American Medical Publishing
See book keywords and concepts |
| Perhaps the most common in ginseng, which is especially popular in Oriental countries and cultures. And there may be something to, especially for females. A daily dose of ginseng extract, or ginseng tea is known to increase the level of testosterone in males. Testosterone of course is the "male hormone" and having a higher level of it may increase a man's libido and stamina in sexual activity.
Other more exotic substances are frequently sought for their purported aphrodisiacal properties, notable, powdered rhinoceros horns. |
Paula Begoun
See book keywords and concepts |
 However, the drop of vitamins, dash of lavender, hint of rosemary or ginseng, or myriad other plant offerings is there almost solely for image and little else.
Most consumers are so enamored with the power of "natural" that there is no question in their minds whether any of this natural stuff is really good. Sadly, while some natural ingredients do indeed have beneficial properties for skin, most natural ingredients in hair-care products have little to no impact or influence on the health, cleanliness, strength, or smoothness of hair. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Korean ginseng (Panax), given at 200 mg per day for eight weeks to type II diabetics, improved mood, increased physical activity, and lowered fasting blood sugar as well as glycosated hemoglobin levels.421 The last effect is especially important, since glycosation of tissues is the leading cause of damage associated with diabetes. Onion and garlic extracts have also been shown to lower blood sugar, which may be due to the presence of thiosulfi-nates and dially disulfide.
Fiber and Diabetes
Fiber, especially soluble fiber, lowers elevated blood sugar levels. |
| Panax ginseng has the same properties. Both herbs boost immunity in both normal individuals and those with depressed immune systems.532 Unfortunately, if use is continued for more than two weeks, there is a significant reduction in immune stimulation.
A recent study found that NAC (N-acetyl L-cysteine) could reduce the effects of common viral infections such as influenza. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Panax ginseng administered at doses of 100 mg capsules of either an aqueous or standardized extracts led to significant enhancement of cell-mediated immune functions in healthy volunteers. Animal and in vitro studies have pointed to the benefits of ginseng on the immune system as well.
Cancer and heart disease are two other areas where ginseng has proven useful. |
| Another study found that Vietnamese ginseng crude saponin suppressed the effects of psychological stress in mice. ginseng therapy restored the thyroid and adrenal functions inhibited by dexamethasone treatment in rats. In a study examining the anti-aging activities of American ginseng in those over sixty, results showed that symptoms of Kidney-Yang deficiency improved and subjects experienced a decrease in functional months of age from 751.77 ± 5.215 to 743.53 ± 5.144, the effective rate being 68.57 percent. |
| There are several different types of ginseng, all adaptogens, including Korean, Chinese, Siberian, and American. Adaptogenic herbs primarily act as stress fighters by restoring homeostasis. A growing body of peer review literature supports such actions. One review article examining over 300 studies on ginseng published in China since 1982 found ginseng to possess a large variety of therapeutic effects on the body, including benefits to the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and endocrine secretion, immune function, stress, aging, etc. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
| A Chinese symbol of longevity, ginseng is considered a rejuvenation herb. Research shows that ginseng is an antioxidant that slows the free radical damage of aging. It promotes better focus under stress, and boosts energy levels.
Gotu Kola. Gotu kola, another herb associated with longevity, increases vitality and stamina, and reinforces memory. Elephants graze on gotu kola and live to be seventy in the wild, where they usually die of starvation, not illness. This herb may lower blood pressure.
Green Tea. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Do not use with fenugreek, ginger, Panax ginseng, parsley, devil's claw, or coltsfoot.
In general, it should not be used with drugs that cause vasodilation, act as CNS depressants, or be used with digoxin. You will need to ask you doctor about these drugs. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2001).
Other Disorders of Aging
Adult-Onset Diabetes: A Growing Epidemic
From six to twelve million people in the United States suffer from adult-onset diabetes, making it one of this country's largest health problems. |
Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 If energy and fatigue are an issue for you, I often recommend the "energy cocktail" of carnitine, CoQIO, and ginseng. Remember, however, that lack of energy is often due to lifestyle—not enough high-quality sleep, the wrong diet, and adrenal burnout. You need to address those issues and not take the "cocktail" as a substitute for doing something about them.
Green Tea (EGCG)
Dr. Shari Lieberman, author of The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book, considers the active compound in green tea to be one of the best weight loss supplements available, and I agree. |
| Alternatively, you can get the more stimulating Panax type, also known as Chinese or Korean ginseng.
5-HTP
This supplement (a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan) has been found to have an effect on weight loss in several impressive studies, even
89 sometimes without dietary changes. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the immediate precursor to serotonin and has been found very useful as an antidepressant. It's thought to exert its influence over eating behavior by affecting serotonin. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Other plant extracts with hypoglycemic effects include juniper berries, izui, Siberian and panax ginseng, cumin, curcumin, cucumber, garlic, and bottle gourd.
One of the more useful plants is Gymnema sylvestre (Gumar) which stimulates insulin secretion and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides with minimal side effects. A test on twenty-two type II diabetics found 400 mg per day to be superior to prescription medications for long-term blood-sugar stabilization and an overall sense of well-being. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Many adaptogen herbs work in part by supporting adrenal gland function. ginseng is a classic example. alterative An herb that helps improve general health by balancing and tonifying body functions. Alteratives boost nutritional status through improved digestion and elimination. They are sometimes referred to as "blood purifiers." Alteratives generally have a low potential for toxicity and can be used on a long-term basis. A good example is burdock root. analgesic Pain reliever. Also termed an anodyne (e.g., white willow). anticatarrhal Decreases mucus production (e.g., goldenseal, mullein). |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 HECKLIST FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Nutritional
Rating
Supplements
Herbs
L-carnitine (page 543) NADH (page 564) Potassium-magnesium aspartate
Vitamin B|2 (page 601)
DHEA (page 503) Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
(page 514)
Asian ginseng (page 630) Eleuthero
Magnesium (page 551)
(page 672)
Licorice (page 702) "
Medical treatments
Prescription medications such as anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines), antidepressants, hydrocortisone (Cortef), and pain relievers might be beneficial. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Natural-medicine doctors continued to use
ACE, sometimes along with "adrenal support" herbals such as licorice and ginseng, and vitamins including vitamin C and pantothenic acid. The results were good, and patients reported no adverse effects from ACE. However, despite its track record of safety and effectiveness, in 1978 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tried to outlaw ACE. The FDA claimed this extract was ineffective, even though it had been perfectly effective when manufactured by Parke-Davis and other major drug companies in the 1930s through the 1950s. |
Francois Couplan, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 From the Greek "hoplon," weapon, and "panax," botanical name of ginseng: referring to the stout prickles of the plant. N.W. & N.C. N.Am.
The roots as well as the young, succulent shoots and stems were used as food by Indians and Inuits of Alaska.
Contact with the prickles of this outlandish plant can produce very painful wounds, which become easily infected and may cause severe swelling.
Panax (H 4) Ginseng
From the Greek "pas, pan," all, and "akos," cure: referring to the medicinal uses of the E. Asian P. ginseng. E. N.Am.
P. |
| The local Chinese ginseng (P. ginseng = P. shinseng) has been for thousands of years the most famous Chinese medicinal plant, bringing such high prices that almost all wild plants were uprooted. Only a few might be left in the mountains of Manchuria. When American ginseng was discovered in the 17th century in Canada, the Chinese were so eager to import it that overpicking became the rule to satisfy the demand. The trade was extremely profitable, but it caused the eradication of the wild plant over a large portion of its natural range. |
Paula Begoun
See book keywords and concepts |
| The plant extracts are decent for the scalp, but in a rinse-out conditioner they are rinsed away before they can have an impact.
© ginseng Shampoo, Men's Stock ($9 for 8 ounces) is similar to almost all of the Aubrey Organics shampoos above in that it contains coconut-oil soap as its main cleansing agent. The cleansing agent is drying enough, but it also contains pine extract, which has the potential to cause scalp irritation.
© $$$ Biotin Hair Repair, Men's Stock ($14. |
Francois Couplan, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| But cultivation is the only way to preserve wild ginseng.
Both American and Chinese ginseng have similar properties. They contain saponins, hormone-like substances and traces of essential oil.
The aromatic roots of P. quinquefolium (m.a.) can be eaten raw or cooked, but they are too infrequent to be used as food.
Its sweet and bitter leaves make a pleasant tea which is good for colds.
The small spherical roots of P. trifolium, dwarf ginseng - N.E. N.Am. & Appalachians - were often eaten boiled. They are also edible raw. |
| The local Chinese ginseng (P. ginseng = P. shinseng) has been for thousands of years the most famous Chinese medicinal plant, bringing such high prices that almost all wild plants were uprooted. Only a few might be left in the mountains of Manchuria. When American ginseng was discovered in the 17th century in Canada, the Chinese were so eager to import it that overpicking became the rule to satisfy the demand. The trade was extremely profitable, but it caused the eradication of the wild plant over a large portion of its natural range. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The amount of ginseng actually contained in commercial products available in the United States varies substantially, and some may contain no ginseng at all. An analysis of fifty-four ginseng products found that one-fourth contained none, and 60 percent contained only trace amounts of the herb. More information and better research are needed.
Goldenseal The Cherokees and other Native American tribes have used this herbal remedy for centuries. As a tea it helps treat sores of the mouth and throat, and helps calm inflammations of the digestive and urinary tracts. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Standardized andrographis extract combined with eleuthero (page 672) (Siberian ginseng), known as Kan jang, has also been shown in a double-blind clinical trial to reduce symptoms of the common cold. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 Whether it's in the Amazon, Southeast Asia, Siberia, India or China, I go to a host country, hook up with people who are knowledgeable about or experts on a particular plant that I'm investigating, whether it's ginseng, maca, horny goat weed or anything at all.
Then I go as deeply as I can into the growing conditions. I investigate the science that the traditional folk use, the medicinal applications, the trade and all of the conditions around a plant. This enables me to help make that plant popular in this culture. I also work on environmental preservation programs along the way. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Dong quai has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns
þftft Anemia (due to dialysis)
Dysmenorrhea (page 171) (painful menstruation) Menopause (page 311) Premenstrual syndrome (page 368)
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Also known as dang-gui in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dong quai is sometimes referred to as the female ginseng. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 I also wouldn't use it for people with blood disorders or depressed liver function, unless recommended specifically by a health-care provider.
Horny Goat Weed for Impotence
EVER HEAR OF Epimedium sagittatum? Me, either. ¦ jjj
But this herb, found throughout Asia and the tfSw c
Mediterranean, goes by another name in the 1/1 United States, one you might recognize if you've thumbed through the ads in men's magazines in the last few years: horny goat weed. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Other herbs that may help are fenugreek (page 676) seeds and eleuthero (page 672) (Siberian ginseng).
Mistletoe (page 711)
Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells,279 and animal research found that it reduces symptoms of diabetes.280 No research in humans has yet been published; however, given mistletoe's worldwide reputation as a traditional remedy for diabetes, clinical trials are warranted to validate these promising preliminary findings. |
| Eleuthero (page 672) (Siberian ginseng) has also historically been used to support the immune system. Preliminary Russian research has supported this traditional use.133 A double-blind study has shown that healthy people who take 10 ml of eleuthero tincture three times per day had an increase in certain T lymphocytes important to normal immune function. These effects have not been studied in people with lowered immune function. The amount of eleuthero used in this trial is exceptionally high, though no side effects were seen. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Let's see—niacinamide, B-complex, calcium, magnesium, kava, Panax ginseng, a multiple vitamin-mineral."
"Changing your diet and cutting out caffeine and sugar."
"I hope I can do all this."
"I'm sure you can. Make sure to stay in touch with Reverend Saunders, and keep up with those prayers you've started."
Mr. Hamilton later reported that with a few setbacks, he'd been able to implement the entire program within two to three months, and his anxiety was "unbelievably less. |
Paula Begoun
See book keywords and concepts |
| Mandarin Magic Ginkgo Leaf & ginseng Root Hair Moisturizing Jelly ($10.75 for 8 ounces) is essentially an alcohol-free version of rhe B-5 Design Gel above, and the same basic comments apply. This gel does not contain any balsam oil, and the other plant extracts used have no effect on hair.
© Natural Body Highliter Mousse, Chestnut Brown ($8 for 8 ounces) isn't a mousse because it doesn't foam and it's not dispersed by propellants (or air, as is the case with many mousses today). Rather, this is a styling gel that provides a light hold that's slightly sticky but can be brushed through. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Excessive doses of ginseng may also cause high blood pressure.
Kava (Piper methysticum) has also been shown to relieve anxiety. In a double-blind study, 58 patients received either kava extract (100 mg, three times per day) or a placebo for 4 weeks. There was a significant reduction in anxiety in the group receiving kava.12 Although kava was well tolerated by participants in this study, there is one case report of a toxic reaction to kava in a patient who was also taking a prescription anti-anxiety drug, as well as several other medications. |
Email this page to a friend
