Li Ching-Yuen, a Chinese herbalist seemed to found the secret fountain of youth, as he is claimed to hold the unofficial record of the oldest human who lived on a planet earth with a stunning lifespan of 256 years.
He claimed to be born in 1736 and other disputed records are saying the year of birth was 1677. Whatever the year was 1736 or 1677, it is way longer than the longest confirmed lifespan of 122 years who is held by French Jeanne Calment.
Li Ching-Yuen’s true date of birth remains a mystery since there is not enough evidence of the case.
There is document from Chinese government congratulating Li Ching-Yuen on his 200th birthday back in 1877
What is really interesting to us is the fact that Li Ching-Yuen worked as a herbalist using and selling lingzhi mushrooms, goji berries, and for sure – wild ginseng. He also sold other Chinese herbs too but mainly these 3 herbs were his deal. He lived off a diet of these herbs and rice wine was a common drink for him.
He exercised everyday and he was known to be a man who avoided strong emotions such as jealousy and anger. Staying away from negative thoughts and emotions kept him staying away from getting any kind of stress. Stress is said to be one of those factors which will make people die earlier than they should have.
“Keep a quiet heart, sit like a tortoise, sleep like a dog” was his advice for a long life.
It is really unlikely that anyone lived more than twice as long as the longest confirmed lifespan of 122 years. However, it is highly possible that Li Ching-Yuen lived longer than 122 years or more than anyone ever have. But since there is not any official data, the truth will remain a mystery forever.
Whatever the real story behind this man was, everyone can learn from him. Using natures own herbs will prolong our lives and keeping distance to negative thoughts and emotions will also do so.
