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.