It's not oysters, caviar or the countless other foods alleged to get you in the mood. Instead, women in Beverly Hills, Calif., are swearing by a certain kind of chocolate truffle called K Sensual.

Tamiflu is the hot drug now as people prepare in case a deadly super-flu outbreak should sweep around the world. But herbalist Wong Chi-sun is putting his trust in what looks like a plastic zip-lock bag full of some really bad weed.

Bupleurum root, used in Chinese medicine, may help chronic liver disease:

"The spindly, yellow-flowered Bupleurum chinense and some closely related species are key herbs in traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for mood swings and gastrointestinal conditions. The root of the plant is one of the main ingredients in an herbal formula widely known by its Japanese name, Sho-saiko-to — in Chinese it's known as xiao chai hu tang — that contains ginseng, licorice, ginger and a handful of other herbs in addition to Bupleurum. Sho-saiko-to has recently gained scientific attention for its potential in managing chronic liver disease."

DAAN carries two products with this root: Hsiao Yao Wan, used for anxiety and digestion, and Jia Wei Hsiao Yao Wan, for irritiability and increased vigor.

Coca Cola has signed an agreement with the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine (CATM):

"The CATCM is China's national center for research, healthcare and education in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The academy consists of 3,100 professionals, including 800 doctors and professors, 11 research institutions, five hospitals and clinics, and several educational and publishing branches.

Coca-Cola is the first corporation to sign a collaborative agreement with CATCM in the area of preventative health. The agreement will enable the beverage giant to work with CATCM researchers and practitioners on a number of projects, ranging from health and wellness communications and strategies that encompass TCM philosophies to scientific research on TCM herbs and herbal products that could lead to the commercialization of new wellness beverages."

Interesting article exploring the impact of Chinese medicine:

"Already some traditional Chinese herbs are having a major impact on world health _ the herb artemisia has been used to treat skin diseases and malaria in China for more than 1000 years, and has been recommended by the World Health Organisation as a treatment for malaria in the developing world. It is currently being used in combination with Western drugs, to combat rising drug resistance in Vietnam, China and other countries.

Other herbs are being looked at to help manage chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis and diabetes. The entire philosophy behind Chinese medicine differs from Western medicine, says Paul Vanhoutte, president of the International Union of Pharmacology and a professor at the University of Hong Kong, who spoke at the symposium.

``Chinese medicine is preventive medicine _ the philosophy is that disease begins because there's a disequilibrium,'' he says. The herbal medicine ``helps the body find its own power''.

``So plants stimulate the immune system to kill the bug itself rather than using antibiotics,'' he says. But despite all the recent interest and breakthroughs, there is a long way to go.

Though traditional medicine has a long history stretching back more than 2500 years in China, there have been few major studies or clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of many of the remedies, and there is still a vast lack of information."

Acupuncture may help aging skin:

"Cosmetic acupuncture uses a variety of needle techniques at strategic locations on the face and body to stimulate the circulation of qi (say chee), the body's life or energy force in Oriental medicine, to the face and neck.

Once stimulated, the qi can help increase blood circulation and collagen production and replenish moisture, according to practitioners. Procedures can smooth out fine lines, reduce the appearance of deeper wrinkles, plump out the texture of skin and help tone underlying muscles to tighten saggy cheeks and droopy necks, according to those who practice them."

The Chinese astronauts used traditional Chinese medicine to help with motion sickness:

"Director of the China Astronaut Research and Training Center Chen Shan'guang says Traditional Chinese medicines proved to be effetive when pilots carry out space missions.

"Before astronauts go to space, they take traditional Chinese medicines which enhance their ability to maintain balance and improve their immune system. According to the feedback of the two Shenzhou-6 astronauts, these measures have had positive effects." Chen said.

In their everyday training, Chinese medicinal herbs, Chinese massage therapy and accupuncture have been used to improve astronauts' physical conditions. The China Astronaut Research and Training Centre is cooperating with the laboratory from the Chinese University of Hong Kong to better prevent the loss of calcium in bones during a zero-gravity situation."

An Ayuervedic explanation of the importance of the liver:

" Sometimes called the master chemist of the body, the liver, known as Yakrit in Ayurveda, has many important roles. For instance, according to Ayurveda the liver is responsible for converting clear plasma (Rasa Dhatu) to blood (Rakta Dhatu). It is the liver’s task to scrutinise and identify toxins in the plasma and filter them so they don’t enter the blood. "

Things are cooking at Mainland China. A new menu was launched last week, chefs are here from Shanghai to oversee this and navigate new territory. They are specialists in Dim Sum, of which several new varieties are available with more in the pipeline. Experiments are on, and in about a week, a new menu devoted exclusively to Dim Sum will be on the tables.