Herbal Ingredients and their traditional uses.

Aloe	Aloe needs no introduction, as it has been used around the world for a variety of healing benefits. Although most poeple think of Aloe as a cactus, it is actually a member of the Lily family. It is commonly known as a skin healer and moisturizer, effective on burns, bites, cuts or stings. But what many people don't know about are the internal benefits of this wondrous plant. The juice is taken internally for colon cleansing, and to treat a variety of conditions including diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Artichoke	Artichokes treat hardening of the arteries, anemia and liver damage from alcohol, toxins and hepatitis. It is used in many digestion tonics because it stimulates the production of bile. The root and leaves have antibiotic properties and helps to lower cholesterol. (2.)
Camphor	Camphor has anti-inflammatory properties, helps to counteract skin irritations and helps to relieve pain by numbing the peripheral sensory nerves. It is easily absorbed by the skin and is considered an effective remedy for arthritic and rheumatic pain.
Cascara Sagrada	Cascara Sagrada means "sacred bark" in Spanish. The dried, aged bark of this tree has been used continuously for at least 1,000 years by both native and immigrant Americans as a natural bowel stimulator, commercially called "Cascara Sagrada", but old timers call it "chitticum bark". It is an excellent remedy for chronic constipation, and is not considered to be habit forming. Cascara Sagrada is effective on the gall bladder and helps rid the body of gall stones. It has been helpful for treatment of hemorrhoids by being non-irritating and promoting a soft stool, allowing painless passage. It is believed that after use of Cascara Sagrada as a tonic, the bowels will operate naturally. (1)
Dandelion Root	Although the leaves and flowers have powerful medicinal value of their own (the leaves are a powerful diuretic, and blood detoxifiers) (buds edible and used for wine) the root reduces inflammation and is an important liver stimulant used for jaundice, gallstones, and rheumatic joints. (2)The juice of the root continues to be used by European herbalists to treat diabetes and liver disease. They regard Dandelion as one of the best herbs for building up the blood and for helping with anemia.(1) Dandelion is used traditionally for treatment of liver and spleen, it is also widely used for digestive disorders. Dandelion's medicinal value is well documented and supported by a long history of use in traditional medicine, phytochemical investigations, and pharmacological studies. (3)
Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus Oil is pain relieving (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory, making it a valuable and frequent ingredient in sports creams or rubs. Physicians often recommend it to patients for sprained ligaments, tendons, aching muscles and even nerve pain.
Ginseng	There is an incredible volume of information published on Ginseng, it's value in medicine strongly established throughout centuries of use. Although ginseng is often seen as strictly an East Asian medicine, American ginseng has been used by Native Americans for centuries. There are several varieties of Ginseng with varying characteristics and properties; American, Panax, Tienshi, Radix, Siberian, and Noto are just a few. The age of the root is of primary importance. The older roots have greater medicinal value. Chinese Ginseng has a tonic affect on the pituitary gland andthe adrenals, improving the reflexes, enhancing mental performance, while diminishing fatigue. Ginseng fights depression by eliminating stress and reducing nervousness. Siberian (Tiaga) has been shown to improve cerebral circulation, improves mental alertness, detoxifies the blood and adds protection from viral infection. Tienchi is most used for its strong tonic properties, with strong hemostatic properties, reducing swelling and pain in muscles, and soft tissues. All the Ginsengs are known for increasing endurance and promoting longevity and vitality. In general, Ginseng strengthens the body by increasing the efficiency of body systems, such as the digestive, metabolic, circulatory and endocrine systems. Tests show Ginseng inhibits cancer cells and increases alertness, reflex actions and stamina.(1,2,4)
Kola Nut	Kola Nut (Cola) is a dense evergreen with star shaped fruit and large wood seed pods, grown primarily in Africa, Brazil and the West Indies. Kola (Cola) contain theobromine and naturally occurring caffeine which act as a mild stimulant. The seeds are used for headaches, depression and as a diuretic. (2)
Menthol	Menthol is derived from the Mint plant. When applied to the skin it creates the sensation of cooling by stimulating the heat receptors, even though the skin does not actually change temperature. It has local anesthetic properties and helps relieve skin irritation and is helpful for muscle aches.
Milk Thistle	Milk Thistle protects and regenerates the liver in most liver diseases such as Cirrhosis (hardening of the Liver), Jaundice and Hepatitis, (inflammation of the Liver), and Cholangitis (inflammation of bile ducts resulting in decreased bile flow). It is one of the best examples of preventative medicine that we have today as it not only protects each cell of the liver from incoming toxins, but simultaneously encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, drugs, medications, mercury and heavy metals, pesticides, anesthesia, etc... Exciting reversals have been observed in symptoms of acute and chronic liver problems, ranging from viral hepatitis to cirrhosis with use of Milk Thistle extract. Milk Thistle also protects the kidneys, maintains the basic function of the liver, thereby keeping the blood system clean. (1.) This herb is wonderful and appropriate for anyone who is under stress, uses alcohol, recreational drugs, prescription medications, or lives in today's modern times of pesticides, environmental toxins, and pollution (Virtually every person in an industrial nation).
Nettle	For most people, when they think about stinging nettle, the first reaction is to cringe with a childhood memory of the painful sting of the sharp leaves. But nettle has beneficial medicinal properties. Traditionally it was used as a blood builder, an astringent and a tonic that was good for many skin conditions. Recently it is being studied for possible use with allergies. It is also being used to help manage BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or enlarged prostate. Studies show that it improves urine flow and decreases nighttime urination.
Nopal (Cactus)	Nopal refers to the flat leaves of the Prickly Pear cactus. It is high in fiber, rich in vitamins and amino acids. Used for thousands of years by the Incas and the Aztecs for a wide range of gastro-intestinal problems, it has proven itself to be invaluable especially for bowel disorders. It has a high content of muscilage and pectin that help coat and protect the gastrointestinal tract. The insoluble fiber absorbs water and helps promote normal bowel function. It is also known to reduce cholesterol, helping to metabolize fat and fatty acids, and overall decreasing the risk of heart disease. Nopal is even reported to help regulate blood sugar.
Pygeum Bark	Pygeum is an evergreen tree found in Africa. An extract of the bark has been shown to be helpful in treatment of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or Enlarged prostate. Studies show benefits as regards urinary frequency or hesitancy, pain in urination in patients with BPH. Some tests show increased results when used with Stinging Nettle.
Sarsaparilla	Sarsaparilla is native to the pacific coastal regions from Mexico down to Peru. The bark and root of the plant aid the body in producing anabolic hormones, thus useful for body building. Sarsaparilla is a blood purifying herb and is used as a treatment for Liver problems, rheumatism and skin disorders. (1)
Saw Palmetto	There is reported use of Saw Palmetto for the reproductive and urinary system as far back as the Mayans, as well as Native Americans. In European history there is much documentation of Saw Palmetto being used as an expectorant and to control irritation of mucous tissues in lungs such as bronchitis, whooping cough, etc. More recently many clinical trials have shown Saw Palmetto to effective as a treatment for men with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) (enlarged Prostate) with even greater benefits when used in conjunction with Nettle.
Senna Leaf	Senna alexandrina is a small shrub, about 0.5-1 m high, with a pale green smooth erect stem, long spreading branches, bearing four or five pairs of leaves. The flowers are small and yellow, the pods broadly oblong and containing about six seeds. Senna is an Arabian name, and the plant is grown mostly in Nubia. Twice a year the plants are cut down, dried in the sun, stripped and packed in palm-leaf bags and sent on camels to Essouan and Darao then up the Nile to Cairo or else to Red Sea ports. It is a purgative, closely related to aloe and rhubarb, the active ingredients being anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides. Its action is on the lower bowel, and is especially useful in alleviating constipation. It increases the peristaltic movements of the colon.
Willow (Red or White)	Hippocrates, a Greek physician for whom the Hippocratic Oath is named, wrote in the 5th century BC about a bitter powder extracted from willow bark that could ease aches and pains and reduce fevers. This remedy is also mentioned in texts from ancient Sumeria, Egypt and Assyria. Native American Indians used it for headaches, fever, sore muscles, rheumatism, and chills. Willow is a valuable nerve sedative as well, and is useful in stomach problems such as sour stomach and heartburn. (1.)
Yohimbe Bark	The Yohimbe tree is native to Africa. The bark is used primarily as an aphrodisiac. The alkaloid salt derived from the bark is called Yohimbine and has been used in prescription formulas to improve sexual performance by dilating the blood vessels of the skin and mucous membranes. (1) It is a hormone stimulant and has anti-fatigue properties.
Resources and References: 1. Little Herb Encyclopedia (Third Edition), Jack Richason N.D., Woodland Health Books 2. Herbs, Leslie Bremness, Smithsonian Handbooks 2002 3. American Botanical Council, www.herbalgram.org 4. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica Revised Edition, Eastland Press 5. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health (www.nccam.nih.gov) **The information above has been provided for information and education only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.