Ingredient Spotlight

Gardenia Pod/ Zhi zi

Why we love it

When it comes to discomforts, Gardenia Pod is traditionally used to soothe cramping, ease tension, promote clearer skin, and help balance mood.

Traditionally Supports:

  • Skin clarity

  • Tension support

  • Emotional balance

Combined Shape@1x Created with Sketch.

How It's Used

In Chinese herbal practices, Gardenia Pod is recognized as a key herb for addressing heat and damp imbalances. It is traditionally used to support emotional calmness, promote cooling properties within the body, and address issues related to blood and toxicity.

In Western herbal practices, Gardenia Pod is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often associated with supporting liver and bile function and contributing to overall well-being.

Fun Fact: Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, yet it’s known for its soothing qualities rather than energizing effects

How we use it

“I remember my grandmother making me a tea of Gardenia pod whenever I caught a fever. I hated the taste, but I’d always wake up the next morning feeling good as new—so I guess it was worth it!” - Lulu Ge, co-founder

- Lulu Ge, co-founder

What the research says

Gardenia Pod has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and hypoglycemic properties, and has been shown to improve blood circulation and sleeping quality.
Read Article
Crocin, an active component of Gardenia Pod produces anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting COX-1 And COX-2 enzymes. The anti-inflammatory activity also blocked NF-kB activity, leading to less production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- challenged cells.
Read Article
Geniposide, a major active component of Gardenia Pod, demonstrates antidepressant-like effects by regulating the HPA axis in the chronic unpredictable (CUMS) rat model. Doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg per kg reversed the CUMS-induced behavioral abnormalities.
Read Article
Kamishoyosan is an active component within Gardenia Pod that produces an anxiolytic effect.
Read Article

Have a question or want to learn more? 

Contact us at: ingredients@elixhealing.com

Feel the difference for yourself

Your cycle is unique, and the only way to know if Elix will work for you is to try your personalized blend. We’re here to listen to your body, adjust your blend as needed.

Discover My Formula
Combined Shape@1x Created with Sketch.