Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw a native plant of the Peruvian rain forest that has been long used for treatment of many ailments. Cat’s claw got its name from the curved, claw-like thorns that grow on its stem. Not all varieties of cat’s claw offer the same therapeutic benefits, the variety Uncaria tomentosa that contains a compound known as isopterodine is most beneficial. Another variety Uncaria guianesis is also beneficial but lacks isopterodine. Studies indicate that cat’s claw may stimulate the immune system, help relax the smooth muscle, dilate blood vessels thus lower blood pressure, and act like a diuretic. Cat’s claw also has antioxidant properties and used for birth control

Effective for:

• Antiviral (herpes zoster, herpes simples, HIV) 
• Arthritis 
• Asthma 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Colitis 
• Digestive problems 
• Gastritis 
• Hemorrhoids 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Stomach ulcers 
• Wound healing 

Supplements:
Brewed tea and tinctures are the best way to absorb the active ingredient of cat’s claw. Capsules that contain standardized extract also work well. The potency of cat’s claw varies immensely with different manufacturers.

Recommended Dose:

• 100 mg per day for osteoarthritis 
• 250-350 mg per day for immune support 
• Brewed tea with cat’s claw three times a day for intestinal disorders. 

Side effects and precautions:

• Cat’s claw is mostly safe when taken short term. I can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting in some people. 
• Do not take when pregnant or lactating. 
• Do not take if suffering from an auto immune condition. 
• Do not take if undergoing surgery as it makes blood pressure control difficult during surgery, stop taking it two weeks before surgery.

Ginseng

Ginseng is known as a “adaptogen” as it can help the body to adapt to any physiological stress. Ginseng root has the ability to restore equilibrium to the body by either stimulating or dampening certain biochemical process that are out of synch due to stress factors. There are two main varieties of ginseng- Siberian ginseng and Chinese/Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng).

Effective for:
Siberian ginseng:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Stabilizes blood sugar 
• Strengthen immune system 

Chinese/Korean ginseng (panax ginseng):

• Anti aging 
• Anti cancer 
• Anti fatigue 
• Anti stress 
• Diabetes 
• Immune system enhancement 
• Liver health and detoxification 
• Menopause 
• Mental and physical stamina 
• Reproductive system enhancement 

Supplements:
Ginseng supplements comes in a powered root form, liquid extract and pills (solid extract). The powdered root form may not be standardized where as the pills or liquid extract have the concentration of ginseng standardized and consistent.

Recommended Dose:

• Sibereian ginseng – Thrice daily: dried root 2-4 gm or fluid extract(1:1) 2-4 ml or solid extract 100-200 mg. 
• Panax ginseng- Thrice daily: dried root 2-6 gm or solid extract 100-200 mg 

Side effects and precautions:

• High doses can cause insomnia, irritability, melancholy and anxiety. 
• Should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. 
• Should not be used by people with hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, heart disorders, asthma.

Licorice

Licorice is a temperate zone herb long used by ancient Greeks, Chinese and native American Indians for medicinal purposes. The major active ingredient is glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid derived from the Licorice root. A special licorice extract known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is used to treat gastric issues. Beware that Licorice flavored candy does not work for medicinal purposes. 

Effective for:
Oral

• Allergies 
• Antacid for heartburns 
• Anti inflammatory 
• Anti microbial (bacterial, viral, parasites) 
• Bronchial disorders 
• Chronic fatigue 
• Cough expectorant 
• Estrogen and progesterone like effects 
• Liver disorders 
• Menstrual and menopausal disorders 
• Prevents dental plaque formation 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

As deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

• Canker sores 
• Peptic ulcers 

Topical glycyrrhetinic acid

• Eczema 
• Herpes 
• Impetigo 
• Psoriasis 

Supplements:

The use for Licorice for therapeutic purposes can be divided into three categories, oral preparations using glycrrhetic acid, topical preparations using glycyrrhetinic acid and use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

Recommended Dose:

• For ulcers DGL taken before meal 2-4 tables of 400 mg each 
• For glycyrrhetinic acid powered root 1-2 gms, fluid extract 2-4 mls or dry powered extract 250-500 mg three times daily.

Side effects and precautions:

• Licorice should not be taken for an extended period of time. Extended use may cause water retention, hypertension, loss of potassium. 
• Licorice should probably not be used in people who are pregnant, have heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, history of stroke, severe menstrual problems.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the best studied plants in the world. Garlic also has been long used to treat a variety of conditions. The modern use of garlic has focused on its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure Garlic lowers blood pressure through the actions of one of its component, methyl allyl trisulfide, which dilates blood vessels. Garlic contains an amino acid derivative, alliin. When garlic is consumed, the enzyme alliinase coverts alliin to allicin. Allicin is very short lived and has an antibiotic effect. The pungent odor of garlic is caused by allicin. 

Effective for:

• Anti inflammatory 
• Anti microbial
• Cancer prevention 
• Cardiovascular health 
• Cuts the risk of heart disease 
• Digestive aid (flatulence, nausea, vomiting, colic) 
• Immune system enhancer 
• Lowers cholesterol 
• Lowers high blood sugar 
• Promotes weight loss 

Supplements:
Garlic can be taken any way that is convenient, eating it every day, taking an extract of aged garlic as a capsule or as a liquid. But because garlic’s healing power increases with the dose, supplements are a better choice for therapeutic purposes.

Recommended Dose:
For therapeutic purpose 24,00-3,200 mg daily.

Side effects and precautions:
Garlic is generally safe to use.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera was called “the plant of immortality” by the Egyptians as its therapeutic value is immense. The leaf of aloe vera cannot not be eaten as whole in an attempt to tap its therapeutic potential. The whole leaf when eaten is very bitter to taste and an intestinal irritant with a strong laxative effect. The aloe vera leaf consists of three layers- the outer layer, a corrugated lining just beneath the outer layer and the inner gelatinous layer. The latex (juice) derived from the corrugated layer is the source of the laxative properties. The inner gelatinous layer has a whole range of therapeutic benefits. Commercial ointments are available plenty full but using fresh aloe gel from a broken leaf is the most effective. 

Effective for: 

       Topical

• Cellutitis 
• Frostbite 
• Minor skin irritations 
• Sunburn 
• Wound healing (for superficial wounds only, not deep or surgical wounds) 

       Oral

• AIDS
• Anti allergy 
• Anti inflammatory 
• Antimicrobial –bacterial, viral and fungal 
• Asthma 
• Constipation 
• Diabetes 
• Gastrointestinal tonic 
• Immune system enhancement 
• Peptic ulcers 

Supplements:

Aloe vera is sold in different forms. Aloe vera gel is the undiluted gel obtained from stripping away the outer layer. Aloe vera concentrate is the gel from which the water element has been removed Aloe vera juice is an ingestible product containing about 50% gel. Aloe vera latex is the bitter yellow liquid derived from the outer rind of the leaf. 

Recommended Dose:

• Daily dosage at least 800 mg 
• For skin conditions apply the gel from a fresh broken leaf directly on the affected area 
• For intestinal conditions 6 oz aloe vera juice three times a day 

Side effects and precautions:
Aloe Vera is generally safe and allergies to it are rare.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that originated in china thousands of years ago and now grows in temperate climate. Ginkgo biloba is the most important plant-based medicine available today. More that three hundred studies show that Ginkgo biloba enhances blood circulation and thus increase the supply of oxygen to the heart, brain and all other body parts. Ginkgo biloba is widely known as the “smart herb” and have even been shown to slow the early progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Ginkgo biloba also acts as an antioxidant

Effective for:

• Anti-aging 
• Asthma 
• Bronchitis 
• Cataracts 
• Depression 
• Headaches 
• Impotence 
• Inhibits blood clotting 
• Macular degeneration 
• Peripheral vascular disease 
• Premenstrual syndrome 
• Promotes memory and mental function 
• Raynaud’s disease
• Reduces blood pressure 
• Retinopathy 
• Tinnitus 
• Vertigo 

Supplements:
An extract of Ginkgo biloba standardized to contain a 24% concentration of flavonglycosides the active chemical ingredient is most effective.

Recommended Dose:

• Therapeutic range 240-360 mg daily 
• For general purpose 120-160 mg daily 

Side effects and precautions:
Ginkgo biloba is safe but can cause some minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache, constipation, forceful heartbeat and allergic skin reactions.

Cetyl Myristoleate

Cetyl Myristoleate is a fatty acid ester made from myristoleic fatty acid and cetyl alcohol. Cetyl Myristoleate appears to have same characteristics like the essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha linolenic acid, except stronger and longer lasting. Cetyl Myristoleate suppresses inflammation, lubricates joints and curbs the autoimmune reaction that targets the body’s own joints. 

Effective for:

• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

Supplements:
Cetyl Myristoleate comes from animal sources such as sperm whale, mice and beavers.

Recommended Dose:
For symptomatic relief 100mg Cetyl Myristoleate 4 to 6 times daily for a month. Relief from symptoms genreally observed after two weeks of taking Cetyl Myristoleate.

Side effects and precautions:
Cetyl Myristoleate appears to be safe based on animal studies and absence of adverse reactions reported by patients.

Alkylglycerols

Alkylglycerols are a family of fat soluble compounds that are essential in stimulating the body’s immune system. Alkylglycerols help the body to produce white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets. Whenever any of the mentioned blood components are low in the body the supplementation of alkygilcerol is very useful. Alkylglycerols are naturally found in spleen, liver, bone marrow and breast milk. 

Effective for:

• Arthtitis 
• Immune system protection 
• Improve cancer therapies (radiation or chemotherapy) 
• Protection from cold and flu 
• Psoriasis 
• Reduce inflammation 

Supplements:
Shark liver oil is a rich source of alkylglycerols 

Recommended Dose:

• For daily maintenance 500mg of shark liver oil extract (contains 100 mg alkylglycerols) 
• For Cancer, HIV treatment 1000-1500 mg shark liver oil extract

Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is a herb native to the tropical forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. Other common names include gymnema, cowplant, gurmari, gurmar, peripioca of the woods, meshasringa and bhetki cha pala. Gymnema sylvestre has been used as an herbal medicine to treat diabetes for nearly two millennia. Gymnema sylvestre works by suppressing cravings and balancing blood sugar levels. The active component of this herb in gymnemic acid, molecularly similar to glucose therefore theorized to compete with glucose molecules to bind glucose receptors in the intestine. 

Effective for:

• Anti inflammatory 
• Cutting down insulin dose in type I diabetes 
• Decrease the dosage of oral glucose drugs in type II diabetes 
• Diuretic 
• Weight loss aid 

Supplements:
When buying Gymnema Sylvestre supplement be sure the product contains 25% gymnemic acid

Recommended Dose:
100 mg taken three to fours times daily

Side effects and precautions:

Gymnema Sylvestre is safe for most people. Precautions must be take by pregnant or lactating mothers, people with milkweed allergies and people taking prescription antidepressant.

Glycerol Monolaurate

Glycerol monolaurate is a chemical compound made up from glycerin and a medium chain fatty acid called lauric acid. It is found naturally in breast milk and coconut oil. Glycerol monolaurate is amongst one of the most powerful anti viral agent. It renders those viruses ineffective that have a fatty acid envelope. These viruses use the fatty acid envelope to latch on to host cells to infect, glycerol monolaurate dissolves this fatty acid coat. 

Effective for:

• Anti bacterial and anti viral agent 
• Boosts the immune system 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Cytomegalovirus infections 
• Epstein-Barr virus infections 
• Flu (influenza)
• Helps maintain a health balance of intestinal flora and yeast 
• Herpes 1,2 and 6 virus infections 
• Common cold 

Supplements:

Glycerol monolaurate is often available under the trade name monolaurin, lauricidin

Recommended Dose:

• Glycerol monolaurate should be given at the first sign of viral infection at 4-6 capsules of 300mg each. 
• For immune boosting a daily dose of 2-4 capsules of 300 mg each.

Milk thistle

Milk thistle, a flowering plant, has been known for nearly two millennia as a herb of therapeutic value. An extract from the fruit of the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been know for protecting the liver from damage by chemicals, alcohol, and other toxins. The liver-protecting functions are due to two main actions of Milk thistle: antioxidant and protein-restoring activities. The active constituent of Milk thistle is Silymarin- a flavonoid, also an antioxidant that fights against oxidative stress and thus inhibits inflammation of liver cells. It prevents toxic and foreign substances from penetrating liver cells by stabilizing the outer membrane of liver cells. Silymarin displaces toxins by binding to proteins and receptors on the cell membrane. Silymarin also has the ability to repair and restore the liver as it stimulates protein synthesis due to which new liver cells are able to grow. 

Effective for:

• Cholestasis of pregnancy 
• Cirrhosis 
• Fatty liver 
• Gall stones 
• Helps with diabetes by lowering insulin resistance 
• Helps with eczema and psoriasis 
• Improve digestion and liver function 
• Lowers LDL 

Supplements:

Milk thistle is prepared as a concentrated extract of standardized dried herb (70% to 80%, or approximately 140 mg silymarin). Silymarin must be concentrated because it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Recommended Dose:

• 200 to 400 mg silymarin per day 

Side effects and precautions:

• Milk thistle extracts appear to be safe and generally well-tolerated with negligible, if any, toxicity or adverse side effects. 
• Milk thistle occasionally has a mild laxative effect due to increased bile flow and secretion. 
• Allergic reactions are a concern as anyone with allergies to asters, daisies, artichokes, thistle or kiwi should avoid milk thistle and its constituents.

Squalene

Squalene is a thin oil like extract found naturally in the human body primarily in the skin. Squalene was first isolated from the liver of a type of deep-sea shark. Additionally, olive oil is a rich source of squalene, in fact many of its heart protecting qualities is attributed to squalene. Squalene is the best way of taking an oxygen supplement as it releases oxygen inside body tissues.

Effective for:

• Cancer
• Congestive heart failure 
• Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Skin cancer 
• Skin problems 
• Strengthens the immune system 

Recommended Dose:

• 1-3 gms daily dosage 
• 2-4 gms for anti cancer therapy 

Side effects and precautions:

• No known side effects