DR. PIETER COHEN is checking the shelves in the shop in Chinatown here when something familiar — and potentially harmful — catches his eye.

“What’s that yellow box, behind another one?” Dr. Cohen questions the clerk.

It’s Pai You Guo, a allegedly ideal weight-loss supplement from China that, based on federal government bodies, has examined positive previously for that contains two hazardous drugs, together with a suspected carcinogen. The merchandise was remembered last year. Among Dr. Cohen’s patients within the Boston area wound up within the hospital this past year with a variety of conditions after taking Pai You Guo, a brandname-title that, loosely converted from Chinese, means “the fruit that removes body stout.”

But he’s seen worse: kidney failure, heart disease, depression, addiction — all, he states, triggered by tainted items offered freely as nutritional supplements in stores nationwide and on the web.

“My patients are now being injured with this,” states Dr. Cohen, an internist in the nearby Cambridge Health Alliance as well as an assistant professor of drugs at Harvard School Of Medicine.

Marketing drugs within the guise of supplements is against the law within the U . s . States. Tainted Pai You Guo is simply one small a part of that global business. Federal government bodies are battling to recognize and intercept these black-market goods, which, they warn, pose grave health problems.

The manufacturers of legal nutritional supplements — the type available at GNC, for instance — acknowledge they’re unwilling to raise a lot of sensors. Despite the fact that there’s small evidence that lots of nutritional supplements provide real health advantages, legal supplements, from multi-vitamins to ginkgo biloba, really are a large and growing business. People in america spent $28.1 billion in it this past year, up from $21.3 billion 5 years ago, based on estimations from Diet Business Journal, a researching the market firm.

Millions more will also be being spent yearly on black-market items, particularly individuals promoted to lose weight, bodybuilding and sexual enhancement. A few of these items, based on the F.D.A., contain amphetamines, synthetic anabolic steroids, laxatives and compounds such as the active drug in The blue pill. Authorities say such items may cause cardiac arrest and strokes, and can harm the renal system and liver. A couple of folks the U . s . States, they are saying, have left after taking them.

Industry reps say a huge most of supplements are secure, plus they fault government bodies for neglecting to stop the increase of illegal items from places like China. But couple of appear prepared to tackle the issue freely. Unlike, say, the style industry, that has lobbied for elevated regulation to combat knock-off items and it has vociferously promoted the problem, the supplement market is at best fighting a whisper campaign.

“We walk a thin line,” states Steve Mister, leader from the Council for Responsible Diet, a trade group in Washington that signifies supplement producers and component providers. “We wish to safeguard customers, but we shouldn’t alarm customers so that they avoid the entire marketplace.”

Mr. Mister states legitimate producers ensure product safety. Under federal law, supplements are understood to be items which contain only supplemental nutritional elements, like minerals and vitamins. Individuals who knowingly make or distribute items spiked with drugs, he states, are outliers. His group suggests that individuals buy across the country recognized brands — like Centrum, One Each Day and Character Made — from the people and steer clear of individuals which make miracle claims.

But tainted items aren’t basically a fringe problem. Major chains like GNC and also the Vitamin Shoppe, for instance, withdrew stout loss-loss brand known as StarCaps using their stores 3 years ago after reviews appeared the product, promoted like a papaya-based supplement, contained a effective diuretic drug.

Meanwhile, a lot of companies promote genuine nutritional supplements with passionate claims that resemble individuals of adulterated items, government bodies say, which makes it hard for customers to tell apart between your legal and also the illegal, the harmless and also the potentially harmful.

Exhibit A: Some advice sheet in the Council for Responsible Diet. Of sexual enhancement supplements for males, it states: “Regular utilization of vitamins might provide subtle, incremental improvement, but don’t be prepared to pop vitamins and have the ability to immediately ‘get busy.’ ”

Exhibit B: RockHard Weekend, vitamins offered available lately on Amazon . com.com. “Works in half an hour or less!” the pitch went. “One pill lasts the typical guy as much as 72 hrs with full control!”

Exhibit C: RockHard Labs, of Alpharetta, Ga., which remembered some plenty of that very product last year, following the F.D.A. stated the pills contained an analogue from the drug utilized in The blue pill. This past year, the organization remembered much more after independent tests learned that some pills still contained the drug. A business news release stated it plotted to prevent another recall by utilizing greater-quality elements and testing. The organization didn’t return two calls or perhaps an e-mail seeking comment.

Amazon . com didn’t react to phone calls as well as an e-mail seeking comment.

Guy UP NOW. Passion Coffee. Slim Waistline. Stiff Nights. 7 Day Herbal Slim. Within the last 3 years, the F.D.A. has released alerts about these contributing to 300 other supplements it states happen to be adulterated. The company has pressed marketers to recall tainted lots and it has grabbed a lot more than $a million price of items. Government bodies also have introduced new surveillance techniques, looked into major traffickers and elevated public notices as alerts, a wide open letter towards the industry along with a database — all to small avail.

“It’s a incredible tidal wave of items,” Michael Levy, acting director from the F.D.A.’s office of drug security, integrity and recalls, states while sitting in a table laden with contraband in Silver Spring, Md. “We are getting rid of merely a fraction.”

The issue, he states, would be that the F.D.A. lacks the assets to stem the increase of illegal raw elements and handle items — mainly from Asia — towards the U . s . States. Furthermore, he states, the company cannot easily prevent adulterated items disguised as supplements from reaching the marketplace.

View the original article here

Tags: Product Recall, Michael Levy, boston area, medicine marketing, federal law

Psyllium seeds are so rich in fiber that it has been prescribed for constipation and other digestive complaints for nearly 500 years.  During the Middle Ages in Europe, Arab physicians sold a constipation remedy called diagridium and psyllium was one of the main ingredients.

The small, reddish seeds are nearly odourless and tasteless and come from the Plantago psyllium plant.  Another name for the psyllium plant is plantain, but is should not be confused with the edible banana-like fruit of the same name or the herb plantain.

Plantago is grown commercially in Spain, France, India and other countries.  Various species of this plant is used in herbal medicine, but the most commonly used are the seeds of the Plantago psyllium plant and P. ovata.  The seeds are generally dried, ground and sold in a powder form and are sometimes added to breakfast cereals.

The fibrous husk of psyllium seeds form a gel like mass when mixed with water that then absorbs excess water from the intestines and makes, larger, softer stools.  Psyllium also helps to lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol-rich bile, drawing cholesterol from your bloodstream.  This kind of water-soluble fiber is suitable for people who do not eat a diet high in fiber.

In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration allowed breakfast cereals to claim that it can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.  To be able to state this claim, breakfast cereals had to contain at least 1,7 g of soluble fiber from psyllium per serving.  

Psyllium can help with a wide variety of disorders such as constipation, diarrea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis and haemorrhoids.  This herbal medicine works by absorbing water makes larger stools.  If you suffer from constipation, the added water will soften stools, making it simpler to pass.  This is helpful to reduce the irritation experienced by people who have haemorrhoids.  

By speeding up the passing of stools through the intestine, psyllium is beneficial to people who suffer from diverticular disease.  This disease causes faecal particles to become trapped in small pockets in the intestine’s lining, causing infection and pain.  

Psyllium’s ability to absorb excess water from loose stools makes it an ideal treatment for diarrea.

Only in the 1980′s did scientists learn another benefit of this herbal medicine:  it lowers blood cholesterol levels, especially the terrible cholesterol (LDL) that can lead to heart disease.  By simply adding psyllium to a low-stout diet, you can significantly reduce cholesterol levels, eliminating the need for prescription medications.

Weight-loss programmes recommend the addition of psyllium to a low-stout diet.  By absorbing water, it fills your stomach and provides a sense of fullness, causing you to eat less. This herbal supplement also delays the emptying of food from your stomach, making you feel full for longer.  In a small British study, women who took a psyllium supplement with water three hours before a meal, absorbed less stout and less kilojoules from food.  Psyllium also stabilizes blood sugar levels, thereby controlling food cravings.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Psyllium supplements can temporarily cause bloating and flatulence because it supplies fiber.  You can avoid these unpleasant side effects by slowly increasing your psyllium intake over a period of several days.  

Do not take doses higher than recommend as this can cause certain minerals not to be absorbed by your body.

Should you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing after taking psyllium herbal supplements, seek medical attention immediately as you may be allergic to psyllium.

The recommended dosage is one to three tablespoons of psyllium powder two to three times a day.  Do not exceed 30 g a day.

It usually takes 12 to 24 hours to get relief from constipation and sometimes can take as long as three days.  Ensure that you take psyllium supplements with plenty of water. Dissolve psyllium powder in a glass of water and then drink another glass of water immediately after.  

Do not take any other medications with psyllium herbal supplements as this can delay the medications from being absorbed.  

If you are pregnant and suffering from constipation, consult your medical practitioner before taking psyllium supplements.

Tags: Health Medical Pharma, food and drug administration, psyllium plant, medicine works, risk of heart disease

This herbal remedy derives its name from the fruit which has thorns at the end of fleshy stalks, making it look like a claw.  Native to southern Africa, this plant has been used in herbal medicines for thousands of years.  It was first introduced to Europe in the early 1900′s and the dried roots were used for relieving pain and inflammation and to help with digestive disorders.  Today, devil’s claw is used as a digestive tonic and as a long-term herbal remedy for the treatment of joint pain and arthritic conditions.

The parts of devil’s claw that are used to make herbal medicines are called tubers, which are the fleshy, underground stems.  The components responsible for this plant’s medicinal properties are called harpagoside, harpagide and procumbide and are part of the iridoid glycoside family which all act as pain-killers and anti-inflammatories.

Studies conducted with devil’s claw show that this herbal remedy has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of fibrositis and fibromyalgia, gout, lumbago, rheumatic disease and other arthritic conditions.  It was noted that devil’s claw was most efficient in treating chronic pain, making it ideal to use over the long-term.  The tubers of the devil’s claw plant also contain flavonoids, which are powerful anti-oxidants with healing properties.  

A study to test the effectiveness of devil’s claw was conducted on 122 people suffering with hip and knee osteo-arthritis.  The devil’s claw herbal medicine not only reduced pain and inflammation, but markedly improved functional ability.  The same effect was reported as that of a leading prescription medicine for osteo-arthritis.  Fewer side effects were also reported amongst people using devil’s claw.

In another study conducted, people who suffered from lower back and neck pain were treated with a standardized devil’s claw herbal medicine for 4 weeks.  These subjects all reported a significant decrease in chronic pain and needed fewer commercial pain killers.  

An brilliant bitters, with a bitters value equaling that of gentian root, devil’s claw is widely used in Europe as a digestive tonic.  This herbal remedy is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints such as dyspeptic symptoms, flatulence and gallbladder disorders.  An infusion made of the roots of devil’s claw can also ease mild digestive disorders such as nausea, stomach upsets and gastric ulcers.

Traditionally, devil’s claw was used to make an ointment used topically to treat minor wounds and skin abrasions, ulcers and boils, but more research into the effectiveness of this herbal remedy as an ointment is needed.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Side effects are rarely reported, but a few cases of headaches and slight digestive discomfort was reported in some patients.  Devil’s claw is nontoxic and at the recommended dosages, is one of the most effective long-term herbal pain relievers.

Devil’s claw should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

People using blood thinning medication such as Warfarin should not use devil’s claw.  If you are using medication for high blood pressure or any heart disease, do not take devil’s claw.

When purchasing devil’s claw herbal supplements, make sure that it is from a reputable manufacturer, as unpure and unsafe forms have been found in some stores.

The active ingredients in devil’s claw work synergistically, so look for supplements that contain both the raw root powder and the extract of the root.  

For the treatment of pain and inflammation, take 400 mg of the herbal extract three times a day.  

To make an infusion of devil’s claw, use a cup of boiling water with 1.5 g of powdered dried root.  Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink.  

Improvement is usually seen within three to four weeks and you should not use devil’s claw for a period longer than five months.  Discontinue use for a few weeks and then continue taking the herbal medicine at the recommended dosages.

Tags: herbal medicines, arthritic conditions, functional ability, anti oxidants, herbal remedy

This immune boosting herb has long been used to not only treat but also prevent diseases.  Astragalus only gained popularity in the 1980′s in the United States, but in China it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.  Astragalus is a frail looking plant, but is really very hardy.  It has a sweet-smelling, pale yellow blossom and the roots are mainly used for herbal remedies.

Over 2000 species of Astragalus exist, but only 2 are used in herbal remedies:  Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.  In North America there are several species that are highly poisonous to livestock and are called “locoweed,” but these species of Astragalus are very different from the disease fighting species.

One of the main benefits of Astragalus is that it is safe to use with conventional medicine and will not interfere with any standard treatment.  

The root of the Astragalus plant contains numerous health-promoting substances, one of which is polysaccharides, which is a class of carbohydrates which are responsible for this herbal remedy‘s immune enhancing effects.  The other substances are saponins, astragalosides, flavonoids and triterpenes.

Health practitioners prescribe Astragalus as a general health tonic as it enhances your overall health by improving resistance to disease, increasing your stamina and vitality and promotes general wellbeing. This herbal supplement is also an adaptogen, which means that it will greatly increase your body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.

Astragalus has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition, it also has antioxidant properties, which means that it can protect your body from cell hurt caused by free radicals.  

This herbal treatment is especially effective in treating and preventing the common cold, flu, sinus infections and bronchitis as it prevents viruses from gaining a foothold in the respiratory system.  Just like Echinacea, Astragalus can stop a disease from the onset of the first symptoms.  If a disease does develop, Astragalus can shorten the duration of the disease and lessen the severity of symptoms.

People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer will benefit greatly from using Astragalus on a regular basis as this herb rebuilds their immune systems and helps to repair hurt caused by cancer treatments.  Using Astragalus will also protect bone marrow from the immune-suppressing effects of chemotherapy and radiation.  This herb is also used to help the body”s production of T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, interferon and other immune cells as these cells are often ruined by chemotherapy and radiation.  

Recent research indicates that Astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits in people who suffer from heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function.  The first study revealed that if a patient takes Astragalus within 36 hours of a heart attack, it could enhance the functioning of the heart”s left ventricle, which is the chamber responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood through the body.  The second study was conducted to prove that Astragalus could prevent chest pain, or angina.  Astragalus produced better results than a well-known prescription medication commonly used for this condition.

Astragalus root may also help reduce high cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure by widening blood vessels and improving blood circulation.  The Astragalus root also acts as a mild diuretic.

In addition, this herb can aid digestion by inhibiting gastric secretions and reducing gastric acid, which makes Astragalus helpful in curing stomach ulcers. 

Ongoing research is being conducted into the use of Astragalus to treat HIV and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. After centuries of use, few side effects have been reported by people using Astragalus, but, because of its immune-enhancing benefits, people who receive organ transplants should not use this herb.

To boost your immune system, take 200 mg of Astragalus once or twice a day for a period of three weeks.  Then alternate, in three week periods, with cat”s claw, echinacea and pau d”arco.  Choose a product that contains a standardized extract of this herb with 0,5% glucosides and 70% polysaccharides.

Creams and ointments containing Astragalus are readily available at health stores and will help with wound healing and stop wounds and ulcers from becoming septic.

You can add dried Astragalus root to soup, stews or rice dishes.  Let it simmer for 30 minutes, then remove the herb as it is tough to chew.  This not only adds flavour to these dishes but also makes it simple to add immune-enhancing properties to your food.

Tags: herbal supplement, health practitioners, sinus infections, herbal remedy, treatment for cancer

The use of grapes, grape leaves and grape seeds as herbal supplements are as ancient as time.

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians realized the value of grapes many thousands of years ago.  Traditional European folk healers used the sap from grapevines to make an ointment to treat skin diseases.  Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding and relieve inflammation.

Researchers today are finding more ways that grapes and grape seeds improve our general health and wellbeing.  

Grape seeds are rich in flavonoids, which are plant substances with powerful anti-oxidant properties that protect cells from free radical hurt.  Free radical hurt occurs when the natural free radicals in your body are increased due to pollution, radiation, smoking and ultraviolet hurt.  This can lead to cell hurt, premature aging and blood vessel disorders.  Grape seed extract contains PCO’s (procyanidolic oligomers), which are believed to have the ability to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Grape seed extract is oil- and water-soluble, meaning that it can penetrate all kinds of cell membranes, making sure that its anti-oxidant properties are released throughout your entire body.  This herbal extract is able to cross the blood-brain barrier protecting brain cells from free radical hurt.  Enhancing the overall health of blood vessels, grape seed extract reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

This anti-oxidant strenghens weakened capillaries and increases blood flow to the extremities, making it useful in treating blood circulation disorders such as Raynaud’s disease.  People who suffer from any kind of vascular insufficiency will benefit from using grape seed extract as it successfully treats varicose veins, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs and even leg cramps.

As it is able to affect even the tiniest of blood vessels, it also benefits the circulation in the eye.  Health care practitioners recommend grape seed extract to prevent and treat macular degeneration, cataracts and night blindness.  If you are a regular computer user, eyestrain caused by the computer monitor will greatly improve.

Tumors form when there is hurt to the genetic material of cells.  Using grape seed extract will help to right the hurt to these cells and will decrease the chances of cancerous tumors forming.  People undergoing chemotherapy can use grape seed extract to minimize the hurt caused by this cancer treatment.

Grape seed extract is also recommended to treat connective tissue disorders as it helps to rebuild and preserve collagen in your skin.  It is for this reason that many skin care products today contain extracts of grape seed.  

If you suffer from allergies, grape seed will lessen the severity of the symptoms.  This herbal extract works by inhibiting the release of histamine, which is a compound responsible for allergic reactions such as hay fever or hives.

Women who suffer from endometriosis find relief from pain and inflammation caused by chemicals known as prostaglandins. Grape seed extract blocks the release of prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

Grape seed oil should not be confused with grape seed extract, but the oil may offer health benefits as well.  A study conducted in New York at the University Health Science Center found that adding two tablespoons of grape seed oil to the subjects’ daily diet increased the excellent cholesterol (HDL) and reduced triglycerides.

Hurt to the cardiovascular system in people who smoke is reduced with the use of grape seed extract.  High blood pressure can also be treated with the use of this herbal remedy as it helps to repair hurt to blood vessels.

If you have diabetes, grape seed extract can help to regulate your blood sugar levels and also increase vascular function, which is often affected by this disease.

In a recent study it was found that grape seed extract is highly efficient at treating chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), as it reduced the severity and frequency of abdominal pain.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

No side effects or toxic reactions from the use of grape seed extract have ever been reported.  No known interactions exist between grape seed extract and conventional medicines.  

Only about 28 percent of grape seed extract’s active compounds remain in the body after 24 hours.  It is therefore vital to take the herbal supplement at the same time everyday, especially if you are using it to treat a disease.

You can take grape seed supplements with or without food.

For anti-oxidant protection, take 100 mg daily.  To treat disease, take 200 mg daily.  Ensure that you buy grape seed supplements standardized to contain 92-95 percent procyanidolic oligomers (PCO’s).

Tags: night blindness, brain cells, blood brain barrier, macular degeneration, hay fever

For thousands of years, the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree has been part of the traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, to treat obesity and arthritis.  Today, a modern purified extract called gugulipid has been found to be even more effective than some prescription medicines for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Gugulipid comes from the gummy resin of the small and thorny mukul myrrh tree that is native to India.  The resin itself was used in ancient traditional medicine and was called gum guggul or “guggulu”.  Guggulu, but contains many toxic compounds, but fortunately, Indian pharmacologists devised a way to extract the active, beneficial compounds in the resin.  The result is the herbal extract called gugulipid.

The active ingredients in this herbal medicine are called guggulsterones and appear to affect the way your body metabolizes cholesterol and stout.  These ingredients also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

High cholesterol has no obvious symptoms but it is a risk factor for disorders that do have symptoms such as angina and when you have high blood cholesterol levels, you have an increased chance of developing coronary heart disease. When blood cholesterol levels are very high, it may appear as yellow nodules under the skin of the elbows and knees or under the eyes.  Cholesterol is a fatlike substance that circulates through your blood and on its own it isn’t harmful.  When doctors test for high blood cholesterol levels, they usually focus on two types of cholesterol:  LDL, which is the terrible cholesterol and can block arteries and cause heart attacks and HDL, which is the excellent cholesterol that helps to clear away cholesterol before it can build up in arteries.  A high level of LDL and a low level of HDL suggests that you are at a risk of a heart attack and your medical practitioner will place you on a strict diet along with cholesterol medication.

Genetic factors do play a role in affecting cholesterol levels, but in many people high levels are linked to a diet that is rich in saturated stout and cholesterol.  Both saturated stout and cholesterol are found in beef, butter and whole-milk dairy products.  The risks are increased when you are overweight, smoking and do not get enough exercise.

In a study of 61 patients with high cholesterol levels, 31 were given gugulipid and 30 were given a placebo.  After 24 weeks, the patients who were taking the placebo showed no decrease in their LDL cholesterol levels and the 31 patients who were taking gugulipid, showed a 13 percent drop in the LDL levels and a 12 percent drop in triglycerides.

In particular, it is the guggulsterones in guglipid that stimulates the liver to break down harmful LDL cholesterol and increases the levels of the protective cholesterol HDL.  A 24 percent drop in total cholesterol levels was found in a study done in India in which 205 people participated. They all took gugulipid herbal supplements and followed a low-stout diet. Another study was done comparing the efficacy of gugulipid with that of a prescription cholesterol-lowering medication.  Total cholesterol levels dropped by 11 percent in patients who were using gugulipd and a drop of 10 percent was seen in the group taking the prescription medicine.  In addition, the levels of HDL were increased in the group who took the gugulipid supplements.

Gugulipid has been shown to prevent the formation of artery-clogging plaque and can even help to reverse existing plaque build-up.  This herbal medicine also inhibits blood platelets from banding together and thereby protects against blood clots, which can often trigger heart attacks as well.

Guggulsterones (the active compounds in gugulipid) have the same anti-inflammatory action as that of ibuprofen and is useful in treating arthritis and its painful symptoms.  

More research is needed, but recently guglipid has shown promise as a weight-loss supplement by increasing the way your body burns kilojoules.  Gugulipid stimulates the production of thyroid hormones and assists with the reduction of stout around the abdomen, which is generally associated with a risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Never take the crude gum gugul or guggulu, which can cause skin rashes, diarrea, stomach pain and a loss of appetite.

Side effects are very rare with this herbal medicine, but mild nausea, flatulence and hiccups have been reported.  As gugulipid inhibits blood platelets from binding together, care should be taken by people who are using blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin.

Pregnant women should not use gugulipd.  Consult your medical practitioner before taking gugulipid herbal supplements if you suffer from liver disease, diarrea or inflammatory bowel disease.

To lower your cholesterol, take a supplement which supplies 25 mg of guggulsterones per dose, three times a day.

You can take guglipid herbal supplements with or without meals.

Tags: coronary heart disease, toxic compounds, heart disease, excellent cholesterol, mukul myrrh

Garlic has been used as food and medicine for centuries by many cultures and Egyptians worshiped this potent herb for its medicinal and culinary powers.

18th Century French drank Garlic tea to try and prevent getting sick from the plague.

Doctors in both world wars used Garlic to treat battle wounds.

Garlic is related to the onion and spring onion plants. The bulb contains the healing powers and flavor.

Today, Garlic is used to prevent heart disease.

Studies suggest that Garlic can prevent heart disease in many ways. One study showed that Garlic extract prevents the stiffening of the aorta which occurs naturally with age.

Garlic makes platelets less likely to clump and stick to artery walls, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks.

This herbal medicine helps to dissolve clot-forming proteins, which affects plaque development. Plaque build-up can cause arteries to narrow and cause heart attacks.

Garlic widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, helping blood circulate better.

Recent studies have proven that Garlic interferes with the metabolism of cholesterol in the liver and so less cholesterol is released into the blood, making Garlic an alternative to long-term cholesterol treatments.

People who take Garlic supplements are less likely to suffer from the common cold and when suffering from a cold, the symptoms lasted a much shorter period. People who suffer from asthma can benefit from regular use of Garlic supplements.

Because of its immune-enhancing properties, Garlic is now being studied as an herbal medicine in the fight against cancer.

Large quantities of fresh, raw Garlic may have anti-parasitic properties against roundworm, which is a common type of intestinal parasite.

Garlic contains allicin, which is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.

Garlic consumption can help to fight the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.

Herbal practitioners have prescribed Garlic to treat adult cholic for many years.

Warts can be treated by placing a crushed raw Garlic clove directly on the wart.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Consult your health care professional if you are taking anti-coagulants such as Warfarin and medications to lower blood pressure.

Garlic can be taken indefinitely, but if you are taking Garlic to lower your cholesterol levels, make sure that you test the levels regularly to ensure that it has a positive effect.

Some people have reported heartburn, flatulence and diarrhea when taking high doses of Garlic. Lowering the dose and taking enteric-coated supplement will reduce these side-effects.

Most experts recommend that you buy Garlic powder supplements as they are more effective.

Cooked Garlic loses most of its nutritional and herbal nutrients, so fresh Garlic is a better option.

Enteric-coated Garlic supplements prevents most of the side-effects from occurring and is also passed through the stomach undigested, ensuring that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.

Studies have shown that deodorized Garlic supplement have the same benefits as regular supplements.

When buying Garlic supplements, make sure that it contains at least 4 000 mcg of allicin per pill, as this is what you would find in one clove of fresh Garlic.

To boost general health and to help to lower cholesterol, take 400 to 600 mg of a Garlic supplement a day.

To fight common colds and flu, take 400 to 600 mg Garlic supplements four times a day.

To treat skin conditions such as warts or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, apply a crushed Garlic clove or Garlic oil directly to the affected areas.

Tags: battle wounds, raw garlic, herbal practitioners, fungal infections, healing powers

Gotu kola is a favourite food of elephants and because elephants are notoriously long-lived animals, it might have led people to believe that it can prolong life.  Although research has not proven that it can indeed prolong your life, studies have found that this herbal medicine have vital health benefits.

This herbal medicine had its origins in India and today still forms an vital part of an ancient healing tradition called Ayurveda.  Ayurveda is defined as providing an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and natural therapies.   In France, gotu kola has been prescribed since the 1880′s to treat burns and other skin wounds.

This herb with its bright red flowers thrives in hot, swampy areas and grows naturally in India, Madagascar, middle and southern Africa, Australia, China and the southern United States.  The leaves appearance depends on whether it is growing in water (large, fan-shaped leaves) or on dry land (small and thin leaves).  The leaves are the most vital and most commonly used herbal medicine.

Gotu kola is also known as Centella asiatica, talepetrako, Indian pennywort, Indian water navelwort or hydrocotyle.  Although the names are similar, there is no relationship between gotu kola and the kola (or cola) nut, which is used in cola drinks.  Gotu kola is caffeine free and does not act as a stimulant.

Whether you take gotu kola internally or use it externally, there are many benefits to this herbal medicine.  Some of the common uses include treating burns and wounds, building connective tissue, strengthening veins and improving memory.  This herb’s vital compounds are called triterpenes, which appear to enhance the formation of collagen in cartilage, bones and connective tissue.  In addition, these compounds promote healthy blood vessels and help to produce neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the brain.

Gotu kola promotes the healthy development of connective tissue and prevents the formation of hardened areas.  This is what makes this herbal medicine so vital for treating many skin conditions.  It is used as a therapeutic treatment for burns, keloids (overgrown scar tissue) and helps surgical incisions and skin ulcers to heal quicker. Applying gotu kola topically to psoriasis lesions will aid healing.

This herbal remedy is valuable in treating varicose veins by improving blood flow and strengthening cells in the walls of blood vessels.  Studies conducted show that 80 percent of patients with varicose veins had a substantial improvement.  

Patients with heart disease and high blood pressure show improvement when using gotu kola herbal remedies when compared to patients who took a placebo.

Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years to improve mental alertness.   Ongoing research has shown fantastic benefit in using this herb to boost memory, improve learning capability and most importantly, reversing some of the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  In one study, mentally disabled children were found to have better concentration and attention levels after taking this herbal supplement for a period of 12 weeks.  Children and adults who have ADD (attention deficit disorder) will also greatly benefit by using gotu kola herbal remedies.  

As a general herbal therapeutic and herbal tonic, gotu kola will improve circulation and boost your concentration levels, making it simpler for you to retain information.  Students and school children benefit by taking this herbal medicine as they are able to concentrate for longer periods and retain more of the material studied.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Internally or externally, gotu kola has small side effects.  Skin rashes, light sensitivity and headaches are rare side effects, should this occur, reduce the dosage.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use gotu kola.

Taking gotu kola for an extended period of time is not recommended.  After taking the herb for a period of 6-8 weeks, stop taking the supplement for a period of 2 weeks and then continue regular use, following this pattern.

Gotu kola has a mild sedative effect and should therefore not be used in conjunction with prescription sedatives.

When purchasing gotu kola supplements, ensure that it is standardized to contain 10 percent asiaticoside, which is an active ingredient in this herb.  If you are unable to find the standardized extract, substitute 400 to 500 mg of the raw herb for each 200 mg dose.

To treat varicose veins, take 200 mg of the standardized extract three times a day.

For burns and other skin wounds, use 200 mg twice a day until the wounds are healed.

To improve memory, concentration and slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, take 200 mg standardized extract three times a day.  

Gotu kola can be taken internally or externally with or without meals.  Gotu kola tea can also be applied externally to treat burns and wounds and psoriasis lesions.  You can use both the oral and the topical herbal treatments at the same time.  Make a paste of gotu kola by breaking open a capsule and mixing the dried herb powder in a small amount of water.  This can be applied externally to the skin.

Steep one or two teaspoons of dried gotu kola leaf in a cup of boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes.  Drink one or two cups a day.

Tags: skin wounds, improving memory, treating burns, United States, indian pennywort

Hawthorn is a shrub that can grow up to nine meters high, and in Europe and America it was used for centuries as a divider along the edges of property lines.

Hawthorn produces pretty white flowers and bright red berries, but it also grows large thorns and the flowers can smell like rotting meat.

The use of Hawthorn as a modern herbal medicine started in the 19th century when an Irish physician treated heart disease very successfully using Hawthorn.

Hawthorn is an herbal medicine that directly benefits the workings of the heart. Hawthorn dilates blood vessels, increases the heart’s energy supply and improves the heart’s pumping ability.

The reason behind Hawthorn’s effectiveness is an abundant supply of compounds called flavonoids which function as potent antioxidants.

Hawthorn widens arteries by interfering with the workings of an enzyme called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), which constricts blood vessels. By increasing blood flow to the arteries, Hawthorn is an brilliant herbal remedy for people who suffer from angina or high blood pressure.

Hawthorn can be used by people who suffer from mild congestive heart failure as this herbal medicine blocks enzymes that weaken the heart muscle.

Several studies have shown that Hawthorn is effective to treat cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat.

People who suffer from shortness of breath and fatigue due to heart failure reported that these symptoms improved dramatically with the use of Hawthorn.

Hawthorn has powerful antioxidant properties, which makes it a well loved herbal medicine used to treat atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty materials, also called plaques, in blood vessels that can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attacks. Plaque buildup in arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain can result in stroke.

A tincture made from the berries of the Hawthorn plant is used as an herbal medicine to remove LDL, or “terrible” cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Hawthorn is also considered to have mildly calming effects on the nervous system which is useful considering that stress and nervousness often accompany cardiovascular problems.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

People who do not suffer from heart disease should not use Hawthorn as it can cause very low blood pressure which in turn can cause dizziness and fainting.

Hawthorn has been found safe to use in conjunction with other conventional medications prescribed to treat heart disease.

Hawthorn has been given a class 1 safety rating by the American Herbal Products Association, which indicated that it is a very safe herbal medicine.

Side-effects have been very rare, but can include headache, sweating, nausea and fatigue.

Do not use Hawthorn if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Hawthorn can enhance the activity of Digoxin, a medication used for irregular heart rhythms.

How do I use Hawthorn?

Depending on the type of heart condition, dosages of Hawthorn range from 300 to 450 mg a day in pill form and from one teaspoon to one tablespoon of Hawthorn tincture daily.

People at risk of heart disease can take a 100 to 150 mg preventative dose daily.

To decrease the symptoms of heart failure, take 160 to 900 mg Hawthorn for at least 6 weeks. These dosages should be standardized to contain 2-3 percent flavonoids and 1, 8 percent standardized extract of vitexin.

If you have to take large doses of Hawthorn, it works better to divide the daily recommended amount into three dosages.

Hawthorn can take a couple of months to build up in your system and to produce noticeable results.

When purchasing Hawthorn, make sure that it contains at least 1, 8 percent standardized extract of vitexin, which is the main heart-protective ingredient in this herbal medicine.

Tags: abundant supply, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, American Herbal Products Association, terrible cholesterol

HERBAL MEDS ONLINE NEWSLETTER

EDITION 2 – MARCH 2009

Welcome to the second edition of the Herbal Meds Online newsletter!

At Herbal Meds Online, we continually strive to keep you informed about herbal medicines and its uses.

Herbal medicines have been around for centuries and as more research and studies are being done, people are realizing the value of herbal medicines in the prevention and treatment of illness.

The use of herbal medicines and herbal supplements have increased dramatically in the past 30 years and is useful in treating a variety of conditions such as PMS, migraine, chronic fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis, to name just a few.

In this edition, we will be focusing on fever blisters and the herbal medicines used to prevent and treat this painful condition.

TOPICS

Naturopathy – a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient

Purchasing safe and pure herbal medicines

Fever blisters – a preventable condition

Lysine – an herbal remedy used to treat and prevent fever blisters

Hints and Fascinating Facts

Herbal Medicine quote of the month

Reminder

Naturopathy – a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient

Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a system of medicine that uses natural substances to treat the patient and recognizes that the patient’s mental, emotional, and physical states must all be treated for a lasting effect.

The foundation of Naturopathic medicine is the vitalistic philosophy of the “healing power of nature.” This means that within every human organism there is a healing energy, which includes our immune system in the fuller sense of both the physical and the psyche, which is responsible for our wellness and our ability to heal and maintain health

Following this first premise is the second, that the therapies used to support and stimulate this healing power of nature must be in “the gentlest, least invasive, most efficient manner possible”.

The third Naturopathic premise is “to diagnose and treat the cause”. Naturopaths do not simply treat the manifestation of the disease but rather search for the cause and treat it.

To accomplish these goals, Naturopathic medicine incorporates many therapeutic modalities: herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, hydrotherapy, food, exercise therapy, physical therapy, and manipulation of the bony and soft tissues, lifestyle and counseling.

Naturopathic medicine treats the patient from the preventive stage through to serious, chronic and debilitating disease. Therefore, people can go to Naturopaths for colds, bronchitis, allergies, as well as for heart disease, diabetes, and malignant diseases.

(Information taken from www.naturopathyonline.com)

Purchasing safe and pure herbal medicines

Make sure that you consult a health care provider that has the proper credentials and who is trained to prescribe herbs and supplements.

Inform your health care practitioner if you are taking prescription medicines to avoid unwanted and even perilous drug interactions.

The herbs available in most stores come in several different forms: teas, syrups, oils, liquid extracts, tinctures, and dry extracts (pills or capsules). Teas are simply dried herbs left to soak for a few minutes in hot water, while other teas are the herbs boiled in water and then strained for consumption. Syrups, made from concentrated extracts and added to sweet-tasting preparations, are frequently used for sore throats and coughs. Oils are extracted from plants and often used as rubs for massage, either alone or as part of an ointment or cream. Tinctures and liquid extracts are solvents (usually water, alcohol, or glycerol) that contain the active ingredients of the herbs. Tinctures are typically a 1:5 or 1:10 concentration, meaning that one part of the herbal material is prepared with five to ten parts (by weight) of the liquid. Liquid extracts are more concentrated than tinctures and are typically a 1:1 concentration. A dry extract form is the most concentrated form of an herbal product (typically 2:1 – 8:1) and is sold as a tablet, capsule, or lozenge.

Currently, no organization or government body regulates the manufacture or certifies the labeling of herbal preparations. This means you can’t be sure that the amount of the herb contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose, is the same as what is stated on the mark. Some herbal preparations are standardized, meaning that the preparation is guaranteed to contain a specific amount of the active ingredients of the herb. But, it is still vital to question companies that are making standardized herbal products the basis for their product’s guarantee. If consumers insist on an answer to this question, manufacturers of these herbal products may start to implement more quality control processes, like microscopic, chemical, and biological analyses. It is vital to talk to your doctor or an expert in herbal medicine for the recommended doses of any herbal products you are considering.

(Information taken from www.umm.edu)

Fever blisters – a preventable condition

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Fever blisters first appear three to ten days after exposure to the virus and an outbreak of fever blisters can last up to three weeks.

Unfortunately, this virus remains in the body and moves into the nervous system. Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, emotional trauma, a cold or a viral infection, exposure to sun and wind or a weakened immune system.

Fever blisters are highly contagious and studies have shown that children as young as ten carry the virus.

There are several stages of the development of a fever blister:

Stage 1: no sore is visible yet, but there is a tingling, prickling feeling around the affected area.

Stage 2: swelling starts and the affected area is red and often hot to the touch.

Stage 3: the first signs of tiny blisters appear. Itching and pain increases.

Stage 4: a soft, very painful ulcer forms.

Lysine – an herbal remedy used to treat and prevent fever blisters

Lysine is an essential amino acid in that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, therefore it needs to be obtained from your diet.

If you suffer from regular outbreaks of cold sores and fever blisters a Lysine supplement can help treat and also prevent these outbreaks.

Cold sores, fever blisters and shingles are all forms of the Herpes virus and several studies have shown that Lysine inhibits viral replication. These specific types of viruses utilize Arginine (another form of amino acid) and increasing the availability of Lysine in the human body slows the virus replication and inhibits the use of Arginine.

Studies have also indicated that Lysine could suppress genital herpes.

Use of Lysine as an alternative treatment to cold sores reduces the frequency of outbreaks and lesions heal quicker.

Lysine is available in pill form and cream form. At the onset of an outbreak of cold sores, start with a dosage of 1000mg Lysine daily and as the condition improves, take a therapeutic dosage of 500mg daily.

Lysine cream can be applied topically to the affected areas to reduce the symptoms of painful outbreaks.
(Information taken from article published on our website www.herbal-meds-online.com)

Hints and Fascinating Facts on Fever blisters

Holding an ice cube on the affected area for a few minutes can reduce the pain and swelling.

Recent studies have shown that Vitamin C may be effective in treating fever blisters when applied topically.

People who are prone to fever blister outbreaks should avoid over-exposure to the sun and should use a lip balm that contains an SPF of at least 15.

Avoid touching the blisters as this can spread the infection.

(Information taken from “The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs” published by Reader’s Digest)

Herbal Medicine quote of the month

“Foolish the doctor who despises the knowledge bought by the ancients.”

Hippocrates, a Greek physician born in 460 BC

Reminder

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. Pregnant or lactating women and children under 16 years of age should not be using herbal remedies or supplements unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

Tags: preventable conditionFever blisters, power of nature, tiny blisters, viral infection, immune system