We are so busy in our modern lifestyles that many of us have lost touch with centuries of herbal medicinal knowledge passed down by our ancestors. Traditional or folk medicine was developed over generations well before the dawn of modern medicine.

Folk medicine has a rich history of alternative cures and a vast number of scientific studies have shown that folk medicine plays a major role in the healthcare of people worldwide today.

Herbal remedies containing alcohol as a catalyst are featured in all major Chinese classical works on herbal prescriptions and have been used medicinally for more than five thousand years. Remedies containing alcohol were recorded in the Huang Di Nei Jing – the first medical book in China – two thousand years ago, marking the beginning of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

The nine V.I.P Jiu 8 ingredients selected by the Kangxi Emperor himself were intended to enter the stomach, spleen, lung, kidney and heart to ‘resolve dampness and qi stagnation’. They were also intended to strengthen the yang and tone the blood, induce tranquillity, nourish the liver and expel colds.

From studying Kangxi’s own writings and the writings of others it was clear he was a notable herbalist and a passionate scholar of both Chinese and Western medicine. In order to validate Kangxi’s knowledge with unquestionable and measurable evidence we asked a team of scientists to analyze V.I.P Jiu 8.

Science provides the answers

We sent a bottle of V.I.P Jiu 8 together with a bottle of the world’s leading baijiu brand (Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy 53% 500ml – Purchase cost £240) to a UK laboratory for analysis.

We ensured the laboratory was a registered member of UKAS – The United Kingdom Accreditation Service that is recognised by the UK government when comparing products to internationally agreed standards.

The two bottles were labelled sample A and sample B.

• Sample A – V.I.P Jiu 8.
• Sample B – Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy.

After several weeks we received the analysis report, which confirmed what we already suspected.

The laboratory concluded that the two bottles were very different, with sample A (VIP Jiu 8) being considerably more complex than sample B (Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy).

The chart below clearly shows that sample A (VIP Jiu 8) contains many more compounds with positive attributes than sample B (Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy).

Here are just a few of the many compounds known for their positive qualities found in V.I.P Jiu 8.

• Alpha-Pinene and beta-Pinene – a wide range of pharmacological attributes have been reported, including anticoagulant, antitumour, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Beta-Myrcene – has a role as an anti-inflammatory agent and an anabolic agent.
• Alpha-Terpinene – a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Gamma-Terpinene – displays antimicrobial properties against various human pathogens.
• Alpha-Terpinolene – produces a mild sedative effect and can help reduce anxiety.
• Alpha copaene – anti-proliferative, antioxidant.
• Linalool – known to have anti-anxiety, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Trans alpha-Bergamotene – effective against inflammation in the intestine.
• Beta-selinene – exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These benefits may reduce the frequency and severity of painful gout attacks.
• Beta Ocimene – known to work well with other terpenes and has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

The results unquestionably demonstrate the complexity and restorative potential of V.I.P Jiu 8.

In addition clinical data suggests moderate consumption of jiu (baijiu) may speed up blood circulation and improve the functioning of cardiovascular and circulatory systems.

Yang et al studied health factors in relation to baijiu consumption using an in vitro model and found that pyrazine compounds (primarily tetramethyl pyrazine) are present in antioxidant activity, immunity enhancement and can help reduce levels of triglycerides.

It also has been proven through clinical studies that moderate daily consumption of baijiu may play a significant role in the digestion of food by helping to dissolve nutrients and stimulate the digestive system. It may also decrease the formation of blood clots and in turn could prevent arteriosclerosis. Therefore, ‘moderate intake of baijiu is healthy and safe, although it is critical to control high intake’ – an extract from: Baijiu (白酒), Chinese liquor: History, classification and manufacture by Xiao-Wei and Zheng Bei-Zhong Han.

Please drink responsibly.