Flowering Quince Fruit (Chaenomeles lagenaria; Mu Gua) 5:1 Extract Powder 100 gm: V

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/chaenomeles.htm For Chinese herbal medicine, the dried, ripe fruits from Chaenomeles speciosa are selected. This plant is in the Rose family that is the source of other fruits commonly used in Chinese medicine, including crataegus, mume, rose, and rubus. Like chaenomeles, these fruits have a markedly sour taste. Chaenomeles is a close relative of apples and pears. The fresh fruits, which are harshly acidic and thus not edible raw, are used in making jams and jellies (sometimes with sweeter fruits, like apples). The Chinese herb was first described in the Mingyi Bielu by Tao Hongjing (ca. 500 A.D.). Its special reputation is that it relaxes the tendons, muscles, and meridians. This property was originally understood in relation to the ancient concept that the sour taste softens the liver (the liver belongs to the wood element, hence the name 'wood fruit') and thereby relaxes the tendons, which are considered under the control of the liver system. Chaenomeles is also considered a valuable therapy for moisture accumulation, so when stiffness is accompanied by swelling, this herb is often a significant ingredient in the formula to be prescribed. An additional beneficial property is that the fruits help alleviate indigestion. As is the case with most sour fruits, this one contains several organic acids such as malic, tartaric, fumaric, citric, and ascorbic acids. Active constituents responsible for treatment of pain and spasm are thought to include some saponins (glycosides), which are not yet well-defined. Initial pharmacology studies suggest an anti-inflammatory action for these components. This is a potent 5 to 1 powdered extract, meaning that one gram of extract is equal in potency to 5 grams of herb. This extract is packed in Plum Flower Brand's nitrogen-flushed, safety-sealed dispenser bottle, a sample of which is pictured above. Plum Flower is one of the most distinguished herb houses in the world. This is a pure herbal product with no additives. Extracted from sulfur-free and chlorine-free herbs for superior quality. Manufactured in a low-temperature water extraction process to preserve herb integrity. Extracted essential oils are replenished for proper potency. Strict quality control testing to ensure microbiological and heavy metal safety. Only powdered herb added to maintain purity (no artificial fillers such as lactose, cellulose or starch used). TLC (Thin-layer Chromatography) tested to guarantee product quality. Plum Flower takes great care to preserve delicate herbal oils, which are first evaporated using either a water or water-alcohol base in a process that never exceeds 100° centigrade. Sealed vacuum chargers precisely control the temperature, ensuring that none of the oils are lost. Cheaper, high-temperature methods are common industry practice, but these tend to burn off the vital oils. The facilities in Lanzhou and Guang Zhou, China, scien