Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Parts used and where grown: Juniper, a type of evergreen tree, grows mainly in the plains regions of Europe as well as in other parts of the world. The medicinal portion of the plant are referred to as berries, but they are actually dark blue-black scales from the cones of the tree. Unlike other pine cones, the juniper cones are fleshy and soft.

In what conditions might juniper be supportive?

Â¥ edema (water retention)

Â¥ urinary tract infection

Historical or traditional use: Aside from being used as the flavoring agent in gin, juniper trees have contributed to the making of everything from soap to perfume.1 Medicinally, many conditions have been treated with juniper berries including gout, warts and skin growths, cancer, upset stomach, and various urinary tract and kidney diseases.

Active constituents: The volatile oils, particularly 4-terpineol, cause an increase in urine volume.2 Some evidence suggests it may lower uric acid levels, although further study is required to confirm this action. Although juniper lignans inhibit the herpes simplex virus in laboratory studies, treatment for human herpes infections by juniper has yet to be proven.3 Juniper contains bitter substances, at least partly accounting for its traditional use in digestive upset and related problems.

How much should I take? To make a tea, 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water is added to 1 U.S. teaspoon (15 grams) of juniper berries and allowed to steep for twenty minutes in a tightly covered container. One cup can be drunk each morning and night. Juniper is often combined with other diuretic and antimicrobial herbs. As a capsule or tablet, 1-2 grams can be taken three times per day, or 1-2 ml of tincture can be taken three times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Due to potential damage to the kidneys, juniper should never be taken for more than six weeks continuously. Anyone with serious kidney diseases or taking diuretic drugs should not take juniper. Application of the essential oil directly to skin can cause a rash. Pregnant women should avoid juniper, as it may cause uterine contractions.

References:

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 256. 2. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 76-7. 3. Markkanen T, Markinen ML, Nikoskelainen J, et al. Antiherpetic agent from juniper tree (Juniperus communis), its purification, identification and testing in primary human amnion cell cultures. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1981;7:691-7.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Jasmine

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale L.) in the Olive family (Oleaceae) is a deciduous twining vine with fragrant white flowers.

History and Traditional Use

J. officinale is native to the Himalayas, northern Iran, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus.1 The flower and the essential oil extracted from it have been used extensively in cosmetics and perfumery, and as a calmative (relaxing properties, sedative) and aphrodisiac (intensifies sexual desire).2 It has also been used to treat coughs and difficult breathing.3 When the leaves are boiled, an essential oil is obtained which has been used for irritations of the eye.4 In India, the root of jasmine is considered a valuable external application for ringworm. In China, the leaves are used as a blood-purifier, and it is also considered to be a powerful killer of parasitic intestinal worms, especially tapeworm. J. officinale var. grandiflorum (L.) Kobuski is used in China to treat hepatitis, pain caused by liver cirrhosis, and abdominal pain caused by dysentery.2

Modern Medicinal Use

Very little current research exists on the medicinal uses of jasmine. One study reported on the mind-stimulating effect of jasmine.5 Another study measured sleep quality, post-sleep mood and alertness, and cognitive performance of subjects who were exposed to jasmine fragrance.6 The subjects experienced greater sleep efficiency and less sleep movement, and upon awakening, were less anxious, performed cognitive tests more rapidly, and showed greater alertness in the afternoon hours. While more research is needed, these findings seem to indicate that jasmine fragrance could be used to improve sleep, alertness, and mental performance.

Modern Consumer Use

In skin care, jasmine is used in the treatment of dry, irritated, sensitive skin, and to prevent muscular spasms and sprains in muscles and joints.3 Jasmine is widely used in fragrance formulations, including creams, lotions, and perfumes. Jasmine absolute and the oil are used as flavor ingredients in most major food products including alcoholic (e.g. liqueurs) and soft drinks, and the dried flowers are used in Chinese jasmine tea.2

References

1 Bown D. The Herb Society of America New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: DK Publishing; 2001.

2 Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

3 Lawless J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aroma Therapy and Herbalism. Rockport (MA): Element Books; 1995.

4 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Volume 1. New York: Dover Publications, Inc; 1971.

5 Schnaubelt K. Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils. Berkeley (CA): Frog. Ltd.; 1999.

6 Raudenbush G, Koon J, Smith J, Zoladz P. Effects of odorant administration on objective and subjective measures of sleep quality, post-sleep mood and alertness, and cognitive performance. North American Journal of Psychology 2003;5(2):181-192.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Common names: Shave grass, scouring rush

Parts used and where grown: Horsetail is widely distributed throughout the temperate climate zones of the northern hemisphere, including Asia, North America and Europe.1 Horsetail is a unique plant with two distinctive types of stems. One variety of stem grows early in spring and looks like asparagus, except for its brown color and the spore-containing cones on top. The mature form of the herb, appearing in summer, has branched, thin, green, sterile stems and looks very much like a feathery tail.

In what conditions might horsetail be supportive?

Â¥ brittle nails

Â¥ edema (water retention)

¥ osteoarthritis ¥ osteoporosis

Â¥ rheumatoid arthritis

Historical or traditional use: Since recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several cultures have employed horsetail as a folk remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis. Additionally, the topical use of horsetail is said to stop the bleeding of wounds and promote rapid healing. The use of this herb as an abrasive cleanser to scour pots or shave wood illustrates the origin of horsetailÕs common namesÑscouring rush and shave grass.2

Active constituents: Horsetail is very rich in silicic acid and silicates, which provide approximately 2-3% elemental silicon. Potassium, aluminum, and manganese along with fifteen different types of bioflavonoids are also found in the herb. The presence of these bioflavonoids are believed to cause the diuretic action, while the silicon content is said to exert a connective tissue strengthening and anti-arthritic action.3 Some experts have suggested that the element silicon is a vital component for bone and cartilage formation.4 This would indicate that horsetail may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis. Anecdotal reports suggest that horsetail may be of some use in the treatment of brittle nails.

How much should I take? Horsetail can be taken daily as a tea at 1-4 grams per day. A tincture can also be used at 2-6 ml per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Horsetail is generally considered safe for non-pregnant adults at the recommended dose. The only concern would be that the correct species of horsetail is used; Equisetum palustre is another species of horsetail, which contains toxic alkaloids and is a well-known livestock poison.

The Canadian Health Protection Branch requires supplement manufacturers to document that their products do not contain the enzyme thiaminase, found in crude horsetail, which destroys the B vitamin thiamin. Since alcohol, temperature, and alkalinity neutralize this potentially harmful enzyme, tinctures, fluid extracts, or preparations of the herb subjected to 100°C temperatures during manufacturing should be the preferable form of the plant utilized for medicinal use.5

References:

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 306&endash;8. 2. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1991, 219&endash;21. 3. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 238&endash;9. 4. Seaborn CD, Nielsen FH. Silicon: a nutritional beneficence for bones, brains and blood vessels? Nutr Today 1993;28:13&endash;18. 5. Fabre B, Geay B, Beaufils P. Thiaminase activity in Equisetum arvense and its extracts. Plant Med Phytother 1993;26:190&endash;97.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)

A great deal of research has been done in recent years concerning sexual performance and libido. Some of that research has concentrated on herbal ingredients with a legendary history as natural aphrodisiacs, and Horny Goat Weed (also known as Epimedium Sagittatum, Epimedium Grandiflorum, Yin Yang Huo, or Inyokakau) is among the top performers.

The scientific community has focused mainly on men and treating erectile dysfunction, but women’s sexual performance and loss of sex drive among both sexes are also hot issues today. Horny Goat Weed libido and sexual performance enhancer works for both men and women boosting sexual energy and stamina so that you can have the physical intimacy you’ve been looking for!

Horny Goat weed is a traditional Chinese herb of long-standing use that has been supported and recommended by those in the health care profession. Horny Goat weed has been used in the past to relieve liver, joint, knee, and back problems, and now it is promoted as one of the most powerful herbal aphrodisiacs and treatments for sexual dysfunction in men and women.

It affects testosterone production and release

Stimulates sensory nerves

Restores decreased sex drive

Promotes erectile function

Supports muscular growth and Health

Alleviates fatigue

Relieves premenstrual and menopausal symptoms

no known negative side effects with Horny Goat Weed.

Over the last few years a lot of attention was brought to erectile dysfunction and impotence in men. Herbal formulations dating back thousands of years have been quite effective in restoring sexual prowess..

Clinical studies on several herbal products claiming to treat impotence andsexual performance related problems. To the surprise of the scientific community some of these herbs have proven to be very effective in the long term.

One of those herbal products is Horny Goat Weed

Within the first month of usage you will be impressed, within 3 months or more, you will be amazed.

But behind the laughable nickname stands a serious herb. The Chinese consider horny goat weed the premier libido-lifter for men and women, and top aid to erectile function in men. The plant has long been employed to restore sexual fire, boost erectile function, allay fatigue and even alleviate menopausal discomfort. The Chinese, the worlds leading herbalists, are famous for their healing ability exemplified by their longevity and virility.

Discovered by a Chinese goat farmers who observed old; over the hill goats sexual rejuvenation after eating the large thorn covered weeds that other animals avoided, hence the reason for the name. The effects proved the same in humans. Desire is also increased along with erectile function, increased testosterone levels, androgen like influence on the testes, prostate and important sexual muscles.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences recommends the regular use of Horny Goat Weed to slow the aging process, as it improves the overall quality of life as well.

Horny Goat Weed stimulates sexual activity in both men and women, increases sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerves, and increases sexual desire. It’s aphrodisiac effects has been verified in both animal and human research. As effective as Horny Goat Weed is to treat sexual dysfunction, when combined with other well known herbal aphrodisiacs such as Maca the results are nothing short of amazing.

Known in China as Yin Yang Huo, horny goat weed was first described in classic Chinese medicinal texts dating back more than two thousand years. The Chinese use the term Yin Yang Huo in reference to any of several species of epimedium, a leafy groundcover that grows most abundantly at higher altitudes.

Recommended use: As a dietary supplement, take one (2) daily with a meal. For more immediate response take three (3) to four (4) capsules 90 minutes before activity.

Ingredients:(Epimedium grandiflorum) 500mg,

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.