The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
 Doctors of Oriental medicine also use the herb to treat colic, menstrual cramping, and shoulder pain.
The recommended dosage of curcumin is 900-1800 mg daily. A tea may be prepared from the turmeric root at a dose of 0.5-1 gram a cup.
Devil's claw. Devil's claw is from an African plant whose fruit bears a resemblance to a large, hooked claw. Several pharmacological studies using animal models of inflammation have found that devil's claw produces powerful anti-inflammatory effects. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Small doses of a 10% solution have been shown to stimulate pregnant rabbit uterus specimans with large amounts stopping contractile effects entirely. The herb also possesses known antibacterial properties, as research has demonstrated in vitro inhibitory effects against bacteria including Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Virbrio cholerae.
—D. Bensky & A. Gamble (eds.), Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Seattle, Eastland Press, 1986, p. 382-384. |
Ray Strand, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 They explained to Christina that they believed the seizures were a result of the natural herb combination of caffeine and ephedra that Juan had been taking. The neurologist had seen this same reaction twice before in her career. She said that even if Juan did manage to survive, he would most likely sustain significant brain damage.
After three months the EEG had settled down enough that the neurologist felt she could take her patient off the sedation and try to wake him up. Juan came off the ventilator without any problems and remained seizure-free with the help of medication. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
 Spirulina contains concentrations of nutrients unlike any other single grain, herb, or plant. It has the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids; is virtually the only vegetarian source of vitamin B12, which is (needed for healthy red blood cells; and contains significant amounts of iron, protein (60 to 70 percent), essential amino acids, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, and chlorophyll. Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps to protect the immune system, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and boost the absorption of necessary minerals. |
American Medical Publishing
See book keywords and concepts |
| Most likely, this herb has a small capability to lift the mood of people who are not seriously depressed,and in some cases, it may even be a good choice for people with true clinical depression. But the herb is certainly not the "miracle drug" that the media bandwagon made it out to be — but by the time everyone sobered up and took a closer look at the products, millions in profits had been made and the damage was done both to the pocketbook of the consumer, and probably the healthy of many innocent people who put their faith in media excess and questionable drug company studies. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ma huang), which dilates the pupils and may increase eye pressure.
Food to Avoid
Fluid retention in the eye may be a response to food allergies. See the Food Allergies section to determine whether a food is contributing to your problem. If you find that consumption of a certain food makes your eyes red, irritated, painful, or tender, you must avoid that product from now on.
Caffeine has been shown to reduce blood flow to the eye, so avoid coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated teas and sodas.
A toxic liver may be related to eye problems. |
Cynthia A. Foster, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 His father's condition continued to decline while I practically begged him to give his father some milk thisde, an herb with known liver protecting actions. I even acquired some scientific literature showing the use of the herbs in human studies proving their efficacy, and made copies for him. He was too afraid to do something that had not been established by his own profession to work.
His father deteriorated to the point where he was in need of a liver transplant. He began to have high fevers. Again, I begged for him to give his father a botde of echinacea. |
| They knew nothing of cayenne or juice fasdng, herbal poultices that regrew and repaired traumatized tissue, or any other therapies that would have brought these bones together again, including the herb, comfrey, also known as knit-bone because it is so well known for "knitting" bones back together.
After the accident, the man lost a lot of blood. Doctors don't know how to stop hemorrhaging except to find the blood vessels that are ruptured, go in surgically and tie them off. A lot of trouble, if you ask me. A good dose of cayenne is easier for everyone involved. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Find a brand that's standardized to 24 per-120 mg twice daily. s) oil may help prevent and treat diabetic neu-mg daily of GLA (the active essential fatty help ent
480 chamomile, and passionflower all have soothing
Homeopathy
Consult with a homeopathic practitionejr to individualize your homeopathic treatment. Acupressure
See pages 668-675 for information [about acupressure points and administering treatment.
• Governing Vessel 24.5 supports the endocrine system.
• To improve circulation, massage Gallbladder 21. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| This herb may also interact with MAO inhibitors and blood-thinners such as warfarin.
Adrafinil
This is a European antidepressant drug that is being successfully used by Europeans and Americans who import it fot petsonal use. The dose is usually 2 tablets twice a day.
Phenylalanine and Tyrosine
Phenylalanine and tyrosine ate both amino acids. Out bodies can convett phenylalanine to tyrosine and phenylethylamine (PEA). Tyrosine is the precursor to several neurottansmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Because it is an herb, parsley's therapeutic powers are concentrated, so only a small amount is needed. Always mix parsley with other vegetables before juicing. Drinking large quantities of pure parsley juice can have a detrimental effect on the nervous system.
Potato Juice
Potato juice is a potassium cocktail that is particularly valuable for people who are convalescing from illness and for those who are sick and unable to eat. It is full of organic minerals and vitamins that will quickly restore energy and help the body to regenerate healthy cells and tissues. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| John's Wort can speed the liver's breakdown of drugs, talk to your physician before combining this herb with any prescription medications. If you are taking SAMe, you do not need to take St. John's Wort.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids seem to influence neurotransmitter function. Depressed people tend to have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet and in their cell membranes. You can take between 400-1000 mg of DHA and 400-1000 mg of EPA. Mega EPA provides 800 mg of EPA and 600 mg of DHA in two softgels.
4. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Buckwheat Sprouts
Buckwheat is not a true grain but an herb. The sprouts have the largest leaf of any sprout and the seed is hard and must be removed before eating. The seeds mature in about nine to ten days. Around day six, immerse the entire sprouting basket into a basin of room-temperature water. Gently swishing the basket around will cause many of the seed hulls to fall off. Shake off excess water and allow them to continue to sprout for a few more days. Harvest them when 80 to 90 percent of the hulls have fallen off. |
| Rosemary's strong, assertive flavor makes it a difficult herb to combine with others. Use its leaves sparingly with vegetables, grains, soups, and stews. Or add it to olive oil for an Italian-style bread dip. Rosemary is good with root vegetables, such as potatoes and onions, and is often used to season lamb.
Key nutrients in rosemary include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin Bl (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), pantothenic acid, folate, and fiber. |
George R. Schwartz
See book keywords and concepts |
 Canned Chicken Stock or Bouillon Cubes: Several stock recipes are included in Appendix 1. The herb stock is much faster, but the others have a richer flavor. Plain water also can be substituted, especially in soup recipes. Spices and herbs will round out the flavor.
Barbeque Sauce or Chili Sauce: Either homemade catsup or tomato sauce with added spices or chili powder will provide a substitute. Recipes also are included for homemade barbeque sauce or chill sauce.
Monosodium Glutamate: If a recipe calls for the addition of MSG there are easy alternatives. |
Muhammed Majeed, Ph.D. Vladimir Badmaev, M.D., Ph.D. Uma Shivakumar, Ph.D. R. Rajendran, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Contemporary applications in medicine
Turmeric exemplifies an herb for which clinical applications have evolved over time. Until recently, this perennial herb, widely cultivated in tropical regions of Asia, particularly in India, was valued primarily as a commercial item for imparting a lively yellow color and also as a part of most curry powders. In India, the Bengal variety of turmeric is preferred for dyeing purposes, and the Madras variety is preferred for flavoring purposes. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Bilberry extract, derived from an herb related to the blueberry, has been found to protect eye cells and membranes from free-radical damage as well.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis affects more than 25 million women over the age of forty-five in the United States and Canada. This disorder—which cannot be cured, only prevented or delayed— results when the bones lose minerals that give them their strength, rendering them increasingly porous, fragile, and vulnerable to fracture. Half of postmenopausal women have some degree of undetected bone loss. |
Ray Strand, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| He said it was basically caffeine and ephedra, a natural herb that would boost energy. For the next year, Juan continued to work out, using ephedra with no problems. His body looked amazing, and soon he had met the love of his life.
The next year Juan married Christina, and a year and a half later they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Being a husband, father, and the manager of a very successful business began to take a toll on Juan. He gained some weight and found that his stressful lifestyle, which included getting up at 5:00 A.M. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
| The part used as an herb is the leaf portion of the plant. Bilberry conditions capillaries and red blood cells, thereby helping to lower blood pressure. It also protects the eyes; inhibits bacterial growth; has anticar-cinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging properties; and helps to lower blood sugar levels. The collagen-stabilizing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bilberry extract make it helpful for the treatment of arthritis. |
Jean Antonello
See book keywords and concepts |
 And although Liz had tried to hide her compulsive bingeing, herb knew something was up when whole cakes disappeared while he was out of the house on a short errand. herb was already convinced that whatever Liz was doing, it was definitely different. When he found out, he decided to join his wife and get his own eating straightened out. His eating troubles weren't nearly as dramatic as Liz's, but he was on the Feast or Famine Cycle and needed to kick his taste for fatty foods. And right along with Liz, he did. |
Patrick Holford
See book keywords and concepts |
 Nowadays, there are plenty of coffee alternatives and herb and fruit teas. Health food stores also have sugar-free "candy" and bars. Check the label for hidden sugar.
It is best to reduce the sugar content of your diet slowly. Gradually get used to less sweetness. For example, sweeten breakfast cereal with fruit. Dilute fruit juices by half with water. Avoid foods with added sugar. Limit your intake of dried fruit. Eat fruits that contain fast-releasing sugars, like bananas, with slow-releasing carbohydrates, such as oats. |
Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
See book keywords and concepts |
 Valerian
This herb has become very popular as a calming agent. In other words, it may help people relieve minor anxiety and perhaps even get to sleep. Be aware, however, that valerian might interact with alcohol or other tranquilizers or sedatives. This means that someone taking Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), or an antidepressant such as Elavil (amitriptyline) that may cause drowsiness should be very cautious about adding valerian.
Herbs are popular these days. People like to think of such remedies as natural and organic, with no side effects or complications. |
| It is especially popular in Brazil, where natives have used this herb as a treatment for malaria and dysentery. Not surprisingly, they also drink it as a hot beverage, much as we do tea or coffee. Guarana contains a whopping dose of caffeine—3 to 5 percent by dry weight, compared to 1 to 2 percent in coffee beans, by dry weight. Therefore the same warnings that apply to caffeine would also apply to guarana.
Licorice
Many herbal preparations contain licorice (glycyrrhiza). This natural product has been used for centuries in cough and cold remedies and as a digestive aid. |
Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard
See book keywords and concepts |
 This is the herb stevia. At the present time, stevia is permitted for use only as a dietary supplement in both the U.S. and Canada. nonnutritive sweeteners are safe when used in moderate amounts. However, not all experts echo that sentiment, some claiming that these products are downright dangerous.
NONNUTRITIVE SWEETENERS
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? he safety of nonnutritive sweeteners is a topic of tremendous ongoing controversy. The national diabetes and dietetic associations, as well as U.S. |
Committee on Comparative Toxicity of Naturally Occurring Carcinogens
See book keywords and concepts |
 Some are grown in home herb gardens, and others are gathered wild. Teas made from herbs gathered by amateurs are a well-recognized cause of human poisonings. The carcinogenic properties of most of these spices have not been evaluated. Most are generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The animal carcinogens so far identified in spices and flavors are listed with their plant sources and levels of occurrence in Appendix A. The appendix notes only that there has been some degree of carcinogenicity testing with some positive results reported. |
Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard
See book keywords and concepts |
| Regulatory agencies of these countries are convinced that the herb not only is safe for human consumption, but may offer potential health benefits. Clinical studies suggest that stevia may improve blood sugar control, protect liver function, fight infectious microorganisms, and have beneficial effects on fat absorption and blood pressure.
It all seems pretty straightforward until you review the status of stevia in the U.S. Since the mid-1980s, the FDA has absolutely refused to approve stevia for use as a noncaloric sweetener. |
Michael Lerner
See book keywords and concepts |
 Chinese herb 'Destagnation' Series I: Combination of Radiation with Destagnation in the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC): A Prospective Randomized Trial on 188 Cases," International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics 16(2):297-300 (1989).
36 M.S. Xian, "Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbs on Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: Histopathological Analysis of 240 Cases," Acta Medicinae Okayama 43(6)345-51 (1989).
37 R.J. |
| Astragalus membranaceus and Ginseng
A 1990 study at the Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy at the University of Texas System Cancer Center in Houston and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing found that a fractionated extract of the herb Astragalus membranaceus increased the anticancer activity of killer cells potentiated by the well-known experimental substance, low-dose recombinant interleukin-2. The study found a "10-fold potentiation" of the interleukin activity when it was used in combination with the herbal extract. |
Linda Mason Hunter
See book keywords and concepts |
 Make a simple sachet of dried southernwood (an herb, available at botanical centers and health food stores), and store it where you keep woolens. It helps to give sachets a little squeeze from time to time, to release a fresh burst of scent.
¦ Herbal remedies will work only if the clothes are clean and stored in airtight containers that stay closed for periods of several days at a time. At least once a year, take everything out of the drawers and closets for a good airing. Unfold individual items, and give each a good shake; then hang them out in the sun and breeze for a few hours. |
Michael Lerner
See book keywords and concepts |
| Quality of life was also better for those receiving the herb, including physical condition, appetite, and coldness of hands and feet. Herbally treated patients also were protected from bone marrow suppression associated with chemotherapy. The authors at the National Cancer Center Hospital concluded, "Treatment with Juzentaihoto is better than without Juzentaihoto in treatment for advanced breast cancer patients. |
Email this page to a friend
