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Dr. Mao’s “Secrets of Longevity” Products Now Available

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Products, Recipes  No Responses »
Dec 032013
 

I now have some great new products available and all of them are food items to help support a healthy diet! These products are from Dr. Mao Shing Ni, affectionately known as Dr. Mao. Dr. Mao co-wrote one of the first Chinese Medicine dietary therapy books years ago, called the “Tao of Nutrition”, which is basically considered a classic text in this field today. Dr. Mao has written many others books about health from a Chinese Medicine perspective as well. Dr. Mao is now more widely known since appearing on the Dr. Oz show in recent years. Dr. Mao’s most recent book is the “Secrets of Longevity Cookbook”. (See my book review also.)

1) One recipe published in this cookbook is his Hot Herbal Cereal. This recipe, modified slightly, is now available pre-packaged for easy preparation from Dr. Mao as “Dr. Mao’s Beautiful Hot Herbal Cereal“. This is a gluten-free combination of over 20 ingredients that has been eaten in his family for generations. As he says in his cookbook, this is a ‘one-stop, complete-nutrition meal’! It benefits the heart, immune system, digestion, helps metabolism and moods, and is also anti-inflammatory.1 The ingredients are:

Whole grain brown rice, mung beans, dried chestnuts, long-grain white rice, white lotus seeds, black rice, oats, green lentils, red lentils, black beans, millet, black sesame seeds, dried fox nuts, small red beans, red kidney beans, white beans, green split peas, black-eyed beans, yellow split peas, lima beans, pink beans, pinto beans, poria cocos, wild yam root.

2) Dr. Mao’s Longevity Spice Blends: These are special herb and spice blends, also published in the “Secrets of Longevity” cookbook2 , created by Dr. Mao for his patients to incorporate into their diets and then made available pre-packaged as well. There are many blends, and the following list are those that I am carrying in my office at this time:

√ Digestion Spice Blend: Without proper digestion, your body isn’t able to absorb the nutrients from the healthy food you are eating. This blend supports healthy digestion, helping ensure regularity, absorb nutrients, and relieve heartburn, gas, and bloating.

√ Anti-Inflammatory Spice Blend: This spice blend helps combat inflammation, making it very helpful for arthritis support and muscle pain.

√ Sexual Health Spice Blend: Hormonal and sexual support for both women and men is supported by this blend.

√ Metabolism Spice Blend: The herbs and spices in this blend help increase your energy level and boost the function of your metabolism, making it good for healthy weight management. This blend can be helpful for insulin resistance and pre-diabetes care.

√ Heart Spice Blend: The herbs and spices in this spice blend are an all-around heart support, helpful for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes conditions, and diabetes.

3) Anti-Aging Brain Mix
I originally came across this recipe in Dr. Mao’s book, “Second Spring”, published in 2009, and have shared it with my patients since then. And Dr. Mao has also made this available pre-packaged (with slight modification). This is a nice medicinal ‘trail mix’ combination to snack on daily, and wonderful for your health and brain too! Ingredients: walnuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried goji berries, dried apricots, and dried blueberries.

References:
1 Ni, Dr. Mao Shing. Dr Mao’s Secrets of Longevity Cookbook. Kansas City, MI: Andrews McNeel Publishing, Inc., 2012, p. 77.
2 Ibid, p. 47-49.

Grandma’s Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Recipes  No Responses »
Sep 262013
 

This was my paternal grandmother’s recipe (I am unsure of the original source). I still love it to this day. It is very simple to make (no-bake), and the pie is very light – perfect for after the heavy meals of the holidays. The trick is to whip egg whites to be very stiff, making sure to use room-temperature egg whites. (I now substitute a gluten-free crust I make, which is similar to a graham cracker crust.)

3/4 cup brown sugar
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
3 egg yolks
3/4 cup milk
1-1/4 cup canned or cooked pumpkin
_______
3 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar

Combine first 8 ingredients and bring to boil. Then stir in pumpkin and chill slightly. Beat egg whites and sugar. Fold into above mixture. Put into crumb crust.

Book Review: Dr. Mao’s Secrets of Longevity Cookbook

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Recipes  No Responses »
Sep 202013
 

This cookbook is a jewel! Dr. Mao, as he is affectionately known, is a 38th-generation doctor of Chinese Medicine, a co-founder of an acupuncture college, a prolific author, and of course, a well-respected authority on Chinese Medicine. Hippocrates said ‘let food by thy medicine’, and Dr. Mao shows one how in this book full of recipes from centenarians and from many years of experience with patients from around the world. The intro to this book gives ‘Top Ten Longevity Habits for Good Digestion and Good Health’ and the recipes focus on using his ‘Top Ten Healing, Anti-Aging Foods’ (which I must add, is very similar to my ‘Top Ten Foods for Longevity’ article written in 2010). Additionally, Dr. Mao’s book lists commonly-used culinary herbs and spices for specific health conditions, and each recipe notes which health condition(s) it can benefit. There is also specific menu combinations given for certain health conditions. But the real ‘treasure’ of this ‘jewel’ are the recipes themselves! Besides being healthy, these recipes are unique, scrumptious, and most of them are simple and easy too, so one who is new to cooking healthy should not be overwhelmed at all. Sample recipes are: Banana Buckwheat Pancakes (gluten-free), Avocado Hummus, Chicken Mango and Butternut Squash Soup, Vegetable Almond Pie (gluten-free), Millet Pilaf, Curry Vegetables with Brown Rice, and Pecan Pudding. (Some of the recipes use dried Chinese herbs, all of which are readily available at my office from my ‘herbal pharmacy’ – GoJi berries, hawthorn fruit, chrysanthemum, etc.) And I must lastly mention Dr. Mao’s Hot Herbal Cereal recipe – it is a combination of over 20 grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes that his family has been eating for generations – it is really a ‘one-stop, complete-nutrition meal, as he describes! Definitely consider adding this treasure of a cookbook to your kitchen shelf!

Dr. Mao is also the author of several other books, many of which I consider ‘must-haves’ for those interested in Chinese or Natural Medicine – Second Spring: Hundreds of Natural Secrets for Women to Revitalize and Regenerate at Any Age and Secrets of Self-Healing: Harness Nature’s Power to Heal Common Ailments, Boost Your Vitality, and Achieve Optimal Wellness.

Autumn 2013 Newsletter

 Books Recommended, My Newsletter, Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Recipes  No Responses »
Sep 192013
 

Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture Newsletter:

Autumn – A Time to Nourish

Referenced in this newsletter is a “Chinese Medicine and Food Therapy Lecture Series” talk that I will give on September 26, 2013. Those lecture notes will be posted on my blog soon thereafter (and will be referenced here)!

Here’s a pdf version of this newsletter (but unfortunately, links do not work):
Autumn – A Time to Nourish

Nam Singh’s Chinese Casserole: Autumn Lung Tonic

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Recipes  No Responses »
Sep 172013
 

This is a great combination of root vegetables for Autumn. Autumn corresponds to the Lung energy in Chinese Medicine, and the flavor associated with Autumn is pungent or spicy. Hence, this is an Autumn Lung Tonic.

Kale, one bunch – line bottom of stove-top pan
2 parsnips
1 daikon radish
1 carrot
1 turnip, preferably green
1 taro root (difficult to obtain fresh everywhere, dried root soaked overnight could work)
1 rutabaga
1/2 cup bamboo shoots (usually canned)
tofu, marinated or baked (5-spice ideal, or teriyaki (gluten-free preferred))
1-1/2 cup broth, preferably shiitake mushroom, but veggie or chicken broth can be substituted
sesame oil (pref roasted)
vegetarian oyster sauce
2 TBS rice wine
ginger

Mix together last 3 ingredients. Cut or slice veggies so they are the same size. Add liquid to veggies. Med-high heat to boil 30 min. Then lower heat to medium-low flame for another 30″ to an hour until veggies are fork-tender. If thickening desired, add cornstarch, water, more stock/sauce combo. Add sesame oil when done cooking for added flavor.

Medicinal qualities of ingredients:
Kale – warm, slightly bitter; strengthens Stomach, good for ulcers
Parsnips – warm, pungent; good for common cold
Daikon – cooling, pungent, sweet; affects Lung and Stomach
Carrot – neutral to cool, sweet, pungent; lubricates colon (enters LI), benefits vision, clears heat, strengthens all internal organs, promotes digestion, reduces cholesterol per research
Turnip – cold, sweet, bitter, pungent; clears heat, cough, removes dampness, detoxifies
Taro – neutral, sweet, pungent; benefits, regulates digestion, clears heat, good externally for bug bites and a drawing salve (raw)
Rutabaga – sweet, similar to turnips
Bamboo shoots – cooling, affects Lung and Large Intestine; clears Lung heat, fiber helps lower cholesterol per research
Shiitake – neutral, sweet; anti-tumor, promotes healing, strengthens Stomach; lowers cholesterol
Ginger – warm, pungent; affects Lung and Stomach; good for common cold, cough, anti-toxin, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, expels pathogens

From: Nam Singh‘s Chinese Medicinal Cooking Class, circa 1996, San Francisco. (Blessings to Nam Singh for his great knowledge in Chinese Medicinal Cooking and sharing some of that knowledge with me!)

References used:
Chinese Medicine Dietitics, by Jeffrey Pan and Adam White
The Tao of Nutrition, by Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease

Basic Green Leafy Stir-Fry Recipe

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Recipes  No Responses »
Sep 162013
 

Olive oil, as needed
Onion, white or yellow preferred (but use what you like)
Garlic
Swiss chard, kale, bok choy, spinach, mustard greens, or any combo of greens you like (basically we all need to eat more dark, green leafy veggies)
Mushrooms, shiitake or maitake, or any type preferred can be used such as portobellos, buttons, chanterelle, enoki, or combos of above (shiitakes/maitake are recommended here since they are more medicinal)
Tamari or Bragg’s Amino Acids (gluten-free soy sauce)
Rice wine

Cut up all the veggies first (into bite-size pieces). Stir-fry the garlic and onions initially in a little bit of olive oil. Add those veggies that need to cook longer first. Add tamari, condiments and culinary spices to taste throughout cooking time. Typically the green, leafy veggies are best to add at the end since they require little cooking time to wilt. Top with options listed below (sesame seeds, sesame oil, peppers, etc.)

Possible additions for exciting flavor options:

Condiments/spices:

    Garlic powder (I tend to use both fresh and powdered since we are garlic lovers)
    Sliced, or pressed ginger
    Vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular one)
    Sesame seeds (black are considered more medicinal)
    Five-spice powder
    Rice wine, fermented
    Rice vinegar
    Roasted sesame oil (add for flavoring at end, do not cook)
    Seaweed (Nori, Dulse, Hijiki, etc.)
    Cayenne pepper (whole or flakes)
    Jalapenos or other peppers
    Cilantro
    Vegetable broth (could use instead of olive oil, or use for flavoring)
    Miso (instead of tamari)

Veggies:

    Snow peas (I love these!)
    Broccoli
    Bell peppers (all colors)
    Cauliflower
    Zucchini, any summer squash
    Eggplant
    Green beans
    Cabbage
    Green onions/scallions, leeks
    Edaname or soybeans
    Tofu or tempeh, marinated or not
    Whatever veggies you like!

Spices such as oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, sage can be added for an ‘American’ or Italian flavoring vs. Asian spices.

Recommend using organic veggies and spices as much as possible too.

Research: Astragalus has Renal Protective Effect

 Chinese Herb Research, News and Research  No Responses »
Sep 162013
 

Research on Chinese herb Huang Qi (Radix Astragali):

Nephroprotective: Administration of Huang Qi via injection is associated with numerous benefits in patients with diabetic nephropathy, such as renal protective effect (BUN, SCr, CCr and urine protein) and systemic state improvement (serum albumin level).
Ref: Li M, Wang W, Xue J, Gu Y, Lin S. Meta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathy. Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Oct 13.

Nephroprotective: Huang Qi exerts the nephroprotective effect by reducing fasting blood glucose and albuminuria levels, in reversing the glomerular hyperfiltration state, and in ameliorating the pathological changes of early diabetic nephropathy.
Ref: Zhang J, Xie X, Li C, Fu P. Systematic review of the renal protective effect of Astragalus
membranaceus (root) on diabetic nephropathy in animal models. Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Nov 12;126(2):189-96. Epub 2009 Sep 6.

Research on Huang Qi + Lu Xian Cao (Herba Pyrolae):
Aminoglycosides (an antibiotic class): In one study, compound injection of Lu Xian Cao (Herba Pyrolae) and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) in guinea pigs was found to be effective in preventing the ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with use of aminoglycosides. These two herbs protected the cochlea based on electrocochleography and morphology by scanning electron microscopy. They also improved blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein and observation of renal morphology. [Note: Examples of aminoglycosides include gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin.]
Ref: Xuan W, Dong M, Dong M. Effects of compound injection of Pyrola rotundifolia L and Astragalus
membranaceus Bge on experimental guinea pigs’ gentamicin ototoxicity. Department of Otolaryngology, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical College, Nanning, People’s Republic of China. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1995 May;104(5):374-80.

More references for research of Astragalus can be found at the end of this sample monograph from the premier resource of the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, by John Chen and Tina Chen.

(I am not sure where I first found these references, but all these studies can be found on
PubMed).

Chinese Herbal Formulas to Boost Immunity

 Allergies, Auto-immune Disease, Cancer Treatment, Cancer/Integrative Oncology, Immune System Disorders, Influenza/Viral Infections  No Responses »
Sep 162013
 

Two Chinese herbal formulas I commonly recommend to boost immunity are Evergreen Herbs Immune + and Zand Astragalus Formula. Immune + is based on a very commonly-used formula Yu Ping Feng San, which is especially used to help those who easily catch common colds or flues, or are commonly affected by seasonal allergies. Zand Astragalus is a very similar formula.

Catching colds or flues easily, and/or having seasonal allergies means that the immune system is weak and needs to be strengthened. These formulas are also ideal to strengthen the immune system when going into the winter season or when one knows they will be exposed to others who are ill from a common cold or flu, or when one is oing into a hospital or convalescent situation where others could be ill. Both of these formulas will also tend to help poor energy too.

Both of these formulas contain Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Reishi mushroom (Ling Zhi, or Ganoderma), both of which research has shown are immunoprotective. Research has also shown that Astragalus can have an antibiotic effect, is anti-asthmatic and is nephroprotective (protects the kidneys) as well. Reishi has anti-cancer properties and a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.

More information on the two main herbs in these formulas can be found at these sample monographs from the premier resource of the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, by John Chen and Tina Chen: Huang Qi and Ling Zhi/Reishi

Astragalus is also in the Evergreen Herbs Cordyceps 3 formula. Cordyceps is especially known to treat chronic respiratory disorders; I call it a ‘Ginseng for the Lungs’ since it is also used for its ginseng-like ‘anti-aging’ qualities. Speaking of Ginseng, Panax Ginseng (Ren Shen) is in this formula as well. So Cordyceps 3 is an excellent formula for aging, poor energy or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and many other conditions as well that need immune-system support, including cancer.

Recipe: Natural Electrolyte Drink

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Recipes  No Responses »
Jun 192013
 

Natural Electrolyte Drink recipe

Additionally, I always carry the product ElectroMix in my office, an instant electrolyte drink mix by Alacer Corporation (the makers of Emergen-C).

A more comprehensive product can also be obtained at my office, Endura. This is a high-quality, ‘high performance’ electrolyte and mineral drink mix from the nutraceutical company Metagenics, with a really nice taste. For details and list of ingredients, see: Metagenics Endura. I usually don’t keep this in stock year-round, so it will normally need to be special ordered – however, this only takes a few days.

Spring 2013 Newsletter

 Books Recommended, My Newsletter, Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Publications, Recipes  No Responses »
May 222013
 

Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture Newsletter:

Spring – A Time for Renewal

Referenced in this newsletter is a “Chinese Medicine and Food Therapy Lecture Series” I started in April 2013. I gave a lecture entitled “Spring – Time to Tame the Liver!”©. Lecture notes will be posted on my blog soon (and will be referenced here)!

Here’s a pdf version of this newsletter:
Spring – A Time for Renewal

This newsletter includes a few book reviews also.

Homeopathy for Sinus Infections: BHI-Heel’s Sinusin Nasal Spray

 Allergies, Infectious Disease, Influenza/Viral Infections  No Responses »
Apr 052013
 

Information on BHI-Heel’s Homeopathic Sinusin Nasal Spray: This is a great product for Sinusitis or Sinus Infections, and will treat and prevent both. It is anti-bacterial and anti-viral, so why this is such a great product for sinus infections. This product is also available as internal oral drops, if a nasal spray is not desired. Using both together is a great combo though!
Sinusin Brochure
Research on Sinusin Nasal Spray (Product was called Euphorbium Nasal Spray until a few years ago with the same exact ingredients.)

I also have stronger Chinese herbal medicinal formulas if Sinusin does not work…

Make Yogurt in Your Crockpot (from StephanieOdea.com)

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Organic Foods, Recipes  No Responses »
Apr 042013
 

You Can Make Yogurt in Your CrockPot!

From Stephanie O’Dea, New York Times author and blogger Stephanie O’Dea’s website or more direct link at Crockpot365 Blog

(Summarized here since blog post above is too hard to read and follow while in your kitchen! But her posting does have pictures for those of you who need them. And I thank Stephanie O’Dea tremendously – I love this simple way to make yogurt and have used it many times!! I recommend using organic milk and organic yogurt starter though. Note: I have never added fruit as noted here – I add fruit later when I eat it instead (save plain yogurt for starter though, for sure.) —Sheryl Sanchez, L.Ac.)

The Ingredients.
–8 cups (half-gallon) of whole milk–pasteurized and homogenized is
fine, but do NOT use ultra-pasteurized. (Debbie recommends starting with
whole milk until you get the hang of yogurt-making)

–1/2 cup store-bought natural, live/active culture plain yogurt (you
need to have a starter. Once you have made your own, you can use that as
a starter)

–frozen/fresh fruit for flavoring

–thick bath towel

–slow cooker

The Directions.
This takes a while. Make your yogurt on a weekend day when you are home to monitor.

I used a 4 quart crockpot. This is so exciting. My fingers are shaking!

Plug in your crockpot and turn to low. Add an entire half gallon of milk. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours.

Unplug your crockpot. Leave the cover on, and let it sit for 3 hours.

When 3 hours have passed, scoop out 2 cups of the warmish milk and put it in a bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup of store-bought live/active culture yogurt. Then dump the bowl contents back into the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Put the lid back on your crockpot. Keep it unplugged, and wrap a heavy bath towel all the way around the crock for insulation.

Go to bed, or let it sit for 8 hours.

In the morning, the yogurt will have thickened—it’s not as thick as store-bought yogurt, but has the consistency of low-fat plain yogurt.

Blend in batches with your favorite fruit. I did mango, strawberry, and blueberry. When you blend in the fruit, bubbles will form and might bother you. They aren’t a big deal, and will settle eventually.

Chill in a plastic container(s) in the refrigerator. Your fresh yogurt will last 7-10 days. Save 1/2 cup as a starter to make a new batch.

Curcumin Monograph (Curcuma Longa)

 Cancer Links, Cancer Research/References, Cancer Treatment, Cancer/Integrative Oncology, Chinese Herb Research  No Responses »
Apr 032013
 

Monograph on Curcuma Longa, published by Alternative Medicine Review, a peer-reviewed CAM journal years ago now, summarizing research on Curcumin (now considered the main active ingredient in Curcuma Longa).

Curcumin Monograph

Curcumin and HPV (known cause of Cervical Cancer)

 Cancer Research/References, Cancer/Integrative Oncology, Chinese Herb Research  No Responses »
Apr 032013
 

Scientists at the Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO) based in India have recently found that Curcumin works against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a known cause of cervical cancer. As the research abstract summarizes “These novel findings imply that Curcumin may be an effective chemopreventive and therapeutic agent for cervical cancer prevention and treatment”.
Curcumin and HPV

Note also there is research showing Astragalus and Silymarin (from Milk Thistle) show promising results against HPV (research references will be updated later).

Curcumin and Cancer

 Cancer Links, Cancer Research/References, Cancer Treatment, Cancer/Integrative Oncology, Chinese Herb Research  No Responses »
Apr 032013
 

Life Extension Magazine article: Curcumin Protects against Cancer
This is a good, brief article that also summarizes the ‘Ten Key Causative Factors of Cancer Development’ besides noting how much research is available that shows Curcumin is effective against cancer.

Chinese Herb Safety and Quality – Spring Wind Herbs

 Herb Safety, Products, TCM Scholars  No Responses »
Mar 132013
 

I purchase all of my Chinese raw, dried herbs, which I use in customized formulas and tinctures both, from Spring Wind Herbs. This company is considered the premier supplier of quality Chinese herbs and is owned by Andrew Ellis. All herbs are tested for pesticide residues, and increasingly more and more are even available as USDA Certified Organic. I usually try to purchase the organic version also, unless the cost difference is extremely high (but typically isn’t the case at all).
For more information, see
Spring Wind Herbs or
Spring Wind Herbs Quality

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