posted December 17, 2002 08:46 AM         

A friend sent this site to me today with the following information.

In order to achieve and maintain the best health, there are three essential
elements that must be given adequate and regular attention:

1) Nutrition using only food that is fresh, natural and fully wholesome.

2) Cleansing the body internally of accumulations of waste matter
and poisonous subtances.

3) Vigorous exercise frequently enough so that the lymph is purged
and other circulatory systems are stimulated to high function.

The subject of this Newletter is concerned with the use of herbal
preparations to detoxify the body.

Why Our Herbal Preparations Are So Strong!

The herbs we use are organically grown on certified organic
American farms. We also support transitional farmers who are in
the organic certification process. These farmers and their families
need to be supported for making the right choice. We spare no effort
in finding the best farms and the freshest herbs. Our herbs are
the richest, highest quality and most potent herbs available.

The reason we use only organically grown and wild harvested botanicals
is simple - they are stronger. Better care is taken in feeding these plants
the natural nutrients they require. Organically grown food, herbs,
and plants have 4 to 10 times more nutrition and healing plant chemicals
(phytochemicals) in them.

We Fill Our Herbal Curing Containers With Plant Matter.

Many other herbal manufacturers of herbal extracts think that you usually
need to only put 10% herbs into the bottom of the container and the rest
is the extracting liquid. They say that 10% herbs are all that's necessary
and if you use more herbs, you're wasting them. We learned long ago,
never skimp on putting enough herbs into the extracts. We consider that
the solutions should be saturated to the maximum with the healthful
properties of the herbs. Cramming the containers is the only way we can
see to ensure that a person's health and recovery from sickness is given
the best chance of benefit.

We start by filling the containers with blends of roots, barks, leaves and
flowers. Then we add our liquid menstrum to just cover the herbs. Once
the herbs are saturated we wet grind the herbs into an applesauce like
consistency. After a day or two of sitting, the herbal mash should settle
to about two thirds to nine tenths the top of the vat. We keep adding herbs,
if necessary, until there is a 75% to 90% concentration.

Once we have a vat full of this herbal mash, we let it brew for at least
six weeks. The phases of the moon are as important for farmers planting
and harvesting crops, as they are for manufacturing herbal extracts.
Consequently, we start the herbal brewing process on the new moon and
strain and press it on the full moon, the same way herbal doctors have
done it for centuries. Many other manufacturers say that brewing cycles
for months are a waste of time and unnecessary. They have abandoned
this tried and true method of making high potency herbal extracts for
modern and quick 2 to 3 day special extraction processes.

After a month and a half to six months, we press the mash out in our
12,000-pound pressure herbal press. Because of our concentration
of herbs and the thick jelly-like consistency of the brewed mash,
the pressing and filtering is a very slow and time-consuming process.
The results are we get much less herbal tonic compared to other
manufacturers, but what comes out of our presses is the finest, most
saturated, richest and most potent herbal juice extracts possible.

TONIC SUPREME CONCENTRATE

4 oz of liquid concentrate
8 oz of liquid concentrate
32 oz of liquid concentrate

This powerful tonic helps boost the body's natural abilities to overpower
bad bacteria, viruses and harmful organisms including Candida. While it
helps chase away the unwanted organisms, it protects the good intestinal
flora. It is also very effective at restoring pH balance in the body and
getting rid of Candida conditions. Ingredients:

Garlic is one of nature's most powerful antibiotics. It may stimulate cell
growth and activity and has a rejuvenating effect on all body functions.
Garlic may help dissolve cholesterol in the bloodstream, stimulate
the lymphatic system to throw off waste, open up the blood vessels
and reduce blood pressure.

Fresh Ginger root is an excellent herb for the respiratory system and so
may help the body fight off colds and flu. It aids digestion, and may help
clean the kidneys and detoxify the bowels.

Fresh Horseradish root has an antibiotic action, and may help support
the body in case of respiratory and urinary infections. It aids digestion,
metabolism and may assist kidney function.

Fresh Whole Habanero Pepper improves blood circulation and increases
the power of other herbs. It is a harmless internal disinfectant. Increasing
heart action but not blood pressure, it's been used for internal and
external hemorrhaging. It offers the body support in its efforts to rebuild
tissue in the stomach and may be useful in the case of stomach and
intestinal ulcers.

Fresh Raw Onion is said to have the ability to lower fevers and help
the body to remove mucous. Onion is a wonderful tonic for the hair,
nails and skin and a lubricant for the skin, muscles, joints, kidneys
and chest. It's a laxative and helps disperse acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar, raw, unfiltered, organic, provides the base for this
product. It helps to maintain a youthful, vibrant body and to fight germs
and bacteria naturally, assists in the regulation of calcium metabolism,
helps correct blood consistency, regulate a woman's menstruation,
aids the digestion and assimilation of food and helps control and
normalize weight. It normalizes the urine, thus lessening a frequent
urge to urinate, can offer relief for sore throats, laryngitis and throat
tickles, helps clear out toxins, aids respiration so that one can breathe
more easily, helps maintain healthy skin and prevent itching scalp, dry
hair and baldness, helps removes toxins and crystals from the joints,
tissues and organs.
· ·

CHILDREN'S TONIC SUPREME CAPSULES
100 capsules (small sized)
Please see description of ingredients above of Tonic Supreme
Concentrate. Formula contains: Powdered Horseradish root, Garlic bulb,
Onion bulb, Ginger root and Cayenne pepper powders in capsules.

These preparations and others can be accessed by clicking on -

Southern Botanicals Product Catalog http://www.botanicals.net/shops/shopbotanic/catalog2.htm

______________________
Complete Intestinal Cleanse/Nutritional Program http://www.healthfree.com/health/rescue/coloncleanse.htm

-----------
For a free copy of the "Live Food Diet & Lifestyle" -
(alkaline producing foods and recipes) in email form -
send your request to healthfree@healthfree.com
_____________

Copies of "12 STEPS TO RAW FOODS:
How to End Your Addiction to Cooked Food" -
By Victoria Boutenko can be obtained from us at - http://www.healthfree.com/books2.

posted January 12, 2003 03:15 PM         

Hope everything is good withyou!!!
email me if you like!

posted February 08, 2003 10:08 PM         

Boost Brainpower Now

Here's the scoop on herbs that promise to improve your mind, increase your memory, and keep you from losing your marbles

by Douglas Schar

You're at a cocktail party, introducing a good friend. Suddenly, you forget her name. Or you're phoning your mother and actually have to look up the number. In yesterday's meeting, a familiar word dissolved on your tongue, leaving an embarrassing pause before it returned.

Memory loss and diminished mental sharpness are common problems for men as they age; for women, short-term memory problems and fuzzy thinking are classic menopausal complaints. And all of us fret over the threat of developing senility, Alzheimer's disease, or other dementia. Just visit the herb section of any drugstore or natural products store, and you'll see what I mean. There's a mind-boggling array of products making outrageous promises about beefing up your mental state. Brainpower, they call it in herbal marketing land.

Herbs as Brain Food
Being a science nerd, I wanted to define brainpower, because it certainly isn't a scientific term. It's really shorthand for increased concentration, improved memory, increased mental energy, or protection against the development of senility. The so-called brain boosters are simply pro-brain health herbs with a host of different actions.

When I decided to explore these herbs--all touted to increase brainpower--I found some similarities. Turns out, most of these herbs are all of the following.

Antioxidants, which annihilate free radicals, the molecules that bounce around your cells like Ping-Pong balls, causing tiny dents of damage wherever they land.

Brain feeders that increase oxygen and glucose supply to the brain, so that its cells get what they need to function properly.

Neurotransmitter helpers. Brain cells communicate through neurotransmitters, which are compounds such as dopamine, serotonin, and the like. Most of these herbs either increase neurotransmitter production or decrease their rate of destruction.

Neuroprotectors, which protect nerve cells from damage caused by poor circulation, toxic compounds, and other problems. This is key, because once a nerve cell is damaged, you can't fix it or grow a new one. Senility results from a lifetime of such damage.

Bacopa: The Memory Herb

(Bacopa monnieri)

Practitioners of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old traditional medicine system of India, use bacopa for improving anxiety, intellect, and memory. Now, contemporary research proves that this ancient tradition has legs: Bacopa is tops at improving memory.

One study of 76 adults, ages 40 to 65, showed a decrease in the rate of forgetting. Another human study showed that bacopa improved the speed of information processing. And a very telling study revealed that when bacopa was administered with a memory-blocking drug, drug-induced memory impairment was reduced, and memory acquisition and retention improved. In my book, bacopa is quite a good option for improving or increasing memory capacity. Moreover, its proven antioxidant activity may make it useful in preventing age-related memory loss.

What it probably can't do: Improve symptoms of dementia. No studies yet verify this use.

Cordyceps: The Brain Energizer
(Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps is a peculiar Chinese fungus with a long history of use treating exhaustion, rundown conditions, weakness, poor sexual appetite, and aging. Its success at treating these problems is due, at least in part, to the fact that it stimulates the liver to release stored energy, in the form of glucose, into circulation. At the same time, it helps the adrenal glands function better, which also contributes to increased energy. I think of cordyceps as a cup of coffee for the brain, use it myself, and recommend it for people who need an immediate boost. In addition, its antioxidant activity may make it useful in preventing age-related memory loss.

Though there's no direct evidence that cordyceps is useful for treating or preventing dementia, it is proven to help other symptoms associated with aging, such as poor immunity, poor sexual function, and decreased production of red and white blood cells.

How to buy and use: Cordyceps is available at health food stores and in Chinese herb shops. A good brand to try is MycoMedicinal by New Chapter. Order online via www.prevention.com/links. Follow label directions.

Ginkgo: The Anti-Aging Brain Herb
(Ginkgo biloba)

Ginkgo can somewhat improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia. A study completed last year showed that ginkgo helped improve Alzheimer's patients' cognitive and social performance, regardless of how severe their condition was. Patients with very mild or mild impairment improved on ginkgo, and the herb appeared to slow down the progression of symptoms among people who were severely impaired. Ginkgo's powerful antioxidant activity is thought to prevent damage to the blood vessels serving the brain. When it comes to maintaining the memory you have, ginkgo is a smart choice.

But can ginkgo sharpen a healthy mind? There's been some hot debate on this. Two studies on humans showed that using ginkgo did make a difference; one recent study reported that it did not. Finally, another study done with healthy subjects showed that a single dose improved the quality of memory. In my opinion, the evidence suggests that ginkgo is a good herb to try for boosting brainpower.

How to buy and use: It's widely available. Choose a product containing 80 mg ginkgo biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides. Though some people notice improvement after a few weeks, plan on using ginkgo for at least 4 months before judging whether or not it's working for you.

Caution: Do not use in conjunction with blood thinners because it may magnify their effects. Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery and until surgical wounds have completely healed.

Chinese Club Moss:
Potential Anti-Alzheimer's Herb
(Huperzia serrata, sold as Huperzine A)

Lurking in the Chinese club moss plant is a brain-saving compound known as Huperzine A. Recent research suggests that Huperzine A could become the superstar of anti-senility regimens.

Senility happens slowly. Little by little, the brain becomes damaged until symptoms of forgetfulness and mental fragility eventually become apparent. Animal studies reveal that Huperzine A protects the brain from this daily damage and, hopefully, can prevent or limit senility.

One study with primates revealed that Huperzine A protected brain cells from damage by toxic chemicals. Another animal study showed that the remedy helped keep brain cells alive during an experimentally induced stroke. Chinese studies have shown a significant improvement in cognitive function in 60% of the people with Alzheimer's disease who took Huperzine A.

In the US, 29 people with Alzheimer's disease were given 100 micrograms of Huperzine A daily, and more than half seemed to show improved mental status. This herbal extract's potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease was noted in JAMA in 1997.

Huperzine A increases brain function by supporting neurotransmitter supply. Though it's been touted for students studying for an exam, there's not much evidence to suggest that it makes a difference. However, since it inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, a necessary brain neurotransmitter, some experts feel it may help improve Alzheimer's disease, although long-term safety trials have yet to be conducted.

How to buy and use: Available at health food stores. Use according to manufacturers' instructions.

Periwinkle: The Brain Food Herb
(Vinca minor, sold as vinpocetine)

Periwinkle is a European plant that was used by healers to remedy nervous disorders, hysteria, epileptic fits, and nightmares. Now we know that a compound in the plant, vinpocetine, may be the brain's best friend.

The brain is an oxygen- and glucose-greedy organ; it needs lots of both to operate optimally. Vinpocetine is a vasodilator and cerebral metabolic enhancer, which means it makes certain the brain gets all the nutrition it needs. Moreover, vinpocetine is a powerful free-radical scavenger. And not just any old free-radical scavenger either. Studies reveal that after you take it, vinpocetine makes a beeline for the brain. Used occasionally, it is thought to deliver more blood to the brain, thereby increasing brainpower. Used regularly, it may prevent senility and dementia by preventing free-radical damage to the blood vessels that serve the brain.

Though vinpocetine is currently used to treat senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease, this use has not been studied, and its safety and efficacy have not been reported.

How to buy and use: Available at health food stores. Use according to manufacturers' instructions. If you take blood-thinning medication, check with your doctor before taking vinpocetine.

Give Your Mind a Makeover

If you would like to try a mind makeover, first decide which herb we've discussed really speaks to your condition. Once you choose an herb, plan to use it consistently for 6 to 8 weeks. After the trial period, ask yourself if it seems to be working. Is your memory better? Is your thought process clearer?

If so, keep taking the herb. If you haven't noticed a difference, move on to another until you find the one that works best for you.

One Herb at a Time, Please

Herbal medicine for the brain has become big business and there are scores of products on the market. Some try to pack as many herbs and other supplements into one pill as possible.

Don't buy into it! These combination products are usually unproven, at best. You're much better off trying one herb at a time than using these everything-but-the-kitchen-sink combos

What Brainpower Herbs Can Do

Increase concentration

Help prevent senile dementia

Help retain memory and cognitive functions

Help prevent the disintegration of memory

Prevention advisor Douglas Schar, DipPhyt, MCPP, MNIMH, lives in Washington, DC, where he is completing his PhD study of disease-preventing plants and tending a greenhouse full of botanical oddities.

http://www.prevention.com/cda/feature2002/0,4780,4660,00.html

posted February 11, 2003 06:36 AM         

So nice to "see" you again! You're a fountain of knowledge