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HERBS - Back
Overview
Western civilization is far from the only culture that has
a centuries old herbal tradition. In China, much of the medical
practice is tied to uses of herbs, a tradition that dates
back to at least 3000 BC. In fact, virtually every culture
and continent in the world has a history of using herbs as
part of their daily diet. Today, individuals are realizing
the value of herbs that they can enjoy easily and safely.
As nourishment, herbs can offer the body nutrients it does
not always receive, either from poor diet, or environmental
deficiencies in the soil and air. Herbs are nutritional foundation
nutrients, working through the glands, nourishing the body’s
deepest and most basic processes. While herbal formulations
are not addictive, and have almost no side effects, the key
to achieving balanced results in herbal formulas is moderation,
both in formulation and dosage.
Increasingly, the research has shown that the combination
of herbs increases both balance and result, when compared
to single herbal extract. In addition to allowing multiple
herbs to address the dynamic nature of the targeted function,
a multi-herbal formulation has the ability to work at different
stages of need. And as no people, or their bodies, are alike
– the maximum effect is best realized through a combination
of herbs.
Each individual body has its own unique mechanism, and each
has the ability to bring itself to
its own balanced and healthy state. Herbs simply pave the
way for the body to do its own work, by toning, nourishing
and breaking up toxins – at the cause, rather than the
effect.
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Herb Glossary
Astragalus Astragalus offers many of the
same benefits as Ginseng, but possesses a very unique and
valuable distinction in that this herb profoundly strengthens
and boosts the immune system. There has been research that
has demonstrated Astragalus’s effect on increasing white
blood cells, the cells that are responsible for regulating
our immune system. Astragalus may also help to lower blood
pressure.
Bitter Orange One rule in herbal practice
is that whenever we strengthen our life force, we must also
encourage it to circulate smoothly throughout the body. Bitter
Orange compliments each formula by encouraging our life force
and energy to flow freely and unobstructed. Its cooling nature
also helps balance the warming energy of the tonic herbs in
the formula. Bitter Orange also releases stagnation in the
digestive tract, eliminating fullness, distention and bloating.
Ultimately, by activating energy flow, Bitter Orange will
potentiate the effect of the strengthening herbs in the formula,
resulting in more focused and balanced energy.
Chinese Blackberry This herb has a nourishing
effect on the blood and may improve vision, and help moisten
the lungs, especially in cases of a dry, hacking cough. The
Chinese have been using this herb for thousands of years for
increasing stamina and vigor, and maintaining good kidney
function.
Chinese Knotweed Chinese Knotweed has anti-inflammatory
effects, which make it ideal as a supporting herb. This herb
is recognized around the world as a tonic herb, that possesses
some very valuable medicinal properties including anti-viral
and anti-microbial effects. Chinese Knotweed also can help
lower fevers and greatly reduce inflammation.
Chinese Kudzu Kudzu has an ability to relax
and ease muscle tension spasms, especially in the neck, shoulders,
and upper back. This herb compliments the other warming herbs
in this formula with it’s cool and soothing nature.
It also has potent immune boosting effects which enhance the
overall formula.
Dong Quai Dong Quai has a tremendous capacity
to nourish the blood. It also has been shown to have analgesic
and sedative effects. Dong Quai brings balance through its
ability to nourish and regulate blood, and enhance the effectiveness
of the other herbs, by bringing them deeper into the bloodstream.
Echinacea Echinacea has been rediscovered
as a great medicinal for bacterial and viral infections. Perhaps
Echinacea may be one of the strongest natural anti-biotic’s
known to man. Echinacea differs from that of tonics because
it’s potency is more similar to that of an anti-biotic
such as Penicillin. Its effects are strong and like anti-biotics,
Echinacea should not be used for longer than necessary.
Eleuthero or Siberian Ginseng By
increasing oxygen to virtually all cells and organs in the
body, this herb allows the body to thrive in the harshest
of environments. This herb is celebrated around the world
by world-class athletes and body builders and anyone who requires
an additional source of adaptive energy for strength, stamina,
endurance, and performance. Not only does this herb allow
our bodies to become more resilient and receptive to stress,
but it also allows the mind to become sharper, more focused.
This herb works on both a physical and mental level. This
is a choice herb for anyone wishing to expand their dimensions
of work performance. This herb regulates virtually every function
on a cellular level so as to allow maximum mental and physical
performance.
Garcinia Garcinia is derived from a plant
primarily grown in India that is nutritionally beneficial
in blocking the production of fats. Scientific research conducted
on this herb since 1969 demonstrates that it slows the body's
conversion of carbohydrates and excess calories to fat, decreasing
production of harmful fats (low-density lipoproteins), promoting
sustained energy levels by enhancing the body's production
of glycogen, reducing the body's desire for excess food; helping
to nutritionally support the metabolism and burn calories.
Human studies indicate that Garcinia may be especially effective
when combined with chromium.
Ginger Ginger is one of the most versatile
and valuable herbs that we possess. Ginger not only harmonizes
all the herbs in this formula, it also reduces any undesirable
side effects that they may have. Ginger also soothes the Stomach
and digestive system, and can alleviate nausea and motion
sickness. Ginger is also known to maintain potent aphrodisiac
properties.
Ginkgo Biloba The Ginkgo tree is the oldest
tree to date. In fact, the very anti-oxidants that Ginkgo
possesses is probably what has allowed this powerful herb
to flourish since prehistoric times. The anti-oxidants in
Ginkgo certainly contribute to it’s overall anti-aging
effect. Ginkgo increases blood circulation to the brain and
the lower extremities, resulting in a greater oxygen supply
to the brain, leading to increased concentration, memory,
sharpness, focus, and even enhanced communication skills.
The result is a greater sense of mental clarity.
Green Tea Extract Green tea is made from
the same plant as black tea except that black tea is processed
by fermentation, which damages important therapeutic phytochemicals.
Green tea contains bioflavonoid polyphenol catechins; including
EGCG. These are very potent antioxidants with immune and circulatory
system benefits. Research has shown that they inactivate some
viruses, reduce the risk of several fatal diseases including
cancer, decrease the risk of blood clots, prevent strokes,
and lower blood cholesterol levels. They may also help regulate
blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Guggul Technically not
classified as an herb, rather Guggul is a gummy yellowish
resin plant extract from India. It is a cardio tonic that
strengthens muscle, nerve, bone tissue. Its properties are
similar to niacin and fish oil. It clears cholesterol from
arteries and veins and breaks up hardening and stagnation.
It builds the lymphatic and immune system and reduces inflammation.
This is a very impressive phytomedicine; it has been described
as "probably the most powerful cholesterol lowering phytomedicine
known”. A small percentage of users experience a mild
allergic skin reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort.
He Shou Wu He Shou Wu is one of the most
famous herbs in Chinese Herbalism, thought to promote hair
growth, and preserve hair color, luster, and thickness, it
also has been used traditionally by Daoists to increase longevity,
promote wisdom, and make the body light. He Shou Wu is able
to play a key supporting role to other herbs through it’s
nourishing properties on the body, and specifically the nervous
system.
Licorice Known as the “Great Detoxifier”,
Licorice helps detoxify the body, and also harmonizes the
effects of the other herbs. Licorice also strengthens energy,
improves digestion, and increases life force.
Lycium This herb helps nourish blood, brighten
the eyes, and calm the spirit. Lycium has a nourishing effect
on the yin system of the body, which allows us to remain calm
in the face of adversity, and cultivate our higher self. This
herb is also thought to be very high in polysaccharides which
have been found to have anti-carcinogenic effects.
Korean Ginseng or Panax Ginseng
Korean Ginseng has the ability to greatly strengthen our vitality,
which may become depleted from work, noise, pollution, excess
sexual activity, too much stress, and general overtaxation
on the body. Ginseng has the ability to restore our deepest
life force, which will supply us with an abundance of energy,
and the physical endurance and stamina to flow through life
with vigor and vitality.
Olive Leaf
has a wide number of constituents, including oleuropein and
several types of flavonoids (e.g., rutin, apigenin, luteolin)
that have shown to provide antibacterial effects. In addition,
oleuropein inhibits the oxidation of LDL (“bad”)
cholesterol. LDL oxidation is one part in a series of damaging
events that, if left unchecked, can lead to the development
of atherosclerosis.
Panax Ginseng (see Korean Ginseng)
Reishi contains
several major constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol,
polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids.
Ganoderic acids may lower blood pressure as well as decrease
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. These specific triterpenoids
also help reduce blood platelets from sticking together—an
important factor in lowering the risk for coronary heart disease.
Reishi has also demonstrated effectiveness in reducing blood
pressure.
Schisandra There is virtually no organ that
Schisandra cannot penetrate and benefit, but it is most acclaimed
for its ability to help detoxify the Liver, thereby protecting
the Liver from harsh toxins and potentially harmful chemicals.
Schisandra has the ability to increase the essential fluids
in the body, including cerebro-spinal fluid, which has a profound
effect on increasing intelligence and to function at an optimal
level. Regular consumption of this herb will have a deeply
tonifying effect on the body, spirit, and mind. Schisandra
has also demonstrated anti-aging properties.
Siberian Ginseng (see Eleuthero)
St. John’s Wort Traditionally thought
to ward off evil spirits, St John’s Wort is a wonderful
herb for promoting a true sense of peace and well-being. Research
continues to support the positive effect this herb offers
in combating mild depression and relieving anxiety. St. Johns
Wort has also demonstrated effectiveness in treating all forms
of insomnia, especially those related to underlining anxiety
and/or depression.
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