Leslie Taylor, ND
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 In South America, suma is known as para toda (which means "for all things") and as Brazilian ginseng, since it is widely used as an adaptogen with many applications (much as "regular" ginseng). The indigenous peoples of the Amazon region who named it para toda have used suma root for generations for a wide variety of health purposes, including as a general tonic; as an energy, rejuvenating, and sexual tonic; and as a general cure-all for many types of illnesses. Suma has been used as an aphrodisiac, a calming agent, and to treat ulcers for at least 300 years. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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 Zinc can boost male virility and reduce prostate problems such as swelling. ginseng, for example, acts as a glandular tonic, helping to improve the function of the testicles.44 warned that searching for this pr for the faint of heart. lean muscle mass and protection for the heart, as certain forms of testosterone can improve the ratio between "good" and "bad" cholesterol and lower cholesterol levels overall.45
Another option is a gel called Libidex, which can be applied to the skin to stimulate testosterone production and support the endocrine system. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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| This energizing plant is also referred to as Peruvian ginseng (although maca is not in the same family as ginseng). Maca has been used for centuries in the Andes to enhance fertility in humans and animals. Soon after the Spanish conquest in South America, the Spanish found that their livestock was reproducing poorly in the highlands. The local Indians recommended feeding the animals maca; so remarkable were the results that Spanish chroniclers gave in-depth reports. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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| She recommends the herbs ginseng, lotus seed, and longan fruit for a woman with a kidney essence weakness that results in a heart yin deficiency. Symptoms of this condition are insomnia, hot flashes, anxiety, palpitations, emotional instability, unusual thirst or perspiration, and premenstrual buildup with scanty, bright flow. For women with a kidney essence deficiency that results in a liver weakness, Dr. Beinfeld recommends white peony root and lycii berries. |
Jack Challem
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 These supplements include alpha-lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid, chromium, Super CitriMax, American ginseng, Phase 2 starch neutralizer, and glycine. For more information on these and other supplements, turn to chapter 10. insulin response, which likely results from responses to the hormones found in dairy products. (After all, dairy products come from hormon-ally active lactating cows.) Eating chili with low-carbohydrate and low-saturated-fat foods might be preferable. You can, as an example, add chili flakes to vinaigrette salad dressings and to ground meat patties. |
Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey
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 For example, a ginseng supplement would indicate the number of micrograms in the supplement, but no daily value is given.
E. How Do Current Food Group Intakes Compare to Recommendations?
Because the supporting databases for calculating intakes of MyPyramid food groups have only recently been available, an evaluation of intakes relative to the MyPyramid recommendations has not been published for the national survey data. |
Michael T. Murray
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 Vladimir Vuksan has examined hundreds of different whole-herb preparations and unique extracts from dozens of different ginseng species from around the world for their effects on diabetes. In their first studies and published reports, Dr. Vuksan's group used whole powdered American ginseng root {Panax quinquefolium) and found that a dose of about 3 grams before each meal reduced postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar significantly in type 2 diabetics. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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| In South America, suma is known as para toda (which means "for all things") and as Brazilian ginseng, since it is widely used as an adaptogen with many applications (much as "regular" ginseng). The indigenous peoples of the Amazon region who named it para toda have used suma root for generations for a wide variety of health purposes, including as a general tonic; as an energy, rejuvenating, and sexual tonic; and as a general cure-all for many types of illnesses. Suma has been used as an aphrodisiac, a calming agent, and to treat ulcers for at least 300 years. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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| He reports that nutrition and herbs such as ginseng, ligustri berries, and schisandra berries can accomplish this. He has good success with his three-month treatment program addressing both components. five
Step 3: Reset Your Body Clock
The body clock and circadian rhythms primarily determine our sleep-wake patterns. When these functions are thrown off course—by factors both in and out of our control—sleep problems ensue. Sleep onset insomnia, advanced and delayed sleep phase syndromes, and even REM behavior disorder can be caused by disrupted circadian rhythms and melatonin imbalances. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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| This energizing plant is also referred to as Peruvian ginseng (although maca is not in the same family as ginseng). Maca has been used for centuries in the Andes to enhance fertility in humans and animals. Soon after the Spanish conquest in South America, the Spanish found that their livestock was reproducing poorly in the highlands. The local Indians recommended feeding the animals maca; so remarkable were the results that Spanish chroniclers gave in-depth reports. |
Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith
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 Key ingredients include the B vitamin pantothenic acid, the amino acid L-theanine, and extracts of banaba, Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, and eleuthero root (a form of ginseng).
SLEEP TIGHT
Our knowledge about the power of sleep has gained more clarity in recent years. A new public interest in sleep ignited in late 2004 when scientists demonstrated a strong connection between one's sleep patterns and ability to lose weight, which ignited a new public interest in sleep. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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 John's-wort, flaxseed oil, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, red clover, ginseng, rice bran oil, wild yam, calcium, gotu kola, licorice root, sage, sarsaparilla, passionflower, chaste berry, ginkgo, and valerian root. None of these have been subjected to controlled trials. However, since they are not associated with major health risks, it is okay to try them.
Heidi Nelson, M.D. |
Michael Castleman
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 Ginseng
Prized above gold for thousands of years, ginseng root has been Asia's most revered "tonic." It was viewed as an aphrodisiac that strengthens the body, enhances health and aids longevity. Early Jesuit missionaries in Canada discovered American ginseng in 1704 and made a fortune shipping it to China. The herb was eventually discovered growing as far south as Georgia, and it quickly became one of the American colonies' most valuable exports, until overcollection just about wiped it out. Today American ginseng is farmed in Wisconsin. Most of the crop is shipped to Asia. |
Ben-Erik van Wyk
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 Cultivation & harvesting ginseng is propagated from seeds. The plants are cultivated in partial shade and reach maturity in three to four years. The roots are used fresh or dried. USES & properties ginseng is nowadays commonly used as a food supplement and is added to a wide range of health food products (including tonic drinks and food supplement bars). It is not aimed at any particular disease, but is considered to be an adaptogenic tonic to treat fatigue, weakness and lack of concentration. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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 While looking at this herb's constituents, it was discovered that several of its triterpenoid saponins were identical to those found in Asian ginseng. The idea that this easy-to-grow, weedy plant might be an inexpensive source for adaptogenic compounds fueled what has become a significant body of Chinese research on this plant. |
| Combining astragalus with licorice and ginseng, he stated, "forms a miraculous prescription for eliminating heat in the muscles and restlessness and irritation." A related species, A. floridus, is used in Tibetan medicine. It is called she-sayr and is used to stop excessive sweating and night sweats, to relieve weakness from prolonged illness, and for diarrhea and excessive vaginal or seminal discharge.
Modern Uses
Astragalus is used today in China for many purposes, some quite ancient and others very new. |
J. Douglas Bremner
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| There are no adverse effects of ginseng tea to worry about.
GREEN TEA
Widely consumed in Asian countries, green tea is believed to have antioxidant and anticancer effects. Steeping fresh leaves in very hot (not quite boiling) water makes green tea, which inactivates oxidizing enzymes and leaves intact polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in animal models. Based on this evidence, many consider green tea to be healthful, and many Japanese drink large quantities of it. Green tea extracts sold as supplements in the U.S. |
| There is something awfully seductive about the idea that some extra vitamin A every morning or a dose of ginseng tea twice a day can somehow change your life for the better, particularly for a country full of optimists. This is magical thinking at best, since there is little evidence that vitamins and supplements taken in a pill form are good for our health. In fact, scientific evidence shows that some vitamins are bad for us, increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease, hip fracture, and other ailments. Others, taken in high doses, can be toxic. |
Steven V. Joyal
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 Antidiabetic effects of Panax ginseng berry extract and the identification of an effective component. Diabetes 2002 Jun; 51(6):1851-58.
Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis 2001 Sep; 158(1): 195-98.
Aviram M et al. Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid arrery stenosis reduces common carotid intimamedia thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr 2004 Jun; 23(3):423-33.
Babu PV et al. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald
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 The same dosage of ginseng stem-leaf saponins had even stronger effects on antielectroconvulsive shock-induced memory impairment.
Bipolar Disorder_
Pronounced Cognitive Deficits Following an Intravenous L-Tryptophan Challenge in First-Degree Relatives of Bipolar Patients Compared to Healthy Controls. Sobczak S; Honig; et al. Neuropharmacology, 2003 April, 28(4):711-719.
The researchers investigated the effects of an intravenous tryptophan challenge and placebo on cognitive performance in 30 healthy first-degree relatives of bipolar patients. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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| Administration of ginseng extract to seven healthy but sedentary subjects significantly increased exercise duration and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dimutase.
ASTRAGALUS
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus Family: Fabaceae
Common Names: Huang qi (Chinese), kibana-ogi (Japanese), hwang-gi
(Korean), milk vetch Taste/Energy: Sweet, slightly warm, moist Part Used: Root
Location/Cultivation: Astragalus is native to China. It is grown in Shaanxi, Gansu, Heilong, and Jiang provinces. |
Mark Bricklin
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 Zofchak what he honestly thought of ginseng.
"First of all, I think that American ginseng is definitely superior— if you can get it. Here, it grows wild in virgin soil, because it needs certain elements to grow and thrive. Korean ginseng is cultivated in the same soil year after year, and the reason why I think it isn't as good as American ginseng is that it is not getting the elements that it needs.
"Does it work? Many people tell me that they find it a good tonic. It has a sustained energy-building effect. Some like to chew on the root. |
| Herbs and Sex
Any discussion of herbs must get around to ginseng sooner or later. In the Orient, ginseng has long been regarded as the supreme herb, good for everything from sex problems to terminal diseases. We asked Dr. Zofchak what he honestly thought of ginseng.
"First of all, I think that American ginseng is definitely superior— if you can get it. Here, it grows wild in virgin soil, because it needs certain elements to grow and thrive. |
Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard
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 For example, there was a recent case of an elderly man on insulin who added ginseng to his treatment regimen and suffered a serious hypoglycemic episode. Studies done at the University of Toronto do show that ginseng has a potent hypoglycemic effect. So all caution must be advised in combining a botanical like ginseng with traditional medications for glucose control.
Whatever you choose to investigate, be sure to inform your health care team about any changes or choices you are thinking of making when it comes to controlling your diabetes. |
Steven V. Joyal
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| Children and pregnant or nursing women should not take ginseng without their doctor's knowledge, because it has estrogen-like effects.
Vitamin D and Calcium
The scientific data on vitamin D's myriad of beneficial health effects are just starting to accumulate. Beyond bone health, recent studies suggest amazing benefits from vitamin D, including the support of vascular health and powerful anticancer properties.
Vitamin D may play several different roles in metabolic health, one of which is the ability to improve beta-cell function and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| Ginseng
Studies have shown that 100 mg a day of ginseng extract significantly cuts your chances of catching a cold or flu bug.
Vitamin C
Take at least 2,000 mg a day of vitamin C. The esterfied C type works best for a sensitive stomach. Along with its antioxidant activity, the vitamin C will lower your histamine level, giving you relief from sinus congestion, watery eyes, sniffling, and sneezing. |
David Heber, M.D., Ph.D.
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 Siberian ginseng is a different plant but it is also used as an adaptogen. The active constituents are chemical compounds called "eleutherosides." The plant is in the same family as panax ginseng but is native to parts of the former Soviet Union and in certain provinces in China and Korea. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for arthritis, bronchitis, lung ailments, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, but it is not accorded the same status as panax ginseng. The usual dose is 150 to 300 milligrams twice a day of a standardized 10 to 1 root extract containing 0. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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| Interestingly, the study revealed that a whole-seed extract performed more effectively than did a comparable dosage of caffeine or ginseng extract.17 Another Brazilian research group has been studying guarana's apparent effect of increasing memory,18-19 thought to be linked to essential oils found in the seed.20 The plant also was found to enhance memory retention and to have anti-amnesic activity in mice and rats.17 A U.S. patent has been filed on a combination of plants (including guarana) for promoting sustained energy and mental alertness "without nervousness or tension. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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 These results implicate the clinical value of ginseng in cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension and heart failure.20 Further studies should focus on the cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and membrane ion channels with Rbl5 Re, and other ginsenosides. Astragaloside was shown to have some protecting effects on myocardial injury of viral myocarditis mice. One of the mechanism may be due to the improvment of the activity of myocardial sarco/endoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). |
Joseph E. Mario
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 For other plants sometimes called Heal-All, SEE Garlic, ginseng, and Stone Root.
•HEARTSEASE SEE wild Pansy.
•American HELLEBORE Rhizome (Veratrum veride/green) Lily family; also called Indian Poke, and Itch Weed. A 3-5' perennial in swamps and moist meadows, with large ribbed bottom leaves, a single pale green-yellow flower head like a cornstalk, with tiny white flower centers; grows in woods and swamp. Not as strong as Black Hellebore. Non-narcotic sedative (can bringa 150/min. pulse down to 30-40/min. |
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