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ACONITE (ACONITUM LYCOTONUM)

This perennial herb is from the ACONITUM family, which is related to the Buttercup family. Aconite is also known as Monks Hood, Blue Rocket, Friar’s Cap and Auld Wife’s Huid. In the East Indies it is called Bikh or Nabee. Aconite grows up to three feet high in the lower mountains in the Easter Hemisphere, from the Himalayas to Great Britain. Aconite has pale colored stems during its early growth, which later turns dark brown at maturity. Aconite has clusters of dark blue flowers, which can take up to 3 years to first appear. . There are at least 24 different varieties of this Aconite, all of which owe its strength to its strong alkaloids properties.

HISTORY: Aconite is believed to have originated in China. It was thought long ago that arrows tipped with the juice of Aconite could kill wolves. For this reason the Ancient Greeks called it Wolves Bane. According to ancient legends, it was a brew of Aconite that Medea prepared for Theseus. Extreme care must be observed with handling Aconite as it can be a deadly poison if handled incorrectly.

INTERNAL USE: Aconite works as a Diuretic, and helps treat aneurysms, cardiac arrest, cardiac problems, fevers, inflammations, laryngitis, neuralgia, pleurisy, pneumonia and tonsillitis.

EXTERNAL USE: A lineament of Aconite or a mix of Aconite with chloroform or belladonna liniment is useful to treat rheumatism or neuralgia.

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AGRIMONY (AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA)

Is a perennial herb from ROSACEAE family. Agrimony is also called Cockleburr, Church Steeples, or Sticklewort. Agrimony which can grow up to three feet high, has numerous yellow flowers which grow all along its stem. The stem and root of Agrimony are used medicinally. Agrimony has vitamins B, K as well as iron, coumarins, flavonoids, malic acid, polysaccharides, tannins, phytosterols, and silica.

HISTORY: Agrimony has been used for centuries by cultures in Europe and around the Mediterranean. The name Agrimony comes from ancient Greeks, which translated means, "Speck in the Eye". It was originally used for eye problems as a wash or rinse. Agrimony has also been used as a yellow dye for clothing and leather by these same cultures.

USE INTERNALLY: Use Agrimony as a tincture, tea or in a capsule form. It is used to help asthma, bladder stones, bowel problems, bronchitis, cancer, colds, coughs, cystis, diarrhea, digestion, dysmenorrhea, incontinence, liver problems, sore throat, spasms. Tea made from Agrimony smells likes it has apricots in it. Due to it’s strong medicinal properties, this herb is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

USE EXTERNALLY-Use a lotion of Agrimony externally. It can help acne, bruises, eczema, eye problems, hemorrhoids, hives, sores, sprains and ulcers. A tea of Agrimony can be used as a gargle for sore throats and mouths. Agrimony taken as a suppository can help hemorrhoids and diarrhea.

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ALANINE

• Aids in the metabolism of glucose, used for energy
• Deficiency could produce the following symptoms: a feeling of burn-out, convulsions, mental deterioration, spastic movements, hyper-muscular contractions; sweats at night - could be caused by an improper diet, and/or insufficient rest
• Glands and organs affected - thymus, hypothalamus, eyes, pineal, thyroid, brain
• Complementary Vitamins - C, A, B-3, B-Complex, B-12, B-15, B-2, PAPA Pantothenic Acid (B–5)
• Complementary Minerals - calcium, selenium magnesium, sulfur.

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ALFALFA (MEDICAGO SATIVA)

Is a perennial Herb from the Pea family. Alfalfa is also called Purple Medic, Lucerne, and Buffalo Herb. Alfalfa has small purple flowers and can grow up to three feet high. Alfalfa Sprouts are a very popular way to consume this herb, commonly in salads or sandwiches. The roots of this Alfalfa have been found to extend down up to 20 feet! Alfalfa contains vitamins A, B1, B6, E, D, K, and U. It also has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus. potassium, sodium, silicon. Alfalfa has a large quantity of chlorophyll, protein, and fiber in its body. Alfalfa contains 2-3% saponins, which help prevent formation of atheroscelerosis (the build up of plaque in the blood vessels) The leaf portions of Alfalfa also contain sterols, isoflavones, flavones and derivatives of coumin. Alfalfa has been found to cause estrogen-like effects in animals. Alfalfa contains 8 enzymes, which are believed to help with digestion and food assimilation in the body.

HISTORY: USED BY: Alfalfa was used by ancient Chinese doctors to treat people with arthritis, and problem related to the digestive system. American Indians used Alfalfa for increasing blood clotting, and to help treat jaundice.

USE INTERNALLY: Use Alfalfa internally to help allergies, arthritis, bad breath, cancer, constipation, hemorrhoids, increase heart strength and some forms of ulcers. Alfalfa is an important source of electrolytes, which give the body muscle strength. It is recommended that Alfalfa is taken during or before meals.

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ALOE VERA (ALO BARBADENSIS, AL0 VERA)

Aloe is a plant that resembles a cactus. It has long, thick triangular leaves, and has yellow-orange flowers. There are over 500 species of Aloe found around the world Aloe contains calcium, iron, lecithin, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. Aloe also contains substances, which promote the healing of new skin, and exfoliation of dead skin. Aloe acts like a chelating agent, which causes the removal of poisonous heavy metals from the body. It is recommended that for herbal ingestion of Aloetha, that it be taken in late evenings. To use it externally, it can be used at any time. Aloe has a substance called anthraquinone glycosides in its juice. Bacteria in the intestines use these glycosides to create other compounds that cause laxative actions in the intestines.

HISTORY: The Aloe plant is thought to originally come from Africa, but has been spread all over the world by man due to its great healing properties. It was used in India to treat intestinal infections. The root of the Aloe plant is used to help treat people with colic problems.

USE EXTERNALLY: Use Aloe gel from the inside of the leaves on acne, abscesses, burns, chicken pox, cuts, insect bites, irritated skin and sunburns. It has also been shown to help heal X-ray burns, and to prevent internal scarring after surgery.

USE INTERNALLY: Aloe can be used as a gel capsules, juice or in tablet form to help constipation, diabetes caused ulcers, gastritis, hyperacidity, stomach inflammation and ulcers. It is also thought to help maintain the health of the pancreas, and help heal Cobalt Radiation damage. This kind of damage occurs in people undergoing radiation therapy for some cancers. Aloe is not recommend if you’re pregnant, or have any gastrointestinal conditions. Also, do not take Aloe Capsules for more than 10 days straight. The latex of the Aloe leaf is used as a laxative ingredient, and can cause the body to become addicted to its laxative action.

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AMARANTHS (AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS)

This annual herb is from the AMARANTHACEAE family. It is also known as Love-Lies-Bleeding, Red Cockscomb and Velvet Flower. This herb is found all over the tropics, especially in the tropics of North and South America. Amaranths contain high levels of proteins, mucilage and natural sugars. The Amaranths plant lance shaped leaves with purple undersides. It has densely packed deep red flowers packed onto erect spikes.

HISTORY: In Greece, the Amaranth plant was sacred to the ancient Ephesian Artemis. Amaranths was supposed to have special healing properties. Amaranths was also a symbol of immortality, and for this reason, was used extensively to decorate images of the temples and tombs of Greece. The name Amaranths from the Greek means "unwithering", and was regarded as a sign of longevity and eternal life.

INTERNAL USE: This herb has slight astringent properties, and is also used as a diuretic, and to stop menstrual disorders and spotting.

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AMERICAN GINSENG

*see GINSENG

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ANGELICA (ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA)

Angelica is also known as the herb Masterwort. Angelica has tiny clusters of flowers, and grows very well in moist soil, up to 8 feet high! The leaves, roots and seeds of Angelica are used medicinally.

USE INTERNALLY: Use Angelica internally as a tea, tincture, or extract to treat colds, coughs, blood circulation problems, flu symptoms, headaches, insomnia, indigestion, menstrual cramps, poor blood circulation, and tension.

USE EXTERNALLY: Use Angelica externally to help problems with cold sores, lice, sore muscles and skin ulcers.

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ANISE (PIMPINELLA ANISUM)

This annual plant is from the UMBELLIFERAE family. Anise is also known as Sweet Cumin. Anise contains vitamin B, choline, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. The Anise plant has a woody root, coarse edged leaves and a round grooved stem. The Anise plant’s upper leaves are delicate and feathery, with flowers that are white to yellowish, and produces brown oval fruit, less than an eighth of an inch long.

HISTORY: Anise was originally a native to the Middle East. The Greek Physician Hippocrates recommended Anise as a treatment for people with coughs. According to ancient records, the Roman Scholar Pliny used Anise as a breath freshener. Today’s modern wedding cakes can trace their ancestry back to spicy Anise cakes that the Roman’s used after feasts.

USE INTERNALLY: The oil of Anise is used to help with halitosis, increase milk flow, indigestion, intestinal gas, and as an expectorant for people with lung congestion or whooping cough

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ARGININE

• Slows growth of tumors and cancer by enhancing immune function
• Important for muscle metabolism
• Aids in weight loss because it facilitates an increase in muscle mass and a reduction of body fat
• Causes the release of a growth hormone which is an immune system stimulant
• Promotes wound healing and is involved in the regeneration of the liver
• Promotes the detoxification of ammonia in the body
• Deficiency can cause sterility, intestinal problems, inflammation of the veins, and is also believed to be a cause of cellulite
• Foods sources - carob, chocolate, coconut, dairy products, gelatin, meat, oats, peanuts, soybeans, walnuts,white flour, wheat and wheat germ
• Glands and organs affected - hypothalamus, eyes, pineal, thymus, lymph, tonsils, appendix, peyer’spatches, skin, parathyroid
• Complementary vitamins - A, B-3, C, B Complex B-15, E
• Complementary Minerals - calcium, selenium, magnesium, sulfur

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ARNICA (ARNICA MONTANA)

Arnica is also known as Leopard’s Bane. This herb grows up to two feet high, and produces bright yellow flowers, similar to daisies. The leaves of the Arnica plant are oval shaped and hairy looking.

USE INTERNALLY: Arnica can be taken in pill form or in tablets. Arnica can help coughs, soreness and for the relief of swollen body joints. Do not use Arnica if you are pregnant. USE EXTERNALLY: Use an oil extract of Arnica to soothe irritated skin, muscle spasms, rheumatic joints, and swollen joints. Do not apply Arnica over broken skin.

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VITAMIN C, ASCORBIC ACID

RDA – 60 mg

• Antioxidant required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, healthy gums
• Aids in production of anti-stress hormones and interferon
• Protects against harmful effects of pollution
• Helps prevent cancer
• Protect against infection
• Enhance immunity
• Increases absorption of iron
• May reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure
• May prevent artherosclerosis
• Essential in formation of collagen
• Protects against blood clotting and bruising
• Promotes healing of wounds and burns

DEFICIENCY –

• Scurvy caused by deficiency-poor wound healing, soft and spongy bleeding gums, edema, extreme weakness, "pinpoint’ hemorrhages under the skin. Rare in Western societies; more common deficiency signs are bleeding gums when brushed, increased susceptibility to infection, especially colds and bronchial infections, joint pains, lack of energy, poor digestion, prolonged healing time, tendency to bruise easily, tooth loss

SOURCES –

• Berries, citrus fruits, green vegetables-asparagus, avocados, beet greens, black currants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, grapefruit, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions, oranges, papayas, green peas, sweet peppers, persimmons, pineapple, radishes, rose hips, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, tomatoes, turnip greens, watercress

HERBS –

• Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hoips, skullcap, violet leaves, yarrow, yellow dock

SOURCES –

• Dark green vegetables, lemon juice, red peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, paprika, mustard, and horseradish supplement suggestions – divide dose up over the course of the day or use delayed release formulas; build up and taper off dosage; add digestive enzymes to increase effect; mix with mineralsascorbic acid formulas are fine for general health and nutritional support

SUPPLEMENTS -

• Should be taken in divided doses each day

CAUTION –

• Aspirin and Vitamin C taken together in large doses = stomach irritation possibly leading to ulcers; do not take more than 5000 mg if pregnant because infants may develop dependency; avoid chewable supplements can cause damage to tooth enamel

MISC –

• Alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, steroids may reduce levels of vitamin C in the body; smoking can cause serious depletion of Vitamin C

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ASIAN GINSENG

*see GINSENG

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ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)

This herb is from the SOLANACEAE family. Ashwagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, or Withania. This herb is traditionally found in India and in Africa. Primarily the roots of the Ashwagandha plant are used for their medicinal purposes, but the leaves and berries can also be used. Ashwagandha is high in of substances called withanolides, which are similar to steroids. It is these withanolides that are believed to be the reason for Ashwagandha’s strong healing abilities. The withanolides are believed to directly stimulate the body’s immune system, stop inflammation, and even improve memory.

HISTORY: It is a traditional remedy for both Indian and African peoples. It is still used extensively in both countries, in general cooking and to thicken milk. Ashwagandha is known to be a good tonic for pregnant women because it lowers serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical compound that transmits pain signals throughout the body's nervous system.

INTERNAL USE: In capsule or tea form, Ashwagandha helps a wide range of problems, such as: anemia, arthritis, anxiety, bronchitis, cancer, candida, cardiac problems, dyspepsia, graying hair, headaches, high blood pressure, impotence, infertility, loss of sleep, lumbago, rheumatism, fevers, tiredness and certain kinds of tumors.

EXTERNAL USE: Use Ashwagandha as a poultice on abrasions, bruises, cuts, sores and wounds.

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ASPARAGINE

• Participates in the metabolic control of the functions of the cells in the brain and the nervous system
• Used in the treatment of the brain and nervous system
• Necessary for the metabolism of toxic ammonia in the body
• Deficiency will cause gall bladder dysfunction and liver trouble.
• Natural source – asparagus juice
• Glands and organs affected - thymus, lymph, liver
• Complementary Vitamins - A, niacin, choline, inositol
• Complementary Minerals - chromium and zinc

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ASPARTIC ACID

• Increases stamina
• Aids cell, RNA, DNA function
• Aids in the disposal of ammonia in the body
• Increases resistance to fatigue by increasing stamina
• Used as a mineral transporter

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ASTRALAGUS (ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS)

Astralagus is also known as the Chinese herb Huang Qi. It is the roots of this plant that are used as an herbal remedy.

HISTORY: This herb is a main constituent of Ancient Chinese medicine. The Astralagus herb is native to the northern areas of China. There are over 2000 different recorded types of Astralagus that are used medicinally. This herb grows up to a foot and a half high with white or yellow flowers. The roots of the Astralagus plant are harvested only after it is more than four years old. The top portion of the plant is poisonous, so it is important to ensure that only the root of the Astralagus plant are used. Due to its effects on the body, Astralagus should not be used if you have a fever, or suffer from a skin disorder.

INTERNAL USE: Astralagus can be taken as a tea or taken as a capsule. It can even be taken directly in the form of the dried root. Astralgus is used to help Alzheimer’s disease, chemotherapy effects, diarrhea, fatigue, improve immune system weakness, lower blood pressure and fight internal infections.

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VITAMIN A

Retinol or Reinoic acid

RDA-5000IU

CAN PREVENT-

• Night blindness, cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems
• Prostate cancer, leukemias, basal and squamous cell skin cancer and mouth cancer in the case of chewing tobacco users due to antioxidant activity
• Infection by strengthening epithelial tissues (skin lining in eyes, mouth, nose, throat,
• lungs, digestive tract, urinary tract)
• Heart disease due to strong antioxidant activity

ALSO-

• Enhances immune function to protect against colds, flus, sinus and respiratory infections
• Needed for healthy reproduction, hormone stability in women, blood sugar balance
• Helps body create new cells
• Keeps skin smooth and aids in wound healing

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS - dry hair and skin; dryness of conjuunctiva and cornea; poor growth; night blindness, possibly acne, insomnia, reproductive problems, suppressed immune function, weight loss, reproductive problems, keratin deposits on the skin

DEFICIENCY RISK - persons with liver disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic diarrhea, chronic infections, stress, alcohol abuse, smokers, taking cholesterol lowering medications or birth control pills

SOURCES - animal livers, fish liver oils, green/yellow fruits and vegetables-apricots, asparagus, beet greens, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, fish liver/oil, garlic, kale, mustard greens, papayas, peaches, pumpkin, red peppers, spirulina, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, turnip greens, watercress, yellow squash Herbs - alfalfa, baroage leaves, burdock root, cayenne (capsicum), chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, sage, uva ursi, violet leaves, watercress, yellow dock

SUPPLEMENTS - The body converts carotenes into Vitamin A. It is better to get Vitamin A from carotenes in fruits and vegetables because they are lower in fat and calories than animal sources. Supplement only with a doctor's supervision due to toxicity above the RDA.

OTHER - Antibiotics, laxatives and some cholesterol-lowering drugs lower absorption of Vitamin A; do not take more than 10,000 IU of Vitamin A daily if you have liver disease or are pregnant; hyperthyroidism harms Vitamin A absorption

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This information is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that Great American Products is not engaged in rendering medical advice. If expert assistance is required, the services of a competent medical professional should be sought. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.