Powerful Supplements, Odd Names

Gotu kola

Long used as a spiritual and rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic
medicine, gotu kola has been referred to as "food for the brain"
because it's said to improve mental clarity, concentration and memory.
Don't be confused by its name -- gotu kola is not related to the kola
nut, which contains caffeine and acts as a stimulant. Just the
opposite, in fact; it has a soothing and relaxing effect on the nervous
system, and has been used to alleviate sleep disorders, stress and
anxiety.

Additionally, researchers have found that it has a positive effect
on the circulatory system. It appears to improve the flow of blood
throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. And
studies indicate it's beneficial for healing wounds, and in treating
phlebitis (an inflammation of the veins), varicose veins and leg cramps.

Kava kava

Like gotu kola, kava kava (or simply, kava) has a positive effect on
the nervous system. It's been used by South Pacific islanders for
generations, both in their religious ceremonies and as a sedative and
muscle relaxant, but gained the attention of modern alternative medical
researchers because of its ability to relieve anxiety, stress,
insomnia, tension, PMS, headache, back pain and panic attacks. Perhaps
its biggest advantage, however, is that unlike many prescription drugs,
kava allows the mind to stay alert as the body relaxes. (Most users
report a sense of warmth and relaxation that increases over a span of
several hours.) It produces no known side effects and is not physically
addictive.

Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol (say "pik-NAH-ja-nol") is the registered trademark for a
natural plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine
tree. Native Americans used pine bark for hundreds of years to combat a
variety of ailments, but it wasn't until 1955 that a French researcher
investigated its properties. Today, Pycnogenol is often touted as a
miracle supplement. Extensive research has indicated its many benefits
include its ability to:

* Reduce the risk of circulatory diseases (stroke; vascular and heart diseases)

* Strengthen capillary walls

* Combat joint inflammation

* Improve elasticity and flexibility of connective tissue

* Maintain skin health

* Help the body combat environmental stress

* Attack free radicals, which may protect against some forms of cancer

* Provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease

* Decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

* Decrease symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD)

* Reduce symptoms of macular degeneration and retinopathy

* Act as an immune booster and stimulant by helping to destroy invading bacteria and viruses



Echinacea

Purple coneflower -- a tall, daisy-like plant that's popular with
gardeners because of its tolerance to cold, heat and drought -- is also
one of America's most popular herbals: echinacea. Another herbal
supplement that was first used by Native Americans to treat everything
from a sore throat to snake bites to toothaches, echinacea (pronounced
ECK-in-AY-zhuh) is considered an immune system booster, and may also
help overcome stress, fatigue or general weakness. If you take
echinacea at the beginning of cold-and-flu season it may help boost
your immunity and guard against your catching a bug. And it has an
excellent safety record: After hundreds of years of use, no toxicity or
serious side effects have been reported.

Uva ursi

Also known as bearberry, Uva ursi has a history of medicinal use
that dates back to the 2nd century. It has long been used by herbal
healers to cure urinary tract infections, and until the discovery of
sulfa drugs and antibiotics in this country, Uva ursi was the treatment
of choice for bladder infections. In fact, it is still thought to be
one of the most effective natural treatment for bladder infections.
Research has shown that it is frequently effective when taken at the
beginning of an infection, and can occasionally be effective even after
a full-blown infection has set in.

Gingko biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a perfect blend of age-old folk medicine and modern
science. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used it for
over 5000 years, and today, Western medicine recognizes its many
benefits. As one of the most widely studied herbs, Ginkgo biloba is
recognized for its positive effects on the vascular system. It keeps
red blood cells evenly dispersed, which allows oxygen to be delivered
more efficiently to body tissues, and has been shown to decrease tissue
damage during inflammation.

Perhaps its greatest claim to fame, however, is its ability to
improve blood circulation to the brain. (Proper circulation allows for
optimal brain function.) And because of its proven effectiveness in
improving circulation, it's an excellent choice to aid any number of
circulatory disorders. Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant -- it
protects cells from damage and rids the body of tissue-destroying free
radicals -- which has given it a reputation as an anti-aging herb.

As always, check with your health care professional before taking an
herbal supplement because some herbs may interact with over-the-counter
drugs and/or prescription medications.