Sarcandra Glabra and also known as Cao Shan Hu, Zhong Jie Feng, and Herba Sarcandrae is a powerful Traditional Chinese Herb that helps with stress, inflammation, and it’s a powerful antioxidant. Plus it’s being used for treating the symptoms of radiation cancer therapy and for treating cancer in combination with modern cancer therapies.

Where it Grows - Sarcandra Glabra grows in Asia in general and especially in China, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka and other areas including areas of North, Central, and South America and some areas of the Pacific. It’s a beautiful plant that looks a bit like our common holly plant with the same kind of red berries… and it’s very common all over the globe.

Traditional Chinese Medicine - In TCM Sarcandra Glabra works great for arthritis, coughs, bruises, nausea and internal pain. This plant has been used successfully in TCM for hundreds of years without complications.

Increases Platelet Count - Sarcandra Glabra also works to increase platelet count, making it very important for those undergoing cancer treatments and having thrombocytopenia.

Protects Against Pneumonia - This wonderful herb also seems to protect a person from coming down with viral pneumonia.

Cancer - Some studies show that Sarcandra Glabra can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. More studies to be done, but this herb has long been used in TCM for treating cancer. And there have been some studies showing that extracts of Sarcandra Glabra might help with leukemia. Sarcandra Glabra has been used for treating liver cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and nasopharynx cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory - Sarcandra Glabra contains rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and caffeoylquinic acid all of which are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that help with arthritis, pain, swelling, and redness. And inflammation is the first step towards disease in general… so this herb can also help to keep us healthy in general.

Anti-viral - Sarcandra Glabra contains compounds which are powerful anti-viral agents that help to prevent colds, flues, and other viral diseases.

Protects Liver - Sarcandra Glabra also helps to protect and detoxify the liver. And because our liver is our first defense that protects us from disease this is very important.

Improves Circulation - Sarcandra Glabra also helps to improver circulation.
Helps with the Flu - And studies show that Sarcandra Glabra also prevents and lessen the severity of flues, making it very important for the elderly.

Lowers Blood Sugar - New studies show that Sarcandra Glabra can lower blood sugar making important for those suffering from diabetes.
Powerful Antioxidants - Sarcandra Glabra contains powerful antioxidants that help to slow aging and prevent and repair DNA damage.

Lowers Cholesterol - Studies also show that Sarcandra Glabra can lower LDL or bad cholesterol thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes.

Helps with Stress - Sarcandra Glabra also helps with stress and supports the immune system thus helping to fight fatigue.

Headaches - An infusion of the leaves is very good for treating tension headaches.

New Compounds Being Discovered - There are lots of new compounds being discovered in Sarcandra Glabra, so we will just have to wait and see what new healing abilities this herb will have in the future.

Edible Seeds - The seeds of this plant can be dried and roasted, and they taste a bit like sesame seeds.

Ornamental Plant - Sarcandra Glabra is also a beautiful ornamental plant that can be grown in inside or out.

Finding - Google “Buy Sarcandra Glabra Herb” and lots of places on-line to buy this herb will come up, and it’s also available on Amazon. Plus it can be asked for at any health food store.

Dose - The dose for this herb depends upon what it’s being used for, but on the average 9 to 15 grams daily is common. And it’s best to use this herb under the supervision of a good Chinese Traditional Medicine Practitioner. And in general those who are pregnant, nursing, or young children should not use this herb.

Side Effects - Because this herbs has mainly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects there are no real side effects to date using this herb.

We have much yet to discover about the healing abilities of this powerful healing herb. Personally I feel that in the next few years there will be many new compounds discover in this plant that will change the course of cancer treatment and health in general.

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist

Author's Bio: 

Feel Free to Share - This information is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, I strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition.. this article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form. 
Dr. Paul Haider – Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 25 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to connect with him any time.
Here is a short video bio - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK6Eg-xlX3U