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Capsicum
Rich in vitamins A and C in addition to potassium, phosphorous,
calcium and iron, paprika, which is extracted from the
pods is used as a colouring agent in cooking. Cayenne
pepper consists of the dried and ripe fruit and is spicier
than paprika. Capsicum is recognised as a catalyst and
activator for other herbs. According to Duke, it is
recognised for its "carminative, depurative, diaphoretic,
digestive, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic and tonic"
properties.3 Folk remedies recommend it as a treatment
for asthma, dyspepsia, lumbago, pharyngitis, pneumonia,
rheumatism, and sores. It is also used for certain forms
of cancer and tumors.3
Several international applications include: used in
Central Africa as a calming medicine as it contains
capsaicin, component of pepper which lends it its spicy
flavour, that has analgesic properties. It is used in
Indonesia to treat gonorrhea and in Hawaii to treat
backache, rheumatism and swollen feet.
Duke also indicates that it is also useful for anorexia,
liver congestion, varicose veins and vascular conditions.
Side Effects: In rare cases hypersensitivity
may occur. Products: Arth-X, Arth-X Plus, NR1-Restful,
SX1, PowerHouse, PowerHouse Plus and PriMale.
Celery Seed
Celery has been used traditionally as a diuretic, to
purify the blood, stimulate the glands, regulate bowel
elimination, rheumatic complaints, gout and weight loss
due to malnutrition. It acts a soothing agent for arthritis
and an acid neutraliser. According to Duke's Handbook
of Medicinal Herbs, celery seed is considered "anodyne,
carminative, emmenagogue, nervine, stimulant, stomachic,
and tonic."3 It reduces blood pressure and helps to
relieve muscle spasms.4 According to the PDR, animal
trials demonstrated a sedative and anticonvulsive effect.6
Celery seed is a rich source of calcium, phosphorous,
iron, magnesium and potassium in addition to vitamins
A, C, B-complex and phytosterols.3 Products: Arth-X
Plus and PowerHouse Plus.
Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated
for pregnant women and perhaps for those individuals
with high blood pressure.3 Products: Perfect Balance.
Chamomile
Internal uses of chamomile include antispasmodic and
anti-inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract.5
It is also helpful in calming the nerves and relieving
muscle pain and can be used as a sleep aid. It can relieve
upset stomachs, colds, bladder problems and jaundice.
It is also helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle
as it is used by many in Costa Rica. It also is used
to treat: headaches, hysteria, rheumatic pains, insomnia,
colic in infants and restlessness.1 According to the
German Commission E, other actions include: "antiphlogistic,
musculotropic, deodorant, antibacterial, bacteriostatic,
stimulates skin metabolism and promotes wound healing."5
Researchers have confirmed that this herb has a tonic
effect on the uterus, relaxes the nervous system and
also works beneficially with other nervine herbs. It
also has antibacterial properties and stimulates the
liver.4 It is currently being investigated for its anticarcinogenic
action.4 Products: NR1-Restful, Perfect Balance and
SX1.
Chaste Tree Berry
Chaste tree berry comes from the ripe dried fruits of
Vitex agnus castus. It is used to correct irregularities
of the menstrual cycle and for symptoms associated with
Premenstrual Tension. Other uses include: treatment
of impotency, swelling of testes, sterility, amenorrhoea,
uterine pain, insufficient milk production and swelling
of the ovaries. According to the PDR, chaste tree, tested
on the ovaries of older animals, resulted in a reduction
of cystic and bleeding follicles. In studies, chaste
tree berry demonstrated a positive effect on symptoms
related to hyperprolactin anaemia.6
Cautions: Use of this herb is contraindicated
during pregnancy and lactation. Products: Perfect Balance
and Transcend.
Chickweed
Also known as starweed, this herb contains biotin, choline,
copper, inositol, phosphorous in addition to vitamins
B-6, B-12, C and D. It is used to reduce mucous buildup
in the lungs, which may be useful for bronchitis, colds
and coughs. Its other well-known use is for obesity.
Chickweed acts as an appetite suppressant and also helps
the body burn carbohydrates more efficiently. Products:
Perfect Balance and Transcend.
In addition, it can lower blood lipid levels and as
a folk remedy is used for, "asthma, blood disorders,
cancer, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, dyspepsia,
eczema, fever, haemorrhoids, hoarseness, infection,
inflammation, obesity, skin ailments, sores, swellings,
spasms and urogenital ailments."3
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot treats mild inflammation of the mucous membranes
as well as coughs and hoarseness. It has been used by
practitioners of Oriental medicine to treat apoplexy,
cough, influenza and lung congestion.3 According to
Duke, "It is suggested as antihistamine, antitussive,
bactericidecollyrium, demulcent, diuretic, emollient,
expectorant, pectoral, spasmolytic, styptic, sudorific,
coltsfoot appears in folk 'remedies' for apoplexy, asthma,
bronchitis, catarrh, cold, cough, diarrhoea, dyspepsia,
fever, hoarseness, mucous congestion, neuroses, ophthalmia,
phthisis, rheumatism, scrofula and tumor.3
Cautions: Coltsfoot should not be used for longer
than 4-6 weeks per year unless otherwise stipulated.
Products: Breathe Right.
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