For thousands of years, people in south China will risk their lives
to pick the “immortality herb” grown in the edge of cliffs for saving
patients in critical condition. You might have guessed by now that the
herb mentioned is called dendrobium. In the legends, the juice of it can
resurrect the dead. Of course, this is just a legendary saying but can
offer another perspective on reviews of its rarity and efficacy.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t be called as “gold in medicine”. Besides, it is
highly regarded as the No. 1 of the 9 “Chinese immortality herbs”. And
its top 9 main health benefits are as follows:
1) Nourishing Yin and body fluid. The “China Pharmaceutical
Dictionary” claims that it is specialized at nourishing qi and fluid in
lung and stomach. Hence, it treats a variety of diseases caused by
deficiency of yin and body fluid;
2) Enhancing physical fitness. It can tonify kidney essence,
nourish the stomach Yin, and increase strength. And it is rich in
polysaccharides that enhance immune function;
3) Replenishing spleen and stomach. It is a commonly used herb for
stomachache and epigastric pain. And modern medical experiments
confirmed that it has a better inhibition on the pathogen Helicobacter
pylori that is frequently found in spleen and stomach diseases, such as
atrophic gastritis, superficial gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and more;
4) Protecting liver and gallbladder. It has a good choleretic
effect, which has been praised highly by many herbalists. As a result,
it is often used as a major medicine for hepatobiliary diseases, such as
hepatitis, cholecystitis, gallstones and others;
5) Strengthening tendons and lowering lipid. The secretion of Yin
fluid and function of bone and muscle would begin to gradually decrease
during the middle ages. Since it can nourish Yin fluid and lubricate
joints, it helps to strengthen tendons and bones, relieve joint pain,
and reduce rheumatism. And modern pharmacological research also showed
that it can improve stress ability, prevent or stop fatigue, increase
hypoxia tolerance, promote circulation, dilate blood vessels, and lower
blood cholesterol and triglycerides;
6) Lowing blood sugar. It has long been used as the specific herb
for diabetes since ancient times thanks to its ability of nourishing
yin, clearing heat, and moistening dryness. Clinical studies have shown
that it cannot only enhance activity of insulin, but also significantly
reduce and change blood sugar levels back to normal;
7) Improving eyesight. It was also viewed as one of the best eye
tonics in the eyes of ancient physicians because of its yin-nourishing
and eyesight-improving properties. And modern pharmacological studies
confirmed that it could make a difference on the prevention and
treatment of senile cataract and children’s eyesight;
8) Nourishing the skin. Due to dwindling Yin fluid in body, the
aging of skin speeds up in people in middle age. Therefore, the skin
begins to turn black and become wrinkle. This is where the dendrobium
gets in since the mucus it contains can moisturize and provide nutrition
to the skin;
9) Prolonging life. The “Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic” reviews that
it is an effective medicine that can help weight loss and longevity.
Modern pharmacological studies confirmed that it contains many trace
elements, which are closely related to human health and longevity.
Hence, it has more comprehensive anti-aging effect compared to other
herbs.