Achieving Optimal Health through Herbal Supplementation

Achieving optimal health and maintaining it is no joke! 
Exactly how do we achieve this?

With everything changing in our world around us and with the amount of bombarded information, we need simple! We need to take the stress out of health and health maintenance to achieve the highest possible level of longevity and happiness possible.

We need to work with ideas and products that will give us maximum bang for our rand. We need to wise up to getting our system at levels of health that make living worthwhile and exciting again. Gone are the days were we can use a multitude of products in the hopes that one or some will do the trick, we need to choose wisely for rand value and make each and every purchase a valuable one. No more wastage and unused products, we do not have this luxury anymore. Exactly how do we achieve this?

Actually it is rather simple and cost effective when you know what to look for and what to apply. In this newsletter we are covering one aspect of this conundrum… CR (Cardio vascular) Health and Vitality

Healthy blood flow throughout the system is of vital importance if you desire to live a long , healthy, vibrant life with a sharp agile mind. Herbs are just one way that can optimize blood circulation to the system and brain very effectively.

Poor circulation can easily be experienced through vague often overlooked symptoms that are quickly dismissed by us believing they have no value. But we can all be brought back to mindfulness when listening to our bodies. Never ever dismiss a signal from your system.. This is its way of communicating to you about something being not quite right. Obviously we are not talking about negative attention and seeking out aches and pains but a mindful presence to hearing the body when it calls to you for attention. Often this is the first signal that something is lacking or not quite in balance. Too often we ignore this and suffer more serious issues later.

We would like to draw your attention to this fact to assist you in optimizing your health before any serious conditions are experienced. Dr Hulda Clark is famous for ” Prevention is better than cure.” In this article we will share with you the best herbs to make use of to improve and optimize your vascular health and oxygen intake to the system and brain.

Our Blood delivers many active ingredients throughout our bodies to keep it healthy, vibrant and alive, including white blood cells, nutrients, oxygen and hormones. Although the heart only weighs in at 2% of our entire body mass, it uses up 50 % of our bodies glucose and 20 % of all your oxygen.

Your system will quite easily indicate to you if poor circulation is present by the following indicators… This is by no means a complete list but a extract of a few prominent ones:
Dizziness
Muscle Cramps
Pain in limbs
Cold hands and feet
Tingling sensations
Frequent headaches
Poor memory and poor cognitive response
Anxiety
Depression

As we age the blood vessels may start to clog up, narrow or become weaker. Using herbs could improve the longevity of the blood vessel walls and support improved cognitive response, blood circulation and health. Using herbs to boost our system in this ways is far better than chemical applications that could have serious side effects.

Applications of herbs can be done in a myriad of ways, not restricting ourselves to the traditional applications. We can use Tinctures which are mother extract of the herbs using ethanol pure alcohol, teas from raw herbs, tinctures in poultices or compressors, teas from tinctures, tincture and raw herbs directly onto the skin and in culinary ways we have long forgotten. Herb uses have through the ages been very limited to specific applications, this is rather sad as we can broaden this horizon quite dramatically.

So what herbs can we use in their raw form or Tincture form to improve our blood flow

Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest living species of trees on earth and is a well known popular herb used for a wide range of health issues including brain health, memory, antioxidant and concentration. The most interesting aspect of this living fossil tree is that it has been exposed to 3 mass extinctions and is still surviving. The latest one being Hiroshima Bombing where the trees within a few weeks started to bud.  There is a huge body of research that indicates it has the ability to protect against radiation having survived several tests of being subjected to nuclear blasts. Due to its longevity qualities it is widely indicated that it may slow down the aging process within the mitochondria of cells by reducing oxidative stress.

Several studies confirm Ginkgo Biloba is able to improve the blood flow to the brain and in so doing support memory, cognitive function and overall health of the brain. A particular study conducted in 2011 investigated 60 mg extract given twice per day delivering a 15% increase in blood flow to white brain matter and a 13% increase of blood flow to grey brain matter of the brain. Through its ability to improve blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels and making platelets less sticky, this herb has shown remarkable results in dealing with dementia issues.

Please bear in mind that this herbs is not to be consumed  by anyone already on any form of blood thinners.

Why is Cayenne Pepper so powerful and why do we not know enough about it?

If there is one herb that is to be mastered in life it is Cayenne Pepper, as it is the most powerful herb of all. There is no other herb that increases the blood flow faster, effects faster physiological and metabolic changes in the body than Cayenne Pepper. The reason it, “moves blood”.
It turns the circulation on in seconds and blasts through blockages in sick areas of the body. Cayenne contains flavonoids that will heal heart cells as well as protect the heart. It also contains vitamins that will destroy bacteria and improve the immune system.

Cayenne is a chilli species native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Its characteristic fiery heat comes from the capsaicin content, the chemical compound found in the fruity body of pepper plants. The Capsaicin boosts the part of the body that regulates body temperature, which stimulates proper flow to the hands and feet and improves general circulation within the organs of the body. With its cardiovascular and circulation benefits, it also reduces blood cholesterol and platelet aggregation.
As a digestive aid, Cayenne increases the secretion of saliva, which contains enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, and digestive juices, which contain acids and enzymes that further break down food particles. Capsaicin is thought to be very helpful in healing digestive ulcers and stimulates the secretion of mucous in the digestive tract, which coats the intestinal walls. This mucous coating covers existing ulcers and helps to prevent further tissue damage.

Dr Hulda Clark recommended use of Cayenne Pepper to support the body’s natural defences with natural compounds that discourage the proliferation of foreign organisms known to occupy the human body, bringing about balance between body and micro organisms.
It is always suggested that to start using Cayenne Pepper one should start slowly and then bring up the tolerance levels.

Scientist at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles research states:  “The tests showed the potential of repressing the growth of the cancer cells in humans. “Capsaicin has a profound anti-proliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells in culture”
Cayenne Pepper is truly a remarkable herb that has not been given sufficient exposure.

Brazilian Ginseng is associated with many health benefits including boosting the immune system, regulating blood sugar, increased energy and improved brain function. We have included this in the herbs to use as a powerful all rounder.

The common name Para Todo means “for everything” which indicates just how much benefit Suma Root has for your health. It has become the popular tonic that is used to boost the immune system, fight depression, fatigue, Epstein-Barr Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lyme’s Disease.
Suma as a tonic normalizes bodily functions during stressful situations, helping the body to adapt and return to a sense of well-being. As a flu tonic it assists in fast recovery as well as boosting energy and stamina.
Called “The Russian Secret” due to Russian Olympic athletes use, Suma is used to build muscles, improve endurance-enhanced performance without the side effects of normal steroids.

In the treatment of The Immune System that has been weakened including Aids, it boosts the Immune and fortifies the body ability to fight back. Because of these fortifying abilities it is often used as a tonic for menopause, hot flushes, PMS symptoms and emotional swings.
Suma is also an excellent nerve tonic, boosting and feeding the nervous system.

Ginger is known as a vascodilator by opening up blood vessels to allow better blood flow to pass through the vessels. It also has a magnificent anti-viral capability and is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties against colds/flu, joint problems and boosting the immune system whilst promoting healthy circulation.

Caution: DO NOT use ginger if you are currently on any blood thinners

The Herbal value of Green tea is impressive in its ability to improve cell health of the capillaries and protect against coronary artery narrowing.

• Expand your heart artery and improve blood flow
• Reduce heart attack incidence
• Reverse organ damage from heart attack and stroke
• Keep arteries clear and prevent the buildup of harmful plague
• Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels
• Reduce the risk of abdominal artery exploding

Green tea is known to set off an alert calm. While it does contain caffeine, green tea also contains an amino acid called L-Theanine, which produces a calming effect. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine can optimize brain function to enhance the working memory of the brain, cognitive performance, and elevate mood. Green tea’s ability to counter oxidative stress also makes it a potent protector against neodegenerative diseases

Astragalus has many health benefits, especially its potential to slow down the aging process being an adaptogen. It assists the body to adapt and reduce stress and fatigue and protects the body against all stress factors. Astragalus has the ability to activate the telomeres enzyme and thus slows down the aging process and protects the mitochondria from damage. Another part of the adaptogen process that Astragalus assists with is to reduce the effects of stress by balancing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. 
Heart Health is vastly improved with this herb due to its ability to support artery health and the immune system. It breaks down arterial plague made up of fats, cholesterol and calcium. A further positive action is it helps build and preserve our blood cells, thus encouraging a healthy cycle of cell growth. By doing this it assists the health of the Kidneys and Liver.

Our Immune Health is dependent on our kidneys that filter over 189 litres of liquid per day. They filter excess water from the blood and keep our body’s minerals and salts in balance. So keeping your kidneys operating at optimal level is very important.

Just like the Kidneys, our liver also plays a major part of our immune system. The liver detoxifies the blood and can digest old cells and cellular debris. Astragalus assists in immune-boosting-detoxifying and protecting the Liver.
A powerful herb, that not only prevents discordant energies but has massive preventative ability.

Benefits:
Boosts Immune System
Has Anti-Aging Properties
Reduces effects of stress
Promotes Heart Health
Breaks down arterial plaque
Balances cholesterol levels
Normalizes Blood Sugar Levels
Support normal Kidney function
Detoxes and protects the liver
Encourages Healthy Cell cycles

Ashwagandha is an amazing herbal supplement used for hundreds of years with very impressive benefits.
Used for:
Thyroid Issues
Lowers and maintains blood sugar levels
Reduces Body Fat
Reduces stress and cortisol
Increases mental and brain functions
Increases endurance
Counter acts depression and anxiety

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps assist the body adapt to stress. To be classified as an adaptogen, it must have balancing properties and work multi-leveled. So it works to balance blood sugar levels in people with elevated blood sugar and raises it in people who suffer from hypoglycemia. It has the added ability to assist hypothyroid as well as hyper thyroid sufferers.

It is also well known to reduce stress especially cortisol- an extremely harmful by-product of stress. In high stress the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol which leads to high blood sugar levels, chronic hunger and thus weight gain. High cortisol levels also inhibit the body’s immune response.
Ashwagandha is a powerful weapon against Cancer, fighting existing Cancer cells, but also inhibiting new Cancer cell growth. It is known that this herb increases white blood cell functions thus boosting the immune system. It has a very unique ability to stop the growth of blood vessels around Cancer cells and tumours and in so doing starving them of their nutrients. This herb can be used alongside Traditional Chemo Therapy.
It helps balance hormones including the thyroid hormone. It boosts brain function and decreases anxiety and depression by not only reducing cortisol but regulating serotonin- known as the “Happy” chemical. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that will protect the brain from degeneration, protect neurons and improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Ashwaganhda is well known to remove beta-amloid(Brain Plaque)
As a booster for hormones in men this herb can be used to increase sperm count, mobility and testosterone levels. Because of its ability to boost brain activity it increases and boosts endurance by reducing pain and inflammation, lowers stress hormone, balances the adrenals and overall energy levels.
Regarded as safe in most cases but if breast feeding or pregnant check with your physician first.
 
Enjoy better balance, stress reduction, balanced hormones, cancer prevention, weight loss and energy boosts all from this powerful little herb.

Black Pepper is known for its active ingredients piperine which calms the nervous system, reduces fevers, and relieves pain. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-oxidizing. It stimulates circulation and brings blood to the skin surface.
Uses:
Digestion Issues
Treats Coughs
Breathing Issues
Heart Problems      
Improve Intestinal Health
Improves Vitality  
 
Black Pepper has a extremely high value as a gastric stimulant to digest difficult foods.  It’s hot and stimulating character makes it useful for a variety of cold and flu symptoms as well as fevers with chills or for mucus congestion. It is most useful for coughs with thick mucus but not suited for dry coughs with very little mucus.
Black Pepper quickens the circulation increasing the blood vessels size and is helpful for those who suffer from cold extremities or arthritic pain.
But the most powerful of all is Black Peppers ability to increase bioavailability of herbs and foods. By Adding Black Pepper it means the qualities have been potentiated (strengthened and made stronger). Most commonly known in the potentiating factor is Turmeric. Through this process it can also dramatically increase the absorption process. This process is called “Activator”.

Turmeric

• Builds Immune System
• Antioxidant Properties
• Reduces Heart Diseases
• Reduces Alzheimer’s
• Cancer Fighter
• Pain Control
• Maintaining Healthy Digestion
• Keeping cholesterol in check
• Purifies the blood
• Improves circulation
• Flushes out toxins
• Turmeric should be taken in combination with Black Pepper which assists the body in better absorbing the Turmeric properties.

 Golden Drink Immune Booster

• ½ Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Raw Honey
• 1 Teaspoon Black Cumin Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Super Food Latte- An anti-inflammatory healing cuppa.

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric ( grated or powder)
• ½ teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
• 2-3 peppercorns
• 2 cups of milk

Honey to taste

Artichoke Tincture
 
Artichoke is an amazing nutrient powerhouse of health benefits.
Uses:
Digestive Support
Cholesterol Control
Brain and Cognitive benefits
Liver Health
Cancer Prevention
Blood Pressure Control
Bone Health
Metabolic Support
Protection against free radicals

As an Antioxidant, Artichoke has no match containing huge amounts to support Immune boosting and protection against Cancer and Heart disease. The antioxidants are able to induce cell death within the body and thus prevent the proliferation of cells which leads to many forms of Cancers. They assist in interfering with estrogen receptors and blunt the release of PSA which assists in the prevention of prostate cancer in men.

The potassium levels in Artichoke help to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes within the body. This in turn helps prevent hypertension or high blood pressure. Adding to this benefit it has the ability to reduce water retention with its mild diuretic effects.

The compound cynarin found in Artichoke assists in a very gentle remedy for indigestion and upset stomach as it increases the production of bile, helping to speed up the movement of food and waste through the colon and by doing so reduces the feelings of bloating and gas.
As a cholesterol buster Artichoke is a natural remedy that should be tried before taking prescription drugs. It is side-effect free and reduces cholesterol very effectively.

Vit K offers protection against neuronal damage and degeneration thereby protecting against Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This in turn also increases the brain and cognitive system. Vit K is a powerful preventative against vascular calcification but also supports the formation of bones and ongoing bone health.
Vit C has immune boosting properties and is directly involved in the production of collagen. Collagen is essential for healthy skin, bones and connective tissue. Adding to this Artichokes magnesium and potassium content greatly assisting in the crucial building blocks of many other tissues.
Truly a remarkable herb that is grossly under used in the health regime of many

L-Cysteine, even though not an herb but belonging to the amino acid family, is a powerful antioxidant that increases brain blood flow and oxygen delivery to combat oxidative stress and cell death. L-Cysteine performs exceptionally well as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory within the entire body.

To assist you in making good use of the right herbs for your condition or just wanting guidance on your health; we are giving a 10 % Discount on all assessments, Q&A or short consults.

Please contact the Office to make your appointment.