Discover Desert Ginseng - Cistanche's Health Benefits

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a strong focus on alot of herbal remedies and it deals with balance of the Ying / Yang energies. In this system of medicine, the kidneys are a powerful source of spiritual energy. Even in modern science the kidneys play a particularly important role in both physical and mental health; they help rid our bodies of toxins. Our kidneys filter out potentially problematic chemicals from our body, and when working properly, preserve the levels of our brains 'pleasure hormone' - Dopamine.

In chinese medicine, if the kidneys are not functionally intact, there are herbs well-known to restore kidney function. The main herb in traditional chinese medicine for kidneys is - Cistanche Deserticola. Cistanche is an herb native to chinese deserts, and remote deserts in africa. Studies show cistanche definetly improves and tones the kidney function, and protects the organs from oxidative damage. Some compounds in the plant are anti-oxidants, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, cistanche can protect our cells and relieve pain. It is identified that cistanche has some very potent pro-sexual properties. Cistanche improves both male/female sex drive, especially during stress. Cistanche improves the stress response, helping us to adapt to tragedy and unexpected alterations in our daily lives.

Cistanche has, a unique property, to help the body assimilate and utilize oxygen. Cistanche can improve memory, especially in the elderly. Cistanche improves brain health by supporting oxygen delivery to brain cells and protecting brain cells from radiation interference. Cistanche can memory and other vital brain functions, during intense stress.

Source - http://www.associatedcontent.com/

What are Bioflavonoids?

Bioflavonoids

Once known as "Vitamin P" and semi-essential nutrients
4000 flavonoid compounds have been characterized and classified
Group of plant pigments that are largely responsible for colors of many fruits and flowers
Useful in treatment and prevention of many health conditions

Four categories:

PCO (Proanthocyanidins)

most potent PCOs are those bound to other PCOs
exist in many plants and red wine
commercially available sources are from grape seeds and bark from the maritime pine

Quercetin

serves as backbone for other flavonoids such as citrus flavonoids: rutin, quercitrin, hesperidin
these derivatives have sugar molecules attached to the backbone
most active of the flavonoids

Citrus bioflavonoids

include rutin, quercitrin, hesperidin, naringin
standardized mixture of rutinosides known as hydroxyethylrutosides (HER)
clinical results have been obtained in treatment of capillary permeability, easy bruising, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins

Green Tea Polyphenols

derived from tea plant camellia sinensis
produced by steaming the fresh cut leaf
polyphenol indicates presence of phenolic ring in the chemical structure
polyphenols = flavonoids
polyphenols in green tea: catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and proanthocyanidins
epigallocatechin gallate = most significant active compound

Dietary Sources

Citrus fruits
Berries
Onions
Parsley
Legumes
Green Tea
Red Wine

Average Daily Intake = 150-200 mg

Beneficial Effects

referred to as "nature's biological response modifiers" - modify body's reaction to compounds such as allergens, viruses, and carcinogens
powerful antioxidants by giving protection versus oxidative and free radical damage
prevents formation of oxidized cholesterol through antioxidant effects
greater antioxidant effects than Vitamins C, E, Selenium, and Zinc

PCOs

increase intracellular Vitamin C levels
decrease capillary permeability and fragility
scavenge oxidants and free radicals
inhibit destruction of collagen

crosslinks collagen fibers to reinforce the natural crosslinking
prevents free radical damage

inhibits enzymatic cleavage of collagen by enzymes secreted by leukocytes in inflammation and microbes in infections
prevents release and synthesis and compounds that promote inflammation and allergies (histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes)
antioxidant effects are beneficial in:

aging process
chronic degenerative diseases (heart disease, arthritis, and cancer)
fat and cholesterol oxidation

antioxidants are produced by:

inhibiting xanthine oxidase noncompetitively(oxygen free radicals)
on the cellular level: PCOs are incorporated into the cell membranes along with the antioxidant effects offer great protection to cells against free radical damage.

Quercetin

anti-inflammatory activity due to inhibition of initial processes of inflammation

inhibits manufacture and release of histamine

potent antioxidant activity and Vitamin C sparing action
beneficial effects for diabetics

helps prevent diabetic cataracts, and retinopathy
enhances insulin secretion
protects pancreatic beta cells from free radical damage

antiviral activity

activity vs. herpes virus type 1, parainfluenzae3, polio virus type 1, and respiratory syncytial virus
in vivo, inhibits viral infection
may be of some benefit in the common cold

Citrus Bioflavonoids

antioxidant effects
increase intracellular Vitamin C, rutin, hesperidin, and HER
beneficial effects on capillary permeability and blood flow like PCOs
anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory effects like quercetin

Green Tea Polyphenols

potent antioxidant effects
increase activity of antioxidant enzymes in the small intestines, liver, lungs, and small bowel
inhibit formation of cancer causing compounds like nitrosamines in vitro

suppressing activation of carcinogens
trapping cancer causing agents
forms of cancer that green tea prevents best:

cancers of GI tract (stomach, small intestine, pancreas, colon)
cancer of the lungs
estrogen related cancers (inhibits estrogen interaction with its receptor)

consumption of green tea with meals inhibits formation of nitrosamines (nitrites combined with amino acids)

Principle Uses

PCOs

Treatment of venous and capillary disorders

venous insufficiency
varicose veins
capillary fragility

Diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
Prevention of heart disease and strokes
Lowers blood cholesterol levels
Shrinks size of cholesterol deposits in the artery
Inhibits platelet aggregation and vascular constriction

Quercetin

In vitro, helps virtually all inflammatory and allergic conditions

asthma
hay fever
rheumatoid arthritis
lupus

Beneficial in diabetes and cancer

Citrus Bioflavonoids

Venous insufficiency
Improve microvascular blood flow and clinical symptoms (pain, tired legs, night cramps, and restless legs)
Improve venous function
Relieve hemorrhoidal signs and symptoms in pregnant women

Green Tea Polyphenols

Used principally to prevent cancer

Available Forms

PCOs

Grape seed extract (92%-95%) and pine bark extract (80%-85%)
Used interchangeably, but grape seed extract is preferred
Grape seed extract is considered more potent and more effective than pine bark extract because only grape seed extract has gallic esters of proanthocyanidins which are the most active free radical scavenging PCOs

Quercetin

Available in powder and capsule forms
For anti-inflammatory effects, combination of Bromelain (pineapple enzyme) may provide additional benefit by enhancing absorption of quercetin
Amount of Bromelain should equal quercetin

Citrus Bioflavonoids

Mixed preparations are most widely used
Least active and quantified source of flavonoids

Green Tea Polyphenols

Commercial preparations that have been decaffeinated and concentrated for polyphenols (60%-80%)
1 cup = 300-400 mg of polyphenols
Downside = this dose also contains 50-100 mg of caffeine

Dosage Ranges

PCOs

Preventive and antioxidant=50 mg/day of grape seed extract or pine bark extract
Therapeutic purposes dose=150-300 mg/day of either extract

Quercetin

200-400 mg taken 20 minutes before meals three times a day

Citrus Bioflavonoids

2000-6000 mg/day

Green Tea Polyphenols

For green tea extract standardized for 80% polyphenols and 55 % epigallocatechin gallate, the dose=300-400 mg/day

*Look for level of epigallocatechin gallate and total content of polyphenol

Safety Issues

PCOs

safe, no toxicities, no side effects

Quercetin

Well-tolerated in humans
no side effects when taken in large quantities for long periods of time
safe for use in pregnancy
allergic reaction may occur-uncommon, but should result in discontinuation of product

Citrus Bioflavonoids

extremely safe
no side effects
safe in pregnancy

Green Tea Polyphenols

no side effects or toxicities
if product contains caffeine, overconsumption may result in a stimulant effect

Interactions

Do not interact with any drugs
citrus bioflavonoids containing naringin may interact with drugs

naringin is found in grapefruit juice
can increase oral bioavailability of drugs like nifedipine, felodipine, verapamil, and terfenadine
inhibits breakdown of various drugs including: caffeine, coumarins, and estrogens

Vitamin C-Bioflavonoids may enhance the effects of vitamin C

References

Evans CA and Miller NJ. "Antioxidant activities of flavonoids as bioactive components of food." Biochemical Society Transactions. 24(3):790-795, 1996.
Hertog Michael, et al. "Flavonoid Intake and Long-term Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Cancer in the Seven Countries Study." Archives of Internal Medicine. 155:381-386, 1995.
Kandaswami Chithan, et al. "Ascorbic acid-enhanced antiproliferative effect of flavonoids on squamous cell carcinoma in vitro." Anti-Cancer Drugs. 4:91-95, 1993.
Lale A, Herbert JM, et al. "Ability of Different Flavonoids to Inhibit the Procoagulant Activity of Adherent Human Monocytes." Journal of Natural Products. 59:273-276, 1996.
Murray MT. "Flavonoids." Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. p. 320-331.
So Felicia, et al. "Inhibition of proliferation of estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by flavonoids in the presence and absence of excess estrogen." Cancer Letters. 112:127-133, 1997.
Wiseman H. "Role of dietary phyto-oestrogens in the protection against cancer and heart disease." Biochemical Society Transactions. 24(3):785-789, 1996.
Xiao-duo Ji, et al. "Interactions of Flavonoids and Other Phytochemicals with Adenosine Receptors." Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 39:781-787, 1996.


Thanks to the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy for the use of this article.


Source - http://www.chiro.org/

Medicinal Uses of Calendula

Calendula is not one of the major medicinal herbs, but it does have its place in the medicine cabinet. The petals or leaves can be used in a Tea to induce sweating, promote menstruation, increase urination, relieve stomach cramps, indigestion and stomachaches, and for relief from flu and fevers.

Externally, Calendula flowers and leaves can be made into an Ointment or powder for a variety of common skin ailments, including cuts, scrapes, abrasions, scalds, blisters, acne, rashes (including diaper rash), chicken pox outbreaks, and athlete's foot. For bee stings, rub the fresh flowers directly on the sting to relieve the pain.

A powder for external uses can be made by drying Calendula flowers (See Calendula), then grinding and mixing them with cornstarch or talc.

As a beauty aid, a Calendula rinse made of unsweetened tea brings out the highlights in blonde and brunette hair. Also try running bath water over a mesh bag full of Calendula flowers for a refreshing and stimulating bath that is good for the skin.

Calendula flowers or leaves can be dried and used in capsule form for situations in which it is inconvenient to make a tea for internal use. Please see How to Make Herbal Capsules for more information.

Source - http://www.gardensablaze.com/

Stinging Nettle - Side Effects and Health Benefits

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica, Urtica galeopsifolia.

Other Common Names of Stinging Nettle
Big string nettle, common nettle, isirgan, ortie, ortiga, gerrais, kazink, devil’s leaf, grote brandnetle, urtiga, brennessel and chichicaste.

Habitat:
While originally from the cold regions of northern Europe and Asia, this is now an herbaceous shrub that is easily found growing all over the world. This natural herb grows well in nitrogen rich soil and is most often found in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, and construction sites where the original plant species have been destroyed and made way for stinging nettle to take root. This plant is also found in open meadows and lightly wooded areas.

Description:
Usually reaching between two and four feet high, the stinging nettle has upright, rigid stems with heart shaped leaves that are toothed and tapered at the ends. The flowers are either yellow or pink and the entire plant is covered in small, stiff hairs. These are mostly found on the underside of the leaves and release chemicals when touched.

Plant Parts Used:
Leaf, stem, roots.

Stinging Nettle Therapeutic Benefits and Claims.

Used for hundreds of years as an herbal remedy, stinging nettle is best known for its ability to ease pain in the muscles and joints caused by arthritis and gout.



Used for hundreds of years as an herbal remedy, stinging nettle is best known for its ability to ease pain in the muscles and joints caused by arthritis and gout.
The herb stinging nettle
Stinging nettle
(Urtica dioica)
Stinging nettle is used as a diuretic and laxative. Various extracts of stinging nettle have shown to be effective in treating diarrhea and urinary disorders, as well as prostate diseases. Studies show benefits in benign prostatic hyperplasia when treated with stinging nettle.
Used directly on the hair, stinging nettle is thought to add shine, and prevent oily hair and dandruff. It is also believed to be effective in treating or preventing baldness, as well as getting rid of head lice.
Stinging nettle has shown promise in reducing sneezing and itching as results from hay fever. This use as an herbal remedy for hayfever is successful due to the nettles ability to reduce the body’s production of histamines in relation to the allergen.
Used as a medicinal herb to treat respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies. Stinging nettle is thought to be an effective histamine blocker as well as an inflammation reducer, and it has been used to treat allergic rhinitis without the side effects of popular allergy medications.
Taken internally, stinging nettle may be effective against ulcers, intestinal inflammation, and hemorrhoids.
Stinging nettle contains 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, which is used by bodybuilders to increase free testosterone.
Stinging nettle shows promise as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD.
In studies, stinging nettle has shown positive results against some types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
Because of its high vitamin K content, fresh stinging nettle can be used as a poultice to stop bleeding wounds and has also been used to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, and other abnormal bleeding.
While fresh stinging nettle helps stop bleeding, dried stinging nettle has little vitamin K and is used as a blood thinner, making it useful herb against high blood pressure.

Source - http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/

The Truth About Ephedra

Is Ephedra Safe?

Ephedra has been around and used for literally thousands of years... It's as safe as, say, caffeine or alcohol - which is to say, anything can be unsafe if used irresponsibly. Ephedra has terrific benefits when used properly, and it's too bad that the poor judgement/actions of a few caused the substance to be banned for everyone else.

Asprin, synthetic pain medication, cold medicines, alchohol , and many prescription drugs are far more dangerous. In fact if we use the same guidlines as ephedra, the FDA needs to ban bananas, peanut butter, chocolate, coffee, and nearly every concentrated extract and supplement produced.
The truth why FDA don't like Ephedra

The truth is the FDA banned ephedra for more political reasons than anything. Ephedra isn't harmless, but no drug is. The Ephedra-Caffeine-Aspirin stack was one of the greatest thermogenics the bodybuilding world has ever known. The FDA watches the bodybuilding supplement industry like a hawk. If they find something that really works, meaning it has drug-like properties, they yank it off the market.

Triax was another supplement that worked well. Really well. It turned out one of the ingredients was Triatricol, which is a thyroid drug, and actually not a diet supplement. It got yanked, probably so the FDA can make it into a prescription drug and sell it at several times the original price. I wouldn't be surprised if the FDA started selling ephedra as a prescription drug.
Ephedra is Safer Than FDA Approved Drugs!

Ephedra was almost completely safe given that you used the proper dosage and got clearance from a competent doctor who knew what shape your heart is in. I haven't read about the ephedra deaths that much, but I'm pretty sure the people who died didn't meet those two requirements.

There are thousands of legal products which will kill you if you overindulge. It's a fact that more people die each year from allergic reaction to PEANUTS, than died from Ephedra each year:

Per year:

5 million die worldwide from tobacco related causes.
250,000 die (U.S. alone) from prescription "medication."
140,000 die (U.S. alone) from alcohol "related."

There are literally hundreds of prescription meds on the markets which are toxic. This one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torcetrapib recently got shut down (much to Phizer's dismay) because it killed MORE than 1% during their clinical - that's right, it KILLED 82 of 7500 people who tried it first. Lipitor "only" killed 52 in its clincal study, so I guess (+ or -) 1% is their watermark for approval.

They "think" they can link about 85 deaths to "misuse" of Ephedra over a 25-year study - less than four per year, and don't forget about "misuse."!

Something's going on. Could it possibly be PROFIT POTENTIAL for the pharmaceutical companies? They're still allowed to widely sell pseudoephedrine (meth base) in their decongestants, nose sprays and cough syrups, but no one else can.

I believe that most of the ephedra products recommended a reasonable dosage and, in fact, told you to talk to a doctor first. If you didn't do those two things and you died, you committed suicide. It wasn't ephedra's fault.

Don't be fooled. The FDA didn't ban ephedra because it was dangerous. They banned it because someone put pressure on them, or they wanted to make money off of it. The latter is exactly why dangerous prescription drugs are still on the market. The FDA won't ban them, because they're making money off them.

In the past, the FDA has approved many drugs that have since been linked to adverse side effects, and even death; (remember fen-phen?). Why pick on ephedra, which has been used safely for thousands of years? Is it because ephedra is an herb, which cannot be patened, and thus poses a serious threat to any of the billion dollar pharmaceutical companies' line of weight loss drugs! Well, of course, that's just simply pure speculation.

The FDA banned a herbal substance they couldnt get paid for. And now doctors are offering replacement prescriptions the FDA does get paid for. This was only about the pharmaceutical community wanting to capitalize on a billion dollar industry.

FDA is big pharmaceutical companies' puppet! Weight loss industry profits in multi billions. Has nothing to do with ephedra being safe or not. How many big pharmaceutical companies have disclaimers for their products,(on TV adds),that list extreme side effects including death? It's unreal that any of those products were approved by the FDA.More people have died from aspirin then ephedra.

Source - http://www.dietpills-with-ephedra.com/

Reishi Mushroom Reviews

REISHI MUSHROOM
Other Names:

Basidiomycetes mushroom, Champignons Reishi, Ganoderma, Ganoderma lucidum, Hongo Reishi, Ling Chih, Ling Zhi, Mannentake, Mushroom, Mushroom of Immortality, Mushroom of Spiritual Potency, Red Reishi, Reishi, Reishi Antler Mushroom, Rei-Shi, Spirit Plant.

REISHI MUSHROOM Overview Information

Reishi mushroom is a fungus that some people describe as “tough” and “woody” with a bitter taste. The fruiting body (above-ground part) and mycelium (filaments connecting a group of mushrooms) are used as medicine.

Reishi mushroom is used for boosting the immune system; viral infections such as the flu (influenza), swine flu, and avian flu; lung conditions including asthma and bronchitis; heart disease and contributing conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol; kidney disease; cancer; and liver disease. It is also used for HIV/AIDS, altitude sickness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), trouble sleeping (insomnia), stomach ulcers, poisoning, and herpes pain. Other uses include reducing stress and preventing fatigue.

In combination with other herbs, reishi mushroom is used to treat prostate cancer.

How does it work?

Reishi mushroom contains chemicals that seem to have a variety of potentially beneficial effects, including activity against tumors (cancer) and beneficial effects on the immune system.

Source - http://webmd.com/

Astragalus Root Benefits

Among the many gems of Chinese medicine is the astralagus root, which is also known as huang qi in Chinese. The atralagus plant is harvested particularly for its roots as it is known to have numerous medicinal properties. As a matter of fact, this root has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, and Western herbalists are only now getting acquainted to its many amazing benefits.

The plant is slender and often described as flowing and graceful, while the roots are white when they are freshly dug up. As they dry, they take on a yellow hue. The astralagus plants are typically native to China, Mongolia, and Korea and grow well in the northern and eastern parts of China.

Ancient Chinese texts describe how the efficacy of the astralagus root is enhanced when combined with other herbs and medicines. The benefits are many, but the main reason why the astralagus root is consumed is because it positively impacts the immune system.

Benefits
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the astralagus root is good for problems that arise in the body because of spleen deficiencies. However, here’s a look at some of the other ways in which it can benefit us:

Astralagus root has been used since time immemorial to infuse the body with energy, gain more strength, and enhance metabolism. Moreover, it has been credited with making the immune system stronger as well.
People suffering from night sweats seem to have benefited from the astralagus root. It also helps keep away colds and prevents diarrhea, thus making it an overall excellent medicine.
Wounds and injuries seem to heal faster when astralagus root is mixed in with the medicine and consumed.
Some of the other functions performed by the astralagus root include improving lung function, bettering the health of the adrenal glands and the gastrointestinal tract, and reducing fatigue greatly.
There has been some research conducted on the effects of astralagus root, which shows that it can reduce some of the severity of atopic dermatitis and even asthma. However, these studies have mostly been conducted on rodents, and human trials haven’t yet been performed to ensure the accuracy of these claims. Nevertheless, there is plenty of hope with the astralagus root.

Research on the benefits of the astralagus root has been conducted in China extensively, but it hasn’t been corroborated as yet by Western medical practitioners. Despite some skepticism on this subject, it’s good to know that the astralagus root is being used for the following health problems as well:

Astralagus can help control the hazardous effects of chemotherapy, which is the standard procedure to kill cancerous cells. These studies have also claimed that astralagus root induces the production of interferon, an important chemical of the immune system which also helps fight cancer.
Some studies have indicated that astralagus can be used in the fight against AIDS. It is also known to be helpful against lupus and can even prevent aging, if these studies are to be believed.
Clinical studies in China have shown that astralagus root can be used to treat chronic aplastic anemia. The results were indeed very favorable.
The astralagus root is mainly composed of polysaccharides, which have some beneficial effects on insulin resistance and hyperglycemia.
There are some studies that have shown that the astralagus root can protect the heart tissue and prevent heart failure as well.
In some cases, the astralagus root can act as a diuretic and be of great help to those suffering from kidney problems.

All these studies have claimed that there are no side effects on humans. However, the results of these studies have mostly been published in obscure journals in the Far East, and the promises of the efficacy of this root haven’t yet breached Western barriers. Nevertheless, the astralagus root appears to be a wonder herb, and much is to be said for all these studies that have been conducted by Chinese scientists.

Side effects
Typically, astralagus is completely safe and non-toxic and does not have any side effects. However, when taken along with certain other medications, there may be some complications because of the interaction of Astralgus with the drug. Also, the astralagus root can increase the effects of immune system suppressants, anticoagulants and hypoglycemic agents, so it’s better to consult a doctor before taking astralagus root.

Usage
The astralagus root is available in many forms that have been made convenient for easy consumption. There are capsules, extracts, and powders which are easily available online and in the market. A tincture of the astralagus root is also available, while it can even be used topically for the skin. Meanwhile, the actual root can also be used in different ways to derive the maximum benefits and effects.

Source - http://bewellbuzz.com/

Discover the astounding healing properties of clove oil

(NaturalNews)You may be familiar with clove oil used by the dentist. Some of us have used clove oil to self medicate a toothache. Clove oil is an externally applied local antiseptic that numbs on contact. But very few are familiar with a variety of other clove health benefits, which includes combating Candida.

About Cloves

Clove was originally indigenous to the Spice Islands, now known as Moluccas Islands of Indonesia. The largest producer of clove now is Zanzibar along with Pemba, an island that's part of the Zanzibar archipelago.

The evergreen Eugenia arena tree puts most of its punch into the pink flower buds that grow on it. The buds are picked before they fully flower. When the pink buds dry and turn brown, they are ready for market.

The dried buds contain an aromatic oily substance that is the essence of clove's medicinal and culinary properties. It's wise to purchase cloves in their bud forms. Purchased powders may have lost most of their potency by the time you buy and use them. Dried buds hold up to three times as long.

Whenever you want clove as a powder, you can grind the buds in a coffee grinder. When you shop for cloves, pinch the buds with your fingernails. You should get a strong aromatic scent and a slightly oily feel. Choose organic if possible to avoid irradiated clove spices.

Clove's oil is the key for spicing foods and promoting health. Cloves can be used to make teas by putting the buds or powder into hot (not boiling) water. But the biggest health bang for the buck comes from clove essential oil.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is produced by a steam distillation process. So you're probably better off buying the oil rather than trying to make it yourself. Clove oil is available almost anywhere.

Clove oil is an unusually powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant capacity is measure by ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity). Although the dried buds or powders rank highly among anti-oxidants, clove oil is the monster antioxidant.

As an essential oil, clove's ORAC rating soars to over 10 million. Most other antioxidants are rated in the tens of thousands to a maximum of a few hundred thousand at best.

Producing the oil from clove buds concentrates clove's eugenol, the main active ingredient of clove. Eugenol is an anti-inflammatory. Clove's flavonoids also contribute to the high ORAC level of the essential oil.

And clove oil is a great anti-fungal. It's even recommended by many who treat Candida. The oil is also useful for direct applications to outer skin fungi, such as ringworm and athlete's foot.

Nutritional/Medicinal Value

Clove is one of the highest sources of manganese you'll find. Manganese is vital for metabolism, contributes enzymes, promotes bone strength, and also adds to clove's high ORAC antioxidant value.

Magnesium, calcium, vitamins C and K also make strong appearances in clove. Clove is high in fiber also. Omega-3 is in abundance in clove as well as many phytonutrients that enhance the immune system. Clove greatly boosts your humoral immunity, which protects your blood and tissues.

Clove has anti-viral anti-bacterial properties as well. It has been discovered to help prevent adult onset diabetes by tripling insulin levels.

Caveat

Young children and pregnant or nursing women should avoid clove.

Clove oil is very strong. It can cause temporarily uncomfortable problems. Too much can cause manganese toxicity. So the oil should be diluted as a product or used by putting drops into tea.

Source - www.naturalnews.com

Ginger is an amazing wide spectrum tonic and remedy

(NaturalNews) Ginger root is more than a zesty culinary spice. It's both a general tonic and specific medicinal herb. Ginger is actually the rhizome or horizontal "creeping root" of the Zingiber officinale plant, which belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine has used ginger for centuries. Now mainstream medicine uses various ginger extracts for major health problems.

Ginger Benefits

Ginger has been used effectively for gastrointestinal problems as major as colitis and as minor as motion sickness. It stimulates good digestion. It helps alleviate congestion and minimizes mucous, even helping asthmatics. Various ginger extracts have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and circulation.

Ginger kills off 5-LO enzymes, without which prostate cancer cells die within hours. A component of ginger has demonstrated the ability to slow or stop several types of cancer mestastasis (spreading cancer cells).
Some oncologists use ginger extracts as adjuncts to their toxic therapies, enabling them to shorten the length of their patients' suffering from chemo or radiation.

It is also an excellent natural anti-inflammatory. More naturopaths and even MDs are picking up on the fact that daily ginger consumption helps sooth daily arthritis pain as well other chronic aches and pains. Even brain inflammation is sometimes handled or alleviated with ginger.

One mainstream medical report asserted that ginger was no better than ibuprofen for arthritic inflammation relief. But ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) with many harmful long term side effects, affecting kidneys, liver, and intestines while damaging the immune system.

With all the concern regarding increased nuclear fallout and radiation from Fukushima, it's good to know that ginger offers considerable radiation protection. But it needs to be consumed on a daily basis. How to use ginger is in the next section of this article.

It makes sense to use a natural, less expensive anti-inflammatory that is also an immune system enhancing tonic on a daily basis for chronic aches and pains.

How to Use Ginger

Since ginger extracts have so many powerful mainstream medical applications as implied above, your daily or frequent use of ginger roots will certainly provide considerable health benefits as well.

Powdered ginger capsules are handy to have on hand. But either juicing or brewing as a tea from fresh ginger roots are the best ways to use ginger. Make sure the ginger roots you purchase are crisp with smooth outer skins. Avoid the moist, wrinkled roots.

A traditional method is to first skin the roots, then cut several long thin slices that can be placed into a pot of pure water. The more ginger slices the better. Too strong is easily thinned down with added water. Too weak is almost useless as a tonic or remedy.

After bringing the pot to a boil, bring the heat down and let it simmer for around a half-hour. The pot with water and ginger can remain intact overnight for additional steeping. Go ahead and have a cup, but pour the rest into a glass container to refrigerate.

If the tea is strong enough, you can treat it like a concentrate. Pour some into a cup and add hot water each time you have some. If the taste is slightly offensive, add some raw honey.

If you have a slow speed masticating juicer, you can juice a small (two inch long), freshly peeled piece of thick root as part of whatever juice you like to drink. If you make water kefir, you can add a tablespoon or two of this thick heavy ginger liquid into the fermentation process for every pint of water kefir you brew.

Source - www.naturalnews.com

Scientific proof that Homeopathy works

(NaturalNews) Most scientists would state categorically that homeopathy is a scientific impossibility. Who would disagree, as the explanation that is currently provided to support homeopathy makes very little sense. How is it possible that a solution that contains no chemical atoms causes a biological reaction? All of our basic understanding of science screams out that this is patently impossible.

But what if all that we have been taught at school, at university and at work is in fact only part of the truth. What if there was a missing part of our education that provides the missing link that makes subjects such as homeopathy scientifically obvious. What if there is much more to our body than simply chemicals.

It took me two years of research to uncover this hidden area of science. Once I did, the scientific explanation for many controversial areas of science, including homeopathy, became uncontroversial. What I am about to teach you about homeopathy is just one of the many areas of science that have been hidden from us which are finally exposed in my book, Blinded by Science www.blindedbyscience.co.uk

If we look at homeopathy from a completely different area of science other than chemistry then we can begin to understand how homeopathy really works. It is just like one of those intellectual games that people play, where the answer is so obvious once you know it, but impossible if you don't

Take the following puzzle:

You are in front of three light switches only one of which turns on a light in the adjacent room. You only have two attempts to find out which of the three switches work. Without being able to see the effect of the switches it is impossible to know which of them work, it is a mathematical impossibility. However, by using a different area of science, the solution is incredibly simple. The answer lies with the heat generated from the light and not the light itself. If you turn on a switch and then turn it off again and go and feel if the light is hotter then in two attempts you will know exactly which of the light switches turns on the light.

Now if we turn back to homeopathy, we have to look at it from the same idea and say that the idea that chemicals are the issue is irrelevant to solving the problem.

It is not the chemicals in the solution that cause a biological change but the vibrations that emanated from the chemicals, which have an affect. The massive missing part of our education is simply the concept of "vibrations" and everything that they affect. In the puzzle above, the light caused the bulb to heat up through vibrations and so two ideas were working at the same time, light and heat. The same is true with every aspect of our body, it works on two levels, a chemical one and a vibrational one, they go hand in hand, one does not work without the other.

As every electron vibrates uniquely and everything is made up of electrons then it is incontrovertible to state that everything vibrates, absolutely everything. So if everything vibrates, it would seem fairly logical that one vibration must affect another. Just take sound as an example, a choir all singing together sounds very different from a school playground.

The same thing happens in our body, you get choirs in parts of our body where it is healthy vibrationally and noisy playgrounds where our body's organs are malfunctioning causing vibrational disharmony and sickness.

This idea is hugely controversial as it contradicts everything that we have been taught. The tragedy however, is that science has proven it to be true in thousands of different studies, but has not promoted is as it implies that pharmaceutical drugs are not the only cure in town.

So if vibrations are the answer what about the big idea that is put forward by homeopaths that is it also to do with the concept that water has some sort of a memory to provide evidence that homeopathy works scientifically.

This is total nonsense and provides yet more ammunition to everyone who wants to dismiss a perfectly sensible area of science as pseudo-science. WATER DOES NOT HAVE A MEMORY. Of course it doesn't. Water has amazing functions but memory is not one of them.

Water has the amazing property that enables it to change its vibrational pattern to the chemical or environment in which it is in. This is an incredibly important point and one that needs to be remembered, water is a chameleon, adapting itself to its environment vibrationally.

As an example, in one experiment, if you treated a cup of water with a specific vibrational frequency the water would change itself to that specific vibration and it would stay like that forever. It would only change if it came across a different vibration.

This vibrated water if ingested directly and instantly affects our body's biological functions. Depending on the vibrational frequency of the water, different illnesses can be treated.

I have not included the specific scientific experiments here that prove all of the ideas I have outlined, but you can look them up for free on my website at www.blindedbyscience.co.uk in the bibliography section on the website.

The conclusion from my research is that if you add a chemical into a solution and then remove all traces of that chemical from the solution, the specific chemical vibrational remains which has the same biological affect as if the chemical were still in the water. The body recognises the new vibration and reacts accordingly.

This idea has radical implications for our health as it means that not only do we have to question the water that we drink but also our environment in which we live which is saturated with man made vibrations from all of the electronic machinery that we use in our every day lives. What damage are they in fact doing to our health?

So hopefully, in these few paragraphs I have shown that it is scientifically logical for homeopathic treatments to work, through the properties of vibrations. The problem that I have, however, is this: how do homeopathic treatments work when they are in solid pill form. For this I do not have the answers. I can only confirm that homeopathy is a very simple science in principle when it is in a solution and should be embraced by the scientific community.

Source - www.naturalnews.com

Eating for Higher Consciousness

Eating organic foods has become a sweeping trend across the country. All over, people are switching to whole foods over processed food stuff. While the reasons may be diverse for making such a radical lifestyle transition, the end result is the same. By relieving the human organism of the burdens of toxic chemicals and preservatives found in the majority of foods, the vital force increases and health is reinforced. As a result of the surge of vitality, more energy is available for the body to work on deeper levels of healing and consciousness is manifested on a higher plane.

While there are many rumors about organic food and the validity of it, the fact remains that organic food contains more vitamins and minerals that commercially raised produced. Why then does organic food receive so much criticism? Could it be that pesticides are used as a form of sterilization? Why would a post war chemical ever come into contact with our food supply? The body is relieved once the supply of toxic pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, & fungicides are ceased from ingestion and can finally take a “gasp” of fresh air.

Many people notice, that once they get on a more natural diet, they have more motivation, will power, & energy to do the things they love. Before what was once impossible, becomes possible. The results speak for themselves. Eating a wide balance of organic local produce can not only stabilize our health, but can also feed our genes; thus lowering the likelihood of developing inherited diseases. The information is right in front of us, we just have to grasp the evidence and utilize it in our lives!

One topic that surfaces a lot is the cost of organic food. Whatever we put forth energy into, is what we will nourish. If we decide to spend less money on clothes and other unnecessary items, we will have the ability to invest in our health and future generations. We can also decide to stop giving our money to big corporations that do not have our best interest in mind. We vote with our dollars, so purchase wisely.

The way it works is simple. When the digestive burden is lessened, the energy that would normally be used to digest food is being transmuted into another form of energy, commonly called “chi or Prana”. This is the actual power that heals the body; no drugs, surgery, or even herbs can heal the body, they can only remove the “thorn” that is disrupting the flow of energy in the body. Once the thorn or invader is removed, the chi works to attain homeostasis in the biological organism. Any exogenous substance can only act as a tool to assist in the healing process, but cannot actually heal the body in and of itself.

Mother Nature's thirst-quenching sports drink comes from twigs and leaves: Rooibos

(NaturalNews) Do you know anyone still drinking Gatorade or other popular sports drinks? If so, you may want to turn them on to Rooibos, an amazing thirst quencher (and a potent source of health protective flavonoids) made by Mother Nature.

Gatorade, Powerade and other sports drinks are made with liquid sugars (glucose and fructose), artificial coloring chemicals (like red #40), citric acid and emulsifiers such as brominated vegetable oil. Anyone who knows anything about nutrition quickly realizes these are not healthful, wholesome ingredients.

I've also released a popular video about Vitamin Water, exposing the truth that even Coca-Cola's own attorneys admit the drink isn't a "healthy" beverage:
www.FoodInvestigations.com

Rooibos, on the other hand, is made by Mother Nature. It's the powdered extract of the Aspalatus linearis plant which grows prolifically in South Africa. Remarkably, it's a completely caffeine-free plant that nevertheless tastes like an amazing tea beverage or even a sports drink, simply by adding it to water and mixing in your favorite sweetener such as stevia. Rooibos, by the way, synergizes extremely well with stevia. Even if you don't normally like stevia, when mixed with Rooibos the flavor of the combination suddenly makes stevia far more delicious, and I've had many people rave about this simple combination (rooibos + water + stevia).

Loaded with health-supportive phytonutrients
In addition to the fact that Rooibos contains no caffeine, it's loaded with phytonutrients such as Aspalathin, Quercetin and Luteolin. It also contains Orientin, Isoorientin, Vitexin, Isovitexin, Chrysoeriol, Catechin, Isoqurecetin, Hyperoside and Rutin. (You can look these up to see their supportive health benefits.)

No doubt some combination of these plant-based nutrients (none of which are found in Gatorade or Powerade, by the way) explains why Rooibos is such a powerful thirst quencher. I drank it almost every day throughout the Texas drought we've had over the past few months, and I discovered this drink keeps you hydrated in a way that plain water simply doesn't. No wonder so many professional football teams and sports enthusiasts are also discovering Rooibos to be a powerful, performance-enhancing sports drink.

Click here to see Rooibos on sale at the NaturalNews Store

Getting the good stuff
Watch out for Rooibos that's cut with fillers such as maltodextrin or lecithin. Ideally, you want to get pure Rooibos with no fillers, additives or sweeteners of any kind.

Another huge issue of concern is radiation -- much of the Rooibos brought into the United States is irradiated by the FDA. So getting a supply that isn't irradiated is very, very tricky -- it has even been challenging for our own supplier who recently had to reject a large batch because he tested it and found evidence that it had been irradiated. So he had to order the same batch over again, which fortunately arrived in a non-irradiated state. (Most companies don't even bother to check if their ingredient are irradiated, by the way. Only the most quality-conscious companies even pay attention to this.)

No caffeine, no chemicals
Rooibos powdered extract is made from the leaves and twigs of the Rooibos plant, which is grown entirely without pesticides or synthetic chemicals of any kind. It only takes a tiny amount of Rooibos powder mixed with water to make a deep red "tea-like" beverage that quenches thirst like nothing else. You can also mix it with any kind of milk (almond milk, cow's milk, rice milk, etc.), add a touch of sweetener, and you've got a delicious milk tea beverage that's super smooth.

This is a rare, exquisite herbal extract with a unique nutritional profile that just isn't found in any other herb or superfood. Because its potent flavonoids are so important to protect, it's packed in Miron Swiss Violet Glass which protects it from UV light. Absolutely no chemicals are used to create this extract: No solvents, nothing. In addition, nothing is added to this product. There are no fillers. It is 100% Rooibos powdered extract and nothing else, period.

Source - www.naturalnews.com

Yoga is one of the links between Indu and African culture

"The origin of Indu yoga is attributed to groups of people very close to Black Africa."

Yoga is one of the links between Indu and African culture

This technique of well being was originally
a praying posture

Master Yogi Khane in a fundamental posture of Egyptian Yoga: The "Egyptian walk."

___The present article proposes an interpretation of the origin of yoga. It comes from a close collaboration with Yogi Khane, the Senegalese yogi founder of the International Institute of Yoga, whose office for Africa is located in Dakar. In fact, Yogi Khane is the only master of Egyptian yoga today. It is he who taught us this discipline and revealed its existence to us. ___For a long time we believed that lndu yoga had Aryan origins. The excavations done at Mohengo-Daro, in the lndus Valley, revealed that the Indus civilizations already knew all or part of the yogic techniques, about 3000 years before the arrival of the Aryans. The origin of Indu yoga must be attributed to the Prearyan peoples who lived in the lndus Valley at that epoch. According to certain theories, these groups of people were close to Black Africans. It is disturbing to note that yoga also existed in Egypt at the time, as shown by the work of professor Cheikh Anta Diop. Yoga appeared thus as a link of the great Indo-African culture. ___ In the beginning, the religious character of this discipline became obvious. lf, today yoga is often considered as a technique of well being with therapeutic importance, in the beginning it was a technique of prayer practiced by the priest. Thus the papyrus called Herubn shows us priest Herubn in a praying posture in the lotus posi- tion, arms in candlestick and the trunk twisting. On another engraving of that same papyrus one can see Herubn in another praying posture: the legs are always in lotus position but instead of being vertical, the trunk is bent and the head almost touching the ground in a sign of humility and worship. Egyptian iconography shows us many variants of that worshipping posture. We can to mention, among other examples a statue of Rams II, and another of Ramsey IX, the legs in lotus position and the bust bent, but this time the head is raised instead of being inclined toward the ground.

___ The knee praying posture adopted by Christianism was commonly practiced by the Egyptians. We find many ex- amples, from earliest times. We can mention the cube posture, excellently demonstrated by the naophore statues. ___ Also in India the religious character of yoga appeared neatly. Here is what Sir John Marshall wrote, concerning a statue discovered at Mohenjo-Daro: ___ "It apparently represents someone in the posture of a yogi and it is for that reason that the eyelids are more than half closed and that he looks down toward the point of the nose... It is probably the statue of a priest or rather that of a king priest, since it has not the horns which one might have expected if it was a representation of divinity itself. The fact that it possesses a religious character or quasi religious is sug- gested by the specific drawing in clover shape of her dress, design which is reserved in Ser for the object of religious nature." ___ The other representations of cyogis postures discovered at Mohenjo-Daro concern the different divinities of the Great God himself. The fact that the gods themselves are represented in a yogis posture can show that they are the ones who are considered as having taught yoga to the men. ___ One will ask himself perhaps what the link is between the body posture and prayer. In fact the immobilization in a posture allows one at the same time to immobilize the mind, to compel it to concentrate more effectively on the object of its worshiping. Really, as Master Yogi Khaki said, meditation can be defined as a posture of the mind. The aim of the positions (or arenas) is to allow the grant to more easily reach that posture of the mind. They have an effect on certain centres of subtle energies, as well as on the meridians of energy, intermediary term, in the suc- cession of vibrations, between the mind and the body. This allows the believer to direct all his energy and thoughts towards God. Moreover to make the body participate in the praying act, as the Muslims do it, means a participa- tion of the being. That is to say a total devotion to God. This adds evidenUy to the symbolic meaning of certain postures.

Ramses IX in prayer. 20th Dynasty Edinburg Museum. The Egyptian woman priest Herubn in prayer scenes drawn from the funerary papyrus of Herubn in prayer 20th dynasty, around 1140 to 1090 B.C. Ref. Irena Lexova, Acient Egyptian Dances, Pl. 73 Praha 1935

___ Egyptian civilization was an essentially religious civilization, as Egyptian architecture witnesses it. Confronted by the temples, we are obliged to conclude that such realizations have been possible only because of all the kinetic forces of the Egyptian nation and the Egyptian economical system were at the service of the religious. It is not surprising to note a very large presence of Egyptian yoga and the concepts which subtend it.
___ In describing the posture of the priestess Herubn, we have mentioned the position of the candlestick. That posture was found in one of the famous Egyptian symbols the symbol of Ka. Ka is in fact represented by two arms raised in the posture of the candlestick. According to pastor Dr. Feller, Ka represents "the possibility that man has to visit God", an interpretation which is quite in agreement with what was seen concerning the original role of yoga.
___ The symbol of Ka, the posture of the candlestick is not the only posture of Egyptian yoga which has obtained recognition in the hieroglyphic system. We also found there the posture of the cube, and also a twisting posture, arms in candlestick. This last hieroglyphic symbolizes the idea of eternity, and we very often encountered it in association with the name of the Egyptian God Atoum Great God creator of the heliopolitan cosmogony. ) There again, the religious character obviously appeared.

A statue of king Hor surmounted by Ka 12th Dynasty cairo musuem

Egyptian hieroglyphic sign showing a posture of the vertebral torsion, arms in candlestick. Master Yogi Khane in the same posture.

A true vertebral medicine ___ The fact that the postures of yoga have been expressed by the hieroglyphic signs is obviously an indication of the impregnation of Egyptian civilization by yoga, and so the an- tiquity of .this discipline. In fact this im- pregnation is noticeable in all Egyptian art. Man and woman are represented here generally by the body, the pelvis and the head in profile, the eye and the trunk full-face. This strange posture did not fail to strike all those interested in Egyptian art. It was only generally seen there an aesthetic convention. Master Khaki, the founder of the Inter- national Institute of Yoga had to revive Egyptian yoga for the origins of this convention to become subject of discus- sion. If it is question of yoga postures, we are in thepresence of various representationas It is likely that, from the copy of the original, the Egyptian posture quickly became a convention. In fact it is found in profane as well as in religious scenes. It is therefore likely that the Egyptian painter or sculptor, finding it comfortable and aesthetic, adopted it by truly making it a technique of represntation of the face.

Among the Guere of the Danana region (Cote d'Ivoire) the acrobatic young dancers of the serpent Society. . .

Position of the Royal Cobra by Irena Lexova: Ancient Egyptian Dances Praha 1935.

. . . examples of Egyptian yoga techniques

___ This posture constitutes, with that of the candlestick, the key posture of Egyptian yoga, as maste Khane teaches it today. The reason is that, combined with the position of the candlestick and the movement of the eagle wings, it allows one to obtain a good work of rehabilitayion and flexibility of the verteberal column. Egyptian yoga, at the same time a discipline for prayer, was a true vertebral therapy, a complete technique of self manipulation of the column. This makes yoga a very attractive discipline today for certain members of the medical corps, especially chiropractors. ___ In relation to the twisting postures, vertical trunk, arms in candlestick which constiture specific postures of Egyptian yoga, we found again in the Egyptian iconography a certain number of postures which are also classics of indu yoga, for example, the lotus, the royal cobra and the bridge. We will notice that sometimes the person who works these postures is shown in company with others who seems to be clapping their hands, as if to indicate a ryhthm, a measure. This seems to supose that certain postures of Egyptian yoga have been adopted by the dance. posture of the Lotus by Irena Lexova: Ancient Egyptian Dances Praha 1935.

Posture of extension toward the back by Irena Lexova: Ancient Egyptian Dances Praha 1935.

Posture of Egyptian walk. Funerary Tumb of Djeddhor 4th century B.C. Louvre Musuem

___ Which is nothing astonishing, since orginally the dance also possessed a certain religious character. Hercone sees the possible beginning of a passing from religious to the profane.
___ Certain of these postures have survived in the dance figures done by the young Ivorian dancers of the serpent society. This seems indicative of a diffusion of Egyptian yogic techniques in a part of present Black Africa, a phenomenon which can be corroborated by the pressence, in of Peul initatic stories transmitted by Amadou Hampate Ba, of a certain number of initiatic elements wich arem iniscent of ancient Egypt. I could take for example the story of the iniation of Dyon-Dyeri by Gagoumawel in the Sparkle Of the Large Star. The ritual which goes with the initiation can be related to the Egyptian ritual of "the opening of the mouth"; this is certainly not a coincidence. The text and the critical display of Kaidara hint at the importance of immobility. The immobility, the static character of the postures are a trait very characteristic of yoga. In Black Nations and Culture, Professor Cheihk Anta Diop established a rapport between the Egyptian uraeus and a design which decorates the hairstyle of an Ife head. The uraeus can be linked with the esoteric knowledge whic goes with yoga. It also would be suitable to mention the Dogon Hook, and the stretched arm posture towards the sky, which characterize certain forms of representation of the God Nommo. These are, of course, only the first indications which require more serious study. But the mere fact of mentioning them shows to what extent yoga could have been linked, originally, to the Black world.
By Genevieve Khane

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The following images added by web host.

Cross legged posture Central Africa 20th century.	Cross legged posture North East Africa Dynastic Period

Amenhotep III East African Uraeus Ancient Kmt	West African Uraeus Ife, Nigeria Notice that the head dress has been moved up and off brow ridge. Headress still cuts across hair line.

Source - http://www.highculture.8m.com/

Heal your gut with the amino acid l-glutamine

(NaturalNews) With chemical additives, excessive gluten consumption, over prescription of antibiotics and more, the integrity of our gut lining is weakened further with each passing year. It's no wonder that digestive disorders and their accompanying deficiencies are more common than ever before. Healing the gut lining restores your body's ability to build a strong immune system and to produce those feel-good neurotransmitters in the right amounts. Evidence points to the amino acid l-glutamine as a natural means for restoring the integrity of the gut lining and for once again putting digestive wellness within your grasp.

How L-Glutamine is Connected to Gut Health

Glutamine provides cells in the digestive tract with a vital source of energy that is required for regulating their production. Its role in strengthening the gut lining is well known. Glutamine also helps water absorption in the gut, aiding in hydrating the whole body - certainly a necessary component for good health.

What is lesser known is that glutamine also plays a role in the health of the pancreas, liver, mouth and esophagus. The function of all of these parts will impact digestion and therefore the health of your gut. Glutamine can help ensure the entire digestive process runs more smoothly, which may help prevent future damage to the gut system and may even aid the body in healing any damage already done.

Because of the strong connection between gut health and general health, using l-glutamine to strengthen your gut can lead to benefits such as:

- Increased immunity
- Reduced allergies
- Better moods
- Improved nutrient absorption

L-Glutamine Supplementation Tips

L-glutamine is best taken in powder form to avoid additives that may irritate an already sensitive gut. Its taste is not entirely unpleasant and is masked easily with a small amount of juice.

The general dosage recommendation starts at one gram three times daily. However, some alternative health experts recommend much higher amounts of up to 30 grams per day in divided doses. The average diet naturally contains several grams of glutamine, and it is thought that doses of up to 14 grams per day is quite safe for most.

Note: those with bipolar disorder may experience mania from too much glutamine, so supplementation may be contraindicated in this case. Those with kidney or liver disease, or women who are pregnant or nursing may want to consult with their physician before starting a new supplemental regimen.

Source - www.naturalnews.com

A handful of walnuts each day significantly lowers breast cancer risk

(NaturalNews) Researchers from Marshall University in West Virginia report in the journal Nutrition and Cancer that small amounts of walnuts eaten daily can significantly lower the risk of breast cancer in women. Walnuts are a naturally great tasting source of healthy Omega-3 fats, minerals, vitamins and protein that have long been associated with good health. Interestingly, it is not only the potent dose of Omega-3 fats that are responsible for the risk reduction, but also a synergistic effect between multiple nutrients provided by the nut. Scientists now confirm that eating two ounces of this super food each day can significantly lower your risk of developing this insidious killer disease.

The study was conducted using mice that are genetically predisposed to develop breast cancer tumors. Lead researcher, Dr. Elaine Hardman set out to determine the effect of a typical diet and a walnut-enhanced diet through an entire lifespan. Scientists examined dietary nutrition supplied by the mother through conception and weaning and then by eating walnuts directly. Mice are frequently used for this type of research because they follow similar patterns of breast cancer carcinogenesis when compared to humans.

Dr. Hardman found that the group whose diet included walnuts from conception to late life developed breast cancer at less than half the rate of the group consuming a typical diet. In addition, the number of tumors and their sizes were significantly smaller. Of the results, she commented: "These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate... we were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation."

Researchers noted that they were unable to determine if the cancer prevention benefits were the result of deletions or additions to the diet. Adding healthy Omega fats from walnuts displaced unhealthy fats and balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratios to lower systemic inflammation and oxidized LDL cholesterol levels that result in cancer development. Other studies including walnuts have shown that there are multiple health benefits achieved from the unique blend of fats, vitamins (especially vitamin E) and minerals in the flavorful nut.

The result of this study continues to add to the wealth of scientific evidence that natural nutrients provided by an array of 'super foods' significantly contribute to our health. Dr. Hardman concluded: "Food is important medicine in our diet... the results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnuts could be part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations." It's easy to add two ounces of walnuts (about 14 halves) to your daily diet to prevent breast cancer and a host of other chronic diseases.

[Editor's Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]

Source - www.naturalnews.com

Milk thistle provides a protective shield to the liver, heart and brain

(NaturalNews) The liver is one of the most critical organs essential to human health. It serves more than 300 functions in the body to detoxify against chemical and environmental intrusions, and it promotes metabolic function as well. Silymarin is commonly known as milk thistle, and new science is emerging to validate the healing potential of this powerful plant. Publishing in the journal Hepatitis Monthly, researchers provide solid evidence that natural milk thistle extracts can halt and even reverse the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an affliction affecting as much as a third of the adult population. Supplementation with milk thistle will dramatically lower the risks associated with fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction.

NAFLD is a significant health concern that is growing at an unprecedented rate due to the obesity and diabetes epidemic currently gripping most western societies. The condition is caused in part by excess accumulation of fats (triglycerides) in the cellular matrix of the liver that results in suboptimal function of the organ. Left unchecked, the disease can result in cell injury and damage, in inflammation and ultimately in cirrhosis as the liver becomes less able to perform the multitude of tasks essential to life.

Researchers found that the plant extract has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and becomes concentrated in hepatic tissue soon after ingestion. They found that silymarin promotes liver tissue regeneration by supporting multiple critical metabolic functions: these include lower oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, regulation of membrane permeability and stability and prevention of the deposition of collagen fibers, which lead to cirrhosis. In addition, milk thistle inhibits the absorption of many toxins, effectively preventing them from entering circulation through the bloodstream.

Silymarin is known to be a powerful cellular antioxidant with specific properties that can prevent excess oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL cholesterol particles are sticky and become lodged in the delicate endothelial layer of coronary artery vessels where they combine with other blood-borne compounds to form plaque. Natural milk thistle extracts (570 mg per day) have proven effective to lower risk factors that promote arterial hardening.

Milk thistle has been used as a chemopreventive agent in the fight against certain cancer lines, most notably metastatic cancers of the prostate. Silymarin interferes with cancer growth and immortality, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic activity (prevents cancer spread). Extracts of milk thistle have also been used as an agent in the war against numerous malignancies including those of the liver, colon and skin.

Our body is continually under assault from a barrage of more than 70,000 chemicals and 900 drugs known to induce liver damage. Milk thistle supplementation provides an effective tool to protect and heal our primary filtration organ, the liver. Silymarin is also proving to be an important tool that can naturally lower cancer risk, while providing critical support for the heart and prostate.

Source - www.naturalnews.com

One of the best herbs for fever

Have you ever wondered if would be possible to take your family’s health care into your own hands?

What would it be like if healing yourself and your family was as easy as picking plants right around your house and using them to help keep you healthy?

Well, over the past several years, my husband John and I have been doing just that. We’ve been building our herbal knowledge one experience at a time. As our relationship with the green world grows, we find we rarely visit doctors. It’s been an empowering and inspiring journey, and I am absolutely delighted by this opportunity to share some if it with you, and help you to build your own family herbal medicine chest.

This month, I will introduce you to one of my very good friends and allies: Yarrow. It's one of the best herbs for fevers.

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, plant grows in fields, on the edges of woods, and along the roadsides. It is a very fine garden herb, easy to start from seed. Yarrow has lacey, fern-like leaves and white to pink aromatic flowers with gold centers that shimmer in the moonlight.

I became good friends with yarrow when my daughter Hailey was just 5 weeks old and had a very high fever. The first day of the fever I called my naturopath. She was tempted to send us to the hospital because Hailey was so young and the fever so high. However, she knew if she did, they would do a spinal tap, and wanted to avoid such invasive measures if possible. Hailey was still nursing well and we chose to wait to see if the fever would break.

When the fever was still present the next day, we took her into the doctor’s office. Hailey was lethargic and very hot, but also nursing well. Our doctor sent us home advising a bath in yarrow tea.

We hadn’t thought of administering medicine through bathwater, but it worked brilliantly. We took her home and started a yarrow infusion right away, putting one ounce of the dried herb into a quart jar and covering it with boiling water. Four hours later we strained it into her infant bath and added water to make it tepid.

We bathed Hailey, and then soaked two pairs of her socks in 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with a cup of water. One pair we put on her feet. The other pair we wrapped around her wrists at her pulse points. By nightfall, her fever had broken, and we slept, relieved and peaceful, through the night.

This routine has served us well with other high fevers, bringing them down by at least a degree within a few minutes. For older “patients” sipping the yarrow infusion or using a cloth the bathe their hands and feet works just as well. Yarrow opens our pores and encourages our body to sweat the fever out. This is why we feel this is one of the best herbs for fever.

Another wonderful way to get to know yarrow is for help with healing wounds. Once when we were visiting friends on Camano Island, John cut his foot pretty badly on some sharp rocks while wading in the sound.

He sent our four-year-old son Rowan to search for some yarrow. John crushed up the leaves and put them right on the cut. The bleeding stopped within minutes and the wound healed beautifully.

Not only will yarrow speed blood clotting. Yarrow helps relieve pain, disinfects wounds, promotes tissue repair, and reduces inflammation. Fresh yarrow leaves are best for wound healing, but you can put dried, powdered leaves right on the cut or make a compress, soaking a cloth in yarrow tea and laying it on the wound.

So, are you interested in having one of the best herbs for fever on your own medicine shelf?

Well, yarrow will be blooming all summer long. Gather the leaves and flowers by cutting the entire stem half way down. Harvest after the flowers are open and when they are still vibrant looking. Tie them by their stems in small bunches and hang them out of direct sunlight. When fully dry, garble them, and store in a mason jar.

As you build your own relationship with yarrow, one experience at a time, I know you will discover a multitude of other ways it can help you, and you’ll be glad you harvested this summer.

Source - http://www.learningherbs.com/

Superior Herbalism

'This section provides suggestions to assist you in getting started with a Chinese Tonic Herbal Program. Several simple, yet comprehensive, programs are described, with specific formulas recommended for you to build your own program.'

Chinese herbalismhas traditionally been divided into three fundamental levels. These threelevels were first described in the original classic of Chinese herbalism, attributed to the emperor Shen Nong approximately three thousand years ago. The following section of that classic explains the three levels of herbalism practiced in the Orient since that time:

The SuperiorClass of herbs are the rulers. They control the maintenance of life and correspondto Heaven. These herb foods are not medicines so the taking of these herbfoods in larger amounts or over a long period of time is not harmful. If you wish to take the material weight from the body, to supplement the energiesand nutrients circulating in the body, and to prolong the years of life withoutaging, you should base your efforts on the herb foods of the Superior Class.

The GeneralClass of herbs are the ministers. They control the preservation of the humannature and correspond to Man. One part of them possesses medicinal effectiveness,another part possesses preventive effectiveness. For every application, thechoice of the suitable herbs should be considered carefully. If you wish to prevent illnesses and to balance depletions and consumption, you should base your efforts on herbs in the General Class.

The InferiorClass of herbs are the assistants. They control the curing of illnesses andcorrespond to Earth. They possess a markedly medicinal effectiveness and must not be taken over a long period of time since side effects will likely result. If you wish to remove cold, heat, and other evil influences from the body, to break stagnations of any sort and to cure illnesses, you should base your efforts on the herbs in the Inferior Class.

Of the severalthousand herbs used in the Chinese herbal system, there is thus an elite group of less than a hundred herbs known as the 'Superior Herbs,' also known as the 'tonics.' The most famous and important herbs associated with Asian herbalism all fall into this 'superior herb, or 'tonic' category.'

These SuperiorHerbs are not considered to be 'medicinal' in the usual sense of the word.They are not used to treat specific diseases or disorders. Herbs that arestrictly medicinal fall into the Inferior Herb class because they often causeside effects and because they do not develop the Three Treasures. The tonicsare used to promote over-all well being, to enhance the body's energy, andto regulate the bodily and psychic functioning, to protect the body and mindso as to create what the Chinese call 'radiant health.' The Superior Herbsprovide this adaptive energy in abundance and are thus a primary source oftrue human empowerment.

Only herbsthat meet specific qualifications are ranked as a superior herb in the Chineseherbal system. For an herb to be recognized as a tonic herb (another namefor a superior herb), that herb must have been found over many centuries to meet six specific qualifications:

A tonic herb must contain at least one of the Three Treasures in such abundance that it can contribute to the building and maintenance of that Treasure in one who consumes it. Some of the tonic herbs contain just one of the Treasures, some contain two and some contain all three.

A tonic herb must aid in the attainment of a long life.

A tonic herb must have broad and profound health-promoting actions that result in a radiantly healthy life.

A tonic herb must have no negative side-effects when used reasonably, and therefore may be taken continuously over a long period of time if desired, yielding cumulative, long-term benefits. This emphasis on safety is in accordance with the first law of Chinese herbalism---'Do no harm.'

A tonic herb must help balance our emotional and psychic energy so as to help improve one's state of spiritual and emotional well being and happiness.

A tonic herb must taste good enough to be consumed easily and must be easily digestibleand assimilable when prepared correctly. Most of the herbs in the tonic categorydo taste good and in fact, any of the tonic herbs may be used in healthy cooking. Many are used commonly in a healthy Chinese diet. The tonic herbs are considered to be a major food group in the Chinese diet.

Of the thousandsof herbs and foods tested by the people of Asia over many centuries, onlya very small proportion have been determined to meet all these criteria. The tonic herbs are the most prized of all herbs, for it has become clear over many centuries that the great Chinese Tonic herbs can make a very major contribution toward ultimate well being. They can be consumed on a daily basis to fortify us for the adventure of life and to help us take full advantage of life? richness. Of course, in order to achieve Radiant Health, one must work on all aspects of one's life, but the tonics are considered to be an essential tool on the path of Radiant Health.

The tonicherbs are defined as herbs which promote a long, healthy, vibrant, happy life, without any unwanted side effects even when taken over a long period of time. Essentially, the tonic, or Superior Herbs, are wonderful, healthful 'super-foods' which benefit our well being in ways that more common foods cannot. And they have a protective, balancing, vitalizing quality beyond that of any other herbs. They are generally consumed as a supplement to a well balanced healthy diet for the purpose of completing our nutritional needs.

These greattonic herbs are super-foods which have the capacity to promote health andwell being beyond that of other nutritional supplements. Thousands of yearsof experience has taught that regular consumption of the tonics can and willprovide a type of nutrition that is truly empowering.

The Three Treasures and the Five Categories of Tonics

The SuperiorHerbs can be categorized as Jing tonics, Qi tonics and Spirit tonics by virtueof which Treasure(s) they tend to nourish and develop. As a result of theprinciple of Yin and Yang, the superior herbs can be further divided intofive main categories:

Jing tonics are subdivided into Yin (Sweet, Potassium) tonics and Yang (Salt, Sodium) tonics.

Qi tonicsare subdivided into Energy (God's Breath of Life) tonics and Blood tonics.

Shen (Spirit) tonics

Applyingthe principle of the Three Treasures is the highest form of herbalism. Inthe Orient it is called 'the Superior Herbalism.'

Jing Tonics

Jing tonicsare used to replace the spent energy and to build up large reserves for future use. They can also provide primal power and the fire of life. Jing Treasure is closely associated with our genetic material and is considered to be responsible for cellular replication. Thus Jing is associated with regeneration, rejuvenation and the preservation of life. There are special tonic herbs that fortify Jing, and these are found among the Yin and Yang tonic herbs. Yin and Yang are the opposing forces within all systems.

Yin tonicsprovide the 'deep substance of life,' and nourish the fluids of the body.Yin is defined as the accumulation and storage of energy. Yin energy is generallycondensed and stored in all of the tissues of the body, but most extensivelyin the major solid organs, and most particularly in the organs associatedwith the 'Kidney.' The 'Kidney,' as described in Chinese herbalism actuallyencompasses the structures and functions of the reproductive system, the brain, the adrenal glands (especially the hormone-producing cortex), the ears, the hair on the head, the skeleton, the teeth and the bone marrow.. Yin tonics nurture these organs and functions.

The storedenergy, the energy considered to be the body's fundamental reserves, especiallythat stored in the Kidney, is known as Yin Jing. Yin tonics provide softness,coolness and flexibility to the body and are necessary to healthy functioning.The Yin tonics are usually associated with the preservation of life and manyof them are considered in the Orient to be the most important 'anti-aging,longevity herbs.'
Yang Tonics are the power herbs of Chinese herbalism, and like the Yin tonic herbs, are said to affect primarily the 'Kidney' function. 'Yang' is the utilization of the 'Yin,' the stored energy. Yang tonics are generally said to have a 'warm or 'hot' energy. Yang tonics are believed in China to help build will power and courage. Yang energy is also associated with mental creativity and the ability to manifest one's ideas. Certain Yang tonic herbs are believed in Asia to strengthen marital functions and Yang energy is said to control marital drive. All Yang tonics build strength and are thus favorites of athletes. Yang herbs are also used to stimulate metabolism, build muscle and reduce the levels of fat in the system. Yang tonics strengthen bone and are often used to strengthen the skeleton, and are especially renowned for helping to strengthen the back (especially the lower back), knees and joints.

Qi Tonics

Qi tonicsincrease the amount, and improve the quality, of the energy and blood flowingthrough our system. This increase in energy and blood results in an overallincrease in physical and mental vitality. Qi tonics are divided into two categories: Energy Tonics (also called Qi tonics) and Xue tonics which build blood (and are thus often called 'Blood tonics'). There is a general principle in Chinese herbalism that 'men are governed by Qi and women are governed by blood.' Therefore many men consume extra amounts of Qi tonics and women consume larger amounts of Xue tonics to build blood and to regulate blood production. This does not mean that men don? need blood and women don? need Qi. It simply means that men do well when they pay special attention to building Qi and women do well when they focus on building abundant, healthy blood.

Energytonics, also known as Qi tonics, increase physiological energy production. They are not necessarily stimulants, and in fact most are not. Instead, they help the body to function optimally, resulting in a natural progressive increase in vitality. Energy tonics are generally believed to enhance the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal system to yield energy and blood. Energy tonics that do this are said to influence the 'Spleen.' Energy tonics also nurture the 'Lungs' and enhance the extraction of energy from the air through the lungs into the body's energy system. Qi is then said to circulate throughout the body via the 'meridian' system, providing the organs and tissues with the vitality required to live and function.

Blood tonics nourish the blood and help the body to utilize nutrients so as to function optimally. Blood tonics help build muscle and increase energy. Blood nourishes all the tissues of the body and provides the key means of distribution of nutrients, hormones and immune cells throughout the body. Blood tonics are generally believed to benefit the quality and beauty of the skin. Women, who are often deficient in blood, often benefit greatly by regularly consumingblood tonics. Men, of course, benefit from blood tonics as well. Some bloodtonic herbs are also said to have 'blood vitalizing' activity, improving blood circulation.'

Shen Tonics

Shen tonics allow for the development of Shen, our Spirit. Spirit tonics encourage the opening up of Shen. There are two qualities of Spirit tonic herbs in the Superior Herb system: Shen 'stabilizing' and Shen 'developing'. The Spirit Stabilizing quality helps calm and stabilize the emotions so that Shen (our higher self) can develop and rule our lives. The Shen 'developing' quality causes Shen to rise up and to become prominent in our experience. The emotions are thus allowed to play themselves out, but not to dominate our lives and become obsessions or even addictions. In general all Spirit tonics have both Shen stabilizing and Shen developing qualities, to varying degrees. So usually they are not distinguished in herbal practice.

Shen tonics have been used by the great sages of the Orient to help in their quest for enlightenment and harmony with God, Nature and all of Mankind.

Source - http://www.yahwehsaliveandwell.com/

Over-the-Counter and Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss

Most over-the-counter and herbal products for weight loss are appetite suppressants. They work by "tricking" the body into thinking that it is not hungry. This can be effective; however, long-term use can lead to addiction and may cause health problems. In addition, weight loss only occurs while you are taking the medicine, unless other behavioral changes such as improved diet and increased exercise are made.

Below are some commonly used over-the-counter weight loss drugs and appetite suppressants. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any of these over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies for weight loss, as some could be a waste of money, or worse, dangerous.
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Ephedra (ma huang) and its active ingredient ephedrine were commonly found in herbal dietary supplements used for weight loss. Ephedrine is used in asthma medicine, as well as to make methamphetamine, more commonly known as speed. In fact, there's only a slight difference chemically between methamphetamine and ephedrine. Ephedrine can slightly suppress your appetite, but no studies have shown it to be effective in weight loss. Ephedrine can also be dangerous. It can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Ephedrine can also interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. In February 2004, the FDA officially banned the sale of ephedrine in any dietary supplement in the U.S. due to the risk of illness or injury.
St. John's wort. This herbal product is primarily used as an antidepressant. Few studies have evaluated its effectiveness for promoting weight loss. St. John's wort and ephedra are the two primary ingredients in herbal phen-fen. If you are taking St. John's wort, you should avoid tyramine-containing foods (for example, aged cheese, cured or aged meats, wines, etc.). You should also check with your doctor before taking any other drugs, since it has many potential harmful interactions with antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, heart medications, and dextromethorphan (contained in various cold remedies). The use of St. John's wort for weight loss is potentially very dangerous. There are no clinical studies to support the use of St. John's wort for weight loss.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Found in some over-the-counter weight loss products, this extract from a West African plant seed has replaced tryptophan supplements after the FDA banned sale of tryptophan due to its link to a rare and potentially deadly blood disorder. 5-HTP has not been proven to effectively promote weight loss and is under constant scrutiny for safety. In larger doses, 5-HTP may have a negative effect on the liver.
Chitosan (KITE-o-san). This dietary supplement is made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Chitosan cannot be digested; therefore it passes through your intestinal tract unabsorbed without adding any calories. The chemical nature of Chitosan makes it bind with fatty foods, removing some of the fat from your body as it passes through rather than allowing it to be absorbed. Several studies, however, found no more weight loss from Chitosan than from a placebo (sugar pill).
Chromium is thought to enhance the effect of insulin and therefore the breakdown of carbohydrates. It has been touted as a weight loss aid and a fat burner. Much of the evidence is inconclusive on chromium's effect on weight loss. Several studies have failed to show any benefit in weight loss after taking this mineral.
Pyruvate. Pyruvate is formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein from food. It may have a slight effect in helping you shed pounds, according to some studies. Found in the form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate can be found in various foods including red apples, cheese, and red wine. Pyruvate appears to be safe, but claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite, and aiding in weight loss need further study.
Aloe. Most often used as a topical product for wound healing, oral forms of aloe are added to herbal weight-loss products. Oral aloe produces a strong cathartic response (producing bowel movements) and many aloe weight loss products are marketed as "internal cleansers." However, aloe or aloe-containing products should not be ingested orally if you have intestinal problems like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or abdominal pain of an unknown reason. Use of this agent orally has lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and problems with the body's mineral balance. In addition, it can interact with medications such as Lanoxin (digoxin), a medicine used to treat heart failure. The use of aloe has not been proven to keep weight off.
Cascara. Cascara is a common ingredient used in weight loss products. One of the few herbs approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong stimulant laxative. Misuse of this herb has caused problems with the body's minerals (such as potassium, sodium). It should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cascara may interact with drugs such as Lanoxin and diuretics (water pills, used to treat high blood pressure and other health problems).
Dandelion. Dandelion is a natural diuretic. It may produce significant weight loss by decreasing body water. However, it can cause allergic reactions and heartburn.
Glucomannan. Made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac, glucomannan is said to contribute to weight loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Small limited studies have shown glucomannan to be effective in decreasing body weight. This effect is believed to be due to a "feeling of fullness" which may be due to the swelling of the glucomannan in the gut once it has been exposed to liquids. However, esophageal obstruction has been reported in several people taking glucomannan. Glucomannan and glucomannan-containing products have been banned in several countries due to the high incidence of gastrointestinal obstruction. Glucomannan should not be used by people with a previous history of gastrointestinal obstruction, and caution should be used in diabetics.
Guarana. Made from the seeds of a plant native to Brazil, guarana speeds up the brain's activity and is used to promote weight loss due to its stimulant and diuretic effect. Guarana contains 3% to 5% caffeine and may cause high blood pressure. Some of the extracts have been known to cause prolonged bleeding and interact with blood thinning drugs such as Coumadin. Many advertisements state guarana is free from side effects; however, this statement is not true. Side effects from guarana may include nausea, dizziness, and anxiousness.
Garcinia (hydroxycitric acid). An ingredient found in at least 14 weight loss supplements comes from a plant native to India and Southeast Asia. To date, the best available data show this product is not effective in weight loss.
Yerba Mate. Also known as Paraguay tea, yerba mate is a strong brain stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of 100 to 200 mg of caffeine). The principle side effects reported are excessive stimulation and high blood pressure. It has not been proven to promote weight loss. Some case reports of poisoning (leading to hospitalization) with this agent have been reported and excessive use may be linked to cancer of the esophagus.
Guar Gum. Also known as guar, guar flour, and jaguar gum, guar gum is a dietary fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean. Guar gum has been commonly used in small amounts as a thickening agent for foods and medications. It has been noted to decrease appetite by providing a "feeling of fullness." However, like glucomannan, guar gum may cause obstruction of the esophagus. The water-retaining capacity of the gum permits it to swell to 10- to 20-fold and has led to gastrointestinal obstructions. Reviews of multiple studies show it has no effect on weight loss.
Herbal Diuretics. There are many varieties of herbal diuretics that are commonly found in over-the-counter weight loss products as well as herbal weight loss preparations. Most of the diuretics used in over-the-counter treatments are derived from caffeine. Most of the herbal diuretics are not toxic but have been known to interact with medications (for example, lithium [Lithobid, Eskalith], Lanoxin, or conventional diuretics such as Lasix or Esidrex). Herbal diuretics do not provide enough water loss to be considered effective in losing weight. More importantly, long-term weight loss is loss of fat, not water.


If you become ill while taking an herbal remedy, see a doctor or consult with a health care professional.
Do not take herbs if you're pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
Do not take herbs if you are nursing.
Do not give herbs to a baby.
Do not take large quantities of any one herbal preparation.
Do not take any herb on a daily basis.
Buy only preparations in which the plants are listed on the packet (Note: There is no guarantee attached to any product.)
Do not take herbal remedies if you are taking drugs for a chronic condition (for example, high blood pressure or depression). If you are unsure, consult with your doctor prior to taking any herbal preparation.
Do not take herbal remedies without first talking to your doctor.
Always advise your doctor of any herbal remedy or alternative medicine you are taking.

Keep in mind that herbal preparations will not provide permanent weight loss and there are multiple ingredients in herbal weight loss preparations, some of which have serious side effects and can lead to dangerous toxicities. The use of herbal remedies to lose weight is not generally recommended by the medical community due to the high risk of toxicities and lack of effectiveness.

Source - http://webmd.com/