Herbal supplements have always been used in a very huge way for penis enhancement and even for correcting problems with the male sexual system.shilajit is th Herbal supplements work effectively by increasing the flow of blood in the penile area. Among other things, this type of blood circulation in the groin area helps the penis to increase both lengthwise and girth-wise.

It is a sensitive organ which is mainly composed of spongy tissue. This spongy tissue contains several hollow regions. When the person is aroused, the blood supply to the penile region increases. This blood gets engorged into the organ, which makes the organ erect. This is the normal biology of getting an erection. But, there are several problems that may hamper this erection from happening. Over time, problems such as damages to the spongy tissue could also decrease the size of the organ. In such cases of damaged tissues, herbal supplements can really work to a very great extent. Not only will they rectify the problem that is avoiding the organ from achieving an erection, but they will also effectively increase the size.

shilajit traditionally prescribed herbal supplements that can assist in enlarging the size of the organ are gingko biloba, damiana, ginseng and yohimbe. All these herbal supplements do one major thing – they increase the supply of blood in the genital area. The herbs help to gently increase the lumens of the blood vessels of the organ, by causing a dilating effect on them. This itself helps to increase the flow of blood into the organ. If the herbal supplements are taken at the right times and in the right prescribed quantity, then the dilating effect would become very effective and the blood supply would vastly improve. This will not only gradually increase the size of the organ, but it will also take care of problems such as erectile dysfunction.

Herbal supplements for the penis are available in several forms. The most popular is shilajit.the use of the medicines is through the oral administration. Herbal supplements (shilajit) can be easily packaged into pills for oral use. They are available in the form of creams and lotions for external application over the organ. Then there are herbal massage oils too. All these herbal products contain the same herbal constituents, those which are mentioned above.

The effectiveness of the herbal supplements in increasing the size is connected with their capacity of bringing more blood circulation in the penile region. As mentioned above, this is achieved by making more blood flow into the veins of the organ and making them larger in size. Herbal supplements need to be taken in regular dosages. Such regular supplementation of the body with these herbal medicines causes the veins to become permanently increased in size, leading to enlargement. Over time, the herbs will fully dilate the arteries and compress the veins within the organ, which will prevent the blood from escaping out of it. If the herbal supplements are continued to be used for a long time, in the specified amount of dosage, then there will be a permanent increase in the length and girth of the organ, and also a marked improvement in the sexual function.

There are several detractors of herbal remedies that say that these are less effective than other methods for enlargement. This issue needs clarification. Different bodies respond to herbal remedies in different manners. Hence, in some men, the effects of the herbal remedies will be quite quickly and effectively seen; but in some others it might take a longer time. In a few men, there could be no effects seen at all. This is also possible. Hence, it must be said that herbal remedies would work depending on the inner constitution of the person.

But, herbal remedies have been proven and tested not just for enhancement but also for improvement of sexual function. So, if there is no visible improvement in the size and thickness of the person, at least there will be a definite improvement in the sexual biology, such as an increase of libido and sexual consciousness. The person will also be able to exercise more control over the sexual act, which will make the whole process of intercourse much more pleasurable.

However, most people are going in for using herbal remedies nowadays because these methods are much less expensive and invasive than costly surgical methods, and damaging techniques such as using pumps. Herbs are natural, and hence their side-effects are quite minimal, and even they are manageable by the user himself. Experts agree that herbal supplements are the safest methods that can be employed for penis enhancement.

What Does Yerba Slim do?
Yerba Slim is an all natural herbal formulated thermogenic weight loss supplement. It assists in the bodies ability to absorb food and expend energy, resulting in safe and effective weight loss.

What are the Ingredients?
Yerba Slim contains Vitamin B6, Yerba Mate, Green Tea, Guarana, White Willow and Cayenne. Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Rice Flour, Water.

Are there any side effects?
This product is for adults only. Do not use this product if you are pregnant, nursing, or have the following conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, glaucoma, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for two (2) weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you are uncertain whether your prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult your physician before taking this product. Do not exceed recommended dosage.

How long will it take to get my order?
You should receive your order in 2-5 business days. Most international orders are received within 3 - 7 days. We cannot control the local customs in your country, therefore some orders may take longer.

Is the package discreet?
Yes, all orders are shipped in discreet packaging.

How much does it shipping cost?
We charge a flat rate of $19.95 postage and handling

*Please note that international shipping charges do not include
applicable import duties or taxes that are due upon entry into
the destination country. If the destination country imposes import
duties and/or taxes, the customer is responsible for their payment.

How can I order?
We accept all major creditcards. ordering via our encrypted form is easy and safe

Is there a money back guarantee?
Yes, we offer a money back guarantee if your not totally satisfied.

Generally we believe that heart disease is a single condition; but it can be of various types. Heart disease can occur because of any sections of the heart. It can be a problem with the hearts valves, the heart's lining or even the heart's muscles. Generally every single part of the heart could be affected and each part refers to a different type of heart diseases.

Different types of heart diseases include:-

Coronary Artery Disease
This is one of the common heart diseases. This type of disease occurs when heart is not getting enough blood supply and thus less oxygen due to some barriers which in turn restrict the flow of blood to rest of the body parts. The dangerous thing about coronary heart disease is that it comes without any prior warnings and sometimes in severe cases, it leads to death. Other symptoms of the condition include a possible heart attack.

Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a disease of heart valves which occurs in the Endocardium. It is a membrane which lines the inner part of the heart's valves. Endocarditis occur when bacteria infects our body through blood stream and damages our heart. Surgery is the only solution for this disease.

High Blood Pressure
Most of the people do not realize that high blood pressure is actually a heart disease. It is a condition which is caused by the pressure onto the artery walls and thus causes the heart to beat harder and faster than in normal condition. High blood pressure can later on results in heart failure.

Congestive Heart Failure
When heart does not beat effectively, it can leads to Congestive Heart Disease. This condition could weaken the heart by damaging it and cause lack of control over blood flow. Due to this, muscles and tissues are not getting enough blood and oxygen supply that give rise to various problems like feeling tired and swelling in various areas of the body. If the condition is particularly severe, it can lead to shortness of breath and pale skin.

Although heart disease is a serious illness, it is curable. There are some treatments that can successfully control the condition and help you to live a happy life.


Various Heart Diseases Treatment Options

There are quite a lot of treatment options available including medical treatment and alternative treatments. Basically it all depends on your own personal preferences and it is always a good idea to visit your doctor before starting any treatment. Every person's condition is different from each other.

So, once you have worked out the seriousness of your condition, it is then time to find the best treatment.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatment is the best way to go because it have been tried and tested. Doctor can also examine you during the medication, so it is another advantage which will make your treatment safer.

Many medications are available to treat heart diseases with high blood pressure, angina, heart failure and high blood cholesterol. These treatments needs to be taken regularly and often beta blockers are one of the best medications to go for. Again it will depend upon, what your doctor advises.

Another great medical treatment which works well to keep the heart beating regularly and safely is a pacemaker. Pacemaker is fitted into the body and attached to the arteries of the heart. The device sends small electrical impulse and encourages the heart to beat.

There are also surgery options, but before considering any type of surgery, always take advice from doctor first.

Alternative Treatment Options

If you want to go for any alternative treatment then it is a good idea. Cardio Fit, is a heart protection capsule, which contains a large array of nutrients to lower the density of cholesterol levels in our body with its herbal composition. It enhances the supply of oxygen to the heart by reducing the level of cholesterol along the walls of the arteries.

CardioFit is known for its unique formula of improving coronary artery blockage; irregular heart beat and heart palpitations. It also helps to control cholesterol and regulates blood lipid level.

There are also many other alternative treatments which are designed to deal with the various symptoms of heart disease, so if you are after something in particular visit your local health shop and ask the experts whether they have anything suitable.

It is always better to take doctor’s suggestion to ensure that you are getting the right treatment. As “Prevention is better than cure”.

Now You Can Substitute Viagra For A Natural Herbal Alternative That Beats Harmful Conventional Drugs!

Remember when intimacy was fun - when you could do it all night long, despite having to wake up early the next morning? When was the last time it felt like that? Natural decline in hormones and intimate desire can take their toll over the years, but don't jump for Viagra which lacks critical safeguards. Many doctors recommend you substitute Viagra with a natural herbal alternative—of which ViaSure™ and Viatril™ work best.

What's the difference between ViaSure™ and Viatril™ and other leading
herbal Viagra substitute supplements?

Both ViaSure™ and Viatril™ contain a miraculous flora known for boosting intimate desire and sensitivity which is missing from other leading herbal Viagra substitute supplements. Plus, with ViaSure™ and Viatril™ you won't have to use a stopwatch to plan your love life around an expensive blue pill. You can be as carefree and spontaneous as you were in your younger years.

How do they work? These natural herbal Viagra alternatives (ViaSure™ for men, and Viatril™ for women) contain the secrets to longer, stronger, more intense and frequent intimacy.

Men of all ages will experience raging erections and enjoy more frequent, longer-lasting intimacy with greater stamina (which will carry over into your non-sex life too - you probably won't need diet pills anymore). The remarkable invigorating qualities of the natural herbal ingredients will stiffen your manhood and supercharge your libido like nothing else out there.

Women of all ages can also expect having a red-hot love life with more frequent, longer-lasting intimacy. What's more, the female herbal Viagra substitute, Viatril has a unique, specialized ingredient set that makes you much less susceptible to ailments such as:

•bloating, abdominal cramps
•vaginal dryness
•painful spasms
•frigidity and rigidity
This overall strengthening of your generative organs helps your libido function at optimal levels. Your body can concentrate on restoring the youthful fire and vigor to your loins rather than fighting intimate ailments.

Editor's Note: intimacy is even better when you're in great shape. That's why we highly recommend that you exercise regularly, eat healthy, and take our best selling diet pills to stay slim. MeltRX is a great diet pill pill if you've had little or no success with other diet pill products. Try a bottle.

stress is a silent killer that can kill a body faster then an injurious tobacco.Many herbs covered by Ayurveda as Rasayana, influence the balance of certain neurotransmitters and exert antistress & adaptogenic effect. Apart from these preventive uses, antistress, adaptogenic drugs have more therapeutic value in stress related disorders which is dangerous for the health. Ayurvedic literature also describes a special group of herbs under the group "Medhya" (Nootropic) drugs which act as memory enhancers. We manufacture herbal memory enhancer medicines and anti stress medicines.

One of the most used facial products, especially by teens and young adults, is acne cream and other acne medication is purely herbal medicne that wont effect your skin. But do these acne creams actually work? When you’re a young adult dealing with horrible blemishes, you may say no. However, if you do a little research first, you’ll find that there are some acne creams out there that are medically proven to help combat acne and other blemishes.

There are many different products out there that say they combat acne, but some actually are only facial washes that don’t have anything special to combat acne. The prices vary, too. However, while you can purchase prescription acne medication, these products are often not any more effective than over the counter products. But how can you tell which ones are going to help clear up your skin and which are a waste of money? Check the ingredients.

One of the key ingredients in acne medication is benzoyl peroxide. This is the most common ingredient in over the counter acne creams, and it’s one of the most effective ingredients, too. There are other ingredients that work just as well, but benzoyl peroxide is the most well-known and often used chemicals, and most likely, it’s the one you’ll see in over the counter ingredients.

Generally, a five percent benzoyl peroxide solution is all that’s necessary to treat acne, and it has virtually no side effects. You can actually use products with benzoyl peroxide for years with no effects. In fact, you can’t even build up a tolerance to it. This means that a person can use acne creams for their entire life and not have any issues. In addition to this benefit, benzoyl peroxide has actually been shown to be just as effective, if not more effective, that some acne antibiotics and other prescription medications. It’s cheaper, too.

Looking for products that have a five percent benzoyl peroxide content is one way of finding a good acne cream, but there are some other very useful ingredients other than benzoyl peroxide. When you browse the various products in the skin care section, look for salicylic acid as well. It’s a beta hydroxyl acid that does several things. Mostly, however, it removes dead skin cells. This helps to unclog your pores and works with your skin to renew itself. By draining the sebum and other bacteria that builds up in your pores, you can prevent acne from even forming. You’ll also find salicylic acid in makeup remover.

Sulfur is another active ingredient in acne medication. Sulfur is an old acne remedy, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Sulfur makes your skin dry out and peel off. This helps get rid of blackheads and the sebum that builds up in your face by drying them up, thus stopping the bacteria from growing underneath blocked pores. There are some downsides to sulfur based products, however, such as harsh reactions and the strong odor.

We hate acne and want you to find a permanent solution to this nagging problem for which we need to so alot of experiments. It seems that there are an endless number of acne treatment options available now in market, we have researched a lot of acne products out there and feel that the ones listed below can help the most people get the clear skin they deserve to loo like a model face for others. We hope you find a permanent solution to your acne problem through one of the products we recommend below.
Exposed Acne Treatment Review
Exposed acne skin care helps to fight 4 major known causes of acne which are clogged pores, acne causing bacteria, excessive skin oil production and inflammation. It is a 3 step system involving a facial cleanser for step 1, clearing tonic for step 2 and an acne treatment serum for step 3. It was created through a collaboration of dermatologists, cosmetologists, naturopaths and chemists.

It contains primarily natural ingredients which is makes it quite gentle on your skin and will not cause dryness or peeling. The system is formulated to clear existing acne, prevent new acne from forming, even skin tone and reduce the appearance of existing acne scars. Some of the natural ingredients include tea tree, green tea, jojoba and licorice. Tea tree oil is known by many herbologists to be a powerful natural acne treatment.

It also contains benzoyl peroxide which is common in most acne treatment products for its effectiveness against acne. In addition it contains alpha lipoic acid which is effective against free radicals which can cause skin damage and make acne worse.we provide herbal medicine for acne problem.

Exposed Skin Care User Results:

I just wanted to drop a line to express my gratitude for the Exposed skin care line. I have been using your products since January & I absolutely love them. My skin is near perfection now, I hear compliments all the time from family & friends about the clarity of my skin!! My skin is so soft & I barely ever get any pimples & if I do, they are completely gone within a matter of a couple days! Thank you so much!!
its a very good herbalmedicine for acne thank you for help me to remove my acne.

Triphala is a 100% natural herbal composite. Triphala is a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine. Triphala means 3 fruits and contains equal proportions of the fruits of Amalaki / Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) and Vibhitaki (Bellirica Myrobalan). It is said that Triphala is able to care for the inner organs of the body as a mother cares for her children. Each of the three herbal fruits of Triphala takes care of the total body by gently promoting internal cleansing of all conditions of stagnation and excess while at the identical time improving digestion and assimilation.
Benefits of Triphala
•Triphala corrects the constipation, cleanses and tonifies the gastro intestinal tract
•Triphala detoxifies the whole body and improves the digestion and assimilation
•Triphala reduces high blood pressure and hypertension and improves total blood circulation
•Triphala is helpful in to liver disorders, acts as an expectorant and corrects diverticulosis
•Triphala is very effective in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis
•Triphala is highly anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and also stimulates the bile-flow and peristalsis
•Triphala prevents aging, imparts immunity, and improves mental faculties.
•Recent studies have shown Triphala to be an anti-cancer agent. It has the capability to kill tumor cells while sparing normal ones
Indications for taking Triphala
Triphala helps in treating

•Constipation
•Indigestion and other digestive complaints
•Premature aging

Directions for taking Triphala
1 or 2 capsules twice every day with meals. Allow several weeks for long lasting benefits. Natural products treat not just the symptom but the body as a entire and take time for absorption and results

Pure Triphala capsules from Herbals
Triphala is from the renowned Herbals brand that endorsed by over 250,000 doctors worldwide and used by customers in over 60 countries. Herbals products have been study clinically and homogeneous to guarantee bioequivalence. Bioequivalence refers to ensuring that the product on the market is corresponding to the one on which clinical trials were effectively conducted. Herbal Healthcare uses chromatographic fingerprinting, one of the most complicated standardization techniques, to ensure consistent quality and performance

Composition of Triphala - Each capsule has equal parts of
Amalaki /Amla/ Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) Bellirica Myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica Roxb.) Chebulic Myrobalan

Benefits of Triphala
•Triphala for Colon Cleansing - In a survey conducted worldwide, Triphala was considered the most excellent colon cleanser in the world. All three herbs in Triphala are laxative in nature and very useful in removing toxins. Colon cleansing is an very old and proven practice for rejuvenating the body. Colon cleansing helps to detoxify and clean decayed food residues and other toxic substances accumulated in the intestines walls. This not only gets rid of constipation, hemorrhoids, parasites, flatulence, acne, dreadful breath and foul body but also prevents colon cancer. Colon cleansing also helps to alleviate headaches, irritability, and depression.

Triphala, formulated by Ayurvedic physicians thousands of years ago and it used by literally billions of people since, is considered the most efficient and safest laxative and colon tonic by most health care practitioners. Where other colon formulas are exhaust, Triphala is mild, non-habit forming, and a rejuvenative. It improves the absorption of food in intestines particularly in the duodenum where most chemical digestion takes place. Triphala also helps to stimulate different gastric enzymes that help to convert complex food into more easily digestible form. More over Triphala encourage the peristaltic action of the intestinal lining (due to its anthroquinones and other bitters) that also aids in proper movement of food at diverse levels of the digestive tract. it is also helpful in making the stool loose there by facilitation the easy evacuation of the bowel. While triphala is rather laxative to many people due to the anthoquinones, the balance of tannins naturally present hasa toning effect. In vitro have also shown that triphala is mortal to a variety of gastrointestinal pathogens, including the bacteria such as Salmonella typhii, Shigella, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas, and fungi like Candida albicans.

A relative study of the efficacy of Emblica officinalis fruit powder with a conventional antacid formulation was performed. In a 4 week study, 38 patients with dyspepsia and with or without stomach ulcer were divided into two groups : one group received this fruit powder and the other, the antacid. Emblica was used at the level of 3 gm per dose, three time a day while gel antacid was use at 30 ml per dose, up to 6 times a day. The improvement in the clinical symptoms score (belching, fullness, heartburn, regurgitation, nausea and vomiting) in ulcer dyspeptics was from the initial 4.2 to 0.4 (p < 0.01) post treatment score for a antacid group, and 4.6 to 0.6 (p<0.05) for the Emblica group. Endoscopic examination showed all ulcers in the antacid group in the process of healing, while all but one patient in the Emblica group had completely healed ulcers. In the non-ulcer group both antacid and Emblica produced a important decrease in clinical symptoms score from 4.4 to 1.53 (p<0.01) and 5.0 to 1.61 (p<0.01) respectively (22).

Triphala's benefits for the digestive system make it a really very useful herbal medicine for treating the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis.
•Triphala for Weight Loss Severe obesity is typically accompanied by congestion of the internal organs of elimination, including the liver and bowels. One recent molecular finding here supports Triphala's traditional use in treating the obesity. Researchers at the BRA Centre for Biomedical Research found that active molecules in triphala bind to the cellular receptor for CCK. CCK, or cholecystokinin, is a satiety hormone, and released to indicate that you are full, and is particularly responsive to fat. Synthetic analogs of CCK are under development by pharmaceutical companies to help to people realize that they're full, thereby get controlling appetite and supporting healthy weight. Since both overeating and obesity disrupt digestion and overburden the gastrointestinal trac this including the liver and bowel. As a result, digestion is compromised, leading to the poor nutrient assimilation, imbalances and overgrowth in the intestinal microflora, and putrefaction of ill-digested food. For such conditions, triphala can be highly effective in removing the stagnation of both the liver and intestines.
•Triphala for Blood Purification, Blood Circulation and Blood pressure Triphala's strong affinity for micro-organisms prevents them from causing a damage in the body and renders them inactive. This astringent property of Triphala helps into purification of blood and also helps in maintaining the proper density of the blood. Hence it is very helpful in eradicating all blood borne diseases and therefore also skin related problems. Triphala reduces the serum cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It considerably improves function of the liver as well as blood circulation. It has the ability to wield a remarkable protection against cardiovascular diseases. Triphala reduces the sign formation in the arteries thereby reducing the risk of heart related problems caused due to arteriosclerosis
•Triphala for Immunity Triphala has powerful anti oxidant agents that greatly help in regularizing the metabolism of cells and ease their proper functioning. This reduces the total risk of production of free radicals that are the main cause of aging. It also stimulates the proper functioning of cell organelles like mitochondria, golgi bodies and nucleus that play a very important role in proper functioning of the cell. Recent studies have shown that Triphala to be an anti-cancer agent. It has the ability to kill a tumor cells while sparing normal ones
•Triphala for Controlling Diabetes Triphala is very effective in treating the diabetes mellitus. It helps in there stimulating the pancreas. Pancreas contains islet of langerhans that secretes insulin. Insulin is conscientious for maintaining the proper glucose level in the body. More over due to its bitter taste it is also advisable to be taken in the hyperglycemia. In a study conducted by the American Botanical Council, it was shown that Triphala really reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The study concluded that the mechanism of action of these extracts for lowering the blood glucose is not known, but they may decrease the effect of inflammatory cytokine release in diabetics, which in turn might reduce insulin resistance. amusingly, the authors note that traditional medications those used to treat diabetes also have significant antioxidant effects.
•Triphala in correcting eye disorders Triphala is also extensively taken for all eye diseases including the treatment of the conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, the early stages of glaucoma and cataracts.
Read more on Triphala for Colon Cleansing, Internal Cleanser, Natural Laxative, Natural herb for Constipation, Bowel Cleansing

What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to the use of a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Long practiced outside of conventional medicine, herbalism is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show their value in the treatment and prevention of disease.
What is the history of herbal medicine?
Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. For example, ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used systematically. Scientists found that people in different parts of the globe tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.
In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active ingredients from plants. In the U.S. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds, beginning the transition from raw herbs to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of pharmaceuticals.
Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care. In the last 20 years in the United States, increasing public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in the use of herbal medicines. In Germany, roughly 600 - 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by approximately 70% of German physicians.
How do herbs work?
For most herbs, the specific ingredient that causes a therapeutic effect is not known. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and it is likely that they work together to produce the desired medicinal effect. Many factors determine how effective an herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect its components, as will how and when it was harvested and processed.
How are herbs used?
The use of herbal supplements for medicinal purposes has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The FDA defines a dietary supplement as "...any product taken by mouth that contains a so-called 'dietary ingredient' and its label clearly states that it is a dietary supplement." Per the provisions of DSHEA, herbal supplements -- unlike pharmaceutical drugs -- can be marketed without undergoing testing to prove their safety and efficacy. However, herbal supplements must be manufactured according to good manufacturing practices.
The most commonly used herbal supplements in the U.S. include echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and related species), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), garlic (Allium sativum), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), ginseng (Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng; and Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), kava (Piper methysticum), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), ginger (Zingiber officinale), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), and milk thistle (Silybum marianum ).
Several herbs are often used together to enhance effectiveness and synergistic actions and to reduce toxicity. Health care providers must take many things into account when recommending herbs. For example, the species and variety of the plant, the plant's habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants (including heavy metals and pesticides).
What is herbal medicine good for?
Herbal medicine treats many conditions, such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider. Be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before self-treating. Some common herbs and their uses are discussed below.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), particularly a standardized extract known as EGb 761, appears to produce improvements in awareness, judgment, and social function in people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Randomized controlled studies assessing the use of ginkgo supplements for Alzheimer's disease in individuals older than 65 years have produced positive results.
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) has become popular as a treatment for anxiety, but recent reports have traced liver damage to enough people who have used kava that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding its use, while other countries, such as Germany, France, and Canada, have taken kava off of the market. However, there is no definitive proof that kava alone is responsible for liver damage in humans. Kava has been used traditionally for thousands of years.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is used by over 2 million men in the United States for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The evidence suggests that saw palmetto provides mild-to-moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Saw palmetto produces similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow compared to finasteride (Proscar), a pharmaceutical drug used in BPH, and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is well known for its antidepressant effects. The clinical efficacy of some standardized St. John's wort standardized extracts in the treatment of mild and moderate depression has been demonstrated in about 40 controlled clinical trials.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has had a long tradition as a sleep-inducing agent, with the added benefit of producing no hangover feeling the next day.
Echinacea preparations (from Echinacea purpurea and other Echinacea species) may improve the body's natural immunity. Echinacea is one of the most commonly used herbal products, but controversy exists about its benefit in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. A meta-analysis of 14 clinical studies evaluating the effect of echinacea on the incidence and duration of the common cold found that echinacea supplements decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1.4 days.
Standardized herbal supplements are the best way to ensure proper dosages and effects similar to human clinical trials. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which herbal supplements are the best choice for your health concerns.
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Used correctly, many herbs are considered safer than conventional medications, but because they are unregulated, herbal products are often mislabeled and may contain undeclared additives and adulterants. Some herbs are associated with allergic reactions or interact with conventional drugs. Self-prescribing herbal products will increase your risk, so it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal medicines. Some examples of adverse reactions from certain popular herbs are described below.
St. John's wort causes sensitivity to the sun's ultraviolet rays, and may cause an allergic reaction, stomach upset, fatigue, and restlessness. Clinical studies report that St. John's wort also interferes with the effectiveness of many drugs, including warfarin (Couamdin, a blood thinner), protease inhibitors for HIV, birth control pills, certain asthma drugs, and many other medications. In addition, St. John's wort should not be taken with prescribed anti-depressant medication. The FDA has issued a public health advisory concerning many of these interactions.
Kava kava has been linked to liver toxicity. Kava has been taken off the market in several countries because of the liver toxicity, although the causes remain controversial.
Valerian may cause oversedation, and in some people it may even have the unexpected effect of overstimulating instead of sedating.
Bleeding time may be altered with the use of garlic, ginkgo, feverfew, and ginger, among others.
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) may increase the risk of seizures in patients taking drug known to lower seizure threshold, such as anticonvulsants.
Some herbal supplements, especially those imported from Asian countries, may contain high levels of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and cadmium. It is important to purchase herbal supplements from reputable manufacturers to ensure quality. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
Who is using herbal medicine?
Nearly one-third of Americans use herbs, and it is estimated that in 1998 alone $4 billion was spent on herbal products in this country. Unfortunately, a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that nearly 70% of individuals taking herbal medicines (the majority of which were well educated and had a higher-than-average income) were reluctant to reveal their use of complementary and alternative medicine to their doctors. Because herbal medicines contain a combination of chemicals, each with a specific action, many are capable of eliciting complex physiological responses -- some of which may create unwanted or unexpected results when combined with conventional drugs. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any herbal products.
How is herbal medicine sold in stores?
The herbs available in most stores come in several different forms: teas, syrups, oils, liquid extracts, tinctures, and dry extracts (pills or capsules). Teas are simply dried herbs left to soak for a few minutes in hot water, while other teas are the herbs boiled in water and then strained for consumption. Syrups, made from concentrated extracts and added to sweet-tasting preparations, are frequently used for sore throats and coughs. Oils are extracted from plants and often used as rubs for massage, either alone or as part of an ointment or cream. Tinctures and liquid extracts are solvents (usually water, alcohol, or glycerol) that contain the active ingredients of the herbs. Tinctures are typically a 1:5 or 1:10 concentration, meaning that one part of the herbal material is prepared with five to ten parts (by weight) of the liquid. Liquid extracts are more concentrated than tinctures and are typically a 1:1 concentration. A dry extract form is the most concentrated form of an herbal product (typically 2:1 - 8:1) and is sold as a tablet, capsule, or lozenge.
Currently, no organization or government body regulates the manufacture or certifies the labeling of herbal preparations. This means you can't be sure that the amount of the herb contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose, is the same as what is stated on the label. Some herbal preparations are standardized, meaning that the preparation is guaranteed to contain a specific amount of the active ingredients of the herb. However, it is still important to ask companies that are making standardized herbal products the basis for their product's guarantee. If consumers insist on an answer to this question, manufacturers of these herbal products may begin to implement more quality control processes, like microscopic, chemical, and biological analyses. It is important to talk to your doctor or an expert in herbal medicine for the recommended doses of any herbal products you are considering.
Are there experts in herbal medicine?
Herbalists, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, pharmacists, medical doctors, and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine all may use herbs to treat illness. Naturopathic physicians believe that the body is continually striving for balance and that natural therapies can be used to support this process. They are trained in 4-year, postgraduate institutions that combine courses in conventional medical science (such as pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgery) with clinical training in herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling.
How can I find a qualified herbalist in my area?
For additional information, or to locate an experienced herbalist in your area, contact the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) at site at www.americanherbalistsguild.com/. To locate a licensed naturopath in your area, call the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) at www.naturopathic.org.
What is the future of herbal medicine?
Although a renaissance is occurring in herbal medicine in the United States, the FDA still classifies herbs as dietary supplements and will not allow manufacturers to claim that their products are able to treat or prevent specific diseases. In some countries in Europe, however, herbs are classified as drugs and are regulated. The German Commission E, an expert medical panel, actively researches their safety and effectiveness.
While still not widely accepted, herbal medicine is becoming more available in medical schools and pharmacy schools as a classroom topic. This allows more health care providers to become exposed to positive and potentially negative effects of using herbal medicines as part of treatment for health conditions. Some health care providers, including doctors and pharmacists, are trained in herbal medicine. These professionals can effectively help patients integrate herbs along with lifestyle changes and conventional therapies (including prescription medications and surgery) into the individual's treatment plan.