Sunday, November 25, 2007

what is wereke?

Wereke also known as Huereque, Guareque,Wareki and Choyalhuani and with the botanical name Ibervillea sonorae has been used medicinally by various ethnic groups in Northwestern Mexico for many centuries. Wereke grows wild in the states Chihuahua and Sonora. The root is used for the treatment of diabetes. Wereke belongs to the gourd or pumpkin family, which includes plants that have biochemical compounds that may reduce the levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Blood Sugar Combo from Nepatica includes 500 mg of Wereke and 250 mg of Bitter Melon. Read more!

what is hepatitis A?

The liver is located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the lower ribs. The liver performs many functions, including processing most of the nutrients absorbed from intestines, removing drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, and manufacturing bile — the greenish fluid stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats. The liver also produces cholesterol, blood-clotting factors and certain other proteins. The liver has an amazing capacity for regeneration, it can heal itself by replacing or repairing injured cells. It's also constructed so that healthy cells will take over the function of damaged cells. Hepatitis A virus is one of six currently identified strains of viral hepatitis — the others are B, C, D, E and G. The strains differ in severity and in the way they spread. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Although not usually as serious as other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A causes inflammation that affects the liver’s ability to function. Hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted via the fecal-oral route. That means that someone with the virus handles the food you eat without first carefully washing his or her hands after using the toilet. You can also contract the virus by drinking contaminated water, eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage or being in close contact with a person who's infected — even if that person has no signs or symptoms. In fact, the disease is most contagious before signs and symptoms ever appear. Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn't develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis — both potentially fatal conditions. Practicing good hygiene — including washing your hands often — is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A. Effective vaccines are available for people who are most at risk. Some people may have hepatitis A and never develop signs or symptoms. Young children, especially, tend to have mild cases, but signs and symptoms in older children and adults are likely to be more severe. In general, you'll have the virus for up to one month its average incubation period before developing any problems. When signs and symptoms appear, they often come on suddenly, and you may mistake them for intestinal flu (gastroenteritis). Liver Combo with Milk Thistle (200 mg), Dandelion (200 mg), Licorice (50 mg), Nettle Leaf (50 mg) and Schisandra (50mg) is a powerful combination in order to protect the liver.

Friday, November 23, 2007

motherwort a useful herb for hypetension/ high blood pressure

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. Motherwort is also known as Throw-wort, Lion's Ear, and Lion's Tail. Motherwort is a member of the mint family, has a square stem and opposite leaves. The flowers are small, pink to lilac in color often with furry lower lips. Motherwort has a long history of medicinal use. To use motherwort as a medicinal herb, originated in Central Europe and Asia, although it has long been in use in the North America as well. Motherwort is primarily an herb of the heart. Chinese studies found that extracts decrease clotting and the level of fat in the blood and can slow heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat. It is good for hypertension because it relaxes blood vessels and calms nerves. Motherwort can lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Motherwort gives general support to the heart and works as effective as a relaxer (sedative) and antispasmodic to the heart. It helps to calm palpitations to help normalize heart function and improve circulation. Motherwort together with Hawthorn berry, Olive leaf, Passion flower and Garlic forms Blood Pressure Combo from Nepatica.

Facts about high blood pressure/ hypertension and some useful herbs

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. Here are some good herbs in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure level:

Hawthorne Berry. Hawthorne Berry is valuable in cardiovascular health, because of its ability to enlarge blood vessels and strengthen the heart. Hawthorne Berry also helps to promote good circulation throughout the body, treat hypertension, and strengthen structural components in the body. Hawthorns active components are mostly flavonoids and procyanidins. Hawthorn is also a source of tannins, carboxylic acids, triterpenes and simple amines. The beneficial effect of hawthorn berry is because of the synergy of all of its components. The flavonoids in hawthorn berry have been proven to dilate peripheral and coronary blood vessels, alleviating hypertension and angina. Studies have found that hawthorn works in three important ways: it eases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle.
Motherwort. Motherwort originally came from central Eurasia, but has now spread to all temperate areas of the world. The Latin name, cardiaca refers to the heart, and motherwort has traditionally been used to treat heart-related conditions. The ancient Greeks and Romans used Motherwort to treat heart palpitations as well as depression, which they considered a problem of the heart. Motherwort contains lionurine and stachydrine, alkaloids that help lower blood pressure and also have a sedating effect on the central nervous system, which supports motherwort’s traditional use as a treatment for depression anxiety. The calming effects of Motherwort may benefit those experiencing anxiety as well as those having trouble sleeping.
Passion flower. Passion flower was cultivated by Native Americans, both for its edible fruit and for its medicinal value. 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.
Garlic. 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. Olive leaf extract comes from the olive tree, a member of the evergreen family native to the Mediterranean region, but grown around the world. 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.

These herbs Hawthorn berry (200 mg), Motherwort (165 mg), Olive leaf (100 mg), Garlic (100 mg) and Passion flower (65 mg) together forms Blood Pressure Combo. Read more!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

what is hepatitis?

Hepatitis means inflammation (itis) of the liver (hepar), an irritation or swelling of the liver cells. The different types of hepatitis are caused by different things, but they all produce inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis refers to several common diseases caused by viruses that attack the liver. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is considered the least threatening since it generally does not lead to liver damage, and 99% of those infected fully recover. Hepatitis B is a serious viral disease that attacks the liver. Approximately 2-10% of adults and 25-80% of children under the age of 5 will not be able to clear the virus in six months and are considered to be chronically infected. Hepatitis C also causes inflammation of the liver, with an estimated 80% of those infected developing chronic hepatitis. Many can develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and some may also develop liver cancer. Newly discovered forms of viral hepatitis also include hepatitis D, E, and G. Non-viral forms of hepatitis can be caused by toxic agents (drugs or chemicals), alcohol, or autoimmune processes. Another form of hepatitis is toxic hepatitis. Globally, it is estimated that around 250 million people are affected by hepatitis C. Moreover, an estimated 400 million people are chronic carriers of hepatitis B. Liver Combo with Milk Thistle (200 mg), Dandelion (200 mg), Licorice (50 mg), Nettle Leaf (50 mg) and Schisandra (50mg) is a powerful combination in order to protect the liver.

yucca root a natural pain reliever

Yucca Root is often used for conditions such as hip dysplasia, bone/joint problems, and soft tissue swellings. Research from the National Arthritis Medical Center concludes that yucca is effective for a number of types of arthritis, including gout. Yucca contains a high level of steroid saponins (natural glucosides). Saponin is a natural pain killer and is the precursor to cortisone. The saponins are also believed to stimulate the absorption of vitamins and minerals and decrease the amount of toxins absorbed. This helps to put less of a load on the purifying organs of the body (kidneys, and liver) and helps to lower the amount of toxins in the body which can cause arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Saponins allow water and fats to combine, which help the body improve its ability to produce its own cortisone by supplying materials needed to be manufactured in the adrenal glands and to help fatty build up in joints and arteries to dissolve and be eliminated. This relieves arthritic problems and promotes better circulation. Yucca root is one of the ingredients of Joint and Bone Combo from Nepatica.

dandelion root helps the liver

Dandelion grows wild throughout much of the world and is cultivated in parts of Europe for medicinal uses. The nutrients in dandelion root mildly feed and stimulate the liver, making it a good preventative herb for our modern times, when the liver is put under so much stress from toxins around us. Studies of dandelion's beneficial effects on the liver have shown that the herb increases the production and flow of bile (a digestive aid) from the liver and gallbladder, it is an aid in liver congestion, hepatitis, gall bladder problems and formation of stones, and stimulates and promotes healthy bile. Dandelion roots good effects on the digestive tract make it an aid in food allergies. It is thought that the plant's positive effect on various liver functions is probably related to its high content of the B vitamin choline. Because it improves liver function, dandelion root (in combination with other liver-strengthening nutrients) may be effective for relieving the pain and other symptoms of endometriosis. It also enhances the ability of the liver to remove excess estrogen from the body, thereby helping to restore a healthy balance of hormones. Dandelion root together with Milk Thistle, Nettle Leaf, Schisandra and Licorice root forms Liver Combo from Nepatica.


guggul and cholesterol

Guggul, also known as Commiphora Mukul and Guggulipid, is an effective herb for controlling colesterol. The active portion of the plant is the gum resin, which contains guggulsterone, a steroid compound. It appears to be effective in lowering blood levels of both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It has been shown that Guggul can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27% and can lower triglycerides by 22-30%. Guggul works on the liver by increasing the metabolism (or break down) of the bad cholesterol known as LDL Cholesterol. It may decrease the production of cholesterol in the liver. Excretion of cholesterol and bile acids are increased, so that less fat and cholesterol are absorbed. Guggul also increases the production of thyroid hormones, which lower the levels of serum lipids. One of the most important ways that gugulipid lowers cholesterol may be by stimulating the liver to remove LDLs from the bloodstream. Guggul helps rid your body of harmful cholesterol by converting it into bile. Guggul is one of the ingredients of Cholesterol Combo from Nepatica.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

hawthorn berry and hypertension

Hawthorn Berry is known as a natural heart herb and is even called "food for the heart." Benefits of Hawthorne berry include its ability to treat insomnia, protect against heart disease, relieve irregular heartbeats, and provide valuable antioxidant qualities. Hawthorne Berry is valuable in cardiovascular health, because of its ability to enlarge blood vessels and strengthen the heart. Hawthorne Berry also helps to promote good circulation throughout the body, treat hypertension, and strengthen structural components in the body. Hawthorns active components are mostly flavonoids and procyanidins. Hawthorn is also a source of tannins, carboxylic acids, triterpenes and simple amines. The beneficial effect of hawthorn berry is because of the synergy of all of its components. The flavonoids in hawthorn berry have been proven to dilate peripheral and coronary blood vessels, alleviating hypertension and angina. Studies have found that hawthorn works in three important ways: it eases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle. Hawthorn berry (200 mg) is one of the ingredients of Blood Pressure Combo from Nepatica. The other ingredients are Motherwort (165 mg), Olive leaf (100 mg), Garlic (100 mg) and Passion flower (65 mg).

diabetes and liver disease

In the article “Hepatobiliary Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” written by Keith G. Tolman, MD; Vivian Fonseca, MD; Meng H. Tan, MD; and Anthony Dalpiaz, PharmD published here we learn that:“Diabetes mellitus is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States; 17 million people are affected. Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death in persons with type 2 diabetes. The standardized mortality rate for death from liver disease is greater than that for cardiovascular disease. The spectrum of liver disease in type 2 diabetes ranges from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The incidence of hepatitis C and acute liver failure is also increased. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now considered part of the metabolic syndrome, and, with alcohol and hepatitis C, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States.”
Badly controlled blood sugar increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to scarring of the liver (nonalcoholic cirrhosis). Other medical conditions related to diabetes — such as high cholesterol also increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, some medications used to treat these related conditions, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, may cause liver damage. Liver Combo is a natural supplement with Milk Thistle (200 mg), Dandelion (200 mg), Licorice (50 mg), Nettle Leaf (50 mg) and Schizandra (50mg) in order to protect and take care of your liver.