passion flower and high blood pressure

Passion flower, also known as passion vine or apricot vine, is a hardy, climbing vine that is noted for its beautiful flowers, and delicious fruit. Passionflower is native to Central and South America, the West Indies, and the southeast region of the United States. Passion flower was cultivated by Native Americans, both for its edible fruit and for its medicinal value. In the nineteenth Century, it was a popular treatment for insomnia. Europeans learned about passion flower from the Aztecs of Mexico, who used it as a sedative to treat insomnia and nervousness. In Europe the flowers are added to numerous pharmaceuticals to treat nerve disorders, heart palpitations, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Unlike most sedative drugs, passion flower has been shown to be non addictive. Passion flower can be such a powerful herbal remedy because it calms muscle tension and twitching without affecting respiratory rate or mental function the way many pharmaceutical sedatives do. A group of harmane alkaloids in passion flower have demonstrated antispasmodic activity and the ability to lower blood pressure. In addition, a flavonoid named chrysin has demonstrated significant anti-anxiety activity. Passionflower is one of the ingredients of Blood Pressure Combo from Nepatica, read more!

tomatoes, lycopene and eye health

Lycopene is one of a family of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes. Other carotenoids include alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, etc. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present. Numerous studies suggest that lycopene levels in the blood may be associated with reduced incidence of prostate, digestive tract, breast, lung and cervical cancer as well as cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration - the most common form of blindness for elderly people in the western world. In one study, lycopene and a wide range of dietary carotenoids were detected in high concentrations in ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium, which leads researchers to believe that lycopene and other carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, may play a role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other blinding disorders.

In addition to their center-stage phytonutrient, lycopene, tomatoes are filled with traditional nutrients that have been shown in many studies to be helpful for all various health conditions. For example, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, the latter notably through its concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes, escalating inflammation and the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. In fact, high intakes of these antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses. In addition, tomatoes are a very good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels, keep blood sugar levels from getting too high, and help prevent colon cancer. Recent research clearly shows that tomatoes' protective effects against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease are due not simply to their lycopene content, but result from the synergy of lycopene with other phytonutrients naturally present in whole tomatoes.

bitter melon, natural insulin

The healthy nerd has an interesting post about bitter melon. The healthy nerd refers to bitter melon as natural insulin and shows on several trials where the power of bitter melon has been investigated.

eye health, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of eye disease, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. According to the National Eye Institute, at least half of all cases of blindness can be prevented. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are common eye problems. When we get older many of us face more serious eye problems. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world, affects nearly 20.5 million Americans; 2.2 million have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and another 2 million are unaware they have it; and more than 1.6 million Americans over 60 have advanced macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in Americans over 60.

Cataracts are the leading cause of decreased vision in adults older than 65 and is the most common surgical procedure for elderly Americans. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. Common symptoms of cataract include a painless blurring of vision; glare, or light sensitivity; double vision in one eye; and fading or yellowing of colors. There are numerous causes of cataract such as free radicals natural, by-products of metabolism are highly reactive chemicals that cause oxidation which in turn causes aging. Physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress which reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension. Toxins, pharmaceutical drugs, and smoking. Diabetes, high levels of sugar in the blood contribute to cataract formation.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows us to see fine detail. The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes.

AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. Even though only 10 percent of all people with AMD have the wet type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness from the disease. As dry AMD worsens, new blood vessels may begin to grow and cause “wet” AMD. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile, and they often leak blood and fluid under the macula, which further deteriorates the macula, causing rapid and severe vision loss.

liver health and licorice root

According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 25 million American suffer from liver and gallbladder diseases. At present, there are few treatments that provide an effective change in these conditions, leaving many Americans to suffer, often, life threatening complications.
Because the liver is a vital organ to the human body, breaking down substances and working as a detoxification system, individuals who suffer from liver disease, such as hepatitis, may want to consider natural healing options. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. Licorice grows wild in some parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside. Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in this vital organ. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties help calm hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the virus commonly responsible for hepatitis and supplies valuable antioxidant compounds that help maintain the overall health of the liver. Licorice helps the body clear viral infections, and helps the liver to clean itself. When processed into glycyrrhetinic acid, Licorice root has a powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effect which works to slow the deterioration of the liver and alleviate symptoms commonly associated with hepatitis.

nettle leaf and liver health

Stinging nettle is considered by many to be a pest, but the nettle has been used since ancient times as a source of food, fiber, and medicinal preparations. Nettle leaf is among the most valuable herbal remedies. Because of its many nutrients, stinging nettle is traditionally used as a spring tonic. It is a slow-acting nutritive herb that gently cleanses the body of metabolic wastes. It is one of the safest alternatives, especially in the treatment of chronic disorders that require long-term treatment. It has a gentle, stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, enhancing the excretion of wastes through the kidneys. Nettle leaf functions as a health-building tonic partly because of its impressive nutritional profile: It’s rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, carotenoids, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Because nettle has diuretic properties, it also increases urination and helps to flush the urinary tract of organisms that contribute to infections. Nettle leaf is an excellent cleanser and aids the liver in its functions.

schisandra and liver health

Schisandra is a woody vine native to eastern Asia. It winds around the trunks of trees, covering the branches. The white flowers produce small red berries. Traditionally, the berries are harvested in the fall, dried, and then ground to make the powdered medicinal herb. Schisandra, also known as wu-wei-wi and sometimes spelled with a “z” (Schizandra) has a long history of use in ancient Chinese medicine as an herb capable of promoting general well-being and enhancing vitality. From the fruit of schisandra, 7 active liver enzyme-lowering ingredients have been currently isolated. Schisandra fruit also contains various lignans, mainly schisandrins, which have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair and preserve normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various anti-oxidant abilities of the schisandrins. Schisandra is one of the ingredients in Liver Combo from Nepatica.

horsetail and arthritis

Horsetail is a perennial plant that is found in or near watery areas such as marshes, streams, or rivers. Horsetail grows in temperate northern hemisphere areas of Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. It flourishes where it can root in water or clay soil. Horsetail is a derivative of larger plants that grew 270 million years ago during the carboniferous period. It belongs to the Equisetaceae family and is a relative of the fern. Horsetail is rich in minerals, particularly silica deposited in its stems. Silica helps to promote the body's absorption of calcium, an important component in tissue repair and bone and cartilage formation. Horsetail's silica and silicic acid content ranges from 5-8%, making it a good source for strengthening weak connective tissues, and healing bones, fractures, and torn ligaments. Horsetail is also used to treat arthritis and osteoporosis, as the silicon in horsetail may replace lost silicon in the affected bones. Horsetail is one of the ingredients in Joint and Bone Combo from Nepatica. The other ingredients are Glucosamine, Yucca root, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rose hip, Boswellia and Flaxseed

lutein and eye health

Lutein is an antioxidant, belonging to the carotenoid family. Lutein can be found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards, kale and broccoli, various fruits and corn. Egg yolks are also sources of lutein.. Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin – the only organs of the body directly exposed to the outside environment. Lutein is found in a concentrated area of the macula, a small area of the retina responsible for central vision. The hypothesis for the natural concentration is that lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration. Lutein is one of the ingredients of Eye Combo. The other ingredients are Bilberry, Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed and Tomato

garlic and high blood pressure

For more than 5,000 years, garlic has been widely used in Babylonian, Egyptian and Chinese traditional medicine. Recent studies conducted in the United States, Germany and India proves that garlic can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Garlic belongs to the family of onions that is known to have an impeccable effect on the whole cardiovascular system. Studies have shown the therapeutic working of garlic over high blood pressure. It has been shown that garlic works in the direction of maintaining normal blood pressure by reducing the spasms occurring in the veins that carry blood. The various elements present in garlic also work positively by bringing down the pulse rate of the heart to moderate levels. Researchers explain the garlic ingredient allicin likely prevents pulmonary hypertension by causing the constricted blood vessels to relax, and by preventing damage to the blood vessels other useful compounds of garlic are Allyls and Alliinase, helps vitamin B1 be more effective in the body and allin, promotes the digestion of protein. In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.

olive leaf and high blood pressure

Olive leaf extract comes from the olive tree, a member of the evergreen family native to the Mediterranean region, but grown around the world. The health benefits of olive leaf extract can be traced back to ancient Mediterranean cultures, where the olive leaf was used in connection with a wide variety of illnesses. In recent years the olive leaf has been rediscovered by the herbal supplement community, and new therapeutic applications have been discovered and are in use. Olive leaf contains a complex structure of substances which act as vasodilators, lowering blood pressure. The hypotensive action of olive leaf has been studied for two decades: Researchers noted a statistically significant decrease of blood pressure for all patients, without side effects. One of the most active chemicals found in the leaves of olive trees is known as. oleuropein. In studies, oleuropein not only prevented the development of high blood pressure but also reduced existing high blood pressure. Although the possible reasons for these effects are not known, it is thought that oleuropein may relax blood vessels, and it may also prevent deposits of plaque that lead to arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries". Besides lowering the blood pressure olive leaf have been reported to: enhance the immune system, increase energy, have an internal cleansing action, act as anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic, lower fats, and reduce blood sugar. Olive leaf extract is one of the ingredients of Blood Pressure Combo from Nepatica.

the eye

The eyes are complex sensory organs. They are designed to optimize vision under conditions of varying light. Their location, on the outside of the face, makes them susceptible to trauma, environmental chemicals and particles, and infectious agents. The eyelids are the major protective mechanism for the eye. The eye consists of the eyeball, the upper and lower eyelids, and the conjunctivas. The eyeball consists of a clear, transparent dome at the front (the cornea) that is surrounded by the white of the eyeball (the sclera). The iris of the eye is the circular, colored portion within the eyeball and behind the cornea, and the pupil is the central opening within the iris. Behind the iris and pupil is the eye's lens. The inner sides of the eyelids which touch the eyeball are covered by a thin membrane (the palpebral conjunctiva) that produces mucus to lubricate the eye. This thin membrane folds back on itself and covers the visible sclera of the eyeball. (This continuation of the palpebral conjunctiva is called the bulbar conjunctiva.) The tissue between the skin of the eyelid and the palpebral conjunctiva is filled with glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance that provides additional lubrication for the eye. Tears are formed by the lacrimal gland in the upper, outer corner of the eye and are collected and drained by the lacrimal sac in the inner, lower corner of the eye. Natural oil for the tears is produced by tiny glands located at the edges of the eyelids.
Evidence-based medicine suggests that certain nutrients, specifically antioxidants and lutein, play a significant role in eye health. The landmark Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which was a National Eye Institute and National Institute for Health funded study, discovered that there was a significant decrease in the progression of vision loss in patients with macular degeneration taking antioxidants supplements. Eye Combo from Nepatica is full of antioxidants, the powerful ingredients are 400 mg of Bilberry together with 100 mg Ginkgo Biloba, 100mg Grape Seed Extract, 100 mg tomato and 5 mg Lutein.

basics about blood pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre–hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high. The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed. An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage, and stroke. These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end–organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is important so efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent complications. It was previously thought that rises in diastolic blood pressure were a more important risk factor than systolic elevations, but it is now known that in people 50 years or older systolic hypertension represents a greater risk. Affecting approximately one in four adults in the United States, hypertension is clearly a major public health problem. Blood Pressure Combo from Nepatica with natural ingredients Hawthorn berry (200 mg), Motherwort (165 mg), Olive leaf (100 mg), Garlic (100 mg) and Passion flower (65 mg) can help you to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is what is called an autoimmune disease. In this type of disease, a person's immune system (the system in the body responsible for fighting disease) mistakenly attacks the person's own body. In rheumatoid arthritis he parts attacked are the linings of the joints (places in the body where two bones connect). Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in a person's joints and problems with functioning. However, rheumatoid arthritis affects different people in different ways, in terms of the symptoms they have, how serious the symptoms are, and how long the symptoms last. Rheumatoid arthritis is different from other types of arthritis (such as osteoarthritis). For example: Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in a symmetrical pattern; for example, if one hand is affected, usually the other will be, too. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting the entire body. A person with rheumatoid arthritis may feel tired and weak, have fevers at times, lose appetite, lose weight, and generally not feel well. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has been proven as the cause. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a very active area of worldwide research. Some scientists believe that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited. It is suspected that certain infections or factors in the environment might trigger the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, resulting in inflammation in various organs of the body such as the lungs or eyes.

osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease, ostoarthrosis, hypertrophic arthritis and degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis is known as the “wear-and-tear” kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement of joints. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint. Evidence of osteoarthritis has been found in ice-aged skeletons. Today, an estimated 21 million Americans live with Osteoarthritis .Despite the longevity and frequency of the disease, the cause is still not completely known. Many different factors may play a role in whether or not you get osteoarthritis including age, obesity, injury or overuse and genetics. Osteoarthriti could be caused by any one or by a combination of any of these factors.

It is important that you get osteoarthritis diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is the first step in successful management of osteoarthritis. Joint and Bone Combo from Nepatica could be a good alternative.

glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural substance in the human body. It provides strength, flexibility, and elasticity to cartilage and connective tissue by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans, molecules that hold joint tissue together. Glucosamine also decreases inflammation that can lead to the joint destruction of arthritis. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine cannot cure arthritis, but it can do wonders for arthritis and joint pain. Because glucosamine works from within, bathing the joints in a proverbial warm and protective solution and working to heal the joints instead of merely cover up pain, results take a little bit longer than with NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Glucosamine works to protect the joints from further damage while continuing to stave off further damage. Contrasted to glucosamine, there is evidence that many of the NSAIDs can actually work against arthritic joints, to cause arthritis pain to become even worse by breaking down the joints. Glucosamine together with Yucca root, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rose hip, Boswellia , Horsetail and Flaxseed are the ingredients in Joint and Bone Combo.

bitter melon and diabetes

Bitter melon grows on a vine with green leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit has a bumpy exterior, like a cucumber, and the inside is yellow-orange. There are many varieties of bitter melon, ranging in color from creamy white, golden, pale green to very dark green. Green melons are the ones most often seen in the United States. Some varieties are only a few inches long with very marked bumps; others are much larger with smoother, less-defined bumps.

The insulin lowering properties of Bitter melon are currently being looked at as an effective treatment for Diabetes. Studies suggest that Bitter Melon play an important role in controlling the production of insulin by the body, and therefore promoting blood sugar control. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of Bitter Melon where these chemicals are found in the highest quantity. There are three groups of compounds in Bitter Melon that scientists have found to be responsible for its blood sugar lowering action:
Charantin, a compound of mixed steroids, Polypeptide P, an insuline-like plypeptide which appears to lower blood sugar in type I diabetics. Alkaloids present in the bitter gourd are also noted to have blood sugar lowering effects. Oleanolic Acid Glycosides, these compounds have been found to improve glucose tolerance in Type II diabetics by preventing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Bitter Melon has also been linked to effects of increasing the number of beta cells in the pancreas as well, and as a result improving the body’s capability to produce insulin.

bitter melon

Here is a link to an interesting blog post about bitter melon. We learn that “In India, doctors are so confident of bitter melon that they dispense it in some of the most modern hospitals as a cure for diabetes. Bitter melon has twice the potassium of bananas, and is proven to increase the number of beta cells (cells that produce insulin), in the pancreas”

more about red yeast rice

Red Yeast Rice is made by fermenting whole kernel cooked rice with added red yeast. This is the same substance that gives Peking duck its red color. Red yeast rice has been used as a food preservative and a spice, since about 400 A.D. in China. It has also been used in Oriental medicine to relieve diarrhea and indigestion, and to improve circulation of the blood since about the same time. Red Yeast Rice has recently been popular in the western world when it was discovered how well it lowers cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

During the fermentation process, the rice and red yeast form a substance called lovastatin. Lovastatin, together with other statins, is an excellent cholesterol-lowering medication. This naturally occurring lovastatin has a smaller dose than the prescription lovastatin, but is very effective anyway. Cholesterol Combo from Nepatica is a natural herbal supplement with Red yeast Rice, Garlic, Guggul, Apple Pectin and Cayenne.

huereque

Paul Aoun, Charles R Albrecht, and Steven R Gambert have written an interesting article called Diabetes Mellitus: Present and Future Preventive Strategies—Part I the article was first published in Clinical Geriatrics Volume 13, Number 6 June 2005.The article states that “Huereque, derived from the root of the Huereque cactus, has been reported to improve glucose tolerance in persons with diabetes” Here is a link to the article. Huereque also known as wereke (botanical name Ibervillea sonorae) is one of the ingredients in Blood Sugar Combo.

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