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

• 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)

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

§         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.