed leaves, yellow flowers and orange-yellow fruit. The plant is grown as a crop in rich, well-drained soil in full sun in a minimum of about sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Although the seeds, leaves and vines of Bitter Melon have all been used in traditional herbal medicine throughout the world, the fruit, which resembles a cucumber with bumps, is the primary part of the plant used medicinally. Bitter Melon has been used in China as a vegetable and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, and practitioners of Chinese medicine have used it for hundreds of years as a powerful treatment high blood sugar. Its actions were described as ''bitter in taste, non-toxic, expelling evil heat, relieving fatigue and illuminating'' in the famous Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen (1518-1593), one of the greatest physicians, pharmacologists and naturalists in China's history. Balsam Pear/Bitter Melon was introduced to Europe in 1710, and was recorded as a garden plant in France in 1870. It has long been used as an important medicinal herb and as a food plant in tropical Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. In India, it  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Ginger Root - Standardized Extract -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: African Ginger, Jamaica Ginger, Black Ginger, Chiang If you have ever reached for a glass of Ginger ale for an upset stomach, you are on the right track! Ginger is an ancient remedy for upset stomach, indigestion, motion sickness and cramps, and that's just the beginning. This wonderful food additive can also help reduce fevers, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help remove toxins from the body. On the news front, important new research from the University of Michigan has indicated that Ginger has caused ovarian cancer cell death in laboratory tests. History: Ginger is an exotic, perennial plant with highly aromatic flowers that grows to a height of three feet. It originated in tropical Asia, where its tuberous rootstock was not only used as a spice for culinary purposes, but has also continued to play an important role in Asian medicine for 2,500 years. The Chinese considered it a ''warming'' herb and used it extensively to warm the stomach, ward off colds, dispel chills and treat digestive problems, and Chinese ships even carried Ginger on voyages to prevent seasickness. In ancient Greece and Egypt, Ginger was used as a confection, and the Romans considered it a taxable commodity by A.D. 200. The Persians were said to use Ginger as a remedy for arthritis. The origin of Ginger's name may be derived from two sources: The Greek word for Ginger is zingiberis, and some say it is derived from Zanzibar, from whence it was imported to Europe in the fifteenth century. It is believed that gingerbread was sent as a gift to Russia to celebrate the birth of Peter the Great and was also a favorite in the court of Elizabeth I of England. Ginger had spread to Spain, where it was cultivated, and later, Spanish conquistadors brought it to the New World, where it has thrived as a major commercial crop in Jamaica. Ginger is now cultivated in tropical areas of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia and the West Indies. Under cultivation, Ginger seldom blossoms, and the fruit is rarely seen. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is called ''the universal medicine,'' and in both Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine, its use still comprises more than half of all prescriptions dispensed. Ginger is rich in volatile oils, beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, amino acids,  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Jiaogulan - Botanical Powder -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Penta, Southern Ginseng, Sweet Tea Vine, Gospel Herb, Amachazuru (Japan), Dungkulcha (Korea) Jiaogulan, often called ''The Immortality Herb,'' is included in anti-ageing tonics and is revered in the Orient for its medicinal and cosmetic qualities. Jiaogulan has been used to support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, ease nervous tension and exhaustion, stimulate liver function, enhance stamina and boost the body's resistance to disease. New research promises potential, positive antioxidant benefits with the use of Jiaogulan. History: Jiaogulan is a hardy perennial climber from the genus, Gynostemma, a native of southern and eastern Asia, which consists of two climbers that attach themselves by means of tendrils. Jiaogulan bears palmate leaves and toothed leaflets, with a three-inch terminal leaflet and small, yellow-green, star-shaped panicles of six-inch flowers that bloom in the summertime. The flowers are followed by smooth, very dark green fruits that are marked with white lines, and the vines grow to twenty-five feet in length and thrive in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade in a warm climate. Jiaogulan is called ''The Immortality Herb '' in China and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a remedy for hepatitis, tumors, bronchitis and peptic ulcers. The plant has a long history of folk use in the Guizhou province in China, and its properties are said to have been investigated when a Chinese census revealed a large number of elderly people in the province reported using it. Commercialization and scientific study of the leaves have been promoted by provincial Chinese authorities fairly recently, and the discovery that several ginseng saponins occur in the leaves prompted aggressive promotion of the product as a substitute for ginseng. Four main dammarane triterpene saponins (gypenosides) have been extracted from the aerial parts of G. pentaphyllum and identified as active constituents, with several of these saponins being identical to those found in ginseng's ginsenosides. Wide variation in the amount and nature of gypenosides has made production of a product standardized with specific gypenosides somewhat problematic. Most current products are standardized on total saponin content. Th  (less)

We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Asparagus Root - Standardized Extract -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Sparrowgrass, Shatavari, Asperge, Garden Asparagus Feeling bloated? Asparagus Root is a restorative, cleansing herb that helps rid the body of excess water and salt and is thus helpful in treating hypertension. This highly nutritious vegetable also helps soothe the pain and swelling of joints due to gout, rheumatism or arthritis; and because it is high in folic acid, it helps to prevent anemia. Asparagus has long been considered a natural laxative and even an aphrodisiac. History: Asparagus, the well-known table delicacy, is an herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern Mediterranean area, and now over one-hundred and fifty species are cultivated throughout much of the world. Interestingly, most species contain asparagine, a powerful diuretic that gives the urine a characteristic odor in those who lack the gene to break it down. Asparagus officinalis has been cultivated for over two thousand years as a vegetable and also as a medicinal herb with noticeable diuretic and laxative effects. The botanical specific, officinalis, was bestowed on the plant to recognize its status as ''official'' with a long commercial history as a medicinal herb. In ancient times, it was greatly esteemed as a nutritious vegetable by the Greeks and Romans. In 200 B.C., Cato, in his On Farming, gave directions for growing Asparagus that are similar to those in a modern manual of agriculture. Woody, thick-rooted crowns bear buds that produce tender spears, which may reach a height of five feet. Those short, thick rootstocks send up the tender, young shoots that we enjoy as vegetables. Young shoots are steamed and served hot or cold as a vegetable and pureed or finely chopped in soups. The parts of A. officinalis that are used medicinally are the rhizomes (root) and young shoots. Traditional Chinese herbalists consider the plant to promote feelings of love and compassion, and Chinese pharmacists save the best roots of this plant for their families and friends. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the herb is used to increase fertility, reduce menstrual cramping and boost milk pro  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Fo-Ti Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: He Shou Wu, Shou Wu Chih, Kashuu (Japan), Chinese Cornbind, Flowery Knotweed Fo-Ti Root is a soothing, tonic herb that has been used for centuries in China to rejuvenate the body, combat premature ageing and promote longevity. The herb is said to strengthen the liver, kidneys and reproductive systems. Traditional herbalists say it restores vitality, energy and fertility and possibly even reverses graying hair. History: Fo-Ti Root is a vigorously-growing, woody perennial vine that can reach from six to thirty feet in length. It is an ornamental, lush green climber that may grow in sun or shade, but will not tolerate high heat and needs protection from severe weather, and it thrives in rich, peaty, moist soil. The roots are said to grow as big as a football, and the plant produces a vine of ovate leaves and small, white or pink-tinted flowers in slender panicles that bloom in autumn and are followed by three-winged fruits. The Fo-Ti plant is a native of China, where it continues to be widely grown for its medicinal qualities, and it is also grown extensively in Taiwan and Japan (where it is used as a popular tonic herb and called Kashuu). It is one of the most widely praised herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, some claiming that it is second only to Ginseng in reputation and use. In China, Fo-Ti has a long history of reversing and preventing the effects of ageing as a bittersweet, astringent, slightly warming herb that was first recorded in an ''herbal'' written in 973 A.D., as a key remedy for the elderly. The Chinese common name for Fo-Ti is ''He-Shou-Wu,'' and its history is rich in legend. He Shou Wu (called ''the black-haired Mr. He'') supposedly was the name of a Tang Dynasty man, who, at fifty-eight years of age, had been unable to father a child. He was advised to take Fo-Ti Root and then not only fathered several children, but his hair turned from gray to black, and his body became more youthful. He lived to 160 years of age (still with black hair!), while his child lived to be 130. Fo-Ti Root was said to cure his infertility, and his long life was attributed to the tonic properties of this herb. Since that time, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used Fo-Ti Root to treat premature ageing, weakness, vaginal discharges, numerous infectious dise  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Honeysuckle - Botanical Extract 5:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Japanese Honeysuckle, Woodbine, Hall's Honeysuckle, Goat's Leaf, Kin-yin-keva Honeysuckle has been used to purify the system and stimulate the efficient removal of waste products from the body. As such, it cleanses toxins from the blood, intestinal system, liver and urinary tract. Often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Honeysuckle has been known to fight infection, lower fevers and enhance the immune system, and recent research shows promise in the fight against malignant diseases, HIV and other viruses. History: Honeysuckle is a trailing evergreen or partial evergreen, depending upon its range; in its southern ranges, it is totally evergreen, and in the more northerly climes, it tends to produce partial evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers that yellow with age. This trailing vine bears hollow stems with long, light green, ovate leaves, growing vigorously through canopy trees, reaching a height of twenty feet and ultimately killing the host tree. However, it may also be found growing in fields, disturbed woods, flood plains, urban areas and on forest edges. In other words, it is a very hardy perennial that is even considered an invasive, noxious weed in many states, and its range is constantly expanding farther north, because it is so easily adaptable. Japanese Honeysuckle is an Asian native, originating in Japan and Korea, and has been introduced to the United States and other parts of the world, where there is wide distribution throughout Europe, South America, Hong Kong and where hundreds of other Honeysuckle species grow (including Lonicera caprifolium in Italy and the Netherlands). If you have ever seen children suck the sweet nectar from Honeysuckle flowers, it will be easy to understand how the plant's English name arose. The botanical family, Caprifoliaceae, is derived from two Latin words that mean ''goats' leaves,'' reflecting the fact that this plant was a favorite food of goats and giving rise to one of Honeysuckle's common names, Goat's Leaf. The plant's botanical genus, Lonicera, was given to it by the eminent Swedish botanist, Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778), in honor of Adam Lonicer, a physician, author and naturalist born in 1528. Honeysuckle has been used for centuries in herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments,  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Dandelion Leaf - Botanical Powder -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Bitterwort, Pissabed, Lion’s Tooth, Priest’s Crown, Telltime, Puffball, Cankerwort, Blow Ball, Swine Snout, White Endive, Wild Endive, Irish Daisy, Doonheadclock, Yellow Gowan, Clock Flower, Fortuneteller Potassium-rich Dandelion has been called the ''free health food pharmacy'' that grows everywhere! Both leaves and roots are considered to be a superior natural diuretic, fine blood cleanser and excellent tonic that can help detoxify the system, especially the liver and gallbladder. For an overall feeling of good health and improved mobility, you'll want to add this ''wondrous weed'' to your herbal regimen. History: Dandelion wins the prize as the world’s most famous weed pest when it grows in manicured lawns and gardens, but the botanical name (Taraxacum officinale) of this wonderful wildflower means ''the official remedy for disorders,'' and thought to be derived from the Greek words taraxos, meaning ''disorder'' and akos, meaning ''remedy.'' Since ancient times the entire plant (stems, flower, leaves and root) has lived up to its name and has been used for healing and dietary purposes. The English name, Dandelion, is apparently derived from the French, dent de leon, meaning ''lion’s tooth,'' because the shape of the leaves resemble the shape of a lion’s tooth. Dandelion may be distinguished from other similar-looking herbs because of its hollow, leafless stems that contain a bitter milky-white liquid, which is also found in the root (most potent) and leaves. The dark green Dandelion leaves are irregularly shaped with jagged margins and hairless mid-rib. The magenta-tinged leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and may grow to a foot and a half in length. The compact, golden-yellow Dandelion blossoms are singular and round, blooming from early spring until well into autumn and reaching up to eight inches in height. Dandelion is a perennial that is believed to be a native of Greece, but grows spontaneously in most parts of the globe, thriving (with its deep, tenacious roots) under almost any conditions. Earliest mention of Dandelion is obscure, although many say Pliny (A.D. 23-79) wrote about it. The Chinese recorded its use in herbal medicine in A.D. 659 and have been using it in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat breast cancer for at least on  (less)

We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Milk Thistle - Botanical Extract -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Mary Thistle, Wild Artichoke, Silybum, Marian Thistle, St. Mary's Thistle, Lady Thistle, Holy Thistle Did you know that your liver is the toxic waste disposal plant of your body? Keep it healthy and nourished with Milk Thistle. This remarkable herb is said to have no pharmaceutical equivalent for its beneficial effects on the liver, spleen and gallbladder. Rid yourself of toxins and temporary depression, and boost your immunity with Milk Thistle. In the meantime, you'll also gain valuable antioxidant protection. History: Milk Thistle is a stout, spiny annual or perennial that is native to the Mediterranean region and has been naturalized throughout Europe and parts of North America and Australia. This common weed grows to about six feet in height in the dry, rocky soils of fields and waste places. The plant produces a purple flower, and there are distinctive white markings on its leaves, which legend has described as the splashes of the Virgin Mary's milk. Historically, it has been a very popular plant in Europe for its medicinal and dietary qualities and is still a favorite in France as a wholesome, delicious vegetable and as an ingredient in salads. The seeds and leaves are used in herbal medicine, and their use goes back two thousand years. The Greek, Dioscorides, prescribed Milk Thistle to remedy the poison of snakebite, and in the first-century, the Roman, Pliny, wrote that it was excellent for ''carrying off bile,'' meaning that it restored impaired liver function, a claim that has been justified by many modern researchers. In the Middle Ages, the liver was regarded as the seat of emotions (both in Europe and in traditional Chinese medicine), and depression and emotional distress were ultimately thought to be caused by a malfunction of the liver. Consequently, Milk Thistle was commonly prescribed to remedy such ailments, and the herb was widely used as a spring tonic to provide relief from the pent-up emotions and depression housed in the liver. It was an early remedy for the winter's doldrums and ''blues.'' According to the noted herbalist, Gerard, in his  (less)

a way of judging the recommended dosage. Asparagus Root - Botanical Powder -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: Sparrowgrass, Shatavari, Asperge, Garden Asparagus Feeling bloated? Asparagus Root is a restorative, cleansing herb that helps rid the body of excess water and salt and is thus helpful in treating hypertension. This highly nutritious vegetable also helps soothe the pain and swelling of joints due to gout, rheumatism or arthritis; and because it is high in folic acid, it helps to prevent anemia. Asparagus has long been considered a natural laxative and even an aphrodisiac. History: Asparagus, the well-known table delicacy, is an herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern Mediterranean area, and now over one-hundred and fifty species are cultivated throughout much of the world. Interestingly, most species contain asparagine, a powerful diuretic that gives the urine a characteristic odor in those who lack the gene to break it down. Asparagus officinalis has been cultivated for over two thousand years as a vegetable and also as a medicinal herb with noticeable diuretic and laxative effects. The botanical specific, officinalis, was bestowed on the plant to recognize its status as ''official'' with a long commercial history as a medicinal herb. In ancient times, it was greatly esteemed as a nutritious vegetable by the Greeks and Romans. In 200 B.C., Cato, in his On Farming, gave directions for growing Asparagus that are similar to those in a modern manual of agriculture. Woody, thick-rooted crowns bear buds that produce tender spears, which may reach a height of five feet. Those short, thick rootstocks send up the tender, young shoots that we enjoy as vegetables. Young shoots are steamed and served hot or cold as a vegetable and pureed or finely chopped in soups. The parts of A. officinalis that are used medicinally are the rhizomes (root) and young shoots. Traditional Chinese herbalists consider the plant to promote feelings of love and compassion, and Chinese pharmacists save the best roots of this plant for their families and friends. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the herb is used to increase fertility, reduce menstrual cramping and boost milk production in nursing mothers. The Japanese report that green Asparagus may aid protein conversion into amino acids. In the Western world, Asparagus has long been touted as an aphrodisiac. T  (less)