Herbs (Nutrient and Health/Disease Associations)

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HERBS (Nutrient and Health/Disease Associations)

Native American, Roman, Egyptian, Persian, and Hebrew records indicate that they used herbs to cure practically every known illness. In many countries herbs are still used to improve health, soothe and cure diseases. However, in our society herbs are little understood. Most people today including medical doctors have little or no training in the use of herbs, and are bombarded by the pharmaceutical companies with samples and information on new drugs.

Herbs, like drugs, will not help if you use it for a purpose it was not intended for. Many herbs have been studied, like drugs, with double blind and placebo control groups. Following, we have included many herbs we use in some of our products with their uses and any studies that seem to indicate support for the uses suggested.

Alfalfa

Preliminary studies indicate that alfalfa may improve or prevent damage to the retina caused by diabetes or hypertension. The leaves may be helpful to improve blood sugar levels and triglycerides.

Bilberry

Helps to control insulin levels and strengthen connective tissue. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Acts as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic. May be useful for hypoglycemia, diabetes, inflammation, stress, anxiety, night blindness, cataracts, bruising and varicose veins. May help halt or prevent macular degeneration.

Studies Preliminary studies indicate that it may improve or prevent damage to the retina caused by diabetes or hypertension. The leaves may be helpful to improve blood sugar levels and triglycerides.

Borage

A good source of essential fatty acids (EFA's). An adrenal tonic and gland balancer. Contains valuable minerals and essential fatty acids needed for proper cardiovascular function and healthy skin and nails. Can reduce high blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Good for female disorders such as PMS, cramps, hot flashes, and heavy bleeding.

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Butcher's Broom

Relieves inflammation. Useful for carpal tunnel syndrome, circulatory disorders, edema, hemorrhoids, Meniere's disease, obesity, Raynaud's phenomenon, thromkbophlebitis, varicose veins, and vertigo. Also good for the bladder and kidneys.

Studies Improves vein function. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Germany's Comission E has approved butcher's broom as supportive therapy for hemorrhoids and venous insufficiency, which is a condition closely related to varicose veins.

Cascara sagrada

Acts as a colon cleanser and as a laxative. It stimulates the whole digestive system. Useful for colon disorders, constipation, gallstones(it increases secretion of bile), and parasitic infestation.

Cat's Claw

Cleanses the intestinal tract, enhances the action of white blood cells, and acts as an antioxidan and anti-inflammatory. Good for intestinal problems and viral infections. May be helpful for people with AIDS, arthritis, cancer, herpes, tumors, or ulcers./a>.

Devil's Claw

A blood cleanser which will remove deposits in the joints and aid in the elimination of uric acid from the body. It is used to treat joint pain like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, gout and rheumatism.

Echinacea

Stimulates certain white blood cells and has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Useful for boils, blood poisoning, colic, colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses. Also helpful for snake or spider bite.

Studies Is effective for reducing the symptoms and duration of colds. It may cut the time in half it takes for you to start getting better from the cold.

Gotu Kola

Aids in the elimination of excess fluids, decreases fatigue and depression, increases sex drive, shrinks tissues, stimulates the central nervous system. It may improve the structure and function of the connective tissue in the body. May neutralize blood acids and lower body temperature, is good for heart and liver function. Useful for cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, fatigue, connective tissue disorders, kidney stones, poor apetite, and sleep disorders.

Korean Ginseng

A physical restorative. Helps the body adapt to stress, may assist men with low sperm count. Stimulates the appetite, normalizes blood pressure. Stimulates the immune system.

Studies: Improved blood sugar levels in those with adult onset diabetes. Was shown to help prevent contraction of colds and influenza. Increased ability to perform mental arithmetic. Increased sense of well being. May help prevent cancer.

Siberian Ginseng

Strengthens the endocrine glandular system. Promotes mental and physical vigor, stamina, endurance, metabolism, appetite and digestion. Mildly stimulates the central nervous system. May be helpful during menopause for women with hot flashes and irregular periods. Good for cocaine withdrawl and radiation protection. Enhances lung and immune functions.

Studies: Improved blood sugar levels in those with adult onset diabetes. Assisted those with recurrent herpes reduce frequency of infections.

Glutamic Acid

Glutamine

Glutathione

Glycine

Histidine

Isoleucine

Leucine

Lysine

Lysine is especially needed for adequate absorption of calcium and bone development in children. It aids in the production of antibodies, hormones & enzymes. Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.

A deficiency may result in tiredness, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, hair loss, anemia & reproductive problems.

Methionine

This amino acid is a principle supplier of sulfur, which inactivates free radicals. Adequate methionine prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys.

Methionine is a natural chelating agent for heavy metals and helps detoxify the body of these metals. It regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation. It also influences hair follicles and prevents brittle hair.

Ornithine

Ornithine participates in the release of growth hormone, which then prompts the metabolism of excess body fat. This process is enhanced by the presence of arginine and carnitine.
Caution: Children, pregnant or nursing women, or anyone with a history of schizophrenia should only use supplemental L-ornithine under the direction of a physician.

Phenylalanine

Used by the brain to produce dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that promote alertness, elevate mood, decrease pain, aid in memory and learning, and reduce hunger and appetite.

Caution: Phenylalanine should not be supplemented by individuals with anxiety attacks, diabetes, pigmented melanoma (skin cancer), high blood pressure, or if pregnant.

Proline

Is obtained primarily from meat and aids in maintaining collagen (skin protein). Proline deficiency will cause an uncareful vegetarian to have early signs of skin aging. Proline also strengthens joints, tendons, connective tissue, and cartilage.

Serine

A storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles; helps strengthen the immune system by providing antibodies; synthesizes fatty acid sheath around nerve fibers.

Taurine

Helps stabilize the excitability of membranes which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take place in the aging process; aids in the clearing of free radical wastes. A deficiency of zinc and taurine may impair vision.

It is used theraputically for people with hypertension, aterosclerosis, edema, cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, seizures, breast cancer, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy.

Taurine is in eggs, fish, meat, and milk, but not in vegetable proteins. It can be synthesized from cysteine and methionine as long as sufficient quantities of vitamin B₆ are present.

Threonine

Is an important constituent of collagen, elastin, and enamel protein; helps prevent fat build-up in the liver; helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly; assists metabolism and assimilation.

Tryptophan

A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety and depression; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the immune system; helps reduce the risk of artery and heart spasms; works with lysine in reducing cholesterol levels.

Tyrosine

Promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands. Supresses the appetite and helps to reduce body fat. Research indicates tyrosine may help chronic fatigue, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, allergies, headaches, and Parkinson's disease.

Valine

One of three branched-chain amino acids (the others are leucine and isoleucine) that enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in muscle tissue recovery and repair. This group also lowers elevated blood sugar levels and increases growth hormone production. Supplemental valine should always be combined with isoleucine and leucine at a respective milligram ratio of 2:1:2.

Caution: Megadosing can cause hallucinations and tingling skin.

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