8 Reasons Why People Love Si Jin Bao

Here’s why health conscious people are trying and sticking with Si Jin Bao Herbal formulas.

1. They're Designed By a Physician

Si Jin Bao herbaceuticals are designed and crafted by a Physician and Herbaceutical Engineer with 26+ years of clinical experience. In fact, he is widely known for developing many proprietary products in the herbaceutical industry. Specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, ‘Dr. Kamal’ has been educating physicians, individuals, families, and whole communities on how to create a sustainable, healthy, and pain-free lifestyle for themselves for decades.

2. They're Delicious

It’s no secret that when people hear “Chinese Herbs”, they instantly imagine a bitter and unpleasant taste. With Si Jin Bao there is no need to choke down pills and bitter herbs! We believe that creating an all-natural product that works is only half the job. It has to be an enjoyable, delicious, and part of your daily routine. That’s why our Chief Herbaceutical Engineer spent over 5 years perfecting and refining our formula until even a small child would benefit from and enjoy the taste.

“The girls both drink the teas without any fuss and once they do, their symptoms do not progress any further and they soon recover. They keep forever too!”

- JAGDW

3. They Couldn't Be More Simple

When people hear “Chinese Herbs”, many instantly imagine “too much work”. They are not wrong. Traditional methods used to produce Chinese herbal formulas are intricate and complex. The process takes hours, with a variety of instructions for the desired effect. In China, over 80% of all herbal prescriptions are prepared by an herbalist and then processed at home by patients into decoctions.

Our founder quickly discovered that from an American perspective, becoming a lay-herbalist is not convenient and takes too much time. So, he set out to create a line of products that could bring the effectiveness of Chinese Medicine to the fast paced Western lifestyle.

And so all you need to take any SJB Herbacetical is just Hot Water! They are delivered in drops and added to one ounce of hot water – nothing else needed! Cover for 5 minutes and take twice daily. Easily consumed on the go, or, if you have time, we suggest taking a moment to yourself, away from the craziness of life and JUST BREATHE. Step outside, or sit by an open window with your hot drink and listen to the quiet of the world around you.

"The convenience of the drops as well as the effectiveness are really unsurpassed. Thank you so much."

– Cornelia Franz, M.D.

4. They Have Plant-based Herbs and No Fillers

Each proprietary blend contains all natural plant-based herbs that are tested in two independent laboratories to ensure purity of the raw materials before they are processed in our own facility.

“I have trusted Si Jin Bao Air Tea for myself and my children for nearly a decade.”

–M. Trottier

5. They're Safe For All Ages

They are completely safe for pregnant women, infants & children – in fact they are safe for all ages. That’s the beauty of our products, it’s designed for ANYONE. Check dosage requirements and consult your health care provider before use.

6. They're Vegan, All Natural & Cruelty-Free

We only use the highest-quality of plant-based herbs to create our formulas. Free from preservatives, food additives, artificial ingredients, and fillers. They are also Vegan and Cruelty-Free while being sourced from ethical producers from around the world.

7. They're Alcohol Free

Concentrated Decoctions are a potent and powerful way to deliver the healing and balancing benefits of herbs to your body. Traditionally decoctions are made using alcohol, however, our internal herbs are 100% Alcohol Free thanks to a proprietary process developed by our founder!

8. They're Backed by Science

Our herbs have been trusted by Eastern & Western Physicians for 26+ years, plus backed by research and studies proven clinically by scientists, and herbalists. Experience the wonders of ancient wisdom fused with modern technology.

Bao Gu: The Immortal Lady Bao

Bao Gu lived during the 晉朝 Jin Dynasty (266 – 420 A.D.) and is celebrated as one of the four most influential female physicians of ancient China. Bao Gu’s name is among giants such as Yi Shuo, who was the first female Imperial Physician for the Empress of the 漢朝 Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.), Zhang Xiao Niang Zi of the宋朝 Song Dynasty (960–1279 A.D.) and Tan Yunxian of the大明 Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 A.D.).

At a time when women learned embroidery and painting, and child bearing was their primary role, these extraordinary females rose above the societal norms and expectations, insisting on building names for themselves which still echo globally today. They served their communities with expertise, talent and unique vision.

Bao Gu gained popularity quickly amongst locals and became known by the people in her community as: Mugwort Lady Bao, Immortal Lady Bao and even Goddess of Acupuncture. Sometimes, however, she was just Aunt Bao.

She was married to the legendary physician Ge Hong, who was himself along with her father, a high-ranking Daoist magistrate and senior court official.

Bao Gu's Origin Story

Lady Bao grew up in a Daoist monastery where she learned alchemy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Bao Gu hiked mountains with her father in search of medicinal herbs. Her father taught her everything he knew about alchemy, astronomy, geography and medicine while also infusing in her the art of healing, which she devoted her entire life to.

As a result of rigorous and devoted studies, Bao Gu became a highly skilled moxibustion practitioner. In fact, she is one of the first recorded female moxibustion practitioners in Chinese history. This allowed her to successfully treat severe cases of tumors and warts.

Bao Gu & The Crying Girl

One day Bao Gu was returning home after a routine foraging trip in the mountains to collect medicinal herbs. On her path, she noticed a young girl studying her face reflection in the river and quietly crying. Upon approaching the young girl, Bao Gu observed numerous black and brown spots on her face.

After a quick chat with the her, Bao Gu learned how the pigmentation on the girl’s face were making her feel insecure about her appearance. Hurtful remarks were often made by people in the community. The young girl feared that no one would want to marry her. She had even sought medical help, however, nothing worked. Without hesitation Lady Bao decided to help, and used the red-root mugwort herb for moxibustion treatments which were successful in clearing the girl’s face. The young girl was overjoyed and grateful.

Having grown up in the mountains, Bao Gu was a highly knowledgeable and experienced medicinal herb forager. People believe that she discovered Mugwort Floss from the Red-rooted Mugwort family on the Yuexiou Mountain and successfully used it in her moxibustion treatments. Bao Gu’s moxibustion therapy has been titled “Bao Gu Moxibustion”or “Highly Skillful Moxibustion”, expressing people’s love and respect for her work.

After scores of locals experienced miraculous cures, they started calling their physician Mugwort Lady Bao, Goddess of Acupuncture and even Immortal Lady Bao. Since it was highly unusual for a female of the time to treat patients, her name was known far and wide and even recorded in local county annals and on herbal formulations.

Together with her husband, the legendary physician Ge Hong, they traveled the local mountains healing the sick and continuously studying and perfecting the art of medicine, alchemy, and Daoism.

The Legend of Bao Gu

On a routine hike up the sacred 罗浮山 Mount Luofu in search of medicinal herbs, Bao Gu came across a village where all the people appeared weak and their skin was a dark yellow color. She inquired from the villagers on the details of their ailment but did not get her questions answered the way she would have liked. In her diagnostics of the condition which was expressing itself in the villagers, she turned to 伤寒杂病论Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases) by 張仲景 Zhang Zhongjing. Without hesitation Lady Bao stayed in the village to look for a cure.

Being a master of acupuncture and moxibustion, she used the two modalities to treat the villagers alongside a traditional herbal formula, which consisted of such ingredients as peach kernels, mulberry tree leaves and hawthorns to name a few. It took her a couple of weeks to cure the villagers. Before going on her way, Lady Bao shared the medicinal herbal formula she used to heal the villagers with them.

Bao Gu’s mastery of alchemy was so sophisticated that according to the Chinese folklore she never died. Instead she transformed into an Immortal. After Lady Bao transitioned, the locals constructed an Ancestral Hall at the base of the Yuexiou Mountains out of love and in tribute to her medical contributions.

For many centuries now Bao Gu has been a role model to all physicians aspiring to reach for the stars and become the best versions of themselves while in humble service to others.

Bao Gu Famous Chinese Physician Famous Physicians Immortal Lady Bao Si Jin Bao

The Legacy of Zhang Yuansu

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu's Origin Story

张亓素Zhang Yuansu was born in Yi Shui, Hebei Province in the 金朝 Jin Dynasty (1115–1234 A.D.). When he was just 8 years old, 张亓素Zhang Yuansu passed an imperial exam for children. However, Zhang failed to pass the imperial examination for scholars based on Confucian classics at the age of 27 and decided to give up on his intent to pursue the path of an official.

Instead he chose to explore the medical profession and without delay dove into studying medical classics. He started with the 黄帝内经 Huangdi Neijing, or Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor, an ancient Chinese medical text that has been treated as the original source of Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years.

In time, 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu gained experience and developed skill. A well known story about Dr. Yuansu describes how he cured a fellow famed physician who failed to heal himself. Liu Wansu rejected 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu’s offers of help out of mistrust. Only after Dr. Yuansu convinced Dr. Wansu of his medical theory and a proposed treatment approach, was Dr. Yuansu able to heal Dr. Wansu. It only took one dose of medicinal herbs. This earned him respect and admiration from his colleagues and the community.

五行 Wuxing & the Effects of Herbal Medicine

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu is remembered for several great accomplishments. He integrated medicinal materials into the 五行 Wuxing, or the five element framework: 金 Jīn, or Metal, 火 Huǒ, or Fire, 土Tǔ, or Earth, 木 Mù, or Wood and 水 Shuǐ, or Water.

Traditional practices of acupuncture and herbal medicine, though already coexisted within the same medical framework at the time, were still often looked at as separate sciences. 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu found it of great importance to unify the two, adding simplicity and clarity to the medical culture.

张亓素 Dr. Yuansu devoted great attention to the effects of herbal medicine. He started by linking the effects of herbs and the physical reactions stimulated by acupuncture treatments. He then defined how flavors of medicinal herbs had effects on different internal organs. He insisted that upon entering a patient’s body, herbs had a way to enter and influence meridians or highways through which the life-energy known as Qi flows.

Dr. Yuansu’s goal was to link effects of medicinal herbs and influences that pathogens had on particular meridians.

“The method of appropriately using herbs in accordance with the symptoms and sign presentations of a patient entails determining substances with the correct Qi, taste, Yin and Yang, and thick and thin properties as well as the pathogenic factor involved and the meridian it has entered.”- 张亓素Zhang Yuansu

Dr. Yuansu insisted that if pathological conditions of the organs were clearly observed and identified, a proper diagnosis could be made and appropriate therapy chosen.

The Modernizer

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu was a modernizer. He argued that diseases of his time had to be approached in a unique way, characteristic of that specific era. He believed that social and geographical conditions had new trends and manifestations and therefore had to be factored in. He did not reject or oppose traditional herbal formulas or methods of formulation and treatment, but, he insisted on making reasonable adjustments in accordance with the current medical conditions. This somewhat revolutionary approach was birthed at the time when Chinese government heavily regulated collection, manufacturing and distribution of herbal medicine and also interpreted causation of disease and standard methods of treatment in a highly narrow and rigid manner.

“In view of different conditions between the ancient and modern times, it is impractical to treat new diseases with old methods. Therefore, the obsolete traditional formulas are to be replaced by modern prescriptions.”

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu Tweet

张亓素Zhang Yuansu left several influential written medical works he authored. 醫學啟源Yixue Qiyuan Origins of Medicine was published in 1186 and influenced medical thought for centuries and still does today.

Dr. 张亓素 Zhang Yuansu's Legacy

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu left several influential written medical works he authored. 醫學啟源Yixue Qiyuan Origins of Medicine was published in 1186 and influenced medical thought for centuries and still does today.

“Prescriptions of the past are not appropriate for the illnesses of today.”

张亓素 Zhang Yuansu Tweet

The zenith of Dr. Yuansu’s work is considered to be the text called 珍珠囊Zhenzhu Nang, or Bag of Pearls. His focus always remained on new and broader methods of understanding and using medicinal herbs in herbal formulations.

Ancient Chinese Physician Si Jin Bao Zhang Yuansu

Tao Hongjing: Grand Councilor of the Mountains

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing: Grand Councilor of the Mountains

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was born near the southern imperial capital of Jiankang (modern day Nanjing) in the year 456 and lived during the Northern and Southern Dynasties of China (420 – 589).

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was an extraordinary human being who excelled in everything he set his mind to. He was revered by his contemporaries and is still remembered today as a prolific poet, musician, philosopher, calligrapher, alchemist, herbologist, astrologist, and Daoist.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was born into a family of gentry officials with a long history of service to the imperial courts since the fall of the Han dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.).

Both his father and paternal grandfather were famed scholars, calligraphers and herbologists. As for his mother and maternal grandfather, they were both devoted and well-versed Buddhists.

The Hongjing family had ties to some of the most famed Daoists in China, including the legendary scholar, physician and alchemist Ge Hong.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was an exceptional child. He completed several commentaries on Confucian classics at an early age. Tao studied 神仙傳 Shenxian Zhuan, or Biographies of the Immortals day and night while mastering its ideas of nourishing life when he was just 10 years old.

By his early twenties he achieved success in working as a public official, quickly earning himself a favorable reputation at the imperial court. He was soon appointed “reader in attendance” to Imperial Princes which was a highly coveted position at the time.

His exemplary intellect and scholastic accomplishments earned him deep respect and gave him freedom to enter elite social circles and gatherings dedicated to philosophy and literature.

Yet worldly matters never interested Tao much. Back when he read 神仙傳Shenxian Zhuan, or Biographies of the Immortals at 10 years old, he became inspired to become a hermit. Starting from that point in his life he always aspired to become a recluse and lead a scholarly life in seclusion.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing & 茅山 Mount Mao Shan

After his mother’s passing in the year 484, 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing resigned all of his posts and became a disciple of a Daoist Master Sun Youyue. In the year 492 at the age of 36 years old, Tao at last fully renounced secular life and devoted himself to studying Daoism. He withdrew to the mountain 茅山 Mao Shan which is considered a portal to the Daoist world by many.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing maintained both the respect and support offered to him by the Imperial house even after becoming a hermit. What is more, he exerted great influence on the Emperor himself who often visited mount 茅山 Mao Shan to consult 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing on important matters of state.

Utilizing the sponsorship and support provided by the Emperor, 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing was able to build the 華陽館 Huayang Guan, or Hermitage of Flourishing Yang on 茅山 Mao Shan mountain where people received spiritual guidance.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing became quickly known as the Grand Councilor of the Mountains.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing and his disciples did not waste any time and began reconstructing the Shang Qing, or Supreme Clarity scriptural corpus right away. They authenticated and edited manuscripts, and also wrote as well as extended the commentaries on them. Some of their major projects were the compilation of two literary compendiums: 真誥 Zhen Gao, or Declarations of the Perfected and Deng Zhen Yin Jue, or Secret Instructions for Ascent to Perfection. 真誥 Zhen Gao for example contained some details of the concealed geography of the 茅山 Mao Shan mountain and poetry which gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907).

The Elixir of Immortality

In the early 500’s, 梁武帝 Emperor Wu of Liang commissioned 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing to perform alchemical experiments and develop an elixir of immortality. Master Hongjing exerted a great amount of time and energy while attempting to find a viable formula. In the end, however, he was unable to reach his goal. His detailed notes taken during research and experimentation are considered to be some of the earliest records of alchemical experimentation in China in existence and are still widely referenced today.

The alchemical experiments and research into proper eating and living practices invigorated his old passion for herbology. He felt inspired to dedicate a part of his time and energy to further research, authentication, editing and rearrangement of the already existing information on herbology.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing began with one of the original Chinese works, the 神农本草经 Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, or Classic of the Materia Medica traditionally attributed to 神农 Shen Nong, or ‘Divine Farmer’, who is believed to have introduced ancient Chinese herbal medicine. He reorganized, expanded and annotated the material in an innovative manner.

Classic of the Materia Medica originally listed 365 herbs. 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing doubled the number of herbal entries using other medical classics. He then arranged all of the listed herbs into several categories: plants, trees, minerals, insects, animals, fruits, vegetables and grains: which are still in use today. He also categorized all of the herbs into three classes: upper class herbs promoted longevity, middle class herbs prevented illness and lower class herbs treated symptoms.

In addition to this legendary work, 陶弘景 Tao Hongjing authored other texts focused on herbology. Some of them include: 陶隱居本草 Tao Yinju Bencao, or Hermit Tao’s Herbal Medicine, 藥總訣 Yao Zongjue, or General Medicinal Formulas, and 養生延命錄 Yangsheng Yanming Lu, or Extracts on Nourishing Spiritual Nature and Prolonging Bodily Life.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing's Legacy

陶弘景Tao Hongjing was a Daoist priest, however, thanks to his mother and maternal grandfather he was fluent in Buddhism as well. As a result, he never stopped befriending Buddhist priests throughout his lifetime and participated in the ongoing conversation about Buddhist nature and significance.

陶弘景 Tao Hongjing’s talents, skills, passions and contributions were so amazingly versatile that he is often regarded as the Chinese counterpart of Leonardo da Vinci.

ancient physician chinese physician Si Jin Bao Tao Hongjing

The Journey of Jian Zhen

The Journey of 鑒真 Jianzhen

Traditional Japanese Medicine originated from Traditional Chinese Medicine and was first introduced to Japan directly from the mainland of China.

One of the first men who brought Traditional Chinese Medicine to Japan was 鑒真 Jianzhen.

鑒真 Jianzhen was not proficient in medicine only. As a matter of fact, he is best known for his monkhood. In addition to teaching and practicing medicine and propagating Buddhism in Japan, Jiah Zhen greatly influenced Japanese architecture, sculpture, calligraphy and other aspects of its culture.

鑒真 Jianzhen's Origin Story

鑒真 Jianzhen lived during the Tang Dynasty of China (618 – 907 A.D.) and its golden age of arts and culture which spread across much of Asia. 鑒真 Jianzhen was born into a devout Buddhist family in 688 A.D. They resided in Jiangyin county in Guangling Prefecture (present day Yangzhou, Jiangsu) on China’s east coast, a major cosmopolitan center and economic powerhouse.

At the age of 14 years old on one of the trips to a Buddhist temple with his father, young Jian was so impressed and moved by massive statues of Buddha, that he decided to become a monk. Jian’s family did not oppose their son’s intent but instead welcomed it and supported the boy.

Jian’s journey began as a novice in the local temple where he spent six years studying Buddhist teachings. After Jian was ordained a monk at the age of 20, he went traveling far and wide. On his journey Jian closely studied the doctrines, sutras, Buddhist precepts (rules and etiquette governing the functions of the Buddhist congregation) and Vinaya (procedures and conventions of etiquette that support harmonious relations among monks as well as their followers and supporters) which deepened his understanding immensely.

At the age of 26 鑒真 Jianzhen began teaching Buddhist precepts. He was so well versed in the wisdom that he quickly became highly reputable even earning a “Master of Buddhist Precepts” title among his followers.

At the age of 40 鑒真 Jianzhen returned to his hometown where he spent the next 10 years promulgating Buddhism in the local temple. He also participated in building new temples and Buddha statues, authored written works and devoted himself to beneficence.

China's Golden Age

鑒真 Jianzhen was known to be an expert in medicine. When at the Daming Temple in his hometown, Jian opened a hospital and a place of healing for the community where he offered free medical care and herbs to those in need. He was highly intelligent, highly skilled, and very devoted.

Since China was going through its golden age at the time, many countries including Japan sent their scholars, doctors and monks to China to study medicine, Buddhism, the structure of government, architecture, literature, written language, customs and other arts and sciences.

That is how in 742 two Japanese priests, Yoei and Fusho, found their way to the abbot 鑒真 Jianzhen of Yangzhou. They were on a mission to bring Chinese monks to Japan to propagate Buddhism which had already began flourishing.

鑒真 Jianzhen quickly and willingly agreed to shoulder the important task of promoting the Buddhist precepts in Japan. However, it would take him and his disciples 11 years and six failed attempts to reach the shores of Japan and begin spreading the message of Buddha to the Japanese people.

The Journey to Japan

Traveling by boat overseas was illegal at the time. While facing elaborate challenges in an attempt to overcome that hurdle, enmity between two of Jian’s disciples led to the discovery of their plan by the authorities which put an end to their trip before it could even begin.

The next two attempts failed due to severe weather conditions at sea. On the third try the boat on which Jian was traveling was destroyed by a typhoon and he narrowly escaped death.

In Jian’s 4th attempt to travel to Japan his followers clang to him so strongly that they refused to let him leave. They informed the authorities about 2 Japanese priests’ plans to abduct master Jian and take him to Japan.

On the 5th try, one of Jian’s disciples was worried for his master’s frail health and felt a need to “protect” him from the dangerous journey. The disciple reported Jian’s intention of traveling to Japan to the authorities which put an end to the trip.

On the 6th attempt, Jian and his disciples managed to sail away, however, they underestimated the amount of food and drinking water they were going to need on their journey. They ran out of drinking water and in the end, their boat drifted far away from their destination and ran aground in Southern China. Shortly after Jian’s physical health weakened and he turned blind from an infection.

Still 鑒真 Jianzhen’s resolve to reach Japan and propagate Buddhism to the Japanese people never weakened and he never let go of his intent.

In 753 a group of Japanese emissaries visiting China offered to take 鑒真 Jianzhen to Japan on their ship. Under the cover of night and in strict secrecy, 鑒真 Jianzhen was finally able to sail to Japan. He was welcomed by the Emperor and Empress of Japan who put him in charge of preaching Buddhism in the country and bestowed upon him the title “Grand Master of Transmitting the Light”.

Medicinal Herbs & Treatments

鑒真 Jianzhen brought many books and cultural relics with him. He taught Chinese culture and medicine throughout the country, which significantly promoted the development of Japanese Buddhism and medicine. It is believed that Jian brought 36 kinds of herbs with him from China. They were the following:

麻黄 Ma Huang, or Herba Ephedrae
细辛 Xi Xin, or Herba Asari
芍药 Shao Yao, or Radix Paeoniae
附子 Fu Zi, or Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli
远志 Yuan Zhi, or Radix Polygalae
黄芪 Huang Qi, or Radix Astragali
甘草 Gan Cao, or Radix liquiritiae
苦参 Ku Shen, or Radix Sophorae Flavescentis
当归 Dang Gui, or Radix Angelicae Sinensis
柴胡 Chai Hu, or Radix Bupleuri
川芎 Chuan Xiong, or Rhizoma Chuanxiong
玄参 Xuan Shen, or Radix Scrophulariae
地黄 Di Huang, or Rehmannia glutinosa
紫苏 Zi Su, or Perilla frutescens
丹参 Dan Shen, or Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
黄芩 Huang Qin, or Radix Scutellariae
桔梗 Jie Geng, or Platycodon grandiflorus
旋覆花 Xuan Fu Hua, or Flos lnuJae
苍术 Cang Zhu, or Rhizoma Atractylodis
知母 Zhi Mu, or Rhizoma Anemarrhenae
半夏 Ban Xia, or Rhizoma Pinelliae
芫花 Yuan Hua, or Flos Genkwa
栀子 Zhi Zi, or Fructus Gardeniae
五味子 Wu Wei Zi Fructus Schisandra chinensis
黄柏 Huang Bo, or Cortex Phellodendri Chinensi
杏仁 Xing Ren, or Fructus Almond
厚朴 Hou Po, or Cortex Magnoliae officinalis
和厚朴 He Hou Po, or Magnolia Obovata
肉桂 Rou Gui, or Cortex Cinnamomi
杜仲 Du Zhong, or Cortex Eucommiae
木瓜 Mu Gua, or Fructus Chaenomelis
大枣 Da Zao, or Fructus Zizyphi
蜀椒 Shu Jiao, or Sichuan Pepper
吴茱萸 Wu Zhu Yu, or Fructus Evodiae.

He taught the Japanese people how to distinguish medicinal herbs, collect and store them, how to extract their medicinal properties and how to use them in medicinal herbal formulas. By that time Master Jian was blind and used his acute sense of smell to distinguish each herb.

鑒真 Jianzhen actively advocated the medical classic 伤寒杂病论 Shang Han Za Bing Lun, or Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases by the legendary Chinese physician 张仲景 Zhang Zhongjing and even compiled prescriptions he trusted and found most efficient in the 鉴上人秘方 Jian Shang Ren Mi Fang, or Treasurable Prescriptions by Master 鑒真 Jianzhen.

When the Japanese Empress dowager was critically ill, only 鑒真 Jianzhen’s prescriptions were efficient in helping her.

Master 鑒真 Jianzhen's Legacy

鑒真 Jianzhen is still considered one of the founding fathers of Japanese medicine and herbaceuticals. Many Japanese people still honor him as the ancestor of Japanese medicine. His image is still printed on the medicine bags of herbacies in Japan.

His life story is retold in the scroll, “The Sea Journey to the East of a Great Bonze from the Tang Dynasty.”

Here at Si Jin Bao we honor Master 鑒真 Jianzhen by sharing his legacy of devotion, determination, skill and perseverance.

Ganjin Jian Zhen Jianzhen Si Jin Bao

The Five Great Tigers

The Year of the Water Tiger

新年 Xīnnián, the Chinese New Year, also known as 春节 Chūn Jié, is the most important festival of the year for China with epic celebrations. It is a 16 day event starting on New Years Eve and ending on the lantern festival. 新年 Xīnnián dates back over 3,000 years, and this year begins on February 1st.

In China, each New Year symbolizes one of 12 zodiac animals and an element. This year it is the Water Tiger. Tigers are the third of the Chinese zodiacs.

The tiger, also known as the king of the mountain, is associated with strength, bravery, sternness and exorcising evils in Chinese culture. The markings on its head resemble the Chinese character 王 ’wang’ which means King. This fearless royal creature is often portrayed in Chinese classical literature and performance arts by story tellers, singers, poets and artists. Tigers often serve as the main protagonist in folklore.

The Five Great Tigers

In Ancient Chinese Mythology there are 5 tigers that are believed to keep chaotic cosmic forces in balance, preventing the universe from collapsing:

White Tiger: Ruler of Autumn and Governor of the Metal element
Black Tiger: Ruler of Winter and Governor of the Water element
Blue Tiger: Ruler of Spring and Governor of the Earth element
Red Tiger: Ruler of Summer and Governor of the Fire element
Yellow Tiger: the Supreme Ruler of all tigers and symbolic of the Sun

The 5 tigers each have their own cosmological, astronomical, philosophical and geodetic concurrence. For instance, the White Tiger reigns in the West; the Black Tiger – in the North; the Blue Tiger – in the East; the Red Tiger – in the South and the Yellow Tiger inhabits the entire Earth.

A 7,000 Year Tradition

According to some of the Buddhist teachings, tiger skins represent transformation of anger into wisdom and insight, and wearing them at the time of meditation and exploration of astral dimensions brings protection from spiritual interference and potential harm.

It is said that at the time of a tiger’s death, its spirit enters the earth and acquires the form of amber and so the Chinese call the gemstone amber “Soul of the Tiger”.

Tigers are often painted on walls in temples and homes facing the entrance to scare off thieves, evil spirits, and to protect from fires and illnesses. The Chinese people have expressed reverence for this animal for thousands of years. Reportedly the earliest unearthed tiger statue dates back to about 7,000 years.

The tradition continues today: children receive gifts of clothes, shoes and bedding embroidered with tigers to protect them from the evil eye and to ensure they stay vigorous.

龙腾虎跃 — 'Dragon soaring and Tiger leaping' (Wish you prosperous and thriving in new year)

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From everyone here at Si Jin Bao, 恭喜發財 Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing you happiness, prosperity, and a 新年快乐 xīn nián kuài lè Happy New Year!

5 tigers chinese mythology chinese new year Si Jin Bao tiger

Hua Tuo: The Father of Surgery and Anesthesia

華佗 Hua Tuo: The Father of Surgery and Anesthesia

Ancient China has had many highly skilled and humble physicians as well as herbalists born onto its land. We honor those who have preceded us in this lineage by highlighting them in our Famous Ancient Physicians Series.

Today we will be talking about 華佗Hua Tuo’s profound story and invaluable contribution not just to the society of his day, but to the entire global posterity.

華佗 Hua Tuo is commonly referred to as ‘The Father of Surgery and Anesthesia.’ He successfully introduced and practiced surgery on his patients during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, more than 1,500 years before Western Civilization even began to experiment with surgery! He also is credited with being the first person to perform surgery on an anesthetized patient.

華佗 Hua Tuo's Origin Story

Born into a poor family in Qiao County in the State of Pei, records vary and estimate that his birth year was sometime between 108 and 140 A.D. Having lost his father at the age of 7, the young boy was forced to find work and did so at a local herbal pharmacy. Two of the earliest writings of Hua Tuo’s life state that he felt “called to study medicine after witnessing the bloodshed that came with the shattering of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220) into the legendary Three Kingdoms (A.D. 220–280).” During this time period there was continuous political unrest with constant battles and violence.

華佗 Hua Tuo only wanted to help humanity. He continuously turned down offers to work in the Imperial court and insisted on being a “physician of the people”.

Treat people equally irrespective of their high or low status, of their poverty or wealth, of their distinction or obscurity. Do not run after riches, fear no hardships and toils, and take it as your first duty to take pity on the old and help the young.

The Vow of 華佗 Hua Tou Tweet

華佗Hua Tuo was often called the “miracle working doctor” as he would use a small number of acupuncture points in his treatments as well as only several herbs in his herbal prescriptions for quick and effective relief and healing for his patients. He could mix herbal ingredients so well that he never needed to measure them. He was also a master at diagnosis, and incredibly accurate. People said that he bordered on fortune-telling. 華佗Hua Tuo believed that illness was caused in part by a lack of physical activity, and developed the Five Animals Play 氣功 Qigong exercise sequence for clearing the mind and eyes, boosting the cardio-pulmonary functions, strengthening the waist and kidneys and smoothing the joints. You can read more about that here.

華佗 Hua Tuo and Chen Deng

One day Chen Deng, a Chinese military general and high level official over Dongcheng Commandery, fell ill and could not eat. He summoned 華佗 Hua Tuo to treat him. After checking the official’s pulse, 華佗 Hua Tuo told Cheng Deng:

“You have several sheng (1 sheng is equal to approximately 34-oz) of parasites in your stomach. I assume it happened because you like eating raw fish and meat.”

華佗 Hua Tuo gave the official 2 sheng of an herbal prescription, which caused him to vomit about 3 sheng of small parasites and led to his quick recovery. Before he left, 華佗Hua Tuo warned the official:

“The kind of ailment you had will recur three years from now. Make sure you find a skillful physician by then.”

Just as predicted, Chen Deng experienced the same condition exactly 3 years later. He sent for華佗Hua Tuo who was away harvesting herbal medicine in the mountains at the time. Unable to quickly find another skilled doctor, Chen Deng died of his illness at the age of 39.

Prevention, Prevention, PREVENTION!

Although Hua Tuo was considered an exceptional miracle working physician, he always made his patients aware that PREVENTION is the best method to living a balanced life. Physical activity is key to keeping dis-ease out of the home.

How do you keep you and your family well? Tell us in the comments below!

Famous Physicians Hua Tuo Si Jin Bao TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine

Back to School and Autumn with Immun-A-Tea™

In many parts of the Western Hemisphere it is “Back to School” time. If you follow the Ancient Chinese calendar you will also know that the solar term 立秋Lì Qiū, translated as “autumn begins” has just commenced and is a transitional period of the year marking the change from summer to fall.

In certain mountainous regions of China people follow the tradition of writing the following saying on a red paper and attaching it to their front door:

“Autumn has begun today; 100 illnesses be gone” jin ri li qiu, bai bing jie xiu.

In either case, it is the PRIME TIME to boost your Zheng Qi (the body’s ability to resist disease and exogenous pathogens, read more about Zheng Qi here). Why not do it effortlessly and with ease by using prevention?

The “黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing”, known in the West as “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine”, was put together more than two thousand years ago and is still regarded as a classic of Chinese medicine. It elaborates on whether or not external causes lead to illnesses; determined by a person’s internal vital energy and the strength of their Zheng Qi.

This timeless canon emphasizes that boosting one’s vital energy can prevent illness. Throughout the text people are encouraged to take preventative measures before they get sick, seek treatment early on if they have symptoms of illness, and take steps to maintain their well being. In other words, protect yourself and your family now!

Shields Up with Immun-A-Tea™

Back in early 2019 Si Jin Bao introduced the newest addition to our all-natural, alcohol free, kid-friendly, and vegan internal decoction line which has been helping families stay happy and healthy across the world for over two decades.

With well over 105,000 doses delivered, Immun-A-Tea™ is a great addition to your home wellness protocol. Known for its tagline, ‘Boost your Zheng Qi,’ Immun-A-Tea™ promotes oxygen absorption, regulates respiration, promotes digestive function, regulates the immune system, regulates bowels and eliminates toxins. Just like all of our products, Immun-A-Tea™ is kid tested and mom-approved.

At Si Jin Bao we believe that giving your body the tools necessary to function efficiently and flawlessly will lead to balance and harmony within the body.

It is easy to get a thousand prescriptions but hard to get one single remedy.

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