A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O

P | R | S | T | V | W

A major player in preventative medicine, a well-known protectant and tonic for the whole system, an incredibly strong anti-carcinogenic agent. Kills troublesome micro-organisms, excellent antibiotic and anti-fungal. Excellent digestive aid, reduces gas. Improves circulation, helps prevent heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood lipids.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis)


Gingbly the best digestive and carminative herb employed today. Ginger Root is the catalyst which turns whatolon formula into the best formula available. While ginger is not a laxative per se, it increases peristalsis by toning the intestinal muscle. However, it’s greatest achievements are probably found in its ability to improve digestion and prevent nausea, gas and bloating. Ginger also assists digestion through the action of its endogenous enzymes and second by stimulating bile flow. It improves circulation, especially in the periphery. Its circulatory and digestive action improves the effectiveness of the other herbs. Ginger stimulates saliva production which can be helpful with dry coughs. Ginger exerts an anti-inflammatory action in bronchitis. It also works to cleanse the bowel and promote perspiration. Ginger is a warming herb with several effects that make it a useful herb with widespread application. It provokes a cleansing sweat, and this effect, along with its properties as an expectorant, make it an ideal herb for bronchial infections. It is very widely used in mild gastrointestinal infections. It is also used to control nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A study published in the prestigious British medical journal THE LANCET found ginger more effective than dramamine in preventing nausea associated with motion sickness. It has vasodilating properties and is widely used to increase circulation to the extremes when this is impaired.

In short, ginger is most often used when a warming agent is required, especially when its expectorant properties or its calming effect on the gastrointestinal system would be beneficial, or as an aid to increase peripheral circulation.

Ginkgo Leaves (Ginkgo biloba)

A large number of important clinical studies have been conducted in the hospitals and clinics throughout Europe with extracts of Ginkgo leaves. These studies have proven Ginkgo to be very successful in treating a wide range of maladies and disorders.

The Ginkgo leaf has been shown to have highly beneficial effects on the brain and improve a wide range of cerebral functions.

Ginkgo leaf significantly increases circulation to the brain and can be used to treat cerebrovascular insufficiency, migraine headache, vertigo, tinnitus and memory impairment. It has shown to be an effective free-radical scavenger, with particular affinity for the central nervous system, and thus it protects brain and nerve cells from destruction by free-radicals and from premature aging. It also inhibits blood-platelet aggregation, providing a strong measure of protection against stroke and coronary thrombosis. French Scientists found positive results when using Ginkgo for natural blood clotting, arterial blood flow, asthma attacks and even organ transplant rejection.

Ginkgo leaf has been shown to significantly increase the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other vital neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby enhancing cerebral functions such as learning, memory, alertness, information processing, and biofeedback with the endocrine system. This makes it an effective preventive and treatment for premature senility, dementia, brain damage, and a wide range of cognitive disorders. Ginkgo is an adaptogen herb, which helps the body deal with stressful situations.

Glucosamine HCI

Glucosamine HCI is a natural occurring amino sugar found in all tissues of the body and is an integral part of the "glue" which holds tissue cells together. Glucosamine is one of the biological chemicals that forms the major cushioning ingredients of the synovial fluids of the joints and surrounding tissues. The advantage of taking Glucosamine as a dietary supplement is that it can be grabbed by (cartilage cells) and used to build more cartilage. Perhaps even more important, there is good evidence that extra Glucosamine can convince chondrocytes to stop destroying cartilage and even rebuild it.

Reference: The Natural Way, November 1996; Let's Live February 1993

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) (Root)

Goldenseal root is considered to be one of the best tonics. Its applications are not strictly confined to glandular and nervous system support. However, goldenseal can treat liver problems and improve bile production and secretion. It will also improve genitourinary function. A unique property of goldenseal is its ability to fight bacterial infections. Some glands such as the prostate gland are subject to a higher incidence of infections that may be helped by goldenseal root. Goldenseal will improve the central nervous system and produce a mild sedative effect. Many of the more sensitive and infection-susceptible tissues of the body are protected by a mucus lining. This mucus lining helps to keep out viruses and bacteria. When the mucus lining is weak or disrupted, pathogens can more easily enter and cause infection. Goldenseal root is recognized by many herbalists and natural healers as possessing the ability to strengthen the mucus lining, making it harder for pathogens to penetrate. Two of goldenseal's more active compounds, hydrastine and berberine, have demonstrated effectiveness in treating ulcers and various bacterial and viral infections, especially those of the respiratory tract. Goldenseal also acts as a mild diuretic and laxative which cleanses the body and provides an internal environment more conducive to optimal health.

Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) (Leaves)

Gotu kola has been described as representing an entire apothecary shop, and indeed has many uses. In India, Indonesia and Europe, gotu kola has traditionally been used to promote healing of tissue, including surgical wounds, burns, tears that occur during childbirth, anal fissures and skin ulcers. The herb apparently enhances cells ability to manufacture protein and thus stimulates the growth of new tissue. Gotu kola also seems to improve blood flow through the veins in the legs. In one study, it improved such symptoms as heaviness in the lower legs, numbness, nighttime cramps, swelling and distended veins. Gotu kola is also used in ayurvedic medicine as a cure for agitation, memory loss, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy and hyperactivity.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape Seed is very similar to pine bark extract as it contains unique type of bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins, which are synergistic with Vitamin C, that is, they greatly enhance the activity of Vitamin C. In fact, some researchers believe that grape seed extract helps Vitamin C enter cells, thus strengthening the cell membranes and protecting the cells from oxidative damage. The usage of Grape Seed Extract has been indicated for:

Anti-Inflammatory : to treat common ailments such as arthritis and allergies. Many bioflavonoids inhibit the release of certain enzymes that can promote inflammation. In the case of arthritis, free radical damage may also contribute to joint pain and swelling associated with this condition.

Circulation: As we age, cells lose collagen, a protein fiber that is important for the growth and repair of cells including capillary cells. Weakened capillaries can lead to easy bruising and a tendency to develop varicose veins. By protecting against free radical assault, grape seed extract may prevent weakening of capillaries, and enhance the performance of Vitamin C, which is indirectly involved in the collagen production.

Heart Disease: Several studies have confirmed that antioxidants like grape seed extract can prevent the oxidation of blood lipids, such as low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, which can promote the formation of plaque or fatty deposits in the arteries.

Cancer Fighter : Grape Seed extract is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can attack normal cells, destroying them or causing them to mutate. Free radical damage can also lead to the kind of unfettered cell growth associated with cancer. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant in its own right, but studies suggest that it may be even more effective when combined with proanthocyanidins such as grape seed extract.

Sources: Earl Mindell's Anti-Aging Bible, 1996

Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products, 1996