Experience the best of both worlds from Fusion^® Health.

Fusion® Health Astra 8™ Immune Tonic contains medicinal grade extracts of eight Chinese herbs traditionally used to promote a healthy immune system and support recovery.	Fusion® Health Cold & Flu combines the ancient wisdom of Chinese herbal medicine with Echinacea to stimulate immunity and relieve symptoms of winter flu and cold.	Fusion® Health Cough Lung Tonic™ is a multipurpose expectorant formulated to relieve cough from congestion associated with cold and flu and help maintain healthy lung function.

How you know yourself can change. I remember the first time I saw lungs filling with breath. They were sitting curiously on the anatomy lab table and we all watched them inflate with air from a pump. Little unseen pockets appeared like expanding popcorn. The lungs were animated by spaces in a way that had never occurred to me before, so much more intricate than air just going in and out of a cavity like I had previously thought. For sometime this became my understanding of breathing; expanding popcorn.

Cellular biology (a treasure trove of answers) filled in the gaps. Red blood cells, like warm red jelly babies, cue up along the alveoli of the lungs to collect oxygen and offload their carbon dioxide. Thanks to their hemoglobin, Jelly babies carry two oxygen molecules in each hand, a total of four at a time. Each breath delivers their precious cargo to courier via the blood.

Next I met biochemistry, everything beautifully mapped out in perfectly fitting relationships – yielding the body’s secrets with even smaller answers… excellent. The balance between inhale and exhale not only underpinned the relationship between receiving oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, but also the body’s acidity. Breathing affected me in ways I never imagined.

Like discovering the macro function on my camera, I most recently learned another level of detail. This is where I met Qi  (pronounced chee), or vital energy. According to Chinese medicine, Qi  is the life force that flows through our body everyday. Our parents gave us our first installment of Qi  and we need to do the rest, adding to this trust fund with Qi from our food and the air we breathe.

Qi  doesn’t just float around, it moves through specific channels in the body called meridians. With each breath, Qi  in the air moves into the lungs then enters the meridians network moving through the body to nourish and animate each organ system. To enjoy good health, Qi  needs to be in sufficient quantities and flow smoothly throughout the body.

The deeper you go, the more you realise there is more to you than you thought, much much more…

Peita Handel

I don’t really want to go on his motorbike trip, it’s not my thing; burgers, bikes and beer. This trifecta of bliss for my husband is everything I am not.  When we think of relationships we often think of compromise, even homogeny. What do you have in common? How can you relate when you are so different? Find something in common…

I don’t think this is how relating works in nature. Being similar won’t help the ocean relate to the shore, but no-one can deny their relationship. Maybe articulation does not need a common ground? The connection between individual parts is described in yoga as ‘union’. Body and breath could not be more ‘unalike’, but their union describes a need for one another without sacrificing their autonomy. How do we embrace our individuality and enjoy union with others? Differently, according to Chinese philosophy…

The Five Element Theory describes the unique quality of things, and how they relate to one another. It correlates aspects of who you are in body, mind and spirit with the characteristics of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

These elements govern not just your qualities but how you relate and connect to the world. If you are influenced by the water element you may feel familiar with flexibility and ease, if you are influenced more by the fire element then strength and wisdom come naturally to you. Wood governs motivation, Earth balance and stability and Metal governs confidence and intuition. Knowing your Chinese constitutional type provides an insight into your true nature.

The qualities of the elements are also observed in the seasons and the change between them. The seasons don’t argue or compete, they yield into one another each providing the next with all they need to be. The receding sun allows winter to be who she is; still and cold, providing us time for restoration. The winter rain (water element) draws forth the life from spring where new growth (wood) can predominate and we can enjoy the energy we have previously cultivated in the warmth.

I wonder if the most authentic relationship draws the best out of you, so you become more of who you are not less for the sake of ‘relating’. If that happens to mean ‘bikes and burgers’, then good for you, enjoy!

Peita Handel

This is my second time around with a baby, although he is not mine specifically….he is a distillation of myself. He is teaching me a lot about myself; I’m everything I was as a mother but more. It seems grandmother-hood (or grand motherhood as I am finding out!) requires a silent strength and patience I didn’t know I was capable of.

Initially I almost questioned my relevance, as my fertility receded. My children didn’t need a mother like they used to, they have all moved out with their own lives and own agendas. There was a sense that things were leaving, not that I wanted more children but it seems hard to ignore aging when your body decides for you. Moisture was leaving my skin, routine left as my period became as unpredictable as my mood, sleep eluded me, and whilst I am healthy I am also not as fit as I once was. Things felt different and I didn’t have control over any of these changes. I am busy! Don’t get me wrong, but it’s different to the busy household I managed easily as my younger self.

Then my daughter had her son…. ‘This is harder than I thought’ my daughter called me one sleepless morning. Yes motherhood is hard I have been there, but grandmother-hood has its unique challenges too; it’s a sensitive, exhausting balancing act. As I watch my daughter become a mother, I want to step into a stronger more confident version of myself, for both of them.

My grandson leans into his mum and she leans into me. Even my baking supports them both; she feeds him and I nourish her, as I have always done. My strength is quiet and accomplished. I don’t need to prove myself like I did as a young mum – my children are the living proof of my efforts.

What I do want is the energy and stamina for this new part of life (a newborn is always exhausting, but throw in hot flushes and insomnia and it’s a different story altogether). I want my family to get the best of me, I am realising I have so much to offer them and we have only just begun…

Rather than promoting a ‘one product fits all’, Fusion® have explored the influence various elements have on women’s health; diet, stress, lifestyle, life stage and the qualities of body mind and spirit as recognised by Chinese medicine. It presents practical advice with an individualised approach to Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle recommendations for women’s health.

With this philosophy in mind, Fusion® health has announced the first print of their new “gift with purchase” booklet ‘Where Wisdom Meets Women’s Health’, available in health food stores throughout Australia.

Paul Keogh, Naturopath and Technical Director of Fusion® health, explains ‘We’ve put this booklet together to help you discover some of the ancient wisdom underlying the Chinese approach to health for yourself‘

“Where Wisdom Meets Women’s Health” is set to inform and inspire women on their own path to balance, by presenting an individualised approach to Women’s Health within the context of Chinese Philosophy, which underpins the Fusion® formula range.

For a copy of the Fusion® health gift with purchase booklet ‘Where Wisdom Meets Women’s Health’ visit participating health food stores while stocks last.

Do you suffer from PMS? Have trouble with hot flushes? Feel tired all the time, or like life is out of control?

Fusion® Health’s new booklet Where Wisdom Meets Women’s Health is packed with Chinese herbal wisdom and dozens of health and lifestyle tips to help restore balance and harmony to your body, mind and spirit.

Receive your free copy (valued at $12.95) when you purchase Fusion® Health Women’s Balance™, Fusion® Health Menopause Free or Fusion® Health Stress & Anxiety at participating health food stores while stocks last.

Fusion^® Health brings together the ancient principles of Chinese herbal medicine with the science of Western herbal medicine. The result is a range of modern herbal medicines developed to address specific health complaints.

Experience the best of both worlds from Fusion^® Health.

In a history dating back centuries, traditional Chinese medicine works to balance body, mind and spirit. In the same tradition, Fusion® Health Women’s Balance™ brings together the ancient wisdom of Chinese herbs with the science of Western herbal medicine. This distinctive combination has been formulated with herbs traditionally used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms that may include heavy or irregular periods, migraine and fatigue as well as mild anxiety and mood swings.	Fusion® Health Stress & Anxiety has been formulated to relieve the symptoms of stress and worry, including mild anxiety, irritability and fatigue. In the tradition of Chinese medicine, these symptoms are associated with disturbance of Shen mind and spirit. Stress & Anxiety brings together the wisdom of ancient Chinese and ayurvedic herbs with modern science to reduce stress and mild anxiety. It also calms the mind and spirit and harmonises stomach function to ease indigestion and improve energy.	Fusion® Health Menopause Free™ helps manage the symptoms of menopause that can include hot flushes, excessive perspiration, vaginal dryness and menstrual irregularity, while also addressing moodiness and mild anxiety. In Chinese medicine terms, Menopause Free™ works to restore Kidney energy (known as Qi), which is progressively depleted with age, and balances Yin and Yang.

I was once called a nihilistic optimist; positive to the point of ignoring obstacles that would apparently be my downfall. I always felt optimism was a strength, but then I guess optimists do. I rationalise bookending my day with really long commutes, by experiencing the sunrise and sunset either side of work. Sometimes I even enjoy this time to myself, daydreaming from my train window or knitting for a few hours. The week before my period however, I start just commuting in the dark….and nothing good can come from it.

People sometimes talk about Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) making everything harder. It doesn’t feel like that for me; I know everything stays the same, but my positivity dissolves.  Decisions I have made become harder to defend; my sleep-over two nights a week at a friend’s house moves from a sunny opportunity to socialise, to the inconvenience of carrying a backpack instead of a little free and easy handbag. Very simple things feel like cobwebs I have spun myself, but I’m not myself.

‘I notice we often have this conversation, it lasts about a week…around the same time…’, my husband carefully explained recently after my rant about something that normally does not bother me. He (like most partners) is my most objective observer of PMS and how it routinely affects me.

I tried to explain ‘this is not who I am’, but unless you have felt PMS shape your usual self, you wouldn’t really understand. Women experience PMS differently, some get teary, others aggressive, some women crave Tim Tams others need to be left alone. For me PMS erodes my optimism, and life feels a little beige for about a week. I take this to heart since my perspective on life is a defining feature of who I am. Interestingly how I feel depends on not just what my hormones are doing (as if they have an entire life of their own; off to tea parties then predictably stirring up trouble) but what is going on with my Qi….what’s Qi?

In Chinese herbal medicine Qi (pronounced chee) describes vital energy, the activities of which have far reaching effects on our health. Disturbances in the flow of Qi and blood predispose me to PMS. This disturbance also influences menstrual irregularity, heavy bleeding painful periods, fatigue, breast tenderness and fluid retention for many women. Qi is influenced by our diet and Chinese herbal medicines. Fusion Health Women’s Balance contains a combination of Chinese herbal medicines including Peony, Rehmannia, Dong Quai and Bupleurum, which nourish and invigorate Qi. Happy Qi in turn balances the menstrual cycle and helps with PMS, nice!

This makes me optimistic about my next month of sunrises…

Peita Handel

Not meaning to sound shallow, but if I get attention for wearing a fitted dress it had better be because I look good. Sporting a tight round bump however, does not really work for me, except for maybe getting an awkward seat on the train. My friend’s call it my speed bump; it can appear out of the blue and vanish just as quickly, seemingly without rhyme or reason.

My whole digestive system is a misunderstood mysterious cavity. Food goes in, waste comes out and somewhere in between there can be a random cramping gurgling basket ball. Other days I feel like I’m 15 years ago again, with my flat comfy tummy, but it’s a lucky dip. My bloated tummy is much less planned than a day to the beach or a friend’s wedding function unfortunately.

My bump also stops me sometimes from doing the things I want to do, not just what I want to wear; bushwalking is much harder carrying a painful bowling ball. The unpredictability of my speed bump is the most frustrating thing, so you can imagine finding solutions is important to me.

My Doctor says I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common gut disorder, affecting around 15% of the population. There is no specific known cause, but rather a cluster of factors that trigger symptoms which can be unique to the individual. It involves bowel disturbances, irritation, inflammation, immune disturbances and nervous system factors such as stress and anxiety. People with IBS can experience abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and flatulence as well as alternating bowel function including increased frequency and sluggish bowel function – even constipation or diarrhoea. Other symptoms can include fatigue, headaches and weakness. Dietary influences and food sensitivities can also be implicated, typically; foods containing lactose, dairy and gluten as well as fats, coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and refined sugars.

For me, figuring out what makes my IBS worse was the first step in understanding the mysterious cavity; bread, fatty foods and coffee can make my bloating worse, and stress doesn’t help either. Other times it’s random and I can’t find a trigger.

Finding things that make IBS symptoms better is the next step. Drinking peppermint tea can help a little; drinking a lot of peppermint tea helps more. The Fusion Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome medicine contains 100mg of peppermint oil per capsule, (that’s about 2 drops, which is provided by 52 cups of peppermint tea!) Peppermint is a gastrointestinal relaxant, anti-inflammatory, carminative (calms the gut lining) and spasmolytic (reduces spasm), all good news if you have IBS.

Fusion IBS medicine also contains Tumeric that provides potent anti-inflammatory, and digestive support which is evidenced to benefit people with both IBS and dyspepsia symptoms. Black Pepper enhances the absorption and bioavailability of both these herbal medicines, which is particularly noteworthy of turmeric as it is otherwise poorly absorbed. Fusion Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome contains all three, a trifecta for people with IBS.

This formula also provides the benefits of Ginger, an effective carminative and spasmolytic, the aptly named Chinese medicine Wind Protector, providing antidiarrheal and muscular relaxant actions. The formula contains a total of nine specially selected Western and Chinese herbal extracts to manage IBS, making it more than just peppermint.

I will continue to work with my diet and stress levels of course, but at least I can now smooth out some of the bumps in the road.

Peita Handel

View PDF

First published by Go Vita in Go Magazine – March 2010

The kidneys are responsible for fluid balance, waste elimination, regulation of blood pH and mineral balance. They also play an important role in red blood cell production, blood pressure regulation and converting vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol. In Western medicine we often think of the liver as the organ that underpins health through regulation of metabolism and detoxification. In Chinese medicine, however, the Kidney (with a capital ‘K’ to denote the organ-meridian system) is fundamentally more important as it is the source of the body’s constitutional or inherited energy and is regarded as the organ-meridian system that governs the structural integrity and function not only of the kidneys themselves but also the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, brain, spinal cord, skeletal structure (especially the lumbar region), teeth, anus, urethra and inner ear. The Kidney system also governs body fluids, tissues (including bone marrow), hormones and other substances produced by the kidneys, adrenals and sex glands, as well as reproduction, growth and the faculty of will power.

Interestingly, the areas governed by the Kidney system are fundamentally affected by the ageing process eg. reduced energy, declining hormone levels, impaired brain function, bone weakness, hearing loss, loose teeth, weakened immunity, incontinence, tissue dryness and diminishing will power.

What causes a weak Kidney system?

Kidney energy (traditionally called Qi and pronounced ‘chee’ť) may be low from birth, but is also progressively depleted with age. It is particularly vulnerable to exhaustion due to factors such as overwork, a hard-driven lifestyle, insufficient fluid intake, multiple pregnancies and chronic illness or stress.

For most people by the age of 40, declining Kidney energy is beginning to impact on their health. Unchecked, it can manifest as infertility, sexual dysfunction, menopause, andropause, prostate problems, impaired immunity, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, heart irregularities, anxiety, loss of physical drive and poor concentration. Traditionally, Chinese Kidney tonics are taken to supplement declining Kidney energy (Qi), replenish energy reserves (called Jing) stored in the Kidney system, nourish the body’s vital potential (called Yin) and strengthen the body’s vital functions (called Yang) to promote and sustain good health and help prevent disease.

Although these Chinese terms may be unfamiliar in the West, they are easily explained. For example, Jing represents the body’s constitutional or inherited energy (also known as ‘life force’) as well as the reservoir for unused energy (Qi) extracted from the food we eat and the air we breathe. Jing also underpins the potential for energy (Qi) to flow through the meridians of the body, regulated by life’s opposing states of existence (called Yin and Yang). This can be likened to the charge held in a battery, which is necessary for electricity to flow between the negative (Yin) and positive (Yang) terminals. In the body, Yin and Yang facilitate the flow of energy (Qi) through all 12 organ-meridian systems and regulate the body’s stable, internal environment.

Furthermore, Jing provides the energetic foundation for reproduction, development and maturation, and can be conserved and supplemented through healthy life practices, diet and herbs. The high number of centenarians (people over 100 years old) in China, estimated to be over one million, is testament to the power of this multifaceted approach, which combines physical exercise, such as Tai Chi, with a lifestyle where foods are used as medicine and medicinal herbs are used in food.

Traditional Kidney tonics

For thousands of years, Chinese medicinal herbs have been consumed to promote and support healthy ageing. Herbs with specific energetic properties are combined to tonify (restore and strengthen) the Kidney system, boost Kidney energy and optimise Kidney function. They include the following:

Chinese foxglove: Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) tonifies Kidney (and Liver) Yin, replenishes Jing and nourishes the Blood in blood deficiency symptoms, including irregular uterine bleeding. Since the Kidney system governs the bone marrow where immune cells are produced, it is not surprising that Chinese foxglove has immune regulating activity and contains active components that have the potential to enhance bone formation by stimulating the production and activity of bone building cells (osteoblasts), while inhibiting the production and activity of cells that break down bone (osteoclasts).

Horny goat weed: Research demonstrates that Kidney energy tonics, especially those that strengthen Yang, such as horny goat weed (Epimedium saggitatum), can help to promote healthy hormone function. Horny goat weed contains genistein and daldzein, which regulate oestrogen, and also icariin, which has shown potential for improving male sexual function by enhancing erectile tissue. Animal research suggests that horny goat weed promotes semen secretion and stimulates healthy activity of the prostate and testes.

Horny goat weed also enhances bone health by reducing the breakdown of bone, and significantly improves the health of the reproductive, urinary, cardiovascular, circulatory, immune and blood producing systems.

Goji berry: Another notable herb for strengthening the Kidney system is goji berry (Lycium barbarum). This is valued in Chinese culture as a tonic herb to promote improved energy, good vision and healthy function of the kidneys and liver. Recent studies show that extracts from goji berry possess biological activities such as anti-ageing, anti-fatigue, immune regulation and cell protection.

Chinese dodder seed: Traditionally, Chinese dodder seed (Cuscuta hygrophilae) is used to strengthen Kidney Yin and Yang to assist with impotence, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, dysfunctional uterine bleeding (especially when the body is run down or during menopause), bladder weakness with incontinence, diminished vision and general weakness. Research suggests that Chinese dodder seed may also play an important role in healthy bone formation, as well as enhance immunity, reduce fatigue and increase the body’s tolerance to high altitude and low oxygen.

Cornelian cherry: Traditionally, cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis) nourishes and stabilises the Kidney system to address many symptoms associated with overwork, exhaustion and ageing, such as weakness, fatigue, impotence, infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dizziness, light-headedness, lower back soreness and weakness, tinnitus, blurred vision and incontinence. Animal studies of fruit extracts of cornelian cherry demonstrate significant effects on cellular energy production, blood sugar regulation and weight management.

Chinese yam: Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) has been shown to possess anti-diabetic properties and the potential to reverse drug-induced insulin resistance caused by taking dexamethasone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Chinese yam may also help to regulate cholesterol and triglycerides to reduce the risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases. Traditionally, Chinese yam is nourishing in nature and treats wasting disorders, especially when associated with poor digestion.

Water plantain and Poria: Water plantain (Alisma orientalis) and Poria (Poria cocos) are two of Chinese medicine’s most respected fluid regulators, promoting healthy urination in people experiencing fluid retention. Because these herbs also strengthen the Kidney system, they are well suited to people who find conventional diuretics too harsh. In fact, when all the above mentioned herbs are combined together they promote healthy fluid metabolism, relieve fluid retention and reduce urinary frequency.

Together these herbs address the spectrum of symptoms indicative of low Kidney energy, such as fatigue and exhaustion, poor growth and development (even in children), weak bones and tendons, reduced sexual vitality and potency, menstrual irregularity, menopause and andropause, night sweats, light-headedness, mild dizziness, tinnitus, knee and leg weakness, lower backache, irritability, insomnia and poor eyesight.

Paul Keogh is executive and technical director for Global Therapeutics P/L trading as Fusion Health. Paul is a qualified naturopath and medical herbalist with 23 years of combined experience in clinical practice and the development of integrated Chinese and Western herbal medicines.

View PDF

First published by Go Vita in Go Magazine – August 2012

Blood basics

In basic medical terms, blood is the fluid tissue that circulates in vessels throughout the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to all cells, and removing waste and carbon dioxide for elimination. It serves many vital functions including immune defence, temperature regulation, and transport of hormones and other important chemical messengers.

Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma (the fluid portion of blood), and makes up approximately 7-8 per cent of your body weight (the average adult has five litres of blood). Red blood cells (RBC) comprise 45 per cent of blood by volume, and contain the important protein haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the iron-containing component of RBC that gives blood its red colour, and has the specific function of binding oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport to and from body cells. Red blood cells, like all blood cells, develop from stem cells in bone marrow and take seven days to mature to the point where they are released into the bloodstream. They survive for only 120 days in the circulation before they are broken down and the parts recycled. Fortunately for us though, RBC are being made continuously in our bone marrow, and mature RBC are released into our bloodstream at an astonishing rate of 2.5 million cells per second!

Blood and iron

Optimal RBC function depends on adequate iron, yet iron deficiency is the most common single nutrient deficiency worldwide. The major symptoms caused by inadequate iron intake include fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle weakness, breathlessness, lowered immunity and poor concentration. Visible signs such as pallor, poor hair growth or hair loss, brittle or ridged nails, and a blue haze of the sclera (whites of eyes) are also common. Some people are at higher risk of dietary iron deficiency including growing children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, athletes and vegetarians. Poor digestive function, heavy menstruation and certain gastrointestinal conditions can also contribute to iron deficiency. Before assuming that you are iron deficient though, it is important to consult a health professional who will be able to advise you about blood tests to check your iron status. Other nutrients that are vital for optimal iron use and healthy blood include vitamins C, B12 and folate.

When dietary iron intake is inadequate, supplementation is the most effective way to replenish body stores and prevent deficiency. However, there are a myriad of iron supplements on the market and some are better quality than others. Iron (II) glycinate (also known as iron bisglycinate) is a relatively new but well researched form of iron, which is very easily absorbed and gentle on the digestive system. The compound is exceptionally stable and won’t react with other nutrients or interfere with their absorption (eg. vitamin E and calcium). Consequently, iron (II) glycinate is well-tolerated and doesn’t upset the stomach or produce constipation like some other forms of iron. Due to the lag time between iron supplementation and new RBC production, it can take a few weeks to begin to relieve symptoms of iron deficiency.

Blood in traditional Chinese medicine

In Chinese medicine terms, Blood – spelt with a capital B to denote the combined physical and energetic properties – functions to nourish and vitalise the whole body. Healthy Blood is characterised by a radiant complexion, lustrous hair, sharp senses, well-developed muscles and coordinated motor skills. However, to maintain Blood’s free-flowing state another energetic force must work in harmony with it. Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’Âť) is the vital energy that invigorates Blood to keep it circulating throughout the body. Blood and Qi have a very important relationship and are mutually dependent – Qi prevents Blood stagnation, and Blood nourishes Qi.

The Chinese concept of healthy Blood cannot be seen in isolation from the organs it nourishes. In fact, healthy Blood depends upon healthy functioning of the body’s major organ-meridian systems: Heart, Spleen, Liver, Kidney and Lung. Specifically, the Heart governs the Blood and blood vessels, and pumps blood. The Spleen – working with the Stomach – generates Blood from food. The Liver stores Blood, and regulates circulating Blood volume. The Kidney stores Jing, which can transform into Blood, and strengthens Blood via its governance of the bone marrow and therefore blood cell production. The Lung generates and governs Qi, which leads Blood.

In Chinese medicine, disorders related to Blood fall into two main categories: Blood deficiency and Blood stagnation. Blood deficiency is characterised by pallor, lethargy, dizziness, poor memory and concentration, dry skin and hair, and brittle nails. It is interesting to note how these symptoms correlate to symptoms of dietary iron deficiency. Blood stagnation occurs when Blood flow is impeded, and is characterised by sharp pains or swelling. Symptoms vary depending what area of the body is affected. For example, Blood stagnation in the uterus can contribute to heavy or painful menstruation.

Chinese herbal medicine for blood vitality

Blood tonic herbs are used in Chinese medicine to nourish and strengthen (tonify) the Blood and to invigorate blood circulation eg. Angelica polymorpha (dong quai), Paeonia lactiflora (white peony) and Codonopsis pilosula work together. The latter also tonifies the Qi and together these herbs support the Liver, Heart, Spleen and Lung in their role to build and maintain healthy Blood. The addition of Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes), Poria cocos (poria) and Alisma orientale (alisma) reinforce the Qi tonifying action of this formula, while providing functional support to the Kidney, Spleen, Heart and Lung.

Dong quai is a renowned Chinese herb that tonifies the Blood, activates Blood circulation and specifically supports the Heart, Liver and Spleen. It is used to treat states of Blood deficiency and stagnation. Research has found that dong quai may even improve blood iron levels, supporting its traditional use as a Blood builder. Menstrual symptoms associated with Blood deficiency (eg. painful or heavy periods) are also commonly treated with dong quai.

White peony nourishes the Blood and is traditionally used to treat Blood deficiency states. It works to regulate Liver function and tonify the Spleen. Studies have found white peony improves circulation and has immune regulating properties.

Codonopsis is used as a nourishing herb that reduces fatigue. It boosts Qi (vital energy) and strengthens the Spleen. Research has found it can increase RBC count and haemoglobin levels, and that it can reduce fatigue.

Being involved in so many essential functions, it makes sense to keep the blood as healthy and vital as possible. Chinese herbs can invigorate and nourish Blood, while reinforcing the effects of iron and other nutrients. They also improve digestion and may assist the body to assimilate iron.
Since iron supplementation alone does not always resolve the symptoms of low iron, the key to getting results may be to combine Chinese Blood building herbs along with a high quality form of iron.

Paul Keogh is the executive and technical director for Global Therapeutics P/L trading as Fusion Health. Paul is a qualified naturopath and medical herbalist with 25 years combined experience in clinical practice and the development of integrated Chinese and western herbal medicines.