May 3, 2010 Monday
"Friendship is essential for happiness" Rene Vallery-Radot, The Life of Pasteur, Introduction by William Osler, MD 1911.
A different quote about friends states, "The things that should accompany old age: fairly good health to the end, the unceasing interest in life, and the affectionate esteem of a large circle of friends."
My own immediate family has dwindled over the years. It saddens me at times especially around the holidays, their birthdays, my birthday and any accolades of life I have achieved that they are unable to experience physically with me on earth. Spiritually, yes they are there. I do have a large circle of friends, however I have realized those which are only acquaintances and those I could really count on.
The herbs taken regularly for long term sexual vigor include two of my favorites. I have had an affinity to the herbs beginning with the letter "G". I have published a review of both green tea and garlic in two independent journals. Another herb that has intrigued me is Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius ). Like many, I consider it to be the King of the Herbs - it is an energizer and revitalizer, and some consider it to be an aphrodisiac. This herb is a traditional Chinese herb. It was once found throughout China. In China, it is referred to as ren shen, meaning the essence of the earth in the form of a man. A physician, Dr. Shiu Ying Hu, translates the description in an ancient China herbal as "used for repairing the five viscera, quieting the spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping agitation, removing noxious influence, brightening the eyes, enlightening the mind and increasing the wisdom".
After reading that description, who wouldn't want some ginseng? Could I buy a lifetime's worth?
It is used as a tonic and adaptogen to replenish vital energy. The Chinese call this vital energy the qi. This is what the Chinese say increases strength, improves blood volume, promotes appetite, quiets the spirit and gives wisdom. If you enjoy reading about herbs in a not so scientific way, consider reading Herbal Pearls: Traditional Chinese Fold Wisdom: Folk stories by Miao Wen-wei.
There are three quotes by Sir William Osler I admire. If you haven't read earlier blogs, he is my hero of medicine.
There are three quotes by Sir William Osler I admire. If you haven't read earlier blogs, he is my hero of medicine.
1. Education is a life course. "The hardest conviction to get into the mind of a beginner is that the education upon which he is engaged is not a college course, not a medical course, but a life course, for which the work of a few years under a teacher is but a preparation."
2. Learning is Lifelong
3. Medicine is a difficult art to acquire.
There are three ginsengs: two Asian and one American (Panax quinquefolius) that are truly aphrodisiacs. The third variety, Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng, but has properties of the ginseng family. In Asia, they consider the Asian ginseng to be an aphrodisiac because it creates a surge of vitality and it revives and invigorates the body as a whole.
The next herb with "G" I admire is Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Again, this is a vital herb to the Chinese. It has been used for thousands of years to increase sexual vitality and promote longevity. It is also used to treat a variety of ailments. Most of us know this herb for memory. It improves blood flow to the entire body. Since most diseases are caused by impaired blood circulation, this herb is used more today and researched more. I have heard someone call this herb, "the smart herb". The effect of taking this herb is gradual. Do not expect to take it for one week and have improvement in cognitive and mental function. Something I found intriguing is that this herb is the only survivor from the dinosaur era. There are fossils of Ginkgo more than 200 million years old. Now that is remarkable. Charles Darwin, another favorite hero of mine called ginkgo, "the living fossil".
Other herbs for long term sexual vigor include burdock, black cohosh, Coriander, False unicorn, and saw palmetto.
Tomorrow I want to write about Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Sarsaparilla (Smilkax officinalis).
The needlepoint above is of Koi, a king of fishes, jumping out of the water. Since this fish has vitality and longevity, I wanted to include it with this topic of ginseng and ginkgo. It was given to friends, Dale and Bill. Bill is no longer with us physically, but he is with us spiritually. He is greatly missed by all who knew him. His wit was beyond reproach. God bless...
Photo credit: Rick Byrd
Until tomorrow...
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