Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful anti-oxidant and is naturally produced in the human body. The power of ALA comes from it's multiple capabilities. It is not only an universal anti-oxidant but also a protector of other water-soluble and fat-soluble anti-oxidants including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glutathione and Coenzyme Q10. ALA is recognized as the key nutritional supplement in the prevention and therapy of many chronic degenerative conditions including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, premature aging and cancer. ALA encourages the body to convert food into energy efficiently, thus helping to preventing fat deposition on the body. It is a powerful protector of the liver, where it fends off alcohol’s toxic effect. It is also useful as a chelating (binding) agent, helping to rid the body of excess copper. 

Effective for: 

• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Cancer 
• Cataract prevention 
• Diabetes (Type I and Type II) 
• Diabetic neuropathy 
• HIV infection 
• Obesity 
• Protection of liver 

Supplements: 

Available commercially in the form of capsules. 

Recommended Dose: 

• For general health: 100-300 mg a day along with vitamin B1 is beneficial. 
• For obesity: 300-600 mg a day 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Except for rare skin reactions ALA has no adverse effects and no drug interactions. 
• People with diabetes may need to take ALA under medical supervision as the use of ALA will reduce their dependence on insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs. 

Co-enzyme Q10

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is the most vital nutrient of all and it is neither a vitamin, nor a mineral nor an amino acid (protein building block). CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant, present everywhere in the body. CoQ10 is absolutely essential for the production of energy in every cell of the body. 95% of the body’s energy is generated using CoQ10. Further, CoQ10 slows down aging process, enhances immune function, protects the body from destructive free radicals, extremely important to preventing and treating heart disease, diabetes, periodontal gum disease, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer. Many cardiovascular aliments benefit with CoQ10 supplementation. When administered following a coronary bypass surgery, CoQ10 reduces recovery time. CoQ10 given to people suffering from heart failure improves pulmonary function, edema, and heart palpitations. A generous dose of CoQ10 is extremely helpful in treating cardiomyopathies. 

Effective for: 

• Anti aging 
• Cancer 
• Cardiomyopathies 
• Cardiovascular health 
• Diabetes 
• Fatigue 
• High blood pressure 
• Obesity 
• Periodontal gum disease 
• Strengthens immune system 

Supplements: 

Food contains only trace amount of CoQ10. Studies suggest that much of the commercially available CoQ10 Is poorly absorbed by the body. Absorption efficiency is increased with the consumption of omega 3. Products labeled “hydrosoluble” claim to achieve better absorption. 

Recommended Dose: 

• Therapeutic dose: 90 mg a day 
• For cancer protection: 200-400 mg a day 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Very few side effects have been reported on taking oral CoQ10 and when they occur they are usually mild and last for a short time. 
• Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, upset stomach, decreased appetite and rashes.

Pau D'Arco

The pau d’ arco tree is a native to tropical South America. It is the reddish bark of this tree known for it therapeutic benefits. The dried inner bark of Pau d’Arco can be used as a tea. The active ingredients in the bark is mainly lapachol, quercetin and other flavonoids. 

Effective for: 

• Anti bacterial 
• Anti cancer 
• Anti fungal 
• Anti inflammatory 
• Anti parasitic 
• Anti viral 

Supplements: 

Pau d’arco is sold as tablets, dried bark tea and tincture. The chemical that give pau d’arco its medicinal effect do not dissolve well in water. 

Recommended Dose: 

The appropriate dose of pau d’arco depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Large doses of pau d’arco can be toxic. The risk of side effects seems to be greater when the dose of lapachol is more than 1.5 g per day. 
• Do not give pau d’arco to infants or children. 
• Pregnant and nursing women should not take pau d’arco.

Medicinal mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have been long used in Japan and China  to help build stamina, strengthen the immune system and promote general health. Research has indicated that medicinal mushrooms seem to have anti bacterial, anti viral properties, anti inflammatory and liver protecting properties. Four mushrooms variety warrant special attention- Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake and PSK. 

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): 

Shiitake is widely used in many Asian cuisines. The active ingredient of Shiitake mushrooms is lentinan that is used as an intravenous anti-cancer drug with antitumor properties. Clinical studies have associated lentinan with a higher survival rate, higher quality of live and lower recurrence of cancer. 

Reishi (Granoderma reishi): 

Traditional and Modern Chinese Medicine use reishi to improve vitality, strength and stamina and prolong life. The use of reishi mushroom enhances immune response, alleviates chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and kidney damage and protects cellular DNA by raising antioxidant capacity. Reishi also helps treat allergies, fight tumors, control blot clotting and high blood pressure. 

Maitake (Grifola frondosa): 

Maitake is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system. Studies have shown that it can enhance both the innate immune response to fight infections and the adaptive immune response conferring long term immune enhancement. The active ingredient of Maitake is called the “D fraction” and thought to prevent the spread of malignant tumors. 

PSK (Coriolus versicolor): 

This is one of the most well researched medicinal mushroom in the world. Polysacchride K (PSK) is an immunotherapeutic agent that is a biological response modifier, thus it stimulates the body’s immune function. PSK is routinely used in Japan for postoperative treatments. PSK is also thought to stop tumor growth. Some studies show that it can enhance the effects of chemotherapy and reduce the side effects of radiation therapy.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on other trees and are native to Europe and northern Asia. Mistletoe contains a variety of pharmacologically active substance including alkaloids, polysaccharides, phenylpropanes, liganes, lectins and viscotoxins that are poisonous. Poisoning can occur is any part of the plant is ingested. Mistletoe’s most established use for health benefits is fortifying the immune system. 

Effective for: 

• Cancer 
• High blood pressure 
• Immune system enhancement 
• Impaired thymus gland activity 

Supplements: 

Mistletoe comes in several varieties. Although mistletoe can be taken orally it requires considerable experience by a practitioner to use it effectively, The injectable form of mistletoe is the most effective. 

Side effects and precautions: 

Mistletoe possesses significant toxicity. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause poisoning.

Astragalus

Astragalus is a large genus of about 3000 species of herbs that belong to the legume family Fabaceae. Two related species Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the ones primarily used for health purposes. It is commonly called milk-vetch, locoweed and goat’s-thorn. Astragalus is known as an adaptogen meaning it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses including physical, mental or emotional stress. Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Effective for: 

• Infection protection 
• Strengthen immune system 
• High blood pressure 
• Sperm motility 

Supplements: 

Astragalus root may be available in tinctures and capsules. Tincture of astragalus is most effective. 

Recommended Dose: 

Tincture: 1 to 2 drops in a glass of water 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Astragalus is generally safe to use but some species of Astragalus may be toxic. 
• Astragalus may interact with drugs that suppress the immune system.

Tea tree oil

The tea tree is a small tree native to only one area of the world: the northeast coastal region of Australia. The leaves portion of the plant is used medicinal purposes and are a source of a valuable therapeutic oil. Tea tree oil possesses significant antiseptic properties and is regarded as an ideal skin disinfectant. 

Effective for: 

• Acne 
• Athlete’s foot 
• Cold sores 
• Fungal nail infections 
• Topical antiseptic 
• Vaginal infections 

Supplements: 

Available as an oil. 

Recommended Dose: 

1-2 drops for topical applications 

Side effects and precautions: 

Tea tree oil is extremely safe for us as a topical antiseptic. However, the oral ingestion of tea tree oil cannot be recommended.

Oil of oregano

Oil of oregano is extracted from the oregano herb and is a potent anti fugal and anti viral agent. Medicinal oregano grows wild in the mountainous regions of Greece and Turkey. Oil of Oregano has become popular of recent as an alternative to prescription antibiotics. Two antioxidants in oregano, thymol and carvacrol probably account for its infection fighting ability. 

Effective for: 

• Ant bacterial 
• Anti fungal 
• Anti viral 
• Common cold 
• Toothache 

Supplements: 

Available in form of oil 

Recommended Dose: 

2-4 drops of oil 

Side effects and precautions: 

Oil of oregano should not be taken by pregnant women.

Olive leaf

Olive leaf is the leaf of the olive tree. While olive oil is well known for its flavor and health benefits, the leaf has been used for medicinal purpose for a long time. In the early 1900’s doctors used olive leaf as a remedy for malaria. The active ingredient of olive leaf is calcium enolate which is an effective killer of many types of bacteria and virus. 

Effective for: 

• Epstein-Barr virus 
• Gonorrhea 
• Hepatitis B 
• Herpes 
• Influenza 
• Pneumonia 
• Shingles 
• Surgical infections 
• Tuberculosis 
• Urinary tract infections 
• Viral encephalitis 
• Viral meningitis 
• Yeast infection 

Supplements: 

Olive leaf extract available in capsules or a liquid form. 

Recommended Dose: 

For infections initial dose of 500 mg capsule per day, increase up to 2000 mg per day over the course of one week. 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Olive leaf extract is entirely non toxic. 
• A temporary side effect is that taking too much too soon can make one sicker before they get better. This is due to the fact that a large number of dying microorganism e.g yeast, release a lot of toxins that the liver cannot remove efficiently. The reaction passes shortly after the dose in scaled down. 

Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is native to North America and was extensively used by Native Americans as an herbal medication and clothing dye. Its medicinal use is centered around it ability to soothe the mucous membranes that line the respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tracts that are inflamed due to an infection or allergy. Goldenseal is an excellent source of berberine a substance that blocks bacterial growth. 

Effective for: 

• Control disturbances in heart rhythm 
• Infection of mucous membrane 
• Lowers blood sugar and blood pressure 
• Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract 

Supplements: 

A tincture standardized to contain hydastine another of active ingredient. 

Recommended Dose: 

750-1500 mg per day 

Side effects and precautions: 

Do not use goldenseal or any other berberine containing plant for a length of time, use only short term. Prolong use causes overstimulation of the nervous system, intestinal problems and can even induce abortions.

Echinacea

Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a herb native to midwestern North America. Echinacea has been long used with proven efficacy to treat infections. German researchers put this herb up on the herbal therapy map. The portions of the plant used for medicinal purpose include the aerial portion, the whole plant including the root, and the root itself. The important constituents from a pharmacological perspective are 1) polysacchrides 2) flavonoids 3) caffeic acid derivatives 4) essential oils 5) polyacetylenes 6) alkylamides

Effective for:

• Cancer
• Common cold
• Speeds up recovery from infections
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Vaginal yeast infections

Supplements:
Freeze-dried Echinacea powder achieves the best result. The liquid extract, freshly pressed juice and Echinacea tea are good as well.

Recommended Dose:

• Freeze-dried powdered form 325-650 mg 
• Tinctures (1:5) 3 -4 ml 
• Fluid extract (1:1) 1-2 ml 

Side effects and precautions:
Echinacea is not toxic when used at recommended doses.

Vitex (Vitex agnus castus)

Vitex is a herb also known as Chaste Tree and grows naturally in the Mediterrean countries and Asia. Vitex has been used for centuries as a tonic for general female health. It seems to nourish the pituitary gland, a control center for balancing hormonal activity. Vitex has been shown to regulate the production and release of luteinizing hormone and prolactin in particular which in turn affects ovarian follicle function and increases progesterone production. The noticeable effect of using Vitex takes about three to six month time. 

Effective for: 

• Acne 
• Menopause
• Premenstrual tension  
• Progesterone deficiency 

Supplements: 

Vitex available as a dried herb or tablets. 

Recommended Dose: 

40 mg capsule once every morning 

Side effects and precautions: 

• Side effects of using vitex are rare. 
• Vitex not recommended for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or for those using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. 

Cranberry

Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. The berries are used in foods and in herbal products. Historically cranberry fruits and leaves were used to treat urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach aliments and liver problems. Recently cranberry has been used as a traditional remedy for urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcer or prevent dental plaque. It is believed that some of the chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract where they can multiply. Cranberry, however, does not seem to have the ability to release bacteria which are already stuck to these cells. This may explain why cranberry is possibly effective in preventing urinary tract infections, but possibly ineffective in treating them. 

Effective for: 

• Recurrent bladder infections
• Deter kidney stone formation 
• Stomach aliments 
• Prevent dental plaque 

Supplements: 

If taking cranberry juice only unsweetened juice is recommended. Cranberry extract is also available in form of pills. 

Recommended Dose: 

6000-9000 mg of cranberry extract 

Side effects and precautions: 

Drinking cranberry juice products appears to be safe, although excessive amounts could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.

Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Mexican wild yam is a plant that contains a chemical called diosgenin. The root and the bulb of the plant are used to extract diosgenin. In the laboratory diosgenin is used to synthesize various steroids such as estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). However the body cannot produce estrogen or DHEA just be ingesting diosgenin. Mexican wild yam is a very good antispasmodic so it is good for relaxing muscles, soothing nerves and relieving pain. It has been long used for its benefits in women’s reproductive health.

Effective for: 

• Menstrual cramps 
• Reduce menopausal symptoms 
• Reduce PMS symptoms 

Supplements:
Mexican wild yam can be taken in capsules or in tea. The powder can be added to creams or vaginal ointments.

Recommended Dose:

• Powdered form 1g two or three times daily 
• Tinctures 2 to 3 ml three times daily 

Side effects and precautions:

• Women with hormone dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, cancers of the breast, ovaries or uterus should not take Mexican wild yam due to its possible estrogenic effects. 
• Not to be taken when using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.