Resource Center Herb and Supplement Dictionary A-C

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Herb and Supplement Dictionary 

ALOE VERA (Aloe ferox, Aloe barbadensis) - Aloe is a plant that has been used for centuries for many medicinal purposes. A Super bioavailable product that contains more than 252 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides, and natural anti-inflammatory. In addition, Aloe is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Scientific evidence supports the use of Aloe for wounds, burns, sunburns, abrasions, and many other health conditions.
    Products:  All Aloe Products

ACTIVIN™ (Vitis Vinifera Grape Seed Extract) - ActiVin™, Grape Seed Extract, made by Interhealth, has been shown to significantly inhibit and even kill human cancer cells, while increasing the growth and viability of normal healthy cells.
    Products: Radically Free

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR - transports fatty acid chain into the cells.

ASTRAGALUS - Astragalus is an herb that has many possible benefits, including fighting infection and the common cold, to benefiting cancer and AIDS patients!  It also strengthens the heart, aids in digestion, provides energy to combat fatigue and increases metabolism.  

Astragalus has been used in China for hundreds of years. Known there, since about A.D. 100, as “huang qi,” meaning “yellow leader,” it is taken from the root of the plant. There are more than 2,000 varieties of astragalus in the world. One type is native to Northern China, and it has been widely tested.

The plant is allowed to mature for four to seven years and the root is harvested in early spring. Astragalus contains many ingredients, including amino acids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, isoflavones, saponins and trace minerals.

Traditional Chinese medicine has used astragalus for such problems as weakness, edema, respiratory infections, diabetes, night sweats, diarrhea, heart disease and high blood pressure. Medical journals suggest the herb may stimulate the immune system and the body’s ability to resist and combat various diseases. Astragalus may also inhibit the spread and growth of cancer cells.

In the United States, astragalus has been the subject of much study in recent years. Studies at the University of Houston have shown astragalus may help improve immunity function in cancer patients, by increasing T-cell counts. Other testing, including research by the National Cancer Institute, continues to explore further possible medical benefits of astragalus, including the treatment of AIDS.

Possible benefits of astragalus:

• May improve the immune system of cancer patients and others.
• May help with disease resistance.
• May help normalize blood pressure.
• May help the body fight against bacterial and viral infections.
• May help hasten recovery from the common cold.
• May help improve symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients.
• May help improve appetite and digestion.
• May help to generally strengthen the body.
• May help in the treatment of respiratory infections.
• May have a diuretic effect.
• May increase energy.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels.
• May prolong life.
• May be helpful to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment

BEE POLLEN - helps combat allergies

BEET ROOT - enriches the blood.

BIOFLAVONOID COMPLEX - improves the strength of small blood vessels or capillaries, thus strengthening against bruising or hemorrhaging, has been used to successfully treat bleeding gums, helps allergies and asthma, offers protection against heart disease, inhibits the action of carcinogens and helps to prevent cancers caused by oxidative damage, shown to have antiviral activity, dramatically accelerates the healing of cold sores caused by the herpes virus, effective against coxsackie virus and the common cold. Bioflavonoids are compounds that are widely distributed in nature as pigments in flowers, fruits, tree barks, vegetables and grains.

BLACK COHOSH - Women with hypertension related to (PMS) were anxious. irritable, moody and nervous 1 - 2 weeks before their period. Such women were also inclined to eat five times more dairy products and three times more refined sugar. Because BLACK COHOSH is able to reduce hypertension and exert a slight sedative action on the nerves, many women have been helped through PMS.

BLACK WALNUT - oxygenates the blood, burns up excessive toxins and fatty minerals, while it helps balance sugar levels, helps break down cystic tissue.

BLADDERWRACK - helps normalize the thyroid gland and aids in combating obesity.

BLESSED THISTLE - This herb is one of the oldest folk remedies for the treatment of anemorrhea, which a absence of the menstrual cycle after the onset of menstruation. BLESSED THISTLE stimulates the production of bile by the liver and is often used by folk healers to treat liver disorders. This herb is often reputed to improve circulation and stimulate memory. Herbalists use BLESSED THISTLE to resolve blood clots and to stop bleeding.

BLUE COHOSH - is considered "The plant that is a women's friend", for women who suffer from menstrual difficulties BLUE COHOSH can work wonders. This medicinal plant was included in U.S. Pharmacopia over a century ago and considered then by many doctors worthy of detailed study and use on obstetric and gynecological conditions.

BORON - may play a big role in helping to prevent osteoporosis and may even help your brain to work better. In both men and women boron appears to help the body maintain the essential minerals necessary to prevent bone loss.

BOSWELLIA - is an herb which has an anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic action in acute and chronic inflammation, it suppresses inflammation which is the underlying cause of pain. Boswellia blocks the synthesis of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are considered to be involved in the initiation and continuation of a variety of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, etc. Leukotrienes cause inflammation by promoting free radical damage, calcium dislocation, cell adhesion and migration of inflammatory producing cells to the inflamed body area. Boswellia blocks this synthesis, which is how it inhibits inflammation.
    Products: Arthri-Attack

CAT'S CLAW - may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, allergies, systemic candida, chronic fatigue syndrome, numerous intestinal disorders.  Cat’s Claw is an herb that grows wild in the highlands of the Peruvian Amazon. It has been used in the treatment of a wide range of health problems associated with the immune systems.
    Products: Immune-Force

CAYENNE - helps to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol. It helps with pain relief and is a mood enhancer.

CHITOSAN - is an all natural product which is derived from the polysaccharide chitin found in shrimp, crabs and other shellfish, promotes healing of ulcers and lesions, helps to control blood pressure. Attracts fats and helps expedite them out of your system without being absorbed.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE - provides structural components of the cartilage found in the joint. Chondroitin Sulfate is a constituent of shark cartilage, which helps to explain the beneficial effects that shark cartilage produces in arthritis patients.
Chondroitin Sulfate has been tested extensively in humans with outstanding success as anti-atherosclerotic agents. Research studies have provided much useful data on the safety and effectiveness of Chondroitin Sulfate in arthritis patients.
When intramuscular injections of Chondroitin Sulfate were given to arthritis patients, there were major reductions in joint pain and increases in joint function. Chondroitin Sulfate inhibits free radical enzymes that degrade joint cartilage and collagen. Chondroitin Sulfate also improves blood circulation to joints, which enables antioxidants and Glucosamine to enter inflamed joints to stimulate the repair process required for the regression of arthritis.

CINNAMON - may help control blood sugar levels by increasing the efficiency of insulin.

CRAMP BARK POWDER - has been known to treat cystitis and urinary tract infections.

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