Health Picks

Grape Seed Extract

Antioxidant compounds from grape seeds called oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs help protect the circulatory system by reducing blood pressure, protecting blood vessel walls from free radical activity and dangerous oxidation, and discouraging blood clots. In one Italian clinical study, people with either pre- or mild hypertension were split into three groups. Two of the groups received either a low or high dose of grape seed extract while the third group served as a control group with simple changes to diet and exercise. At the end of the four-month trial, both grape seed extract groups saw an improvement in blood pressure,…• • • • More • • • •

Red Vine Leaf

I think your varicose veins will love you for taking this herb. If you’ve ever heard about resveratrol from red wine, take notice of its first cousin: red vine leaf. Another of grape’s great gifts can be found in the leaves of the red grape plant. Red vine leaf extract provides anthocyanins and other protective polyphenols. It has been clinically proven to relieve the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), problems due to poor circulation.

In one study, red vine leaf extract was found to be just as effective as compression stockings and other…• • • • More • • • •

Heart Disease is the Number One Killer

In order to have a healthy heart there are many nutrients including herbs that can support its health.  The number one mineral for a healthy heart is magnesium, the fat source of Vitamin B1 called Benfotiamine, with Vitamin B6 as P-5-P, along with grape seed and pomegranate extracts. 

Dr. Dennis Goodman, cardiologist in New York, highly recommends in his book, magnesium, for a healthy heart.  The heart is a muscle and requires vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to be healthy.  While drugs might help save lives, they don’t make the heart healthy, just weaker.

Research Finds Vitamin D Deficiency is Linked with Fatigue and Symptom Severity in Patients with Fibromyalgia

Research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology found that vitamin D deficiency was linked to fatigue and symptom severity in patients with fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, memory and mood disturbances. The onset of fibromyalgia often occurs after physical trauma, surgery, infection or severe psychological stress. However, symptoms can gradually develop over time without a triggering event.  Prior studies have shown a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with fibromyalgia.

In the study, researchers wanted to determine the relationship between vitamin D blood levels and fibromyalgia. They…• • • • More • • • •

There is no drug that cures asthma or COPD

Recent studies have shown that a very unique boswellia extract can support the 5-Lox enzyme in a way that no other drug can.  When the 5-Lox enzyme is over expressed it can cause a myriad of diseases and, particularly, upper respiratory tract diseases.  There is no drug that I’m aware of that can manage and regulate the 5-Lox enzyme.  Balancing this enzyme can alleviate any upper respiratory tract conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, and COPD. 

Studies have shown that it can correct these conditions between 30 to 90 days.  While not all subjects had complete relief, the results…• • • • More • • • •

Preventive roles and therapeutic uses of P-5-P

Vitamin B₆ has been studied for an incredible amount of health applications. It has been used to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy for decades. This vitamin may cut the risk of Parkinson’s disease in half, and may be useful in autism and ADHD/ADD. Because vitamin B6 is effective at reducing a substance in the body called homocysteine, it helps to prevent diseases associated with high homocysteine levels, like heart disease, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer’s dementia. If people are even marginally deficient in vitamin B₆, they may be more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin B6 has been shown…• • • • More • • • •

Are You Always Looking For a Restroom?

Bladder problems occur frequently in women, and it has been estimated that the majority of women will experience bladder discomfort at least once in their lifetime.  Men complain of getting up frequently through the night to attempt to empty their bladder and are not always successful. 

Whether it’s women with bladder problems or men with prostate problems, the bottom line is to fix the bladder problem.  Based on recent research, Angelica archangelica can strengthen the bladder in both men and women, and increase capacity and volume of the bladder.  This form of Angelica is different from Angelica sinensis, commonly called…• • • • More • • • •

Don’t Lose Sleep Over Losing Sleep

Some of the best natural herbs for encouraging a good night sleep with rapid onset of sleep are lavender, ravensara, Melissa, mandarin orange.  Many people have a dislike for melatonin and valerian. 

This is a totally new option for those desiring a good night sleep.  This herbal combination will not cause early morning drowsiness, grogginess, or a headache.  You will be refreshed and wide awake.  There will be no difficulty driving a car or operating any machinery. 

Gas, Indigestion and Bloating

Eating on the run, fast food restaurants, and the typical American diet can often cause gas, bloating and indigestion.  It’s easy to solve these issues by taking extra enzymes that digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  These enzymes will improve digestion and gall bladder function. The enzymes are protease, amylase and lipase.  Take 250 to 500 mgs with each meal for better digestion. 

Enzymes can also reduce pain and inflammation, and improve circulation.  To reduce pain of a sprain, strain or arthritis, take pancreatic enzymes on an empty stomach.  These enzymes are normally secreted by the pancreas.  In some cases the…• • • • More • • • •

Allergy Relief Without Drugs

I just saw a new allergy nasal powder spray that relieves the symptoms of allergies within 3-5 minutes.  The nasal powder spray reverts to a light gel barrier with a moisture in the nasal passages and stops airborne particles like pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites from entering the upper respiratory tract and setting off allergic reactions. 

It is especially effective for people with hay fever.  It can be used during pregnancy and lactation as it contains no drugs or medication.  It’s a mechanical barrier that blocks the uptake of these allergens.  It can be used whenever it’s necessary, several…• • • • More • • • •

There are three herbs that would be absolutely in my medicine chest for daily use.

The first is curcumin, a very special Curcumin BCM-95, with 30 published studies that indicate its powerful anti-inflammatory effects and support of our antioxidant defense system.  The published studies indicate that it is effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, psoriasis, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study just released this week indicates that participants in the study using Curcumin BCM-95 stopped the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and those on a placebo continued to worsen. 

My second herbal choice is grape see extract, which I think is almost a twin to curcumin, again it is a…• • • • More • • • •

Reduce upper respiratory tract disorders with ivy and thyme

Ivy and thyme are two of the most studied herbs in Germany where herbal medicines are more frequently prescribed than synthetic drugs, than any other country.  In Germany, ivy and thyme are routinely prescribed for colds, flu, asthma and upper respiratory tract infection.  Synthetic drugs most often treat the symptoms and not the cause, and when the symptoms are actually part of the healing process. 

When we have a cough or a cold, we should not try to suppress the symptoms.  The cough is a symptom of the healing process encouraging the release of phlegm and mucus.  Synthetic drugs inhibit…• • • • More • • • •

Iodine, the forgotten mineral and the new medicine

A large percentage of American women and a smaller percentage of men are taking prescription medication to improve the underactivity of the thyroid otherwise known as hypothyroidism.  The real cause of hypothyroidism is a lack of iodine.  Iodine, along with an amino acid L-tyrosine, are required to produce the thyroid hormone, thyroxine.  There is no way to have a normal thyroid function without iodine.  A simple blood test does not provide the answer as to whether or not the thyroid is functioning normally.  BBT (body basal temperature) is probably more accurate to determine thyroid function.  You can learn more about…• • • • More • • • •

The Healing Power of Comfrey

If you’ve ever had a sprained ankle, a black and blue bruise, or an aching back or joints, then you know how much suffering these injuries can cause.  Throughout the ages, we’ve endured the pain of these injuries unaware that we could find quick relief with an amazing and potent herb that has been used for centuries to heal the suffering.  And, this herb is called comfrey. 

Why is comfrey so powerful as a healer?  It soothes pain, slows down further damage to injuries, and fast forwards the production of healthy cartilage, tendons, and muscles.  It quickly and efficiently rebuilds…• • • • More • • • •

Is Your Low Back Killing You?

Most Americans will experience low back pain several times in their life.  Our back is susceptible to trauma due to poor lifting by using our back rather than our legs, having an extended stomach, which puts tremendous strain on our backs, and being overweight and out of shape.  Of course, the real answer for back pain is to correct all the conditions that cause our backs to be subjected to trauma. 

There are also a number of herbal extracts that play a big part in relieving back pain.  As with any pain, there is always inflammation involved.  Therefore, one of…• • • • More • • • •

Are You Stressed Out and Tired All the Time?

You can rely on the adaptogenic herbs, rhodiola and ashwagandha to support your overall health, to reduce fatigue, to support increased energy levels and build the resistance from within. 

These two herbs combined together reduce stress while increasing energy levels and peak performance mentally and physically.  And, with a generous bonus of increasing libido and sexual performance.

Magnesium and Exercise

Magnesium is needed for well over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body.  It helps maintain muscle and nerve function, steady heart rhythm, supports the immune system and maintains bone strength.  Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels and normal blood pressure as well as being involved in protein synthesis.  All of this in addition to its critical role in energy production.

It Seems Everyone Will Experience Low Back Pain Sometime in their Life.

The nutrients to support a healthy back are devils claw, white willow bark and boswellia.  In a recent study, this combination was more effective than ibuprofen and without side effects.  A combination of these herbs, taken twice daily, was highly effective. 

Stop and Prevent Your Headache

80% of all headaches are caused by fatigue and stress.  Many nutrients such as curcumin, boswellia, vitamin B6 (P-5-P), and magnesium can have a very effective benefit in preventing and relieving headaches.  There are no side effects to this combination so you can safely and effectively expect great results.  An excellent combination and safe for children over the age of 12. 

Low Vitamin D Levels Linked with Non-Violent Psychiatric Distress in Adolescents

A recent study conducted by the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders found that suboptimal vitamin D status may be related to psychiatric distress, but not violence in adolescents.  Psychiatric distress is characterized by a wide range of unpleasant feelings or emotions that impact an individual’s quality of life.

Symptoms may include anger, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, depression and worry. In some cases, violent behaviors may accompany psychiatric distress.  Research has found that vitamin D status is associated with mental disorders, cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in adults. However, these findings have been inconsistent. In addition, few studies have evaluated the relationship between vitamin…• • • • More • • • •