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You're a health-conscious consumer. You're serious about your well-being and you know that taking a daily multi-vitamin will keep you in top form. But when it comes to herbs and other supplements -- well, let's be honest. It's a little hard to be serious about something called gotu kola or kava kava. I'll bet you didn't even know how to pronounce "Pycnogenol" or "echinacea" the first time you saw those names in print. And what about Uva ursi or Ginkgo biloba? Although the names may conjure up images of Dr. Seuss characters, these funny-sounding herbs are powerful supplements. Take a closer look:
Gotu kola
Long used as a spiritual and rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola has been referred to as "food for the brain" because it's purchase bulk fructooligosaccharides fos to improve mental clarity, concentration and memory. Don't be confused by its name -- gotu kola is not related to the kola nut, which contains caffeine and acts as a stimulant. Just the opposite, in fact; it has a soothing and relaxing effect on the nervous system, and has been used to alleviate sleep disorders, stress and anxiety.
Additionally, researchers have found that it has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It appears to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. And studies indicate it's beneficial for healing wounds, and in treating phlebitis (an inflammation of the veins), varicose veins and leg cramps.
Kava kava
Like gotu kola, kava kava (or simply, "kava") has a positive effect on the nervous system. It's been used by South Pacific islanders for generations, both in their religious ceremonies and as a sedative and muscle relaxant, but gained the attention of modern alternative medical researchers because of its ability to relieve anxiety, stress, insomnia, tension, PMS, headache, back pain and panic attacks. Perhaps its biggest advantage, however, is that unlike many prescription drugs, kava allows the mind to stay alert as the body relaxes. (Most users report a sense of warmth and relaxation that increases over a span of several hours.) It produces no known side effects and is not physically addictive.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol (say "pik-NAH-ja-nol") is the registered trademark for a natural plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. Native Americans used pine bark for hundreds of years to combat a variety of ailments, but it wasn't until 1955 that a French researcher investigated its properties. Today, Pycnogenol is often touted as a "miracle" supplement. Extensive research has indicated its many benefits include its ability to:
* Reduce the risk of circulatory diseases (stroke; vascular and heart diseases)
* Strengthen capillary walls
* Combat joint inflammation
* Improve elasticity and flexibility of connective tissue
* Maintain skin health
* Help the body combat environmental stress
* Attack free radicals, which may protect against some forms of cancer
* Provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease
* Decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
* Decrease symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD)
* Reduce symptoms of macular degeneration and retinopathy
* Act as an immune booster and stimulant by helping to destroy invading bacteria and viruses
Echinacea
Purple coneflower -- a tall, daisy-like plant that's popular with gardeners because of its tolerance to cold, heat and drought -- is also one of America's most popular herbals: echinacea. Another herbal supplement that was first used by Native Americans to treat everything from a sore throat to snake bites to toothaches, echinacea (pronounced ECK-in-AY-zhuh) is considered an immune system booster, and may also help overcome stress, fatigue or general weakness. If you take echinacea at the beginning of cold-and-flu season it may help boost your immunity and guard against your catching a "bug.' And it has an excellent safety record: After hundreds of years of use, no toxicity or serious side effects have been reported.
Uva ursi
Also known as bearberry, Uva ursi has a history of medicinal use that dates back to the 2nd century. It has long been used by herbal healers to cure urinary tract infections, and until the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics in this country, Uva ursi was the treatment of choice for bladder infections. In fact, it is still thought to be one of the most effective natural treatment for bladder infections. Research has shown that it is frequently effective when taken at the beginning of an infection, and can occasionally be effective even after a full-blown infection has set in.
Gingko biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a perfect blend of age-old folk medicine and modern science. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used it for over 5000 years, and today, Western medicine recognizes its many benefits. As one of the most widely studied herbs, Ginkgo biloba is recognized for its positive effects on the vascular system. It keeps red blood cells evenly dispersed, which allows oxygen to be delivered more efficiently to body tissues, and has been shown to decrease tissue damage during inflammation.
Perhaps its greatest claim to fame, however, is its ability to improve blood circulation to the brain. (Proper circulation allows for optimal brain function.) And because of its proven effectiveness in improving circulation, it's an excellent choice to aid any number of circulatory disorders. Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant -- it protects cells from damage and rids the body of tissue-destroying "free radicals" -- which has given it a reputation as an anti-aging herb.
As always, check with your health care professional before taking an herbal supplement because some herbs may interact with over-the-counter drugs and/or prescription medications.
For a full spectrum of natural health articles and healthy recipes, visit Melinda Banks' blog at MyOnlineHealthArticles.com.
posted by frontfootdrivewuoytpw @ 4:36 PM
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