Chinese Herb Ba Jiao Key Flu Ingredient

A Chinese spice that increases the flavor of food has become the center of public attention, thanks to the growing profile of bird flu. Ba Jiao, an herbal fruit mainly grown in China, as well as Viet Nam, is a primary ingredient in the production of an anti-viral drug which helps to fight bird flu symptoms.

More specifically, ba jiao is the basic component for Shikimic acid. Shikimic acid is the base material for the production of Tamiflu, the only drug available that combats the deadly strain of avian flu, which some fear may kill millions of humans. The new market value and soaring fears of a Tamiflu shortage have triggered a price surge for ba jiao in its main production regions of China. Despite its new fame as the key ingredient of Tamiflu, ba jiao, it traditionally is used to treat hernia, abdominal and back pain.

Meridian Harmonics