GLA is an extremely important essential fatty acid
GLA (gamma linolenic acid)
Good source of GLA is Evening Primrose and Borage Oil. GLA is another invaluable supplement in our quest to slow down aging and reverse deterioration. Before you rush out and buy GLA supplements there is something I need to explain. The body can make its own GLA from linoleic acid. I realize you’re probably thinking, if this is the case why buy GLA supplements?
Everything needs to be in good working order and we need all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts, then we can convert linoleic acid into GLA. In reality our systems are struggling and most people are deficient in most nutrients. This means the process of conversion is blocked, hampered or slowed down.
What has a negative effect on this conversion?
Read MoreEucalyptus Leaves
The eucalyptus tree makes a welcome change in color, its stands out for its bluish silvery green, round leaves. The leaves are thick and when rubbed together in your hands release a wonderful aroma. The Eucalyptus essential oil comes from Australia, where the plant is very different, its leaves are long, thin and just a little curved. The koala bear has a diet of eucalyptus leaves, they yield very little in the way of nutrients or energy and this is probably why the bear is not very lively at the best of times.
Topical ointments containing eucalyptus oil have been used traditionally in Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections for centuries.
Read MoreReducing your stress with a herb called Rhodiola Rosea
Besides helping your body deal with stress this herb has other amazing health properties’, making it a very noteworthy addition to your supplement program, protecting you from life’s daily hassles. Remember anything that helps the body to cope and reduce stress will help to reduce pain.
Traditionally it comes from Siberia way up above sea level, used for centuries throughout Asia and China. Historically it was highly prized and valued as a versatile herbal tonic to increase strength and stamina, as opposed to treating a particular disease. In Russia there was a saying – people who drink rhodiola tea will live to a 100. The herb is also known as golden root or arctic root.
During World War II the Russians developed extracts that they would give to the soldiers to enhance their abilities. Research showed that it would help boost the body’s resistance enabling them to cope with physical and environmental stress, presumably the bitter cold and hunger.
This herb is officially known as an ‘adaptogenic herb’, meaning it arms the body with the ability to cope with stress, improve performance and encourage disease resistance. It helps the body maintain normal modus operandi even under stress.
We all know stress can have a negative effect on our immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections like cold and flu. However, rhodiola helps to strengthen the immune system making you less susceptible.
This herb can protect the organs like the heart from damage by reducing the amount of corticosteroids, a stress hormone released by the adrenal glands during stressful times. It is thought that rhodiola’s ability to support the adrenal glands also has a positive effect on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. It is well known that exercise is good for you but it is a form of stress to the body, here again rhodiola has proven invaluable to athletes helping to increase their stamina and speed up recovery time after training. Russian scientists have done a lot of research in this area, using rhodiola some years ago now to give the Russian athletes an edge.
People were given rhodiola to see how it would affect fatigue and memory loss. Most people noticed an improvement in their symptoms and found productivity at work had improved after taking this herb for about 2 weeks. Rhodiola seems to protect the brain and its important mood enhancing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is important for sleep, stable moods, appetite, memory and lower levels have been linked to depression. It would seem rhodiola contains plant compounds that enhance the production of serotonin and at the same time preserve serotonin levels due to its ability to block the action of an enzyme that breaks down serotonin.
It is possible to take this herb in capsule or tablet form I take the dried root in a tea. It is a good herb to take long term as a tonic, always follow the dosage recommended on the packaging.
If you are going through a particularly stressful time, there are a few other simple things you could be doing. Be kind to your adrenal glands by cutting right down on your caffeine and sugar consumption, both are stressful to the body and overwork the adrenal glands.
The body uses up a lot of vitamin C during stressful times, vitamin C also helps the adrenal glands to cope better so increase your intake of vitamin C capsules and increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Take regular walks get some fresh air, UVs and listen to some relaxing music.
Read MoreDamiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca,Turnera duffisa)
This plant is a small plant that grows to about 3 – 6 feet. It has small yellow flowers, bearing fruit that smell sweet. This plant is found throughout Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. Ever since the Mayan times this plant has been known for its aphrodisiac affect but it is also known as an anti-depressant tonic, very mild laxative and a diuretic (balancing the body’s fluids and helping with fluid retention). Most of the damiana sold commercially today originates from Mexican and Latin American cultivation projects.
In modern herbal history for over a century this herb has been used for a number of ailments including hormone balance for both male and female. The leaves are used in Germany to calm excess metal activity and nervousness, as a tonic for the hormonal and central nervous systems.
Damiana’s chemical composition is complex with up to 1% volatile oil that is comprised of at least 20 constituents (including 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, alpha- and beta-pinene, thymol, alpha-copaene, and calamene). Damiana leaves also contain tannins, flavonoids, beta-sitosterol, damianin and several glycosides.
Traditionally the remedy calls for 2g of dried leaves infused in a large cup of boiling water take 2-3 cups daily.
Contraindications: Damiana has shown to have a mild hypo-glycemic effect in animals (meaning that is some people it can interfere their blood sugar levels). Persons with diabetes and hypo-glycemia should use this plant with caution, as blood sugar levels should be monitored to detect for any possible effect, if you are susceptible. Damiana has a traditional use as an abortive and should definitely not be taken during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: None reported, however, it could potentiate anti-diabetic medications?
Read MoreTop Ten Anti-aging Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices that have been used for centuries for their powerful anti-aging properties that are safe to take on a longer term basis. All of the ten herbs are easy to find in health shops in the form of capsules, tablets, teas, tinctures, or as food.
Bilberry is a powerful circulatory antioxidant tonic with a strong infinity with the eyes, protects against degenerative diseases or at the very least slows down degeneration. It generates the production of rhodopsins which are the light sensitive cells at the back of the eyes. Bilberry can be used to treat or prevent diabetes related glaucoma, to treat or prevent the formation of cataracts (along with Vitamin E). Bilberry contains phyto-chemical compounds called anthocyanosides that help improve blood flow to the heart and extremities. They limit blood clots and calcium deposits inside the arteries. They can help varicose veins and hemorrhoids. For people with arthritis, bilberry helps to relieve joint inflammation and prevents the deterioration of joint collagen.
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