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Tribulus Terretris(puncture vine): Looking for an herb to substitutue androstenedione? Clinical studies have shown that this herb can do just that. It works by increases the body's luteinizing hormone (LH). This is responsible for actually regulating testosterone levels. Many different brands make it hard to choose but you should look for 40% saponins(active ingredient)and if you want the best make sure its the patented Tribestan you get. Prices range from $15-40.

Echinacea: Echinacea is the best thing you can take to help prevent illness during the winter months. It has anti viral properties and helps to lift one's immune system. For athletes and thosepeople with high stress jobs, echinacea works naturally with the body's immune system, aiding tofight off infection. Clinical studies have shown marked immune response with this herb and has been dubbed 'Natures Antibiotic'. Taking it at the first signs of an illness can help make the illness pass much quicker.  A break of several days after six to eight weeks is recommended. The root has more of the main ingredient than the flower or stem, thus when looking for the best brand make sure it says root rather than just herb on the label. Prices for the herb range from $6-15, where as the more strong root is from $20-30 for a bottle of 60.

St. John's Wort: This herb is still the number one herb used for depression and mood lifting. Several studies have shown the herb's usefulness in taking over some prescription drugs, i.e.. Prozac and Zoloff. Many are coming off these medications and finding that St. Johns is a perfect alternative. There are several brands out there with good quality, but one thing to look for is .3% Hypericin on the label somewhere. This is the main ingredient and lower than .3% might not do the trick. Prices for cheap herb range from $7-15, where the .3% extracts can cost from $10-25.

Kava Kava: For years the polynesians have used this herb for calming and relaxation. It's gaining popularity here in the states for that very same reason. It's useful for reducing stress and can help put you to sleep at night. In fact it said that it's actions can rival Valium. And rather than cause a sedated or even fuzzy feeling like a prescription sleeping drug, new studies actually show that it sharpens concentration and memory. It's also been known to help with headaches and other pain relieving properties. You need to look for a high level of kavalactones when purchasing the herb %30-40 is good,  at a dose of 150 to 200mg. New info: Studies show that kava may ease menopausal anxiety. German researches found that 100mg kava extract standardized to 70 percent kavalactones 3 times a day worked as good or better that prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Improvement was reported after one week.

 Saw Palmetto:  Used for reducing an enlarged prostate, this herb also is best used in the extract form. Many recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this herb in fighting off prostate cancer.
More later on this popular men's herb.

Valerian: This herb has been leading the industry in sleep remedies for years and is considered the best. It eases stress and mildly sedates the central nervous system. Valerian binds to the same receptors in the brain as prescription sleeping drugs, but is non-addictive. For this reason alone many people taking prescriptions, will maybe want to try this herb soon for a peaceful sleep. It can be combined with chamomile and hops and can be found in teas, capsule, tablets, and tinctures. A study in Sweden noted that %89 of those tested had sleep improvements with %44 noting a perfect nights sleep. Another 9 studies show inconsistent results. 3 of those show that Valerian works better in people with insomnia than in normal sleepers and should be taken for two weeks to determine if it will work. The studies show no serious effects, not habit forming and does not cause withdrawal symptoms.(Alt Therap Women's Health, Feb 2004)

Black Cohosh: Used by native Americans for generations, this herb has anti-spasmodic properties and is used by many women for various things such hormone balancing, PMS, muscle cramping, and especially for menopause. Many menopausal women have used this herb with good success so it may be worth a try. Many health care practitioners in Germany and the U.S. use it to treat these symptoms.

Boswellia: Boswelia is one of many herbs in India called 'Ayurvedic'. Boswellia in particular is useful in treating pain in the joints, arthritis, muscle spasms, and muscle cramps. It comes in capsule form,   but many who use it swear by the boswellia cream. NEW info: May also help with lower back pain, burns and injuries, and inflammation due to allergies, and is free of side effects.

Chamomile: Used by many as a tea for bedtime, this herb has many other uses as well. It produces a soothing, sedative effect for stress,  helps ease upset stomach due to indigestion or heartburn, and is actually a good remedy for infants with colic.

Cranberry: One of the best remedies for urinary and/or bladder infections. It is suggested to take it in capsule form, or, in a liquid concentrate. This does NOT mean Ocean Spray :), although it's not a horrible choice, the real concentrate costs about $8 for 8oz, which makes a gallon or so. Cranberry juice may help UTI(urinary tract infection). Recent studies have showns that along with blueberries, both fruits contain tannins (proanthocyanidins) that prevent the attachment of dangerous bacteria to the cell walls of the urinary tract. (Alt Ther Women's Health, 5: 25-32, 2003)

Damiana: A stimulant similar in properties to ginseng, it can do everything ginseng can do, but works extremely well in combination with ginseng. Damiana helps reproductive organs, nerves and kidneys. Small amounts act as a tonic to the nervous system. This herb has also been used for impotance, stamina. Contains properties that may stimulate testosterone. Other uses: Wonderful for female problems ranging from lowered sex drive to hot flashes. Also good in general for depression, exhaustion, and energy.

Dong Quai: Nick named the 'female ginseng', this is another herb that has similar properties as ginseng. Uses: mild stimulant, uterus, muscles and nerves; useful for all female problems; Men use it for migraine headaches; liver problems; heart palpitations; high blood pressure. Good for: aches, anemia, bruises, chills, hot flashes, menopause, metabolism, stomach problems, and tiredness.

Elderberry: For many thousands of years, this herb has been used in treating the flu and other respiratory infections. Recent research in Israel confirms its usefulness in the herbal arena. Prime use is for the flu. In a clinical trial found that it eased fever, muscle aches and other symptoms within 24 hours of supplmentation. Recommended to get the liquid extracts or tea, though capsules may be as effective. Some combos even have elderberry mixed with goldenseal and echinacea.

Ma Huang (ephedra): See news below. Perhaps the most misunderstood, most talked about, most controversial herb on the market today. Again, this herb has been around for thousands of years used to alleviate colds, flu, and especially coughs and other congestions problems. There is a substantial body of evidence documenting the successful use of ephedra for weight loss, though misuse of this herb can produce unwanted side effects. The active ingredient in ephedra/ma haung is ephedrine and is used mostly in weight loss pills today. In an interesting study involving ephedra and Redux, it was found that those taking the ephedra lost slightly more weight. The danger comes because it works by stimulating the central nervous system and, in large doses or smaller ones in super sensitive people, can increase blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness, headache. It is mostly found in herbal weight loss combinations with guarana or kola nut.   A study was released in San Francisco recently reporting serious adverse events (side effects) directly caused by ephedra or ephedra alkaloids. Industry insiders though say this is just regurgitated news already published by the FDA. Also, the adverse events reported were said to be flawed, as two thirds of the reports came from consumers' self-reports and only one-third from medical reports. Another point was the study was not peer-reviewed, and therefore may have many design flaws as well. It is also said, this report also did not take into consideration the benefits and safety of ephedra reported in a large, long-term clinical study conducted at Harvard and Columbia University published in the journal Obesity Research. For a copy of the adverse event study visit, www.nejm.com (New England Journal of Medicine).

NEWS: Jun 16: As of today GNC has decided to start its recall early. Remaining ephedra products are being pulled off the shelves and will no longer be for sale. The deadline for ALL ephedra is still Jun 30, but most stores will have all products out within the week.  Jun 12: GNC has decided to NO longer stock anything with Ma Huang or ephedra. The decision did not come light I am sure, as it is a big part of their diet business. However, to keep the public aware of the dangers and to perhaps prevent liability,  GNC along with several other large chain stores are discontinuing any products containing ephedra by June 30, 2003. Until then get into your stores and stock up if ephedra has worked for you. It has for me with little side effects, save some jitters here and there. The problem stems I think, from misuse and abuse of the product thereby landing many people in the hospital. Unfortunately, these events have caused many companies to rethink their approach to weightloss by using ephedra products. Check on the Diet Page for newer products like these in the near future, and keep visiting here for the latest info.

Feverfew: Long thought to help alleviates headaches, and more specifically migraines, this herb really helps to 'prevent' migraines from coming. It was used historically for bringing fevers down, but the body of research seems to show its best used as a preventative. It's best to look for an extract having at least .2% parthenolide, the main ingredient. Also, it can take from 4 to 6 weeks before it starts to protect againsts migraines.

Goldenseal: The cleanser. This herb is used for everything from combating flu and cold infections to preparing for a drug test. Basically goldenseal helps cleanse the body of toxins and free radicals, flushing them out of your system. Goldenseal works well for killing the flu and colds, but should not be taken for than a week at a time as it can flush out the body's own 'friendly bacteria'.  Other uses: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and gastrointestinal infections. Updated information coming soon!

Hawthorn Berry: One of the best herbs for the heart. Helps with circulation, nerves and kidneys; natural food for the heart; prevents hardening of the arteries; heart problems, by regulating blood pressure. Good research shows its helpful with may cardiac symptoms, enlarged heart, palpitations, rheumatism, stress, and insomnia as well.

Horsetail: Overall beauty herb for hair, skin, and nails. Another herb that dates way back, this one going back to the dinosaurs. 'Silicon' or 'silica' is what's actually in the horsetail that makes it such a great aid, and it is highly absorbable. It strengthens hair and brittle nails. Also great for bone strength and, therefore, helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Contains bioflavonoids that help nourish skin cells and shuttle away waste products. Other uses: gout, bronchitis, gallbladder problems, nose bleeds, tumors, and arthritis.

Bilberry: Other similiar varieties of plants include blueberry and huckleberry. The berry extract promote blood flow in arterioles; most important to many people is the strengthening effect on the capillaries. This strengthening effect can help prevent varicose veins and even help slow down macular degeneration. With macular degeneration, blood vessels burst in the eye continually making a small hole in the middle of the eye and widening until complete blindness. Bilberry can help keep these vessels from bursting. Contains anthrocyanocides essential for night vision, and because it works as a bioflavinoid it is an excellent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Other Uses: Helps with Vit E in preventing senile cataracts. Computer users see eye strain relief and fatigue with use, heals bruises, cold rememdy, and gastric ulcers. Bilberry tea is great for canker sores as well.

Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo comes from one of the oldest species of tree known to man. It's main use is circulation, and through circulation many other benefits surface. Circulation to the brain increases oxygen flow also to the brain, hence may improve short term memory and long term in some cases. It improves the mental function of all ages. It is a strong free radical scavenger and can prevent blockages of arteries by preventing clotting of blood. Varicose veins, cold hands and feet also benefit through use of ginkgo. Has helped asthmatics and decreases incidence of degenerative diseases. May help impotence, depression, and energy. 24% concentration is the standard and it acts slowly over time, so you need to take it for several weeks.

Green tea: More and more is being found out about this herb. Formerly in tea form its in capsule, tablet, concentrate and formulas now. Action: Green tea protects from cancer by neutralizing cancer agents and protecting cells against mutating agents. Total cholesterol is reduced, HDL is elevated and oxidation of LDL within the lining artery walls is inhibited. Uses: Prevention includes treatment of allergies, asthma, cancer, infectious disease, diabetic cataract, alcoholic hepatitis, liver diseases and cardiovascular disease. It can help protect the skin against UV light damage. The main ingredient is 'catechin', and is a potent antioxidant. Shows promise as a weight-loss aid that can promote the burning of fat and help to regulate insulin levels.

Yohimbe: Yohimbe comes from the bark of a tree that grows in the West Africa. Primarily used as an aphrodisiac, many use it for energy boosts for the gym. Mostly aids men, though many women respond well to it. It works by affecting the autonomic nervous system and increasing blood flow the genitals. It has also been used to treat painful menstruation and prostate inflamation, and as a local anesthesia for eye, ear, and nose operations. Many clinical studies have proven its use effective although not all researches concur and the exact effects. Found both over-the-counter and through prescription, the doses vary widely. If you go with the store based products, make sure they have 'yohimbine' as the active ingredient. Otherwise you're probably getting fluf. Also go with a brand you can trust like Twinlab or GNC. Most good products contain 6-8 mg's of yohimbine from 1-2grams of actual yohimbe bark. Side effects: Include anxiety, shakiness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, flushing, and headaches. Taken within instructions side effects are rare however, and many yohimbe products work well with other natural herb combinations.

Ginseng: Also known as panax ginseng and American, Korean or Chinese ginseng. H. Winter Griffith sites ginseng as a favorite Chinese remedy used for almost everything with known effects including: Stimulates brain, heart, blood vessels; reduces stress and fatigue; improves appetite and digestion; stimulant; antioxidant. Some other possible effects: used as a aphrodisiac; may increase mental and physical stamina; may treat symptoms of menopause; may reduce effects of radiation exposure; may reduce blood glucose in diabetics; and may alleviate insomnia. *Siberian ginseng is not technically a ginseng though it is marketed that way and is the cheapest source of ginseng. Generally safe when taken in appropriate quantities.

Kelp: Otherwise known as seaweed, known effects documented by H. Winter Griffith M.D. are that it provides bulk for bowel movements. Iodine contained within kelp is beneficial in regulating thyroid function. Some possible benefits from kelp are: may treat chronic constipation without catharsis; may help soften stools; may treat ulcers; may control obesity by helping to regulate the thyroid. Overdose symptoms are not likely and it is fairly inexpensive to take.

Milk Thistle: The main ingredient found within milk thistle is silymarin and according to H. Winter Griffith M.D. in his book sites several known uses for herb: It protects the liver from chemical damage; increases the secretion and flow of bile; acts as an antioxidant; helps treat chronic inflammatory liver disease (hepatitis). Some other possible benefits include reducing jaundice; may reduce inflammation associated with  hepatitis and cirrhosis; may reduce gallbladder inflammation; may help treat psoriasis. Safe dose is usually 120 mg once or twice a day.

5-HTP: Described as a natural alternative to Prozac, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can enhance the activity of serotonin, the hormone in the brain involved in mood, sleep, and appetite. This is an amino acid that is an intermediate metabolite of l-tryptophan. It is naturally made in the body and is produced comercially from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. Several studies have recently shown that, because it can raise serotonin levels, it is being used to treat depression, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid, and there seem to be no side effects. Dose of two 50mg capsules daily is usually recommended.

Grape Seed and Pycnogenol: Grape seed and Pycnogenol are both substances that contain  proanthocyanidins or ocp's. Both are tremendous antioxidants and are touted as being 50 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 30 times better than Vitamin E. Grape Seed however, is less expensive to make so is less expensive than Pycnogenol (from Pine bark).  It is recommended to take your body weight in mg's for the first week, then 50-100 mg's according to your needs after. In other words, if you weigh 150, you should take a 50 mg dose 3 times a day for a week. New Info: New studies show that Grape seed extract is important in helping to prevent heart disease. One in particular demonstrated that the extract reduced vascular cell damage and secretion of cell adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells, a root cause of many cardio disorders.

More to come on the following herbs:

Passion Flower:

Red Raspberry:

Wild Yam:

Gum Guggul or Gugulipid:

Coming soon:
Info on red raspberry and new info on bilberry!