Tibetan medicine is unique in its philosophy and practice and can trace an unbroken Buddhist tradition of more than 2,500 years. These teachings relate illness not only to physiological factors but also to mental and emotional and environmental influences - a truly holistic approach to healthcare.

The Ancient Tibetans believed that:

• a healthy person maintains a state of equilibrium

• like a gently swinging pendulum, the body constantly gravitates back to the central point

• the central point is the domain of health and well-being

Tibetan medical philosophy was based on restoring and maintaining this centre of balance by normalising extreme states in the body. Medical practitioners throughout the western world have acknowledged the efficacy of Tibetan medicines in treating a range of illnesses and complaints.

The leading U.K. orthodox medical journal The Lancet November 12 1994 reported, "One of the complex plant formulations examined was Padma (literally lotus) 28 (Lancet 1994, 343:847), a Tibetan herbal formulation preserved by Mr Karl Lutz (Lancet Apr 2, P 847). Its 22 different raw, dried plant ingredients are dense with heparinoids and flavonoids, and the formulation is proving to be a powerful mixed-plant antioxidant source. Dietary flavonoids, highly concentrated in common foods such as black tea, onions and apples, are inversely associated with coronary heart disease mortality rates, said Dr M.G. L. Hertog ...The balance of antioxidants has been reported to be important in modulating immunological activities (Chem-Biol 1994; 91: 147-58). [Prof. Alfred Hassig’s] suggestion for prophylaxis of AIDS by reducing stress (infectious, toxic and psychological) and adding a spectrum of antioxidant food supplements was similar to that proposed at the NIH Fogarty Conference on Oxidative Stress in HIV/AIDS last November in Bethesda, USA."

In contemporary, result-orientated societies, the immune system is often pushed to extreme levels of performance. However, this should otherwise occur only in extreme situations e.g. at a time of acute infection. Nobody can work properly or efficiently under constant tension for a prolonged period. Persistent cases of unrelenting pressure will eventually immobilise our immune system. Effective treatment of chronic illnesses ideally involves a spectrum of natural substances delivered in a steady, gentle manner, a principle which is embodied in Tibetan remedies. This form of treatment is the only way the body can truly regain its balanced state of health. It is the potent mixture of carefully balanced natural ingredients that is vital - therein lies the strength of Tibetan medicine. 

Plants can help

Medical reports on advances in the treatment of chronic disorders often mention the word antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances the body needs in order to protect itself against adverse biochemical reactions arising from harmful environmental influences. We may have come to believe that antioxidants are derived only from vitamins and minerals but this ignores the enormous range of phyto-chemicals in plant mixtures that have powerful antioxidant effects.1

Modification of harmful biochemical reactions is vital in preventing ill heath and this is a major function of the body’s immune system.

Meticulous and diligent efforts by researchers across the globe have led to the discovery of a previously untold variety of plant substances that can favourably influence various immune functions. All parts of our immune system have to interact well in order to guarantee an effective defence against disease.

Padma 28 Potentilla Formula is a natural product. Each tablet consists of 20 dried and ground but otherwise untreated medicinal herbs: Saussuria 40mg, Icelandic Moss 40mg, Margosa 35mg, Myrobalan 30mg, Red Sandalwood 30mg, Cardamon 30mg, Allspice 25mg, Bengal Quince 20mg, Potentilla golden herb 15mg, Licorice 15mg, Ribwort 15mg, Columbine 15mg, Knot grass 15mg, Cloves 12mg, Gingerlily 10mg, Heartleaved Sida 10mg, Valerian 10mg, Wild Lettuce 6mg, Marigold 5mg, and natural Camphor 4mg and Calcium sulphate 20mg, plus Sorbitol 73mg and Cilicum dioxide 12mg. Thanks to the wide variety of herbs used, Padma contains ingredients beneficial to the whole spectrum of our body’s defence mechanisms. As only small amounts of each individual plant are used, the supportive and healing inputs provided have a gentle effect.

Padma 28 is now available in many health food stores in Britain and America. Taking four tablets a day costs about £1.00 - less than an average cappuccino! Doctors are allowed to prescribe it. For more detailed information and details of stockists call the Padma info line at Cedar Health (UK) 0161 - 483 4662

1. Matzner Y, Sallon S. The effects of a Traditional Tibetan Herbal Preparation on Human

Neutrophil Function. . Clin. & Lab Immunol. 1995; 46:13-23