CLINICAL Presentation
- Tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome:
constant fatigue, lethargy, lack of interest
CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Tonifies the yuan (source) qi
- Awakens the shen (spirit)
INGREDIENTS
Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi)
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)
Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae)
Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis)
FORMULA EXPLANATION
Vitality Plus is formulated to help people with demanding lifestyles
cope with fatigue and lack of energy. Vitality Plus has herbs with excellent
adaptogenic functions to improve both mental and physical performance. In terms
of traditional Chinese medicine, these herbs tonify the yuan (source) qi, strengthen the Spleen, and awaken the shen (spirit).
Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis
Senticosi) is one of the most commonly used herbs in Asia, Europe and
America. It is approved by the German Commission E as a tonic that has
invigorating and fortifying effects to treat fatigue and debility. It also
enhances capacity for work and improves concentration. Its indications include
convalescence, prevention of colds and flu, and chronic fatigue syndrome.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]
When used together, Ci
Wu Jia (Radix et
Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) tonify the yuan (source) qi and have an
excitatory effect on the central nervous system. They are both excellent herbs
to promote well-being and health. Huang
Qi (Radix
Astragali) tonifies qi and ascends yang. It is especially helpful for
patients who have shortness of breath, fatigue, and malaise.
Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) is a beverage consumed in large quantities by people in Asian countries. It has
shown to have excellent antibacterial, antiviral, immune-enhancing, and
stimulating effects.[6],[7] Consumption of Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) provides an immediate boost of energy to
enhance both mental and physical performance.
Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae), also known as
gotu kola, has adaptogenic effects, and is commonly used to address both
mental and physical conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated its
effectiveness to improve memory and to overcome stress, fatigue, mental
confusion, and deterioration in mental function. 20,21,22
NUTRITION
- Eat a well-balanced diet with an
adequate amount of raw foods, fruits and vegetables.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of
water daily.
- Eat more fish and fish oils, onions, garlic, olives,
olive oil, herbs, spices, yogurt, fiber, tofu and other soy products.
- Sea vegetables, such as kelp and dulse, replenish the body
with minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iodine and iron.
- Decrease intake of red meat, alcohol, fats, caffeine,
and highly processed foods. Avoid shellfish, fried foods, junk foods, and
processed foods.
- Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B complex to process
and utilize energy.
- Avoid the use of stimulants, such as coffee, caffeine,
and high-sugar products.
- Food allergy or chemical hypersensitivity can drain
energy and cause fatigue. Additional tests by your doctor should be done to confirm or rule
out allergy and/or hypersensitivity.
The Tao of Nutrition by Ni
and McNease (recommended book)
§ Recommendations:
winter melon, pumpkin, pumpkin seed, yam, sweet potato, lima bean, black bean,
soy bean, strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, chestnut, papaya, figs, garlic,
onions, and pearl barley.
§ Avoid
dairy products, alcohol, coffee, sugar, fatty or fried foods, overly spicy
foods, cold and raw foods, tomato, eggplant, bell pepper, and shellfish.
- For more information, please
refer to The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease.
LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS
- Daily exercise is advised to increase basal metabolic
rate.
- Make sure the patient gets plenty of rest and goes to
bed at a sensible hour.
- Get regular exercise and adequate rest.
- Take a bath for about 20 minutes prior to bedtime. Sea
salt or epsom salts can be added to the bath water.
- Engage in activities such as Tai Chi Chuan,
walking or meditation that allow calmness of mind without creating stagnation
or excessive fatigue.
- Avoid exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium,
aluminum, copper and arsenic, all of which can suppress the immune system and
cause fatigue.
CLINICAL NOTE
- Vitality Plus has a rapid onset of action
and can be used on an as-needed basis in the early morning, late afternoon,
before meetings, exams, or whenever there is fatigue or lack of energy.
CAUTIONS
- Avoid drinking coffee or other beverages containing
caffeine while taking Vitality Plus to prevent over-stimulation
of the central nervous system.
- Possible side effects of Vitality Plus include dry mouth
and a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
MODERN RESEARCH
Vitality Plus is formulated to help people with demanding lifestyles
cope with fatigue and lack of energy. Vitality Plus has herbs which help the
patient adapt to stress, increase basal metabolism, boost energy, and improve
mental alertness and physical performance:
Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) has a wide range of functions and is commonly used in different clinical
applications. Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) is an effective central nervous system stimulant that increases body metabolism
and boosts energy levels.[8] Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) has cancer-protective functions, as it
inhibits the formation of cancer-inducing compounds and suppresses the mutation
of bone marrow cells.[9],[10] In addition to its cancer-protective effect, Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) also reduces cholesterol levels. Overall, Lu Cha (Folium Camellia Sinensis) prolongs life span, contributes to longevity, and protects against
life-threatening diseases.[11],[12]
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is one of
the most frequently used Chinese herbs and is historically used for its
function to tonify the wei (defensive) qi. In terms of
Western medicine, modern research has discovered repeatedly that Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) increases
both specific and non-specific immunity.[13],[14],[15] In a clinical study of 115
leucopenic patients, it was found that the use of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is associated with an “obvious rise of the white blood
cell (WBC) count” with a dose-dependent relationship.[16]
Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis
Senticosi) has been used for centuries in both Russia and China for its
“adaptogenic” effect to normalize high or low blood pressure, to stimulate the
immune system, and to increase work capacity. Clinical effects of Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis
Senticosi) include increased energy levels, protection against toxins
and free radicals, and control of atherosclerosis.[17] One study showed Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis
Senticosi) effectively increased human physical working capacity.[18] The overall adaptogenic effect of Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis
Senticosi) is attributed to stimulation of the pituitary-adrenocortical
system.[19]
Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae) has
adaptogenic effects, and is commonly used to address both mental and physical
conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness to improve
memory and to overcome stress, fatigue, mental confusion,[20] and deterioration in mental
function.[21],[22]
PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS &
CHINESE MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
One
striking difference between western and traditional Chinese medicine is that
western medicine focuses and excels in crisis management, while traditional
Chinese medicine emphasizes and shines in holistic and preventative treatments.
Therefore, in emergencies, such as gun shot wounds or surgery, western medicine
is generally the treatment of choice. However, for treatment of chronic
idiopathic illness of unknown origins, where all lab tests are normal and a
clear diagnosis cannot be made, traditional Chinese medicine is distinctly
superior.
In
cases of chronic energetic disorders, where all tests are normal but there are
still general and non-diagnostic signs and symptoms, western medicine offers
few treatment options since there is not a clear diagnosis. On the other hand,
traditional Chinese medicine is beneficial as it excels in maintainance and
preventative therapies. Herbs can be used to regulate imbalances and alleviate
associated signs and symptoms. Therefore, herbal therapy should definitely be
employed to prevent deterioration and to restore optimal health.
References provided by Evergreen Herbs:
[1] Blumenthal, M. et al. German
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Monographs on Medicinal Plants for
Human Use. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. 1997
[2] Newall, CA. et al. Herbal
Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical
Press. 1996
[3] Leung, AY. and Foster, S. Encyclopedia
of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics 2nd edition.
New York: John Wiley and Sons. 1996
[4] Bradley, P. (ed.). British
Herbal Compendium Vol. 1. Dorset, England: British Herbal Medicine
Association. 1992
[5] Brown, DJ. 1996 Herbal
Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing. 1996
[6] Gutman, RL. and Beung-Ho
Ryu. Rediscovering Tea: An exploration of the scientific literature. HerbalGram 37. pp. 33-48. 1996
[7] Snow, JM. Monograph –
Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae). The Protocol Journal of Botanical
Medicine Vol. 1, No. 2.
[8] Olin, R. et al. The
Lawrence Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparison. Green Tea. May
1993
[9] Wang, H. and Wu, Y.
Inhibitory effect of Chinese tea on N-nitrosation in vitro and in vivo. IARC
Sci Publ;105:546. 1991
[10] Imanishi, H. et al. Tea
tannin components modify the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges and
chromosome aberrations in mutagen-treated cultured mammalian cells and mice. Mutat
Res;259(1):79. 1991
[11] Uchida, S. et al.
Radioprotective effects of (-)-epigallocatechin 3-0-gallate (green tea tannin)
in mice. Life Sci;50(2):147. 1992
[12] Sadakata, S. et al.
Mortality among female practitioners of Chanoyu (Japanese “tea-ceremony”). Tohoku
J Exp Med; 166(4):475. 1992
[13] Chu, DT. et al.
Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. I. Immune restoration of local
xenogenetic graft-versus-host reaction in cancer patients by fractionated astragalus
membranaceus in vitro. Journal Of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology.
25(3):119-23, Mar. 1988
[14] Sun, Y. et al. Immune
restoration and/or augmentation of local graft versus host reaction by
traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Cancer. 52(1):70-3, July 1. 1983
[15] Sun, Y. et al. Preliminary
observations on the effects of the Chinese medicinal herbs astragalus
membranaceus and Ganoderma lucidum on lymphocyte blastogenic responses. Journal
of Biological Response Modifiers. 2(3):227-37, 1983
[16] Weng, XS. Chung Juo Chung
Hsia I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih. August 1995
[17] Sprecher, E. Eleutherococcus
Senticosus on the way to being a phytopharmacon. Pharma Ztg; 134:9. 1989
[18] Asano, K. et al. Effect of
Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human physical working capacity. Planta
Med;48(3):175. 1986
[19] Filaretov, AA. et al. Effect
on adaptogens on the activity of the pituitary-adrenocortical system in rats. Bull
Eksper Bio Med;101(5):573. 1986
[20] Bartram, T. Encyclopedia
of Herbal Medicine 1st edition. Dorest, England: Grace Publishers. 1995
[21] Kapoor, LD. CRC Handbook
of Ayruvedic Medicinal Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. 1990
[22] Murray, M. Centella asiatica
(Gotu Kola) Monograph. American Journal of Natural Medicine. Volume 3,
No. 6 Jul/Aug:22-26. 1996