What Is Focus Formula?
Focus Formula is a traditional Chinese herbal formula designed to support attention, concentration, memory, learning, mental clarity, emotional balance, healthy brain function, and overall nervous system wellness.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), difficulty with focus, memory, learning, and emotional regulation may be associated with imbalances involving the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Blood, and Shen (mind). When these systems become weakened or unbalanced, the mind may not receive adequate nourishment, contributing to scattered thoughts, mental fatigue, forgetfulness, restlessness, emotional impulsiveness, difficulty completing tasks, poor concentration, and reduced cognitive endurance.
Focus Formula is traditionally used to nourish Blood, calm the Shen, promote healthy circulation to the head, support communication between the Heart and mind, and maintain long-term cognitive wellness. It is commonly chosen by children, teenagers, adults, students, professionals, and older individuals seeking support for sustained attention, memory, productivity, learning, emotional balance, and mental performance.*
Common Signs of Focus, Attention, and Cognitive Imbalance in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention
- Easily distracted by surrounding activity or unrelated thoughts
- Brain fog or reduced mental clarity
- Forgetfulness during daily activities
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Short attention span
- Mental fatigue or reduced cognitive endurance
- Slow learning despite normal intelligence
- Difficulty processing or retaining information
- Restlessness or excessive physical movement
- Emotional impulsiveness
- Reduced academic or workplace performance
- Poor organization or difficulty staying on task
- Heart palpitations associated with Blood deficiency
- Becoming frustrated or emotionally upset easily
- Difficulty relaxing or calming the mind
- Tossing, turning, or moving constantly during sleep
- Reduced mental stamina throughout the day
Why Choose Silkie Herbs Focus Formula?
- Based on classical Chinese herbal principles
- Made with carefully selected medicinal herbs
- Designed to nourish Blood and calm the Shen
- Supports the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems
- Traditionally used to support attention, concentration, and memory
- Promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, and nervous system balance
- Crafted to support internal balance rather than temporarily stimulating the mind
- Formulated for long-term cognitive wellness, learning, and productivity
Suggested Combination and Best Time to Take It
For individuals experiencing mental fatigue together with physical exhaustion, Focus Formula is commonly paired with Energy Endurance for more comprehensive daytime support.
Focus Formula is traditionally used to support mental energy, concentration, memory, and a calm, clear mind. Energy Endurance is traditionally used to strengthen Qi, support physical energy and stamina, and help maintain vitality throughout the day. When the two formulas are combined, they are generally taken during the daytime to support both mental performance and physical endurance.
For children who toss, turn, flip around, or move constantly while sleeping, Focus Formula may be taken by itself in the evening or before bedtime. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this type of nighttime restlessness may reflect an unsettled Shen. Focus Formula is traditionally used to calm and nourish the Shen while supporting more settled nighttime behavior and better daytime focus.
The appropriate timing and amount should follow the product directions or an individualized Traditional Chinese Medicine recommendation.*
Non-GMO | Gluten-Free | No refined sugar, corn, or dairy | No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, chemical binders, or wax
100% Pure all-natural herbs, blended, made, and packaged in the USA
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Benefits of Focus Supplement
Supports Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function*
Mental clarity is important for thinking, decision-making, learning, and daily productivity. Focus Supplement is traditionally used to support clear thinking, cognitive function, mental sharpness, and efficient information processing.
Helps Maintain Healthy Focus and Concentration*
This formula is traditionally used to support sustained attention, concentration, task engagement, and the ability to remain focused during work, school, studying, and other mentally demanding activities.
Supports Memory, Learning, and Information Retention*
Healthy memory is essential for learning and everyday functioning. This formula is traditionally used to support memory, recall, information retention, learning capacity, and the ability to process new material.
Helps Reduce Occasional Brain Fog and Mental Fatigue*
Brain fog and mental fatigue may interfere with concentration and productivity. This formula is traditionally used to support mental alertness, cognitive clarity, and healthy mental endurance throughout the day.
Supports Productivity and Task Completion*
Difficulty completing tasks may occur when attention and mental energy become scattered. Focus Supplement is traditionally used to support organization, productivity, task completion, attention to detail, and overall cognitive efficiency.
Promotes Balanced Mental Energy Throughout the Day*
Healthy mental energy supports concentration, motivation, and cognitive performance. This formula is traditionally used to promote sustained mental stamina and steady focus without relying on temporary stimulation.
Supports Nervous System and Emotional Balance*
Traditional Chinese Medicine connects healthy mental function with the balance of the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Blood, and Shen. This formula is traditionally used to calm the Shen, nourish Blood, and support emotional stability and nervous system wellness.
Supports Mental Resilience During Periods of Stress*
Stress may affect focus, memory, concentration, and productivity. This formula is traditionally used to support mental resilience, emotional balance, and the ability to maintain clear thinking during demanding situations.
Promotes Long-Term Cognitive Wellness and Mental Vitality*
Focus Supplement is traditionally used to support long-term cognitive function, memory, mental vitality, healthy aging, and overall brain wellness according to Traditional Chinese herbal principles.
Individual results may vary. Improvements in focus and concentration may develop gradually as internal balance is supported.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Common Signs You May Need Focus Formula
This formula is most appropriate for Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns associated with mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, cognitive imbalance, an unsettled Shen, and reduced mental performance. Different individuals may experience symptoms such as:
Difficulty Focusing or Maintaining Attention
Individuals may struggle to remain focused for extended periods, lose track of conversations, or have difficulty staying engaged with work, school, reading, or important responsibilities.
Easily Distracted or Forgetful
Surrounding activity, unrelated thoughts, or minor interruptions may quickly pull attention away from the task at hand. Individuals may also misplace items, forget appointments, overlook details, or have difficulty following through with commitments.
Brain Fog or Mental Cloudiness
Brain fog may present as sluggish thinking, mental cloudiness, reduced mental sharpness, or difficulty processing information. This may interfere with learning, decision-making, productivity, and everyday cognitive performance.
Difficulty Completing Tasks or Staying Organized
Some individuals begin multiple projects but struggle to complete them. They may have difficulty organizing information, prioritizing responsibilities, managing schedules, meeting deadlines, or maintaining consistent productivity.
Restlessness or Excessive Mental Activity
A constantly active mind may make it difficult to concentrate or relax. Individuals may experience racing thoughts, mental restlessness, physical fidgeting, or difficulty directing their attention toward one activity.
Poor Concentration During Work, School, or Studying
Concentration problems may become more noticeable during mentally demanding activities such as reading, studying, attending meetings, preparing for examinations, following instructions, or completing detailed projects.
Mental Fatigue and Reduced Mental Stamina
Extended periods of concentration may result in mental exhaustion, reduced motivation, and declining performance. Some individuals begin the day focused but experience increasing mental fatigue as the day progresses.
Difficulty Learning, Retaining, or Recalling Information
Individuals may find it difficult to absorb new information, remember instructions, recall recent conversations, retain study material, or retrieve important details when needed.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Multiple Thoughts or Responsibilities
Competing responsibilities, busy schedules, excessive information, or multiple unfinished tasks may contribute to mental overwhelm. Individuals may struggle to prioritize, make decisions, or maintain a calm and organized state of mind.
Individuals with chronic or complex focus, attention, memory, or cognitive patterns may benefit from combining Focus Formula with additional herbal support selected according to their underlying Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Focus, Memory & Mental Clarity
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, focus, concentration, memory, and mental performance depend on a calm Shen, healthy sleep, balanced emotions, proper nourishment, and the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood.
Daily Habits for Focus and Mental Clarity
- Eat regular, balanced meals on a consistent schedule
- Prioritize warm, freshly prepared foods
- Get adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep routine
- Aim for restful sleep between 11 PM and 7 AM whenever possible
- Allow sufficient time for mental rest and recovery
- Practice meditation, deep breathing, Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, or mindfulness
- Exercise regularly to support healthy circulation
- Spend time outdoors and maintain an active lifestyle
- Stay properly hydrated throughout the day
- Take regular breaks during prolonged studying, screen use, or mentally demanding work
- Allow at least three hours between dinner and bedtime
Foods and Habits to Limit
- Excess caffeine, especially after 11 AM
- Energy drinks and highly caffeinated beverages
- Excess sugar and sugary beverages
- Highly processed foods
- Deep-fried, greasy, or excessively rich foods
- Excessively spicy or heavily seasoned foods
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Smoking and tobacco products
- Irregular eating schedules
- Frequent late-night meals
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Excessive screen use without mental breaks
Foods Traditionally Supportive of Cognitive Wellness
Foods traditionally considered supportive include walnuts, black sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, eggs, fish, leafy green vegetables, berries, whole grains, dates, mushrooms, lean proteins, and other nourishing foods that support Qi, Blood, and overall vitality.
Regular, balanced meals help provide the steady nourishment needed to maintain concentration, mental stamina, memory, and healthy cognitive performance.
Supporting Mental Clarity From Within
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood, which nourish the Heart, brain, and Shen. The Liver supports the smooth circulation of Qi, while the Heart houses the Shen and influences mental clarity, memory, emotional balance, and restful sleep.
Healthy digestion, adequate rest, balanced nutrition, emotional regulation, and regular movement provide an important foundation for maintaining focus, concentration, memory, and long-term cognitive wellness.
Individual dietary and lifestyle needs may vary according to age, constitution, symptoms, daily demands, and underlying Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Key Ingredients in Focus Formula
Focus Supplement contains a carefully selected combination of traditional Chinese herbs that work together to support mental clarity, concentration, memory, healthy circulation, emotional balance, and overall cognitive wellness.
Goldthread Rhizome (Huang Lian)
Traditionally used to clear excess Heat, calm the mind, and support mental clarity. Huang Lian has long been used in Chinese herbal practice to help maintain emotional balance and support a clear, focused state of mind.
Cape Jasmine Fruit (Zhi Zi)
Traditionally used to clear Heat, relieve irritability, and support emotional well-being. Zhi Zi is commonly included in formulas designed to promote mental calmness, healthy mood balance, and cognitive wellness.
Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong)
Traditionally used to promote healthy circulation of Qi and Blood throughout the body. Chuan Xiong has been used for centuries to support circulation to the head, maintain mental clarity, and encourage the smooth flow of energy.
White Peony Root (Bai Shao)
Traditionally used to nourish Blood, support emotional balance, and promote harmony within the body. Bai Shao is often included in formulas that support relaxation, concentration, and overall wellness.
Angelica Root (Dang Gui)
Traditionally used to nourish and invigorate Blood while supporting healthy circulation. Dang Gui has long been used to support mental vitality, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Pure Honey
Used as the traditional binding agent for Silkie Herbs honey-bound herbal pills. Honey has historically been used to harmonize herbal formulas, support digestion, help preserve freshness, and improve palatability.
Together, these herbs have traditionally been used to support focus, concentration, memory, mental clarity, emotional balance, healthy circulation, and overall cognitive wellness according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Serving Size: 10 pills Servings Per Container: 30 Amount Per Serving: 3,000 mg |
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Herbal Blend: Goldthread Rhizome Cape Jasmine Fruit Szechuan Lovage Root White Peony Root Angelica Root |
| Other ingredient: Pure Honey (Traditional Binding Agent) |
How to Take Focus Formula
Adults or teenagers may take 5–10 pills. For children 5-teens take 2 to 5 pills once or twice daily with warm water once or twice daily if needed, or as directed by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. If taking other medications or supplements, allow at least 2 hours before or after using this product.
Mental clarity, focus, concentration, and memory are influenced by many factors, including sleep quality, stress levels, nutrition, emotional well-being, and overall health. Individual response depends on constitution, duration of the pattern, symptom severity, lifestyle habits, and consistency of use. Traditional herbal support may develop gradually with continued use as directed.
For best results, take consistently as directed. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas are often used daily as part of a long-term wellness routine.
Research on Herbs in Focus Formula
Modern research has examined herbs and naturally occurring compounds used in Focus Formula, particularly Goldthread Rhizome (Huang Lian), White Peony Root (Bai Shao), and Angelica Root (Dang Gui), for their potential effects on nervous system function, oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, circulation, learning, and memory.
Research on Goldthread Rhizome has focused primarily on berberine and other naturally occurring compounds. Reviews have examined their neuroprotective properties and potential influence on cognitive function, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and healthy nervous system aging.
Paeoniflorin, a principal compound found in White Peony Root, has been studied for its effects on the nervous system. Research has explored its relationship with cellular protection, inflammatory balance, mitochondrial function, learning, memory, and emotional wellness.
Research on Angelica Root and its naturally occurring compounds has examined antioxidant activity, circulation, cellular protection, inflammatory pathways, and potential roles in maintaining healthy brain and nervous system function. Much of the available cognitive research involves isolated compounds, extracts, laboratory studies, or animal models rather than the finished herbal formula.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, mental clarity, concentration, focus, and memory depend on sufficient Blood, a calm Shen, and the harmonious function of the Heart, Liver, and Spleen. When Blood is properly nourished and Qi circulates smoothly, the mind is traditionally believed to remain calm, attentive, and mentally clear.
Research References
Rhizoma Coptidis for Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Literature Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31291876/
A Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Paeoniflorin in the Nervous System
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36046834/
Angelica sinensis: A Potential Therapeutic Hope for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Complications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35983893/
Research on individual herbs, extracts, isolated compounds, or naturally occurring constituents does not prove that the finished Focus Formula diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents any disease or will produce the same results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Focus Supplement used for?
Focus Supplement is traditionally used to support concentration, attention, memory, mental clarity, learning, cognitive performance, emotional balance, and overall nervous system wellness.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view focus and concentration challenges?
Traditional Chinese Medicine connects focus, memory, and concentration with the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Blood, and Shen. These systems help nourish the mind, maintain emotional balance, and support clear thinking.
What causes brain fog according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Brain fog may be associated with Spleen Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Dampness, emotional stress, poor sleep, mental overwork, or insufficient nourishment of the Heart and Shen.
Who may benefit from Focus Supplement?
Individuals experiencing occasional brain fog, forgetfulness, scattered thoughts, mental fatigue, restlessness, reduced productivity, difficulty studying, or trouble maintaining attention may choose Focus Supplement.
What is Shen in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Shen may be translated as Mind, Spirit, or Consciousness. A balanced Shen is traditionally associated with clear thinking, emotional stability, memory, focus, mental alertness, and restful sleep.
Why does Traditional Chinese Medicine connect digestion with focus?
The Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood, which nourish the Heart, brain, and Shen. Weak digestion may contribute to fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, and reduced mental stamina.
Can stress or poor sleep affect concentration and memory?
Yes. Stress may disrupt the circulation of Liver Qi, while poor sleep may prevent the Heart, Blood, and Shen from receiving adequate rest and nourishment. Both patterns may affect concentration, memory, emotional balance, and productivity.
Can students and professionals use Focus Supplement?
Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and others performing mentally demanding work commonly choose Focus Supplement to support studying, reading, problem-solving, memory, productivity, and sustained attention.
How long should I take Focus Supplement?
The appropriate length of use depends on age, constitution, symptoms, lifestyle, and underlying TCM pattern. Some individuals use it during mentally demanding periods, while others incorporate it into a longer-term wellness routine.
Can I take Focus Supplement with other Silkie Herbs formulas?
Focus Supplement is commonly paired with Energy Endurance, Spleen Support, Blood and Stamina, Calm, Sleep Support, Kidney Yin Support, Kidney Yang Support, or other formulas selected according to the individual’s underlying pattern.
When is the best time to take Focus Supplement?
When combined with Energy Endurance, the formulas are generally taken during the day. Focus supports mental energy, while Energy Endurance supports physical energy and stamina.
For children who toss, turn, flip around, or move constantly during sleep, Focus Formula may be taken by itself in the evening or before bedtime to help calm and nourish the Shen. Follow the product directions or an individualized recommendation.
Can Focus Supplement be taken daily or used year-round?
Many individuals use Focus Supplement daily or throughout the year as part of a long-term cognitive wellness routine. Frequency and timing should be adjusted according to individual needs and Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns.
What foods help support focus and cognitive wellness?
Traditional Chinese Medicine commonly recommends regular meals containing quality protein, cooked vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, walnuts, black sesame, eggs, fish, leafy greens, and adequate hydration.
What makes Silkie Herbs Focus Supplement different?
Focus Supplement is rooted in five generations of traditional herbal practice and prepared as traditional honey-bound herbal pills. It contains no capsules, compressed tablets, artificial fillers, or synthetic binders. It is manufactured in the United States and tested for identity, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants.
Why Silkie Herbs
Silkie formulas are rooted in five generations of traditional herbal practice—not trend-based supplement marketing.
- 5th-Generation Herbalist Family Tradition
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas
- Traditional Honey-Bound Herbal Pills
- No Capsules
- No Compressed Tablets
- No Artificial Binders or Fillers
- No Lubricants or Flow Agents
- Made in the USA
- Third-Party Tested
- Carefully Selected Medicinal Herbs
- Traditional Herb Preparation Methods (Pao Zhi)
- Classical Formula Design
Silkie Herbs formulas are rooted in five generations of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal practice. Rather than following supplement trends, our formulas are based on traditional herbal principles passed down through generations and refined through decades of practical experience.
Unlike most modern supplements, Silkie Herbs uses traditional honey-bound herbal pills instead of capsules or compressed tablets. We do not use capsule shells, artificial fillers, synthetic binders, lubricants, flow agents, chemical coatings, or wax. Pure honey is used as the only binding agent to form the finely ground herbs into small traditional pills.
Modern research has examined honey’s naturally low water activity, acidity, and antimicrobial characteristics. In Silkie formulas, honey is used primarily as a traditional binding agent, while the quality and purity of every finished formula are verified through third-party testing.
Every formula is manufactured in the United States using carefully selected medicinal herbs and traditional preparation methods. Each batch undergoes third-party testing for identity, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants to help ensure quality and consistency.
True healing takes time. Silkie formulas honor the body’s natural ability to restore balance—the way herbal medicine has always been practiced.
100% Pure all natural herbs, blended, made, and packaged in the USA
Important Safety Information and Cautions
Keep out of reach of children. Use only as directed. If discomfort or irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek professional guidance.
Traditional Chinese herbal formulas should be selected according to the individual’s Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern. For personalized guidance, consult a professional TCM practitioner.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Traditional Herbs in Focus Formula
Goldthread Rhizome
Goldthread Rhizome (Huang Lian) is traditionally used to clear excess Heat, resolve Dampness, calm the Shen, and support mental clarity and emotional balance.
Traditional Herbs in Focus Formula
Goldthread Rhizome
Goldthread Rhizome (Huang Lian) is traditionally used to clear excess Heat, resolve Dampness, calm the Shen, and support mental clarity and emotional balance.
Szechuan Lovage Root
Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) is traditionally used to promote the healthy circulation of Qi and Blood, reduce stagnation, and support nourishment and healthy circulation to the head.
Cape Jasmine Fruit
Cape Jasmine Fruit (Zhi Zi) is traditionally used to clear excess Heat, relieve irritability, calm restlessness, and support emotional well-being and a clear state of mind.
White Peony Root
White Peony Root (Bai Shao) is traditionally used to nourish Blood, soften Liver tension, support emotional balance, and promote a calm, focused, and well-nourished mind.
honey is the only binding agent
no artificial fillers or ingredients
herbs harvested at the height of potency
100% Natural
Our herbal supplements are made with natural honey as the binder. Honey can support the lungs, intestine, spleen, and stomach; It works as a natural preservative with antibacterial and healing properties. Unlike other herbal supplement companies that use starch, magnesium, and other chemical substances as binders for their supplements, we only use 100% honey. We also avoid using vegetable capsules because they require chemical components to form the capsule shape.
Peak Harvest Herbs
The herbs in our herbal pill blends are harvested at the height of their potency and they are substantially more expensive than less potent herbs that were harvested in the pre-or post-season, but in our view, there is no substitute for premium quality.
5 Generations
Over five generations we have collected, tested and refined Chinese herbal formulas that themselves draw from 3,000 years of experience of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a profound pathway to create the life you were born to live. It's a timeless bridge that can initiate and support change and growth in any and every life dimension: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Ann's Story
“Good Health is crucial for our overall well-being. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects, and it's important to prioritize taking care of ourselves to lead a fulfilling life. Emphasizing prevention over cure is paramount for maintaining this balance. Without health, life can become incredibly challenging. It affects our ability to pursue our goals, enjoy our relationships, and experience daily life to the fullest. Good health forms the foundation for everything else we want to achieve and experience.” - Ann Tam
Click below for
Ann's Story
Here's my story.
If you feel skeptical or unsure of Chinese herbal remedies, I could hardly blame you. I wasn't a believer either until my daughter grew very sick and my father (the 4th generation herbalist) helped her get better with herbs.
I was born into a family of herbalists. My father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather, great-great grandfather were all herbalists. I represent the 5th generation in this long lineage dating back to Imperial China.
When I was three or four years old, I started to learn herbal songs and how to identify herbs. As I got older, I was taught how to process the herbs while working in my dad’s clinic in Vietnam. After we immigrated to the United States, my dad asked me if I wanted to pursue a career in TCM as an herbalist or acupuncturist. I said, “No, just leave me alone, Dad. I will find something I enjoy doing for work.” So, he left me alone to find my own way.
I wanted nothing to do with herbal medicine until I gave birth to my second daughter, Catherine, who was born with severe gastric reflux. When Catherine was 10 days old, I had to take her to the ER for IV injections into her little hand because she couldn’t keep milk down. Besides vomiting, she also was having diarrhea. Catherine was losing nutrition from both ends, so her tiny body was shrinking. At that time my dad warned me, “She needs to be treated with herbal medicine, otherwise she will have seizures later on.” I didn’t fully understand what my dad was talking about, so I ignored him.
My daughter got so ill that she could only take half an ounce of milk per hour. Before feeding her, I would use a syringe and shoot Zantac into her mouth to lessen the vomiting. As time passed, she needed milk more often, and consequently more Zantac. By the time Catherine was 8 months old, she needed to be fed and medicated 11 times a day.
I could hardly sleep, eat, shower or rest. Even at night, I had to drape my daughter over my shoulder for her to sleep. If I put Catherine down, she would vomit. I barely had time to squeeze in a 5-minute shower once or twice a week for myself. I was exhausted, but what could I do? I had to care for my daughter and do my best to survive each day with the hope that she would get better or at the very least her condition would not worsen.
Catherine had to wear a turtleneck with two sweaters along with a baby cap and scarf to be outside during the heat of summer, even when temperatures were 100 plus degrees. If I didn’t cover her up, she would have a runny nose, cough, and non stop vomiting. How will she be able to go to school or anywhere with air conditioning?
One day we went to a Vietnamese pho restaurant. After I set Catherine down into the high-chair, I turned around and adjusted my chair. Then I heard a woman’s shout, “Look at her!” I looked in the direction she pointed. It was Catherine…her eyes rolled up and her entire body stiff and shaking with fluid coming out of her mouth. Someone said, “Squeeze some lemon into her mouth.” I did it without hesitating and Catherine’s body relaxed.
We rushed her to the ER. For 3 days she was in the NICU where they monitored her brain. The doctors told me I was lucky because my daughter’s seizure didn’t last for more than 3 minutes which would have damaged her brain. After that I always carried a piece of lemon because I had no idea when my baby girl might have another seizure.
The seizures started to come weekly, so the doctor prescribed anti-seizure medication. Catherine wasn’t even 1 year of age, and already she was taking Zantac 11 times plus anti-seizure medicine 3 times a day. It was nearly impossible to administer the anti-seizure medicine because whenever I took out the syringe, she would cry and start vomiting.
I took Catherine to see a specialist at CHOC. I asked, “Doctor, have you ever seen any infant with this condition get well?” The doctor replied, “It depends. Some will grow out of it, but some don’t. If they don’t, then they will have to take medication for the rest of their life.”
“What do you mean by grow out of it?” The doctor explained that Catherine might get better by herself as she got older.
My mind was racing. “All this time the prescribed medication has not been treating her stomach?” The doctor said, “No, it only helps to guide the food down, so she won’t vomit it back up. That’s why you have to give it to her before the feeding.”
“Well, what if she doesn’t grow out of it?” In that case, Catherine will be dependent upon medication for the rest of her life. The doctor further informed me that she too was born with gastro reflux and is still taking medicine for the condition.
Her statement was like lightning in my brain. If the doctor can’t even treat herself for gastro reflux, how can she help my daughter? Seeing the futility of my path, I turned to my dad for help.
My dad advised me to stop all western drugs and to give her an herbal prescription 3 times a day. Administering medicine 3 times instead of 14 times a day to Catherine was a godsend to me. Even though it sounded too good to be true, I figured that I could still give Zantac to Catherine if she didn’t get better or continued to vomit.
After one month of herbs 3 times a day, Catherine vomited less and less. To test Catherine, I let her cry to see if she would vomit. She didn’t, so I knew she was getting better. After another month of herbal medicine, Catherine was able to wear less clothing without getting a runny nose, coughing, or vomiting. After 3 months of herbal formulas, she stopped having episodes of gastro reflux and seizure. Catherine will enjoy a normal, healthy life.
Because of Catherine’s dramatic recovery, I was sold on Chinese medicine and asked my dad to treat me. I fainted very easily, especially during the winter. After a few months of herbal formulas, I have never fainted again.
I started to have time to think and tried to understand why a piece of lemon helps to relax the muscles and stop a seizure. Lemon is a common citrus, yet it has magical powers that we don’t understand and underestimate. I wanted to learn more and find answers, so I decided to go to China which has a long history of herbal medicine. I went to TCM schools in China and Hong Kong and worked in the TCM hospitals to learn from the best herbal doctors in the world.
When I was there, I knew one day I would want to become an herbalist, but how can I get a steady supply of high-quality herbs. My dad and I backpacked across China and visited many farmlands. We interviewed farmers to grow herbs for us. Our products are used with the highest quality herbs that have been harvested at the height of their potency. They are substantially more expensive than less potent herbs that were harvested in the pre- or post-season.
After I came back to the United State, I worked with my dad and learned from his experiences and studied the formulas that our ancestors passed down. What I have been through helped me to understand the importance of health. Without health, don’t even talk about career, beauty, education, freedom, etc. I now have worked with many families who have suffered as I have. Their endearing appreciation drives me to work harder.
Our namesake "Silkie" is a Chinese breed of chicken that is well known for its calm and friendly temperament. They are gentle and caring and make wonderful mothers. A Silkie loves nothing more than brooding a cluster of eggs, whether they are hers or not, even if they are "duck eggs". We share the same outlook and care for our clients the same way we care for our own family.