by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

The herbal tradition of China is valued scientifically, as well as being a fascinating and popular tradition. Scientists working in China and Japan during the past four decades have demonstrated that the herb materials contain active components that can explain many of their claimed actions. Modern drugs have been developed from the herbs, such as treatments for asthma and hay fever from Chinese ephedra, hepatitis remedies from schizandra fruits and licorice roots, and a number of anticancer agents from trees and shrubs. Several popular formulations produced in China, called "patent medicines," are relied upon daily by millions of Chinese (in China and abroad), such as the Bupleurum Sedative Pills and Women's Precious Pills that invigorate the energy, nourish the blood, calm tension, and regulate menstruation, and Yin Chiao Jie Du Pian, which is a reliable treatment for the early stages of common cold, sore throat, and influenza.

Long stressful days at work; eating foods high in fat and low on fiber; lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle; aerated drinks high on sugar and little nutrition value; and an excess consumption of tobacco and liquor can take a toll on you both physically and psychologically. With all the abuse we put our bodies through, our heart is the most susceptible. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer in America. About 910,000 Americans died last year of CVD, accounting for over 40 percent of all deaths.

The good news is that all you need are regular tea breaks to combat the damaging effects and repair your heart health. All three varieties of tea--black, red and green--have a host of benefits for maintaining cardio-vascular health. Consuming about four cups of tea a day drastically reduces your susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, drinking tea every day reduces the chances of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

According to the latest research, black tea is beneficial for overall oral health. Black tea, the most common among the three types of teas -black, green, and red - help to prevent bad breath and facilitates the well being of your teeth and gums.

Relax and kill bacteria with black tea

As you relax with your cup of tea, the brew is actually getting rid of oral bacteria in your mouth. Polyphenols, one of the key components of black tea, have been found to inhibit growth of oral bacteria. New research presented by Christine Wu and Min Zhu of the University of Illinois states that catechins and theaflavins-polyphenols present in tea leaves-inhibit the growth of the oral bacteria. The bacteria killing action takes place over a 48 hour incubation period.

Next to water, Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Since ancient times it has been considered a precious commodity and major influence on trade routes and expeditions. Among all the teas available, Black Tea has ling been the most popular because of its distince aroma and long lasting flavor. In recent years Green Tea has been under the microscope of scientist looking to discover just exactly why it has for centuries been with long life, health, and well-being in the Orient. It has been suggested it is the powerful polyphenol antioxidant compounds and flavonionds in Green Tea that give it its miraculous reputation. Now scientist, such as those at the American Heart Association, are looking to Black Tea to see if is also possesses life giving and extending properties.

Black Tea is derived from the leaves of the some perennial evergrenn shrub known in Latin as Camellia Sinensis that green Tea leaves come from. The difference in Black and Green leaves is the manner in which they are processed. Green leaves are not oxidized or fermented which allows them to retain natural enzymes but also decreases their shelf life. Black Tea on the other hand goes through a process of dying, rolling, fermenting, and firing which gives it its distinguishing color and distince flavor. While it has a shelf life of nearly seven times that of Green Tea the potent enzymes become activated and change into different molecules which may have different effects on the human body. Black Tea has remained the more popular beverage throughout the centuries because it has a stronger flavor then that of Green Tea.

By Jeff Denny

Millions of people in the United States and around the world endure daily pains and discomfort due to back injury, strain, or disorder. Back pain has become more commonplace among those who primarly spend their working days in a seated or sedentary posture and with others who perform repetive duties throughout the day. The demands of jobs may have changed considerably in the past two hundred years but the worker remains relatively the same. The ancient wisom of the Oriental Medicine and Chinese herb therapy maintains its practically and effectiveness for regaining the spine's strength, stability, and flexibilty.

By Laura L. Ecklund

Made from the dried leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, green tea came from China between 4,000-5,000 years ago. The legend is told that an ancient Chineses Emperor was boiling water and some leaves fell into his pot. Today, green tea is popular all over the world, not only for the taste but also for its many health benefits. For centuries Chinese medicine has used green tea for headaches, digestive problems, lack of energy, and immune enhancement to name a few. Today green tea is available flavored or natural- a taste that is pleasing to anyone.

Healthy tea has been a popular topic as more people try to kick the coffee habit. Recent studies at Pace University have shown that there is a major health benefit of white tea extract -- it can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body with more success than other teas. The study focused primarily on the bacteria that cause Staphylococcus infections, Streptococcus infections, and pneumonia. The same study concluded that fluoride-rich white tea helps prevent the growth of dental plaque, the chief cause of tooth decay.

"Past studies have shown that green tea stimulates the immune system to fight disease," says Milton Schiffenbauer, Ph.D., a microbiologist and professor in the Department of Biology at Pace University's Dyson College of Arts & Sciences and primary author of the research. "Our research shows white tea extract can actually destroy in vitro the organisms that cause disease. Study after study with tea extract proves that it has many healing properties. This is not an old wives tale, it's a fact."

Oriental medicine places high value on diet and nutrition. However, rather than the popular "you are what you eat" dogma, Oriental medical theory asserts that balanced dietary practices are just one piece of a healthy lifestyle.

"There are four basic foundations of achieving and maintaining good health," said Bob Flaws, popular author and translator of Chinese medical texts. "These are: diet, exercise, adequate rest and relaxation, and a good mental attitude."

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and Chinese medicine has many treatments for this common eye disorder. Gradual blockage of the outflow of aqueous humor (a frontal compartment eye fluid) is the main glaucoma cause. If enough pressure builds, blood vessels and nerve fibers can become compressed and cause irreparable damage. Any glaucoma symptom, such as loss of small areas of peripheral vision (blind spots) may result. Herbal remedies, herb-derived eye drop formulas, a combination of both, and acupuncture have shown promising results in relieving fluid pressure in the eyes.

Because fluids, which are yin in nature, tend to be downward draining, other disorders are usually present in order to cause fluid accumulation in the upper areas of the body. Yang-influenced disorders flow upward like the flames of fire in nature. In the case of glaucoma, a fire syndrome is created internally and carries fluids upward and into the eyes. This explains the glaucoma symptom of pressure build-up in the eyes. In the case of glaucoma, the cause is first thought to be internal in nature rather than environmental. Internal disorders are generally influenced by age and genetics.

By Malcolm Simmonds

Herbs and naturopathy are two approaches that complement one another to form a whole system of healthcare - herbal naturopathy. To see how, it is useful to look at some of the significant features of the two individual disciplines.