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About Herbs
Herbs Which Begin With the Letter
G
Gambooge - Brindleberry,
Brindall berry or Malabar tamarind Garcinia Cambogia, Hydroxycitric
Acid (HCA)
In traditional Indian medicine was used for edema, delayed menstruation,
constipation and intestinal parasites. In the form of precoction,
it was also used for rheumatism and bowel complaints.
Extract from this species is a common ingredient in various herbal
appetite suppressant and energy products.
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Garlic
Garlic has been used for both food and medicine for centuries dating
as far back as the time of the Egyptian pyramids. Garlic has been
used for a variety of fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Because
of its ability to help lower cholesterol levels, garlic has shown
benefit for reducing the buildup of plague.
This in turn provides positive benefits in reducing
risk for heart disease, blood clots and arteriosclerosis. A 2003
study found that garlic helps lower levels of homocysteine, an amino
acid now associated with heart attacks.
Garlic has also shown promise in helping the
body’s immune system resist infections. Individuals with diabetes
may find that garlic helps lower and keep blood sugar levels stable
by helping increase the amount of insulin available in the bloodstream.
Because of its positive effects on cholesterol, garlic may also
be beneficial for those with hypertension. - Also
See
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Ginger Root
- Zingiber Officinale
A gnarled and bumpy
root from a plant that grows in tropical regions. Used in freshly
grated and dried powdered form. Has a peppery, pungent, slightly
sweet flavor.
System stimulant that enhances the action of other herbs.
Ginger is a general health tonic that improves circulation. Traditional
Chinese medicine has recommended ginger for over 2,500 years. Helpful
for morning sickness, hot flashes, menstrual cramps, indigestion.
Stimulates circulation.*
Rich in antioxidants ginger is often used as a digestive aid, it
also contains the antioxidants gingerol and zingerone.
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Ginkgo Biloba Leaf
For over 5,000 years, Ginkgo has been prescribed
in Chinese herbal medicine. In the last 30 years, more that 300
studies have given clinical evidence that Ginkgo prevents and benefits
many problems throughout the entire body. Ginkgo is gaining recognition
as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects
on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. Ginkgo improves
peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and increases blood flow to
the genitals to improve sexual function and the power of an erection.
In a recent scientific study, 78% of men with non-medically caused
impotence problems reported significant improvement - significantly,
with no side effects.
The seeds and leaves of this tree are
full of amazing compounds, which improve blood circulation by relaxing
and dilating blood vessels in the body. This provides the brain
and extremities extra oxygen and nutrients, as well as the removal
of cellular wastes. Ginkgo Biloba contain flavoglycosides and ginkgolides,
which are complex chemical compounds. Unfortunately, Ginkgo Tea
tastes awful.
Ginkgo has been shown to be
nutritional support for mental alertness, enhanced vitality level,
circulatory health and blood vessel health. Note that its high antioxidant
activity is valuable for fighting age-related conditions. Ginkgo
may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue
and lack of energy.
It is used to improve blood flow to the brain,
thus improving concentration, increasing memory (especially in the
elderly), enhances blood flow to extremities, such as the legs,
and functions as an anti-oxidant in the body. It helps treat peripheral
vascular diseases. It helps inhibit lipid peroxidation of cell membranes,
which is a process that leads to clogging of the arteries, or atherosclerois.
It also helps people with asthma, migraines, eczema, depression,
strokes, brain impairment and respiratory problems. Gingko also
helps with tinniutus and emotional instability.*
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Ginseng, American - Panax quinquefolius
Like its more familiar cousin Asian ginseng
(Panax ginseng), the root of American ginseng is used medicinally.
The plant grows wild in shady forests of the northern and central
United States, as well as in parts of Canada. It is cultivated in
the United States, China, and France.
American ginseng has been used in connection with diabetes, athletic
performance, infections, and stress.
Many Native American tribes used American ginseng. Medicinal applications
ranged from digestive disorders to sexual problems.1 The Chinese
began to use American ginseng after it was imported during the 1700s.2
The traditional applications of American ginseng in China are significantly
different from those for Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng).*
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Ginseng, Asian Red - Panax
Ginseng, (Korean Ginseng)
This medicinal root has reputation as an ancient aphrodisiac. A
study in the May 1995 issue of the journal British Pharmacology
showed that ginseng may work in a similar way to Viagra. It's also
used to treat premature ejaculation and lack of sex drive.
Is traditionally used to overcome general weakness and deliver extra
energy. It also has demonstrated aphrodisiac powers. Used to combat
impotence, infertility, and premature ejaculation, it normalizes
blood pressure while rejuvenating and revitalizing the body. It
also promotes the growth of nerve tissue. A key ingredient of ginseng
is ginsenoside, which alters blood flow to the brain and penis and
can build blood and sperm. Russian scientists have demonstrated
that ginseng stimulates both physical and mental activity, enhances
athletic performance and has a positive effect on the sex glands.
Ginseng extracts have been medically proven to improve sperm production
in men and are now thought useful in treating impotence. The active
compounds, known as ginsenosides, are believed by the medical community
to increase libido by depressing prolactin levels in the blood.
In a study done in Korea (1995), 90 men with erection problems of
some kind were given one of three treatments - an anti-depressant,
a placebo, or ginseng. The placebo and anti-depressant groups actually
showed 30% improvement, but the group taking ginseng improved about
60 % on average.
Cardiovascular health
Asian ginseng may decrease problems with the endothelial cells
– the cells that line the inside of all blood vessels. When
these cells are irritated, called ‘cell dysfunction’,
they can cause a blockage in blood flow in several ways. This dysfunction
can in some cases even lead to heart attack and / or stroke. Ginsengs
potential to settle disturbed blood vessels may in the future prove
useful against heart and other types of cardiovascular disease.
Although so far unproven, ginseng may also raise levels of HDL (good
cholesterol), while also reducing overall cholesterol levels in
the body.
Depression
A good number of herbalists consider ginseng a useful part of
a treatment for depression, as because it aids the body in resisting
and reducing the effects of stress.
Diabetes
Although American ginseng is said to be better researched for
this purpose, both the other types Panax ginseng have been shown
to lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 (adult onset)
diabetes.
Immune system enhancement
Ginseng has long been attributed with the property of immune
system enhancement, which could theoretically assist the body in
fighting infection and disease. At least one study showed that people
who took ginseng before receiving a flu-vaccine actually did boost
their immune response to the vaccine when compared to others who
only received a placebo.
Mental performance / Mood enhancement
Individuals who regularly use ginseng frequently describe feeling
more alert during the day. Preliminary medical studies suggest that
this feeling has scientific merit. Early research indicates that
ginseng may help improve performance in areas such as mental arithmetic,
focussed concentration, and memory. Further research in this area
is likely to continue.
Physical endurance
A number of studies have been made on the effects of ginseng
on human athletic performance. Results have been inconsistent, as
some studies show increased strength or endurance (or both) while
others showing improved agility (reaction times). Then there are
those studies which show no effect at all. Regardless, athletes
frequently take ginseng for increasing both strength and endurance.*
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Goat's Rue Herb - Galega
Officinalis
Goat's Rue is used in herbal medicine for diabetes. an antirheumatic,
anthelmintic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, galactagogue,
pectoral, restorative and tonic.
A medicinal herb tea is used to treat rheumatism, bladder problems,
fever, hard coughs, impotency, to expel intestinal worms, irregular
menstruation and to increase the flow of breast milk. It may also
stimulate the development of the mammary glands.
Research on this herb and its chemical constituents is ongoing and
tend to show it may be useful in Diabetes, Alzheimer's and many
other disorders.
Native Americans considered it to be an aphrodisiac, useful in restoring
manhood to those with impotency and in females an herb to restore
beauty and health.
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Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract contains a powerful antioxidant known as
oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s). European studies have
shown procyanidins to be useful in treating blood vessel disorders.
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Green-Tea
Extract
Green Tea Extract is a potent botanical extract used primarily
for fighting free radicals, as it contains concentrated, potent
antioxidants which strongly assist in the prevention of cellular
damage.
Green-tea extract can nourish and protect the living layers of the
skin.*
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Guarana Leaf
Is high in xanthines, which provide energy and suppress the appetite.
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Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema is a plant used medicinally in India and Southeast
Asia for treatment of diabetes or hyperglycemia. Gymnema suppress
glucose absorption and reduces the sensation of sweetness in foods
– effects which may deliver important health benefits for individuals
who want to reduce blood sugar levels or body weight.
Compared to corosolic acid, the effect of gymnema extract on lowering
blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides is more gradual,
typically taking a few days to several weeks. On the plus side,
however, some recent studies suggest that repeated supplement of
gymnema extracts results in even more permanent positive changes
and may actually help to repair the cellular damage that causes
diabetes by helping to regenerate the insulin producing beta-cells
in the pancreas.*
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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