Wild Yam and Yucca

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)  Active Compounds: Steroidal saponins, based on diosgenin: dioscin, dioscorin, and others

Remedies For:  Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, hepatic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, antibilious.

This valuable herb was at one time the sole source of the chemicals that were used as the raw materials for contraceptive hormone manufacture. In herbal medicine Wild Yam is a remedy that can be used to relieve intestinal colic, to soothe diverticulitis, ease dysmenorrhoea and ovarian and uterine pains. It is of great use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the acute phase where there is intense inflammation. Known to stimulate the body’s own production of precursor hormone DHEA useful for increasing vitality, immune function, settling nervous system.

Traditional herbalists recommend this herb for: bilious colic; other forms of colic with spasmodic contractions; yellow skin and conjunctiva, with nausea and colicky pains; tongue coated, paroxysmal abdominal pain, and a stomach deranged; frequent small, flatulent, alvine passages; colic, with tenderness on pressure; sharp abdominal pain, made worse by motion.

Combinations : To relieve intestinal colic it may be combined with Calamus, Chamomile and Ginger. For rheumatoid arthritis it may be used with Black Cohosh.

 

Yucca (Yucca schidigera)

Active Compounds:  The saponins from yucca are the main medicinal agents in the plant. They have both a water-soluble and fat-soluble end and therefore act like soap. The authors of the study looking at patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis speculate that yucca saponins block release of toxins from the intestines which inhibit normal formation of cartilage. An extract of one species of yucca has been found to fight melanoma cells in test tube studies.

Native Americans used the soapy leaves from yucca for numerous conditions. Poultices or baths were used for skin sores and other diseases as well as for sprains. Inflammation of all sorts, including joint inflammations, and bleeding were also treated with yucca. Some report that the Native Americans washed their hair with yucca to fight dandruff and hair loss.

Yucca is useful for the treatment of:

cancer
osteoarthritis
rheumatoid arthritis

Scientists have isolated a strong anti-tumor factor from fresh yucca flowers, which disappears when the plant wilts or dies. This was reported in a series of animal tests.

Safety:  Yucca and other saponins can cause red blood cells to burst (known as “hemolysis”) in test tubes. The level to which this occurs when the saponins are taken by mouth is unknown. However, yucca is approved for use in foods as a foaming agent (particularly in root beer). Since there have been no reports of problems with hemolysis in root beer drinkers, we can assume that yucca herbal supplements are generally safe.

Chlorella Information

Greetings folks.

Understanding what nutrients do for you, where to get them and how much is useful goes a long way to helping you enjoy your life in a healthy way. Information in this section comes fom many and varied sources and is provided as guide to help you gain an understanding of how supplements and vitamins help you. this is not a replacement for professional advice. Enjoy!

Latin Name: Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Common Names: Chlorella (Algae)

Properties: anti-oxidant, anti-tumour, prophylactic.

Contains:
Calcium, CGF (phytonutrient), beta-carotene, biotin, carotenoids, chlorophyll, Essential fatty acids (EFAs), folic acid, inositol, iodine, iron, magnesium, PABA, pantotheneic acid, phosphorous, potassium, proteins, RNA/DNA, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, E and K, zinc

Indicated for:
Asthma, boosting immune system, cancer, colitis, constipation, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcers, fibromyalgia, gastritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hormone balance, hypertension, hypoglycemia, preventing and fighting infection, protecting the body from the ill-effects of both cancer radiation treatment and ultraviolet radiation, toxic chemical disposal, ulcers and ulcerative colitis

Chlorella Benefits

Chlorella is a fresh water, single-celled algae that grows in fresh water. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, “chloros” meaning green and “ella” meaning small. In fact that chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant. It is thought to boost the immune system and help fight infection. It has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which helps to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn’s disease. It is also used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Chlorella has been used to treat cancer and also help protect the body from the effects of cancer radiation treatment. The algae, which is a popular food supplement in Asia and has been used as energy-producing food for centuries, is often used to prevent or curb the spread of cancer, enhance immunity, promote a good balance of bacteria in the gut, and lower blood cholesterol. In Japan, it is traditionally used as a treatment for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, and constipation. More recently, it is has been touted as an effective therapy for elevated cholesterol levels, a prophylactic to ward of infections and, and adjunct treatment for cancer. Chlorella is now used as an adjunct supplement during radiation treatment for cancer. Its abundance of chlorophyll is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation. It is a nutrient-dense superfood that contains 60% protein, 18 amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and various vitamins and minerals. One of its unique properties is a phytonutrient called CGF.   Chlorella provides all of the dietary-essential amino acids in excellent ratios. It is also a reliable source of essential fatty acids that are required for many important biochemical functions, including hormone balance. Chlorella also contains high levels of chlorophyll, beta-carotene and RNA/DNA. More than 20 vitamins and minerals are found in chlorella, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, B1, B2, B2, B5, B6, B12, E and K, biotin, inositol, folic acid, plus vitamins C, E and K. Although the algae grow naturally in fresh water, Chlorella destined for human consumption is generally cultivated outdoors in mineral-rich freshwater ponds under direct sunlight. The entire process from strain maintenance in the laboratory to harvesting of the final product is monitored by microbiologists to ensure optimal nutrient value and product purity. It is often combined with other natural green foods such as spirulina, wheat grass, barley greens, and sometimes seaweed. Chlorella has been the focus of many medical and scientific research projects. Based on very early research, it appears that chlorella may play a role in fibromyalgia, hypertension, or ulcerative colitis and has an effect on the immune system. More studies are needed to confirm initial findings. Research conducted in Japan suggests that chlorella may have antitumour activity against breast cancer. However, its main use in cancer therapy is to help remove radioactive particles from the body after radiation treatment. So far, the bulk of evidence for chlorella’s long list of medicinal powers comes from animal studies. Studies in mice have shown that Chlorella vulgaris can protect against the development and spread of cancer, and other rodent studies have shown that it lowers cholesterol and helps organisms get rid of toxic chemicals, such as dioxins. Note: Do not use Chlorella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although unlikely, chlorella may cause allergic reactions such as breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest, chest pain, skin hives, nausea, diarrhea or stomach cramps, rash, or itchy or swollen skin and heightened sensitivity to the sun. In the event of these occuring stop taking the capsules. As with all allergic reactions, it is always prudent to seek medical advice from your doctor. Chlorella supplements can be rich in vitamin K, which can reduce the effectiveness of the blood-thinning drug warfarin.

Source: www.herbwisdom.com

Bioflavanoids Information

Greetings folks.

Understanding what nutrients do for you, where to get them and how much is useful goes a long way to helping you enjoy your life in a healthy way. Information in this section comes fom many and varied sources and is provided as guide to help you gain an understanding of how supplements and vitamins help you. this is not a replacement for professional advice. Enjoy!

Bioflavonoids information

Bioflavonoids, also called Vitamin P, are not strictly speaking a vitamin, but for easy classification, we are listing it as a vitamin. The term bioflavonoids refers to many different ingredients and includes hesperin, hesperidin, eriodictyol, quercetin, rutin etc. This nutrient can not be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet.

Bioflavonoids are required for

Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin c and for this reason they should be taken together. Bioflavonoids are effectively used in the treatment of sport injuries as they are pain relieving, they are also used for relieving pain in the legs, across the back and can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding, a low serum calcium as well as oral herpes.

Bioflavonoids are also active in preserving the structures of capillaries, have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation. They are indicated in the production of bile, lowering blood cholesterol levels and in the prevention and treatment of cataracts.

Bioflavonoids are thought to enhance the absorption of vitamin C, and possibly to prolong the effectiveness of it as well. These are super active substances, and can add a great deal to your nutritional needs in health and disease.

This nutrient acts together with vitamin C to help maintain the thin walls of the capillaries, therefore preventing bleeding or bruising. Bioflavonoids have been linked to having an antibacterial effect, stimulating bile production, promoting circulation and even assisting with fighting allergies and asthma.

Deficiency of bioflavonoids

If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables, bioflavonoids should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising. Where antioxidants are indicated and none present bioflavonoids could be of help, as well as for iron deficiency, since they help in the absorption of iron.

Dosage

The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient.

In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

No dosage has been determined but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

Very high dosages of bioflavonoids may cause diarrhea.

Best used with

Bioflavonoids should be taken with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium.

When more may be required

Bioflavonoids should be taken with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium.

Other interesting points

Absorption of the bioflavonoids can be a little slow, but small amounts can be stored in the body.

If you are suffering from cold sores, consider taking a supplement of 1,000-mg vitamin C and 1,000 mg bioflavonoids, and then 500 mg of each, three times a day.

A daily intake of vitamin C and bioflavonoids may make you less susceptible to cold sores.

Food sources

Bioflavonoids are found in the white material just beneath citrus peel, as well as in peppers, grapes, pine bark, onions, garlic, blue and red berries, green tea as well as buckwheat.

Source: www.anyvitamin.com

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