Roy Said:

What is the principle behind the Chinese steelyard balance?

We Answered:

The basic principle behind a Chinese steelyard balance is torque—or leverage, if you prefer.

A symmetrical balance has the two weights equidistant from the point at which they are suspended (let’s call it the “fulcrum,” for simplicity’s sake): when the weights are equal, the balance levels out. But let’s say you’re trying to measure the weight of a two-pound object. Then the balance will level out if you place a two pound weight equidistant from the fulcrum, or a one-pound weight half as far from the fulcrum, or a half-pound weight a quarter of the way from the fulcrum.

The steelyard balance puts the object to be wieghed at a specific distance from the fulcrum, then moves the known weight along the length of the opposite arm. The ratio of the distances between the fulcrum gives the ratio of the two weights.

The link shows the best picture of one that I could find.


Ryan Wyatt
Rose Center for Earth & Space
New York, New York

Regina Said:

For Chinese Tradicional medicinal herbs, how long can I store them?

We Answered:

There are a number of factors and considerations involved here. The main thing with regards to the viability of herbs is the oxidation of the herbs. For the most part herbs do not become dangerous if they are allowed to oxidize, so you can be relatively certain that the herbs are not dangerous. The four main things that contribute to oxidation are 1) moisture content, 2) exposure to heat, 3) exposure to light, and 4) exposure to air. The more these factors have been kept down the less likely there will be problems with the "degrading" of the product.

I have some herbs that are in a powder form, that I've had for some time which have an expiry date of 04/2010 on them. I would think in *most* cases the raw herbs (herbs you need to decoct) would last longer than the powders.

One thing that I would like to suggest to you though is that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis is a very different process than Modern Western Medicine diagnosis. And it also uses a very different system. So what to you may seem like the same condition may have a very different Chinese diagnosis, so I would personally suggest going to a TCM practitioner, or herbalist to see if this is the formula that they would recommend, ideally to the same practitioner, or one in the same clinic.

Short answer, 3 months the herbs are almost guaranteed to be roughly the same potency, and safety as when you got them.

Francisco Said:

where to find recipes for herbal tea to treat ulcerative colitis?

We Answered:

Hello, my Friend
The best tea to treat ulcerated colitis is ginseng tea. it's very good my aunt took it for a few months and get well. you can find in different presentations: tea bags, pills or natural.

they all have the same results.

Eleanor Said:

What would 'tea' have meant to a 13th century Brit?

We Answered:

I do not believe that tea as tea was drunk in the U.K. There were herbal drinks, but not the cuppa, with milk/lemon & sugar & the rest of the ceremonies, that is associated with drinking tea today. I do not consider that the word tea would have been used. Incidentally there would not have been Brits in the 13th Century. Britain did not come into existence until the 1700s. So no 13 Century Brits

Clyde Said:

what is ginseng? where do you get it?

We Answered:

ginseng is a herb... people use the root of the herb usually to make tea. it is used as a medicine, though more like a vitamin in China and Korea. It is steamed in water and then drink the water, the Ginseng is not actually eaten.

they seem to think it is a cure all. it will raise your heartbeat and temp if taken too much so dont over do it.

it can be found in powder form in most oriental grocery stores. usually is a 1 ounce packet. pour the packet into hot water and it will dissolve. drink the tea. taste like dirt.

Louise Said:

is this copied?

We Answered:

Tall claims apart , not fond useful in the long run.

Lorraine Said:

asian medicinal health?

We Answered:

I do have the Key to the door of super-foods.

The ten super-herbs which gives the long, healthy and prosperous life.

No rant! I am serious.