Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a chemical substance contained in many dietary supplements. Found naturally in the body, it is nevertheless often is distributed by many pharmacological centers as a salt, including Glucosamine HCI, Glucosamine sulfate potassium, and Glucosamine sulfate sodium. Glucosamine is the main substance responsible for the stimulation, formation, and repair of ariticular cartilage. For this reason, the substance is marketed as a nutritional supplement used to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and Arthritis

Numerous double-blind studies were conducted on the uses of Glucosamine. Using placebo as the controlling factor, scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine have found that Glucosamine sulfate exhibits positive effects on the rehabilitation of cartilage and reduction of the progression of osteoarthritis. Also, it was discovered that not only can it retard the development of arthritis but that it could also significantly lessen the pain that comes with the ailment.

According to documentations made on several studies, Glucosamine is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. About 26% of the amount of this substance we take in is absorbed by the body and incorporated into plasma proteins. Some prospective studies show that the substance exhibits properties that are equal to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties, making it a safe intramuscular anti-inflammatory supplemental treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Other Studies

Glucosamine works primarily to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in battling osteoarthritis. However, other studies have shown that Glucosamine may also be used to treat symptoms of other ailments as well. A 1982 open trial study conducted in Portugal provided good information on how the substance can affect obese patients. 252 doctors used 1,506 patients and gave them 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day. After 50 days, the results showed that 95% of the patients benefited from the supplement. The pain they experienced whether they were resting, standing, or exercising were significantly reduced.

What you need to know before you buy:

Before going off to the nearest drugstore and buying yourself a glucosamine supplement, you need to be armed first with the appropriate information to prevent any mistakes. When your pain relief and health is at stake, you need to learn how to choose between competing products and see beyond the marketing hype. During the decision process, there are five factors that you need to consider. These include the amount of glucosamine per daily dose, quality of ingredients, delivery system, synergistic ingredients, and price per day.

One of the most important of these factors is the system of delivery. From 1999 to 2001, a lot of the major companies supplied the market with glucosamine in pill or capsule form. It should be noted however that vitamins and supplements are absorbed better if they are in liquid form. Plus, liquid glucosamine are much more effective as a liquid than as a solid. In vitamin supplementation, absorption is a must. You simply cannot take in as many glucosamine as you want without absorbing them. That just defeats the whole purpose of providing relief for your pain.

Quality is also another issue. It is a well-known fact that the higher the quality of a product, the better its effects is going to be. The same goes for glucosamine. Many companies use medium grade glucosamine so be careful in choosing your product. If you want the fastest, fullest healing and relief, look for the highest quality supplement.

Chondroitin

Many people are affected with osteoarthritis today. And with the increasing number of people who suffer with this ailment, which is basically a painful condition caused by the destruction of the cushioning cartilage between the bones, many experts recommend chondroitin to give them a source of relief.

Chondroitin sulfate is a compound that has the capability to block the enzymes that can ruin the essential cartilage tissue. The chondroitin is also thought to encourage water retention as well as elasticity especially in the joint cartilage. These are mainly the main reasons that chondroitin is revered as the best solution for relieving osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin, according to some clinical trials, is as effective as the aspirin and the other well-known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. These drugs are specifically bets for relieving pains caused by arthritis, and it then reduce the danger of causing stomach irritation and some other gastric disturbances.

Since the early days of its conception, there are basically few studies on chondroitin. In fact, there were some doubts about its effectiveness and safety, particularly in the case of taking it orally. Some of the experts then reserved their decisions on the effectiveness of the chondroitin.

Until the mid-1990s, many experts have found out that chondroitin is actually well absorbed in the body for about up to 15 percent intact. After such discovery, so many backup researchers in people who are suffering from osteoarthritis encouraged both the American College of Rheumatology as well as the European League Against Rheumatism to suggest the chondroitin supplement in their publicized guidelines for treating osteoarthritis.

From such discovery and recommendation, the chondroitin supplement is mostly sold along with glucosamine, which is another compound that provides some positive effects to cartilage formation and repair. There are now some studies that are conducted to hold some findings on the function and further benefits of both chondroitin and glucosamine, for they believed that these compounds really worked better if combined.

Some of the recent findings demonstrate that chondroitin has really the capabilities for enhancing the joint mobility and slow the cartilage loss. Such findings, support the claim that chondroitin helps to rebuild cartilage and reduce the joint pain. However, there is still no exact evidence to show such level of effect when it is applied to other joints such as thumbs, fingers, ankles, and the spine.

It is interesting to know that chondroitin is actually not a major treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, which is a less typical, but more disabling type of arthritis that leads to serious immune dysfunction as well as inflammation, instead of the cartilage wear and tear of osteoarthritis. However, it is still believed that chondroitin will greatly aid in restoring the stability of the joint, even if it will not be strong enough to repair the cartilage damage.

Chondroitin now comes in the form of tablet, powder, and capsule. Sometimes it is combined with the glucosamine in the form of supplement. In fact, it is being sold in various health food outlets along with formulas for arthritis, so other anti-arthritis ingredients such as MSM, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain, boswellia, sea cucumber, manganese, horsetail, and zinc may be included as well.

Shark Liver Oil

Shark liver oil is as its name implicates derived from the livers of deep-water sharks. Shark liver oil is used to fight cancer and boosts the immune system. The shark liver oil is a by-product of the fishing industry. Sharks are not hunted for their oil alone. The practice of using shark liver oil as a medicine for wounds and to fight flu spans for centuries already. Japanese seamen called shark liver oil as samedawa or ‘cure all’. In the 1950s, it was discovered that a natural immune-boosting compound called alkylglycerols are found in high concentration in the shark liver oil.

Other less concentrated sources of alkylglycerols are found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and breast milk of both mature cows and humans. This compound is the focus on medical interest on shark liver oil as a possible accompaniment to cancer treatment and an immune booster. It also contains squalamine which is a substance that fight breast, lung, brain and skin cancer by choking off the tumor’s blood supply. Shark live oil also contains squalene in large amounts which is an anti-oxidant and bacteria-fighter. It also has omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A.

There are several health benefits one can derive from using shark liver oil. These benefits include:

* It adds to the conventional cancer treatment. In Europe, this is widely practiced. Research shows that alkylglyerols in shark liver oil may boost the immune system and prevent the spread of disease. The shark liver oil also strengthens healthy cells to ease the side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

* It fights infections, inflammations and heal wounds. Its immune boosting properties help speed up the healing of colds, flu and various skin infections.

* It is also believe to be a remedy for asthma, arthritis, skin inflammations of psoriasis. But these claims remain to be proven.

In order to get the most out of shark liver oil, you should purchase shark liver oil products that contain ‘alkylglycerols’ which is a disease-fighting ingredient. 1000 mg capsule could provide at least 200 mg of alkylglycerols. Other healing compounds found in shark liver oil are squalamine and squalene. Do not take more than the recommended dietary allowance or dosages of shark liver oil. More does not necessarily mean better. See your doctor if you take the product more than 30 days. You may require a blood test and a dosage change because long-term use might alter blood consistency.

To accompany cancer treatments, take 1 to 2 capsules, three times a day with meals.
To fight infections, take 1 to 2 capsules a day for 7 days with meals. Food will increase the absorption of the product’s active ingredients. Pregnant women are cautioned not to use this supplement. Consult a doctor first. There are no known drugs or nutrients interaction linked with shark liver oil. Possible side effects when taking shark liver oil include: mild stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion. These rarely occur however if oil is taken at recommended doses.

Green Herbal Tea

Green herbal tea has a number of healing substances that provide therapeutic properties needed by the body. The main substances found in green herbal tea include powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols which guards against cell damage. The leaf of green tea contains a major antioxidant which is called EGCG or epigallocatechin-gallate. Aside from that green herbal tea also contain fluoride, catechins and tannins.

The leaves of Camellia sinensis are steamed, rolled and dried for use as green tea. Black and oolong teas come from the same plant but are prepared differently with the use of fermentation process. Products that are called gunpowder tea are also green herbal tea. The pellets which are imported from China are tightly compressed green tea leaves that unfold when steeped.

Recent research studies suggest that if green herbal tea is consumed on a regular basis, your body might be able to prevent various types of cancer, prevent heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure, stop tooth decay and heal gum infections and many other health benefits. All the body needs is just about 10 ounces of green herbal tea to be able to increase antioxidants for at least two hours. Due to the green herbal tea’s astringent tannin compounds, it could alleviate indigestion, diarrhea and other forms of stomach upset. It also aids in burning of fat calories in people who are overweight according to a Swiss research study.

Green herbal tea is sold in various formulations: tablet, powder, liquid, dried herb/tea and capsule. Green herbal tea capsules which contain about 50% to 90% polyphenols are found to be more potent as an antioxidant than a cup of green herbal tea which only contains 8% to 12% polyphenols. For purposes of preventing of cancer, anti-aging and arthritis, the body needs to consume 3 or 4 cups of green tea a day. The side effects from green herbal tea are due to its caffeine content. Fortunately, most green tea supplements have very little caffeine only about 5 to 6 mg in two 250 mg pills. But a brewed cup of green herbal tea could contain 40 mg caffeine. Excessive amounts of the brewed tea could lead to irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or loss of appetite. Brewing green herbal tea with boiling water may destroy the therapeutic compounds in the tea. There are no known drugs or nutrients interactions associated with green herbal tea.

Herbal Shoulder Therapy

Herbal shoulder therapy is used to address any pain in or around the shoulder joint. Most of the time, pain of the shoulder is caused by conditions that affect the ligaments or tendons near the joint. The common causes of shoulder pains are: trauma or injury to the shoulder, bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis and arthritis. Shoulder injuries have two major categories: acute and chronic. Acute shoulder injuries have the following symptoms: redness, swelling, inflammation and sharp pain. Chronic shoulder injuries have stiffness, numbness, discomfort and dull pain.

You can apply immediate care to the affected shoulder area by doing the following therapy: To treat shoulder injuries, after you first feel the shoulder pain, apply ice for 30 minutes then leave it for 15 minutes. Continue this treatment for several hours but do not freeze the skin. Rest is very necessary. You should rest the shoulder for the next few days. After a few days of rest, slowly begin to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Doing some light weight lifting with full range of motion is recommended.

Herbal shoulder therapy for acute shoulder problems involves reducing pain, swelling and muscle spasms. The herbal shoulder therapy is intended to eliminate painful symptoms at the same time supporting the healing process. Herbal shoulder therapy consists of strong analgesic herbs such as corydalis combined with anti-spasmodic herbs and blood-invigorating herbs to ease up pain, encourage blood circulation and open the meridian channels. Herbal shoulder therapy for chronic shoulder problems must activate qi and blood circulation, opening the channels and collaterals and nourishing the muscles and tendons.

In both acute and chronic shoulder conditions, corydalis is the key herb necessary for the herbal shoulder therapy. This herb, aside from containing strong analgesic properties, also has the capacity to treat both acute and chronic inflammation cases. Corydalis also protects from NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers by lowering the gastric acid secretion. Herbal shoulder therapy formulas that are used to treat shoulder pain include the following:

- Lindera formula

- Atractylodes and arisaema combination treats shoulder disorders but do not have strong analgesic effects.

Some used herbal heat packs for herbal shoulder therapy. Herbal heat packs that contain a number of herbs for relaxation and treatment purposes such as valerian, peppermint, saw palmetto, lemon grass, lavender, white willow and a host of other herbs which are known for their pain-relieving properties are heated and applied to the affected area.

Cayenne

Cayenne is basically an herb that is prized for thousand of years for its great healing potency. Cayenne, which is also called as Capsicum, obtains its name from the Greek, “to bite” which is basically an allusion to the hot spicy qualities of its fruits and seeds. From the cayenne plant, a product known as “cayenne pepper” was produced and was first introduced into Britain from India in the year 1548. Today, cayenne pepper is revered for its various beneficial health effects.

Cayenne is actually a shrubby herb of two to six feet high. Since it has a very pungent taste and aroma, the potent and hot fruit of cayenne has been applied in many areas as medicine for many centuries. Historically, cayenne is though useful for a variety of conditions of gastrointestinal tract, involving the onset of stomach aches, cramping pains, and gas. Aside from that, cayenne was also applied to treat disorders of the circulatory system. And in the traditional herbal medicine, cayenne is still used as a circulatory tonic, which is a substance that is believed to enhance the circulation.

Traditionally, cayenne is frequently rubbed on the skin as a cure for rheumatic pains as well as arthritis that is basically caused to what it now termed as “counterirritant effect”. The counterirritant is that something that roots the onset of irritation to a tissue to which it is used, therefore distracting from the main irritation. A clear example for this is the joint pain in the case of arthritis.

But cayenne is not just a healer from the ancient history. Numerous recent clinical trials have been conducted to validate the health benefits of this miracle herb and fortunately, the therapeutic value of cayenne has been validated and the claims are now being supported.

Recent studies have noted that cayenne is helpful for treating dyspepsia symptoms. In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine has reported that three Italian doctors explained how they were able to make their dyspepsia patients feel better after prescribing the cayenne pepper powder.

Aside from that, cayenne is also useful for treating digestion discomforts since it is found out that this miracle herb can rebuild the tissue in the stomach including the peristaltic action in the intestines. It therefore assists the eradication and assimilation and it aids the human body in producing hydrochloric acid, which is said to be important in for the proper digestion as well as assimilation, most especially of proteins.

Cayenne is also beneficial for those who have heart disease such as heart attacks. In fact, some reports have noted that this herb has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. That is how great the effects of cayenne, that it even encouraged thousands of heart attack patients to take the extract for a much better condition. It has also a pain-relieving effect that it is used as a treatment for post-herpetic neuropathy or the pain that stays after an attack of shingles. Along with that, it is also applied for peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain after cancer surgery and arthritis.

With its multiple health benefits, cayenne is now offered in health outlets in the form of either pill or powder. It is often added to tonics to ward off disorders and for persons who are addicted to it seems to be valuable possibly by decreasing the dilated blood vessels, therefore providing a relief for chronic digestion.

Herbal Bath Teas

Herbal bath tea is one of the hottest herbal items in the market these days. It is probably for the fact that herbal bath teas really work. But what really is herbal bath tea?

Herbal bath tea is actually one of the best and enjoyable methods of therapy and recreation. Many people considered it as essential as revitalizing and invigorating skin treatments. Why? It is because herbal bath teas are designed to promote healthy skin and it aids in the improvement of the scalp and hair conditions. Aside from that, herbal bath teas are believed to be effective in the treatment and prophylactics of several skin and scalp conditions such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp itching, eczema, and even dandruff.

Considerably, herbal bath teas exist since the ancient times. In fact, it is commonly noted that these form of herbal teas are traditionally applied for the treatment of skin problems, back pain, arthritis, rheumatism, spasms, insomnia, and other health conditions. These uses still remain as it is these days. However, traditionally these medicinal baths are used to be prescribed by physicians and is taken in a form of therapy ranging from numerous to numerous dozens of treatments.

Besides, herbal bath teas are evident during the medieval days as herbal bath teas are prepared in a separate kettle and the brewed result was poured into the bath before or at the start of the treatment. And these herbal medicinal bath treatments were notably employed by the Egyptians, Romans, Indians, Chinese, Turkish, and some other traditional medicinal schools.

The herbal bath teas are proven effective for many centuries for the reason that the herbs that are being used contain active constituents that are released during the brewing process. Such active constituents on the herbs include saponins, phenols, polyphenols, alkaloids, peptides, and a lot more. It is interesting to know that these ingredients contained in herbal bath teas may exercise therapeutic effects by means of acting on the skin receptors, while others are acting as absorbers through the skin and then absorbed by the body, just like some of the pharmaceuticals in the modern skin patches, which are being assimilated through the skin in order to bring pleasing therapeutic actions.

Herbal bath teas are sometimes prepared with some herbal essences. This method is being employed in the preparation of herbal bath teas in order to promote action and combine bath treatment with aromatherapy. Today, herbal bath teas are also called as tub teas and they are offered in the market in convenient cotton sachets, and greatly they are applied for body baths, hip bath, foot baths, herbal wraps, hair rinses, and even herbal pillows.

Maca

Maca is a plant that is native to the Andes and grown by the indigenous people for centuries as a food crop. But aside from being a source of food, the Andean natives had other uses for it as well. The maca plant, belonging to the mustard family, has a long history of being a medicinal plant that could promote sexual function and fertility. Following the Viagra craze in the late 1990s, several US drug companies began searching for new herbs that exhibit the same effect as Sildenafil citrate, the plant used for Viagra. Researchers found maca.

The Plant

Lepidium peruvianum, the scientific name of the maca plant, belongs to the Brassicaceae family of the genus, Lepidium. It is a hardy perennial plant that is chiefly cultivated high in the mountains of the Andes. The common names for this plant include Peruvian ginseng, maka, mace, maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, ayuk willku, and pepperweed.

Grown high up to altitudes of 8,000 to 14,500 feet above the ground, the maca plant is highly tolerant to frost. Its mat-like stem system is low-growing, making it perfectly adapted to growing in high places. The leaves of the maca plant are scalloped and lie close to the ground which makes them unnoticeable in farmer’s fields. They produce flowers that are off-white in color and are rather small and self-fertile.

The root of the maca plant is its most valuable parts. It is the part most commonly used for medicinal purposes. Tuberous and dense, the maca roots look like a large radish with a diameter of up to 8 cm.

Health Benefits

Extract taken from pounded or pressed maca roots are said to have a store of health benefits for the body. The Peruvian vegetable is exported today in concentrated forms. It is mainly used as a tonic to provide or enhance energy for the body. The early people used it as an aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancer and subsequent studies show evidences to support this traditional herbal practice.

During the time of the Incas, the warriors also ate the strong-smelling root of the maca plant to boost their energy in preparation for battle. This ancient practice then became the basis of the maca as an energy tonic used by athletes from around the world.

Traditional herbalists use maca for a variety of ailments. It was used as a lubricant for stiff joints affected by arthritis. It was also used to ease respiratory illnesses. In later years however, actual scientific proof of these numerous health claims were rather few. Mostly, maca has been found to be an energizer and stress-adaptor, much like its distant cousin, the Siberian ginseng.

Today, maca is mostly promoted and marketed as an herb to bolster reserves for endurance. It is a popular fatigue-fighter. As a general tonic, it is said to counter lethargy, memory loss, and other illnesses that are caused by low energy levels. Also, recent studies have shown that maca root has high concentrations of calcium, iron, protein, phosphorous, fiber, and mineral salts. All these nutrients have beneficial uses that help maintain health and well-being.

Aside from many nutrients, the root of the maca plant is also said to be rich in sterols, a plant hormone. Scientists say that sterol acts by normalizing steroid hormones, including testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. For this reason, coupled with ancient Peruvian practice, the plant is said to improve the sex drive and treat impotence.

Fish Oils

Some fats are good. Some fats are bad. Fats can do a lot of good for the body. Fats can also bring harm. Trans-fatty acids that are artificially produced are bad in any amount. Likewise, saturated fats from animal products should be kept to a minimum. The best fats are those that turn liquid at room temperature. These fats are called oils.
They contain essential fatty acids which are so named because without them, we die. Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated. They are grouped in to two families – the omega-6 essential fatty acids and the omega-3 essential fatty acids.

The difference between these two families of fats is only minor. Their molecular structures act disparately while inside the human body. While the metabolic products of omega-6 acids promote inflammation, blood clotting, and tumor growth, the omega-3 acids act in an entirely different way. Because of this, we need both omega-3s and omega-6s in our bodies despite the fact that it has become increasingly clear that omega-6 in excess can have dire consequences.

Many scientists have found several reasons to believe that the high incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and some forms of cancer is due to the imbalance between our intake of omega-6 and omega-3. Before, our ancestors thrived on a perfectly balanced diet of omega-6 and omega-3 with a ratio of 1:1. Recent changes in our dietary habits through the years have pushed that ration to something that is close to 20:1. Naturally, this spells trouble big time.

Sources of Fatty Acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are commonly found in vegetable oils such as corn oil and soy oil. Both of these contain high amounts of linoleic acid which are essential components that make up omega-6. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and marine plankton and fish oils.

Flaxseed and walnut oils are predominantly alpha-linoleic acids while the main components of fatty fish and fish oils are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The most active and beneficial of these fatty acids are EPA and DHA which are found in fish oils.

Benefits of Fish Oils

The importance of fish oils was first brought up when Danish physicians observed that Greenland Eskimos have low risks of heart disease and arthritis. This is astonishing, considering that the Eskimos consume high-fat diet. The benefit was later attributed to the presence of EPA and DHA in fish oils and fatty fish.

More recent researches have also shown that fish oils (EPA and DHA) play a crucial role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attack, depression, and cancer. Clinical studies were also conducted and the results clearly showed the effect of fish oils against these chronic ailments. Many disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and Raynaud’s disease are said to be treated through fish oil supplementation.

How Fish Oil benefits the Human Brain

One of the largest “consumers” of fish oil DHA is the human brain. In fact, a normal adult human brain contains more than grams of fish oil DHA. Low levels of fish oil DHA are said to reduce the secretion of the hormone serotonin which is linked to behavioral disorders such as depression, suicide, and violence. Studies concerning the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease have shown that a high intake of fish and fish oils can significantly decrease age-related memory loss and cognitive function impairment.

There are several more benefits linked to consuming fish oils. Those mentioned above are only a few.

Herbal supplement dictionary

Herbal supplement dictionary pertains to herbal supplements that could bring out holistic health. The herbal supplement dictionary provides information on what are the herbal supplements, what they are, how much you should use and what they do to the body and what cautions, if any, should be exercised if using them. Some of the herbal supplements found in the herbal supplement dictionary are:

Calcium: This is a very vital to bones and is necessary to prevent osteoporosis. For up to 50 years old use 600 mg twice a day. For 50-71 years old, 600-800 mg twice daily and for above 70, 800 mg twice daily.

Magnesium: lowers risk for heart disease, promotes bone and sexual health. Women are required 400 mg of magnesium per day and 333 mg for men.

Folic acid: Is a water-soluble vitamin B that is vital in forming coenzyme for protein synthesis. Required dosage of folic acid is 400 mcg. Patients that are at risk for heart disease need 800 mcg.

Selenium: It is necessary for the synthesis of GPx (glutathione peroxidase) which is an antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of prostrate cancer also lung and colorectal.

Iron: This is a good mineral for menstruating women or those with iron deficiency. The recommended dosage for iron is up to 18 mg per day.

Vitamin A: This supplement is fat-soluble which plays a major role in vision and could reduce the risk of cancer. You need to take 5,000 IU per day.

Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine: Is a group of compounds that contain nitrogen. It is included in the herbal supplement dictionary. Recommended dosage is 2 mg.

Vitamin B12: This is responsible for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. You need 6 mcg daily.

Vitamin E: is a fat soluble vitamin that scavenges the free radicals. You need at least 400 IU daily. Increase it to between 800-1200 mcg if you have heart disease.

Vitamin D: Is fat soluble vitamin that enhances the effects of calcium. You need 10-20 minutes of sunlight to get vitamin D or 400 IU daily. It is good for treating osteoporosis and arthritis.

Vitamin C: Is a water soluble vitamin which has antioxidant effects. It strengthens the immune system, decreases severity of colds and prevents cancer. You need 600 mg twice daily.

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