Maca
For around 2000 years Maca has been an important traditional food and medicinal plant in its native growing region. It is regarded as a highly nutritious food and as a medicine that enhances strength and endurance and also may act as an aphrodisiac. During Spanish colonization maca was used as currency.
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records. Referred to as ci wu jia in Chinese medicine, it was used to prevent respiratory tract infections, colds and flu. It was also believed to provide energy and vitality. Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products. Research has shown that eleuthero improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle. This means that a person is able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and recover from workouts more quickly. It is also useful when the adrenal glands are depleted as it may help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and stress.
Cordyceps
In ancient China, cordyceps was used in the Emperor's palace and was considered to have ginseng-like properties. A number of studies indicate that cordyceps may have an immuno-enhancing and antioxidant effects. It was also reported that cordyceps has demonstrated an ability to increase energy and endurance as well as reduce the onset of exercise-related fatigue. Some athletes who participate in endurance exercise events, such as distance running, swimming, cycling, adventure racing, etc., rather than sprinting, weight-lifting, etc. notice an improvement in exercise capacity and tolerance from supplementing with cordyceps.
Turmeric
The active constituent of turmeric is known as curcumin. Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments as part of traditional Indian medicine. It has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic actions. First, it protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant. Second, it reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. Third, it protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Fourth, it has been shown to reduce platelets from clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and may help protect against atherosclerosis.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer's, and colorectal cancer.
Ginseng
Panax (Asian) ginseng roots are taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants, and in the treatment of type II diabetes, including sexual dysfunction in men.
Rhodiola rosea
The Vikings used rhodiola to enhance physical strength and endurance, and it was commonly used by many Northern peoples to treat fatigue, poor physical endurance, nervous system disorders, and infections, and to enhance fertility.
Rhodiola rosea is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high-altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels, due to monoamine oxidase inhibition and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha stimulates the activation of immune system cells, such as lymphocytes. It has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and improve memory. These actions may support the traditional reputation of ashwagandha as a tonic or adaptogen—counteracting the effects of stress and generally promoting wellness.
Green tea
There is archaeological evidence that suggests that tea has been consumed for almost 5000 years, with China and India being two of the first countries to cultivate it. A study in the February 2006 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded "A higher consumption of green tea is associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in humans."
Green tea has been shown to mildly lower total cholesterol levels and improve the cholesterol profile (decreasing LDL “bad” cholesterol and increasing HDL “good” cholesterol) in most studies. Population studies have suggested that consumption of green tea is associated with protection against atherosclerosis.
Peppermint
Peppermint is sometimes regarded as “the world's oldest medicine”, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Peppermint, like many spices and herbs, is believed to have medicinal properties when consumed. It is said that it helps against upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, and can help soothe and relax muscle spasms in the intestinal tract.
Ginger
Traditional Chinese Medicine has recommended ginger for over 2,500 years. It is used for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Ginger is commonly used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis and rheumatism.
Gingerols (an active ingredient in ginger) increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and have analgesic (pain reducer), sedative, antipyretic (fever reducer) and antibacterial properties. Ginger is thought to act directly on the gastrointestinal system to reduce nausea. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.
Cola nut
Cola (Kola) nuts are used mainly for their stimulant and euphoriant qualities. In humans it enhances alertness and physical energy, elevates mood, increases tactile sensitivity, suppresses the appetite and is used in Africa as an aphrodisiac.
Ginkgo
The Ginkgo is a living fossil, with fossils related to modern Ginkgo from the Permian period, dating back 270 million years. Medicinal use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. Ginkgo extract may have at least three effects on the human body: it improves blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and it blocks many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders.
Tell A Friend!
E-mail Sign up!
Wellness Advisor
Doctor Formulated
