Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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 Time and again, we have found that treatment with Rhodiola rosea can make all the difference because the herb improves both sexual function and mood. What's more, it's the only sex enhancer we know that revives both male and female libidos. Patrick and Angela are good examples.
Prone to depression, Patrick had tried many antidepressants over the years. By the time he turned 50, both he and his wife were frustrated by his irritable mood, constant fatigue, and lack of sexual desire. Dick suggested a daily course of 200 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea. Within 4 weeks, Patrick was a changed man. |
Peter J. Whitehouse and Daniel George
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 This Chinese herb has shown some facility for improving memory in elderly people. Huperzine A is an alkaloid isolated from club moss that acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor. It has relatively few side effects and might eventually be proven to be efficacious in a fashion similar to other cholinesterase inhibitors. Studies are currently being done, and the jury is still out. I do not formally recommend this herb in my practice.
Galantamine. A phytonutrient, or plant-based nutrient, galantamine has a history of use that goes back at least 3,200 years. |
Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
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| In other words, when lab animals receive this herb in sufficient quantities, tumors or colon cancer is often the result.73 Remember—there is only a fractional amount of DNA differentiating human beings from many other mammals such as rats, primates, or even a household fly... so what can kill one animal can probably kill most.
You obviously don't want to ingest this herb or any of its derivatives. Take the time to seek out a product supporting your body's ability to cleanse and heal itself, rather than relying on a dangerous laxative that causes more harm than good. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Imagine, for a moment, that the FDA found out that some nutritional supplement or herb caused children to have a 180% increase in suicidal tendencies. Do you think that would be front-page news? You bet it would be! And the FDA would be grabbing headlines around the nation, warning people that herb X was killing their children. The herb would be taken off the market, and inventories would be confiscated. Importation of the herb would be banned. But when it's prescription drugs, it's all OK -- as long as money continues to be made in the industry. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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| In animal studies, the herb has reduced levels of lactic acid and ammonia in tissues, helping to avert muscle fatigue as well as promote synthesis of ATP and CP.4-7
Then, too, Rhodiola rosea is antihypoxic. In other words, it improves oxygen utilization in the tissues, which optimizes recovery after exertion. This action is consistent with the long-held view among Russian sports physiologists of exercise as a low-oxygen state, because muscle tissues at work use oxygen at a high rate. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 This is a case in which the herb is not only more effective, but also safer; a fact that should not be surprising, since medicinal herbs are typically more effective and significantly safer than prescription drugs. Also, St. John’s Wort is a natural medicinal herb that has been used safely and effectively by cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. So with the findings of this study, we once again see a much better alternative for treating depression than prescription drugs
We also learned recently that St. John’s Wort is only one of many natural treatments for severe depression. |
Devra Davis
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 THAT WDUIP BE SO MUCH EASIER THAN PREVENTION*
A 1977 Herblock Cartoon, copyright by The herb Block Foundation.
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "Eureka!" but "That's funny . . ."
--isaac asimov
On its western front, World War I was largely fought along a line that snaked from the North Sea to France's mountainous border with Switzerland. Men sat for hours in sandbag-fortified trenches four to eight feet deep, waiting for the occasional volley of gunfire to ring out across the no-man's-land separating enemies. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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| Even so, perhaps the most compelling reason to contemplate alternatives to Viagra is that the drug does absolutely nothing to boost sexual desire in men or women—a benefit that our favorite herb, Rhodiola rosea, is known for throughout Russia, Siberia, and other parts of Asia. What's more, while it isn't as potent as Viagra for erectile dysfunction, Rhodiola rosea definitely can help. Doctors in Siberia and the Republic of Georgia regularly prescribe a tincture of the root extract to improve sexual function in men.
At age 40, Sandy, an unmarried office manager, wasn't interested in sex. |
| Doing this not only allows your system to adjust, it also enables you to monitor the herb's effectiveness.
For symptoms of fatigue, we recommend an initial dose of 100 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea, taken Vi hour before breakfast on an empty stomach. If after 3 to 7 days you're tolerating this amount well, you can add a 100-milligram capsule Vi hour before lunch. Some people will need as many as two capsules twice a day, while others may feel overstimulated with just one capsule. |
| Over the next few days, Jeanne's energy level continued to rise, but the herb began to upset her stomach. When she stopped her treatment for 2 days, her mind seemed to slow down almost immediately. Fortunately, taking ginger capsules Vi hour prior to her dose of Rhodiola rosea calmed her upset stomach, so she was able to resume her treatment.
Jeanne's optimal dosage of Rhodiola rosea turned out to be one-half of a capsule before breakfast, and again before lunch. By the third week, she felt like a new person—or, rather, the person she had been before her illness. |
| We have seen the herb make a real difference for hundreds of people suffering from fatigue, chronic stress, depression, memory and cognitive impairment, hormonal imbalances, and immune system dysfunction, as well as for healthy individuals seeking to improve their physical or mental endurance.
Such broad benefits may sound too good to be true. But as we'll explain in chapter 4, Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen, a natural substance that acts on multiple systems of the body. |
Andrew Pengelly
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 Boldine imparts choleretic, cholagogue, antioxidant and smooth muscle relaxant properties to the herb (Speisky et al. 1991). It is used primarily in the treatment of gallstones.
Tropane alkaloids
These are complex molecules containing pyrrolidine and piperidine ring structures, derived from the precursors ornithine and phenylalanine. Isoleucine and acetate also play a role in the biosynthesis of tropane structures. Alkaloids used in medicine are restricted largely to the Solanaceae family, apart from cocaine which comes from the coca plant in the Erythroxylaceae family. |
| The Indian herb Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae) contains diterpene lactones, glucosides and dimers including andrographolide (Bone 1996). Hepatoprotective activity has been demonstrated, supporting the traditional use for liver and digestive disorders (Chander et al. 1995). Andrographolide and its derivatives have been proven to produce substantial immune-enhancing effects, supported by clinical studies in bacterial and respiratory infections (Melchior et al. 2000). |
| Both the alkaloid and the herb are beneficial in the treatment of gout. Because of its ability to inhibit cell division, colchicine is used in plant breeding and genetic research.
• Muscarine—from Amanita muscaria (Agaricaceae), the fly agaric mushroom. Muscarine is a toxic constituent found in several mushroom species. It is a parasympathetic agent that binds to cholinergic receptors. Owing to its toxicity it is not used therapeutically.
• Mescaline—from Lophophora williamsii (Cactaceae)—peyote, mescal buttons. This plant is used as a hallucinogen by some native North Americans. |
| The survey revealed a high level of variability in levels of the marker compounds, implying a need to strengthen quality assurance and improve the labelling system by the local herb industry (Wills and Stuart 1998).
Pharmacological actions
Alkamides can be readily detected by organoleptic means, by placing a very small quantity on the tongue. The initial sharp sensation and saliva production is followed by a local anaesthetic or numbing effect. Not surprisingly many are associated with management of toothache—Spilanthes and Zanthoxylum spp. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 That's not to say that the herb can't be helpful while you're making lifestyle changes that improve your mental outlook (such as dietary changes, increased exposure to natural sunlight, taking up exercise, and so on), but to depend on St. John's Wort day in and day out is no different than being hooked on Prozac (except the herb is a lot more affordable and doesn't have negative side effects).
All this is extremely frustrating for practitioners of alternative medicine, holistic medicine, herbalists, nutritionists, etc. |
Tom Bohager
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 CFU
Glucoamylase
50AGU
Nutrient Enhance Formula with all vitamin/mineral or herb supplements consumed on empty stomach
Purpose:To help the body benefit from supplemental vitamins, minerals, and herbs Each serving should contain approximately:
Bioperine
5 mg
Lactase
150 ALU
Amylase blend
6,000 DU
Beta-glucanase
90 BGU
Protease blend
10,000 HUT
Xylanase
150XU
Maltase
100 DP
Pectinase
40 PU
Glucoamylase
25 AGU
Hemicellulase
800 HCU
Alpha-galactosidase
250 GALU
Invertase
79 INVU
Lipase blend
400 FCCFIP
L. |
Andrew Pengelly
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| Apart from antimicrobial properties, the traditional hypotensive use for the herb has been verified through demonstration of coronary vasodilatory activity (Zarzuelo et al. 1991). Investigations by Hansen et al. (1996) reveal the presence of a dihydroxyphenyl ethanol fraction with calcium channel antagonist activity, leading to isolation of a new secoiridoid—oleacein. Subsequently oleacein was identified as a potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, offering further evidence for hypotensive action. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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 You should try to find a nondrug (or herb) way to fall asleep.
OTHER HERBAL REMEDIES
Finally, other lesser-known plants whose efficacy is not well enough known to recommend them are also available. For example, the plant hawthorn has been used to treat heart failure. Although some studies show efficacy, no formal research has been done outside of Germany. Fenugreek is a dried seed that contains fiber and steroid saponins that decrease glucose levels and cholesterol as demonstrated by clinical trials. |
| This book is for anyone who is on medication, is thinking about taking a medication, knows someone on medication, or is taking a vitamin, herb, or supplement. It is also for people not on medication, since a doctor or a drug company is bound to eventually recommend a drug to them as well.
This book covers more than three hundred of the most commonly prescribed drugs, the fifty top-selling prescription drugs, all of the vitamins, and the best-selling herbs and supplements. |
Andrew Pengelly
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| The lipophilic compounds from this herb, most notably lauric acid, inhibit the enzyme (5a-reductase) responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone to 5a-dihydrotestosterone, the metabolite associated with prostate enlargement. Clinical trials support the use of saw palmetto extracts in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) while its anti-androgenic properties may also assist in acne, female hirsutism and even baldness. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 The FDA, for example, banned the Chinese herb ma huang because it contains ephedra. Yet the exact same chemical compound remains perfectly legal in over-the-counter drugs like Sudafed and a variety of cold medicines. Sudafed even gets its name from ephedra: "pseudo-ephedrine." So why is ephedrine illegal in herbs, yet legal in pharmacy drugs manufactured by drug companies? You already know the answer.
With all that in mind, why do you think prescription drugs that kill people remain legal? Think carefully now... |
Nicola Reavley
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 Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek has been used as a culinary herb and as a medicine since ancient times. It has expectorant, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and blood pressure-lowering actions. It also increases the flow of milk in nursing mothers.
Uses
Fenugreek is used to treat sore throats, bronchitis and to improve digestion. It is also recommended for menopausal women.
Cautions
Fenugreek should not be used during pregnancy.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew, a member of the sunflower family, has been used medicinally for centuries. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Hoodia gordonii tincture
One company currently sells hoodia gordonii tincture (hoodia herb soaked in alcohol to extract the herb's active ingredients): Hoodoba (Hoodoba Hi-Potency Elixir).
For some people, tinctures work better than pills due to the digestibility factor. This benefit is especially prevalent in people over the age of 60 who typically suffer from low production of HCL stomach acid, but it can vary greatly from one individual to the next. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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| The study found that the herb is actually much more effective than antidepressant drugs, since more than half of those taking St. John's Wort in the trial experienced improvements in symptoms of mental depression. Conversely, only 1/3 of those taking the popular antidepressant drug showed such improvements. Not surprisingly, those taking the herb also showed significantly fewer negative side effects compared to those taking the prescription drug. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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| Hoodia gordonii tincture
One company currently sells hoodia gordonii tincture (hoodia herb soaked in alcohol to extract the herb's active ingredients): Hoodoba (Hoodoba Hi-Potency Elixir).
For some people, tinctures work better than pills due to the digestibility factor. This benefit is especially prevalent in people over the age of 60 who typically suffer from low production of HCL stomach acid, but it can vary greatly from one individual to the next. |
Hyla Cass
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 Because the other aspects of the herb are valuable, too. They all work together, and they are all beneficial.
?Eat three servings a day of top-quality protein foods such as fish, poultry, lean meat (free range), eggs, soy, or combinations of beans, lentils, and grains.
?Avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats, and reduce your intake of saturated fats from meat, dairy products, and junk food.
?Choose low-GI/GL complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and avoid sugar and refined foods.
?Eat fish three times a week, or take fish oil supplements.
? |
Nicola Reavley
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| Black haw {Viburnum prunifolium)
Mainly a woman's herb, black haw is often combined with crampbark. Uses
Black haw is used to treat menstrual pain, to prevent miscarriage and prevnet excessive flow at menopause.
Blue flag (Iris versicolor)
Commonly grown as an ornamental garden plant, blue flag has a reputation as a blood purifier and cleanser of toxins.
Uses
Blue flag is used to treat skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema, possibly via its effects on the liver. It is also useful in the treatment of headache and migraine associated with digestive problems and low blood sugar. |
| Chickweed (Stellaria media)
A common garden weed, chickweed is a vitamin and mineral- rich herb. It is rich in B complex vitamins, iron, copper, calcium and zinc. It can be used externally to relieve itching, and has wound-healing and emollient properties.
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Also known as goosegrass and catchweed because of its sticky leaves, cleavers has long been valued as a tonic for the lymphatic system.
Uses
Cleavers is used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. It is also useful in treating swollen glands and urinary stones. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald
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 A standardized extract from the culinary herb sage and its active ingredient rosmarinic acid provided protection against Alzheimer amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta)-induced toxicity in cultured rat cells.
Neuroprotective Effects of Green and Black Teas and Their Catechin Gallate Esters Against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Toxicity. Bastianetto S; Yao ZX; et al. European Journal of Neuroscience, 2006 January, 23(l):55-64.
The findings support the hypothesis that black as well as green teas may be beneficial against Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurodegenerative conditions. |
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