Interview with Ron Teeguarden
Welcome to TimeWarnerBookmark! Warner Books and The Talk City Network are proud to present our special guest for tonight, Ron Teeguarden, author of The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs. Welcome to Talk City, Ron!
Thank you, it's great to be here!
Why did you write this book?
It's important that the American public become knowledgeable about this great type of herbalism. It's becoming extremely popular, but most people don't have much depth of understanding of it as a system. I wanted to paint a picture of what this art is from the view of ancient Asian wisdom. If people understand it, and its potential, then they can take full advantage of it. We can change the healthcare model in this country, and focus much more on promoting health rather than waiting until we're sick.
How long have you been into this line of work? What made you get involved in this?
I've been involved with Chinese herbs since 1969. I became involved because I became a victim of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by my own fault. I burned the candle at too many ends in college. Toward the end, my body just broke down. It was a huge struggle. I went to many different therapists and doctors, and when a friend introduced me to Chinese tonic herbs; it turned my life around and was miraculous to me. I devoted myself not only to becoming well, but making this what I did. At that point, I lived in Michigan, but I moved to California to find teachers. I studied with many teachers during that time, and eventually found a great Taoist Master, Sung Jin Park. He taught me all of the principles and some of the basic herbs. From there, I started teaching, and soon developed a clientele. That was back in the mid-1970s.
How can we judge the potency of herbs?
Chinese herbalism is a very, very old system. They've been classifying herbs for 2,000 years. As a person starts to learn and explore the herbs, they learn the raw herbs come more expensive and less expensive. The more expensive ones tend to be better. They have higher quality and are safer. As you become more experienced, you can tell by looking at it, tasting it, knowing its' background. All of that is in my book...information on how to select the herbs. As far as herbal products are concerned, a person wants to buy a name brand that they can trust, and from someone with a company that really seems dedicated to the craft of herbalism. Sometimes smaller companies are careful too. Usually there's some information (website, articles, or a book) to give you a clue concerning their reliability.
What do you feel about the herb "Ma Huang" and all it's effects?
Ma Huang is considered to be an inferior herb in Chinese herbalism, which means it has powerful medicinal effects, but can have side effects when used improperly. Ma Huang is actually a great herb, but the way it's used commonly, specifically as a stimulant or in many of the diet formulations, it can have side effects that have negatively influenced our view of that herb. Ma Huang is an excellent herb when used for conditions such as upper respiratory problems such as head colds, bronchitis, asthma, allergies and so on. When provided by a health care practitioner who understands what they are doing. Also, there are good studies that Ma Huang can help to reduce fat stores in the body when combined with caffeine or caffeine-like substances and aspirin or aspirin-like substances. When carefully prepared, and taken moderately, these products are often quite effective. But probably most people should use them under the direction of a health care practitioner who understands them, if they're going to use them. Frankly, there are probably better ways to get energy and lose weight than to use Ma Huang.
I'm looking for an herb that will curb my appetite and I just can't find one. Do you have any particular ones you could recommend?
An excessive appetite probably shows some imbalance in your functions that can be corrected by using regulatory formulas. In Chinese herbalism, that might be a formula like (for example) ginseng and astragalus combination. Also, some people create excess food for many reasons. Another cause could be a sugar imbalance. If that's the case, many have found that eating a handful of lycium fruit a couple of times a day for a couple of weeks will help regulate that craving. Also, this is where Ma Huang influences might be helpful under the care of a practitioner. There are also other interesting herbs that have a similar activity called a thermogenic action that helps to burn fat and sometimes reduce appetite. I have another suggestion. Chew your food very well. It's known that after you've eaten for 10 or 15 minutes, it starts to be registered by the body. So if you eat slowly, the body gets in tune with it and you actually end up eating less.
What was the first medicinal herb? Guess!
Humans probably used herbs prior to the time they were human. There are excellent studies of monkeys and apes in the jungle that use herbs when they become ill. Humans have probably used herbs since the beginning. The first herbs used for medicine were probably to help ease stomach disorders. The Chinese recorded 360 herbs in the first herbal text written 2500 years ago. They divided the herbs into 3 categories: the superior, general and inferior herbs. The superior herbs were herbs that people could take like food as often as they wanted to promote a long and healthy life. That included herbs like ginseng and reishi mushrooms. The general herbs were considered preventative. They included herbs that helped to nip problems in the bud, like Ma Huang. The inferior herbs were used for infections and diseases. They included herbs similar to Golden Seal. My guess would be that on the medicinal side, an herb like Golden Seal has been used since deep prehistoric times. At the same time, herbs like ginseng have been used to increase energy and resistance equally as long. Heart disease runs ramped in our family; anything from clogged arteries to Marfan's Syndrome.
Is there any herb you can suggest for that? Thanks.
First of all, I want to emphasize that if you have a disease or a sickness that you're dealing with, you should always use herbs under the care of a professional, an M.D., or an acupuncturist. And yes, there are excellent herbs that help to improve the functioning, and benefit the functions of the cardiovascular system, including some of the following - gynostemma, notoginseng, salvia root, and carthamus flower. That last is also known as saffron. These herbs help to improve the flow of blood through the vascular system and are in use now around the world in many systems. Two others that are really useful would be hawthorn fruit and leaf, used throughout Europe and Asia. Another is the reishi mushroom. There are many other herbs that are useful. This is an area where the use of herbs is great because they're safe, and if you take them regularly, you keep your arteries clean, prevent plaque from building up, and some improve the actual functioning of the cardiovascular muscle itself. Some prevent inflammations from developing, which could have led to cardiovascular disease. An herb commonly in use now to prevent conditions such as varicose veins is horse chestnut. That herb is being used around the world for that purpose. Also, many times these herbs are combined. That broadens the benefit.
I'm sitting here with a god-awful head cold. Besides Echinacea, what can help from an herbal standpoint?
Head colds are, of course, common in winter and spring. This is what Ma Huang formulas were traditionally used for. There are excellent, safe and mild formulas that are quite effective. One is pureria. It's commonly available. That will help clear your head and your sinuses, and speed recovery. It's excellent. It's best, from our point of view, to try to reduce your immune system to avoid the colds in the first place. People take tonic herbs for that purpose. They tend to catch colds less often. The herbs used to build resistance include reishi mushrooms, astragalus, cordyceps, lycium fruit, etc. Also, if someone starts to catch the flu, where they feel a sore throat and that kind of thing, there's Yin Qiao, which has been used for centuries. If taken at the onset of the flu it's extremely effective.
You discuss in your book the notion that these tonic herbs are empowering. What do you mean by that? What do these herbs have to do with wisdom?
The herbal tradition in China went along 2 different tracks, united but somewhat different. One was medicinal. The herbs used by doctors to treat sickness after it occurred. The other was called superior herbalism and utilized tonic herbs. Tonic herbalism was developed primarily by the Taoists, and was used to build inner power, inner peace, and balance in the body, balanced mental and psychic functions. The Chinese believed that when the body became strong and balanced and at ease, then the person could more effectively develop their spiritual functions to a higher level. We have found that when people take a real tonic herbal program, using high quality real tonics, that by becoming centered and becoming adaptive, that they can accomplish more; that they can become more creative; that they can handle much more difficulty and overcome it, and therefore achieve more. They develop more vision, their endurance increases, even their depth of feeling can expand. Based on this, people take these herbs and often become more successful. They can accomplish their dreams. Therefore, the herbs, over many centuries, have been used specifically for the purpose of empowerment.
What is the best way to take tonic herbs? In what forms do they come?
The tonic herbs have been used for so long that people have used them in every imaginable way. These days people often take them in capsules or pills. They also take them as liquid extracts. You can make them into tea or concentrated beverages. Virtually, any way you can get them into your body. The most convenient ways are the spray-dried concentrated powders in capsule form, or as pre-made drinks. Every type of delivery system can be extremely effective. The most important factor is the attitude of the producer. Assuring that the extraction or production captured the true essence of high quality herbs. I often say that the first rule of herbalism is compliance, meaning that if you don't take the herbs, they won't do you any good. I think that everyone should try to find out which way they like to take the herbs, explore a little, and then get on a program and stick to it.
I often feel energized when I have green tea with ginseng - am I imagining this - or does ginseng have that effect?
Ginseng is definitely strengthening. Of course, some of the energy may be from the caffeine in the green tea, but ginseng has both short and long term energy producing benefits. When someone consumes ginseng over time, they should feel stronger than they did before they used it. When they use green tea, it's going to be based on each time you use the tea, since the caffeine works then and not later. But green tea is extremely healthful, because it contains anti-oxidants called polyphenols. They have been proven to slow down aging and even to prevent many kinds of cancer cells from developing. Therefore, it's good to take green tea regularly, and it's good to take ginseng regularly, both which will increase energy and much more!
I've read that our ancestors used an herb to prevent pregnancy (which is now extinct) do you know the name of it?
I'm not sure which one that would be. If it's an issue for you, I recommend you see a practitioner.
So many Chinese herbs smell...well...BAD! Is there any way around this? Are the westernized versions in gel caps for example as effective?
It's easy to find good tasting Chinese herbs. For example, the higher quality herbs usually tend to taste better, because that's part of what quality is about. Also, tonic herbs tend to be sweet. You might enjoy trying something like lycium fruit and longan fruit; the tea gynostemma too. They all smell and taste very good. Also, most herbs can be obtained encapsulated, where you don't have to smell them. I've described a great number of formulas in my book, which are all made as capsules, which you swallow with water and still get the benefit. So if you don't like the smell, modern science has answered that problem. There are even soft gelcap versions, which completely eliminate smell altogether.
I like valerian for anxiety. Is there anything else you recommend?
There are many great herbs in Chinese herbalism that help to relieve anxiety. This is a big and important subject. Herbs that calm anxiety are called shen stabilizers. Shen is our spirit and consciousness. Shen stabilizers help to calm the emotions, relieve anxiety, curb our fear, worry, etc. Some of the most famous herbs of that category include reishi mushroom, which is just fantastic for calming the nerves and lifting our spirits; on a more long-term basis than valerian, too. Other herbs include albizzia flower, and albizzia bark, biota seed, and many others. Often several shen stabilizing herbs are combined together. That produces emotional stabilizing formulas. There's a fantastic formula called Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Formulation. This is world famous for calming anxiety. And it doesn't make you drowsy. I highly recommend that product and the other shen stabilizing herbs. My book describes the whole range of shen stabilizers and other herbs in more detail.
Any way to treat hypothyroidism with herbs rather than thyroid replacement hormone?
That's a problem that often requires the person to see a practitioner of Chinese medicine, because that particular imbalance can be caused by a number of factors. I would say that in general many people with hypothyroidism benefit from what are called yang tonic herbs and qi tonic herbs. These include ginseng, licorice root, morinda root, and so on. I recommend that this particular problem be addressed under some kind of professional supervision.
How can one find out about potential contraindications between traditional medications and herbal remedies?
There can be contraindications between herbs and conventional western types of medicine. In general, those indications are described in the literature associated with the formula. For example, if a product has a side effect, on the label is should say, for example, "If you are using an MAO inhibitor, don't use this herb." You have to read and study the literature concerning the medicine. If you are using medicine, consult your physician or another expert to determine if herbs are practical and safe. That being said, most of the tonic herbs have been found to be very safe with most conventional western drugs because they tend to be regulatory and generally don't counteract the positive effects of the drugs. But still, when you are under medical supervision or on medication, always consult your physician about using herbs.
Is there any problems with St. Johns Wort that you can tell me? My friend says it has weird side effects sometimes.
St. John's Wort has in recent years become very popular as an anti-depressant. Not everyone has found it to be effective. Nor is it always pleasant. I've heard many people who didn't particularly like it. I've also met people who have found it to be excellent. It's not used as an anti-depressant in Chinese tonic herbalism, so my experience with it is rather limited. I would say that people who are using St. John's Wort for depression might be interested in exploring the shen tonics used in Chinese tonic herbalism.
I see many multi-marketing companies selling herbal vitamins with all sorts of herbs in them. How are we to know what these all mean?
That's difficult. Some companies have integrity, and some don't. Some have excellent formulators, and some don't care. I think a person has to investigate the company not just for its financial interest or at the surface, but they should find out who invented or created the formulas, obtain the literature available on those formulas, and ask questions to determine how serious that company is. In my opinion, there are some excellent MLM's that make great products and there are many that are just using herbs to make money. So the person interested has to find out by asking questions which kind of company that is. Also, if they study the herbs research the ingredients, then they can determine if the formulations are appropriate.
LOL, my cats go nuts when I open some over-the-counter herbal combo-stuff, why is that?
It must be that their natural instincts are responding to the chemicals floating in the air off of these herbs. If they're going nuts in a good way, perhaps they are attracted to it. If they are going nuts in a bad way, maybe you should stop opening them.
So, would you suggest a person hunt up a Chinese herbalist and get their 'take' on lifestyle, etc. to get the lowdown on herbs to use?
That's a great idea. The more training you have, and the more guidance you get, the closer you'll come to learning how the herbs will work for you. On the other hand, I believe that the tonic herbs are the greatest herbs on the planet. They build health, they empower people, they protect us, they slow down our aging, they increase our potency and vigor, and many herbalists may be interested in remedies. It's important to try to find an herbalist who wants to build our health and who is interested in using herbs to achieve radiant health. That's better than someone focused on fixing symptoms. Therefore, in seeking out a professional, try to seek out someone interested in promoting your well-being and health, rather than someone who treats problems. That type of herbalist is the 'superior' herbalist, the one who focuses on entire well-being. The other is the 'inferior' herbalist (in ancient Chinese terms). There are more superior herbalists around these days. They focus on letting the body become vital. Try to find that person to guide you.
What was the most surprising thing you discovered about herbal medicine?
Simply how truly unbelievably effective herbs are in actually changing my whole life. At first, it may seem subtle. Overtime, though, you discover that these herbs are overwhelmingly powerful in helping you to grow. They're an incredible tool. I understand now why they were so important to the Taoists, to the Buddhists, to shamans around the world. Now it seems totally natural. But for a long time I was surprised that nature could be so nurturing. The last chapter of my book is called "Six Lessons That Tonic Herbs have Taught Me." Most people tell me this is the most important chapter. I wrote it one night when for some reason I woke up with the realization that these herbs have been the strongest revelation in my life. I think if you read that chapter, even if you read ONLY that chapter, you will gain some insight to the potential these herbs have in your life. The six lessons were, faith in nature, patience, self-respect, the value of a positive attitude, the meaning of moderation and that love *is* everything. These were lessons I learned from the herbs. (Over several decades of using them.)
Our time is almost up, Ron. Thanks for being with us! Do you have any last thoughts for our audience?
I've just launched a new website. It's http://www.dragonherbs.com. It goes into all of the herbs and formulas we have in the book and more. It has hundreds of pictures. I think you'll enjoy going there. And I hope you enjoy my book. It's meaningful...and has things not on the website. I also hope you'll focus your attention on achieving radiant health...defined in China as "health beyond danger" rather than always looking for remedies. A great truth is that the tonic herbs, even though they are not focused on medicine, can have a greater impact on your health than the remedial ones. Focus positively on your health and you will achieve it. Thank you.
