Sea Cucumber

History:

Sea Cucumber is an oblong-shaped, gelatinous, invertebrate marine animal that, as an echinoderm, is distantly related to starfishes and sea urchins. It is aptly named, because it is shaped like a cucumber, and has also been thought to have a distinctly phallic appearance, which may account for its libido support reputation. Like all echinoderms, Sea Cucumbers have an endoskeleton just below the skin, but this can actually be absent in some species. The diet consists of plankton and decaying organic matter found in the sea. One way they might get a supply of food is to position themselves in a current where they can catch foods that flow by with their tentacles when they open. Another way is to sift through the bottom sediments using their tentacles. They can be found in great numbers beneath fish farms. In China, Sea Cucumber is called Hai Shen, which translates roughly into Sea Ginseng, and it is unclear whether this refers to its libido qualities or healthful properties as a nutritious herbal tonic for kidney and blood support. It has been used in China for thousands of years for healthy joints and muscles, energy and libido support, urinary health; and the herb was listed as a medicinal agent in the Bencao Congxin of 1757. Sea Cucumber is a great delicacy in Chinese and other Asian cuisines, such as Malaysia (Gamat), Singapore, Japan, Korea and Indonesia (Trepang), and often eaten at feasts and during holiday celebrations. Sea Cucumber is also considered a delicacy in certain Mediterranean countries such as Spain. It is also highly valued for its reputed therapeutic  properties. Cooking it is very complicated and takes place over several days, requiring careful cleaning, gutting, soaking and boiling (several times). The food item is often purchased dried and then rehydrated before use. It is used in soups, stews and braised dishes due to its gelatinous texture. Like tofu, it is flavorless but will absorb the flavors of its surrounding seasonings and foods and is highly nutritious - an ideal tonic food - providing more protein than most foods and less fat than most foods. It is frequently included in stir-fries. Sea Cucumber is said to have excellent health properties, supposedly with pharmaceutical companies built based upon its commercial production. Extracts are prepared and made into oil, cream or cosmetics. Sea Cucumber is rich in mucopolysaccharides (mainly chondroitin sulfate) and provides protein, branched chain fatty acids, saponins (triterpene glycosides, philonopside A, intercedensides), vitamins A, C, B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Sea Cucumber Herbal Supplement; however, do not take Sea Cucumber without talking to your doctor first if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin(R).

Capsule Information:
Our Sea Cucumber supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 700 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.