Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) is a creeping vine with small red berries that is native to Northern China. In ancient China, Schizandra was used as a staple food for hunting and gathering tribes. As a traditional medicinal herb, Schizandra, called Wu-wei-tzu in China, has been used as an astringent for a treatment for dry cough, asthma, night sweats, nocturnal seminal … [Read more...] about Schizandra
Library
The Short – Leg Syndrome
The short-leg syndrome has been an enemy to both runners and doctors for many years. Questions such as the following are asked daily: (1) Can it be an aggravation too, or cause of, low back pain in lower extremity problems? (2) Should a lift be put in the shoe of the long leg or the short leg? (3) Will I always have to run on the beveled road shoulder to have even … [Read more...] about The Short – Leg Syndrome
Saw Palmetto
Almost half the male population over age 50 suffers from enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH) with symptoms ranging from inflammation (prostatitis), to swelling, painful and frequent urination and nocturnal urination. One in seven men over age 50 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of … [Read more...] about Saw Palmetto
Spirulina
Spirulina is an algae containing 65 - 70% protein. It also contains 26 times the calcium of milk as well as phosphorous, niacin and B-12. It is far more nutritious than any known food. Spirulina is used for health rejuvenation, weight reduction and is considered an excellent blood & colon cleanser … [Read more...] about Spirulina
Stevia
Stevia is a safe, all-natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and refined sugar. It has been used for centuries and has been consumed safely in massive quantities world-wide for the past 20 years. The Japanese use it in sugar-free versions of Wrigley's gums and diet Coke. It has undergone dozens of tests world-wide and was found to be free of toxins. Stevia helps to … [Read more...] about Stevia
Suma
Suma, also called Para toda, is the dried root of Pfaffia Paniculata, a plant found in the Atlantic rain forest of Brazil. First introduced to the United States as Brazilian Ginseng, Suma is one of the most highly regarded herbs in South America and is considered to be a true adaptogen. Used by native peoples for centuries, Suma helps to support the immune system, helps the … [Read more...] about Suma
Thermogenesis
Fat Loss through "Thermogenesis" Medical Fact or Science Fiction? Everywhere we look today we see the term "thermogenesis." Aside from newspaper and magazine articles, the term is now prominently displayed on literally hundreds of weight loss related nutritional supplements. However, Buyer Beware! Most often, the term "thermogenesis" has been misapplied to products and is … [Read more...] about Thermogenesis
Trigger Points
Trigger Points: Nemesis of Today's Athlete "Trigger Points dictate sports"- Al Miller, Head Strength Coach NY Giants As momentum builds with the research of trigger point relevance in the sports world, it would be prudent for all strength coaches, trainers and therapists to understand how trigger point activity can be efficiently modulated in an effort to enhance an … [Read more...] about Trigger Points
Vanadyl Sulfate
Vanadyl sulfate is derived from the trace element vanadium. In recent studies vanadyl sulfate has been shown to enhance many of the same anabolic processes controlled by insulin. Along with testosterone, growth hormone and thyroid hormone, insulin is a major anabolic hormone. Insulin mimicking effects by vanadyl sulfate causes glucose and amino acids to be forced into muscle to … [Read more...] about Vanadyl Sulfate
Valeriana
Valeriana is a common perennial herb grown throughout Europe. It may be used safely to reduce tension and anxiety, over-excitability and hysterical states. It is calming without being notably sedative and is practically non-addictive. In fact, Valeriana in combination with Hypericum (St. John's Wort) has been reported to be more effective than diazepam (i.e. Valium) in … [Read more...] about Valeriana
Vitamin B-6 – Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) is one of the B-Complex vitamins necessary for the breakdown and absorption of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Pyridoxine also aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, helps in the formation of antibodies; maintains a healthy central nervous system; aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin; reduces … [Read more...] about Vitamin B-6 – Pyridoxine
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or Ascorbic Acid, originally manufactured by isolation from fruits and plants, is commonly lab produced today using D-Glucose (grape sugar), one of the most common organic compounds in nature. Originally Vitamin C was used in medicine for the treatment of the deficiency-disease scurvy. Today, we know Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and strengthens the body's … [Read more...] about Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) occurs in both plant and animal tissue, more abundantly in the former. As an antioxidant, it acts in the body to protect red blood cells from oxidation damage. It also appears to help maintain healthy membrane tissue. Specifically, Vitamin E slows cellular aging and supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs … [Read more...] about Vitamin E
Wild Yam
Wild Yam contains a multitude of hormone-like compounds that have been used to effectively treat a variety of medical problems. Researchers have long believed that certain species of the Dioscorea plant (wild yam) have powerful medicinal uses due to the existence of specialized phytochemicals called "hormone precursors". Hormone precursors assist in the body's production of … [Read more...] about Wild Yam
White Willow Bark
The bark of the common Willow tree, also known as the Pussy Willow, is a source of a wide range of phenolic glycosides, the most important being salicin. Willow Bark extract is used like Aspirin, to treat mild fevers, colds, infections (influenza), acute and chronic rheumatic disorders, headaches, and pain caused by inflammation. In many studies performed in Denmark, this … [Read more...] about White Willow Bark
Yeast Infections
Sooner or later most women get yeast infections. A variety of microscopic organisms normally reside as peaceful neighbors in the vagina, among them the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. But changes such as taking antibiotics for other conditions can kill off certain flora and leave Candida to go on a rampage. This results in Candida vaginitis, or a yeast infection. Over … [Read more...] about Yeast Infections
Yohimbe
Yohimbe Yohimbe is an herb derived from the inner bark of the yohimbe tree which grows wild throughout Africa. Long considered an effective aphrodisiac, able to stimulate sexual desire and performance, Yohimbe has been available by prescription as a pill. Recently Yohimbe containing products have become popular as over the counter herbal preparations. The active component … [Read more...] about Yohimbe