thenaturalyou.net - Herbal Medicine Chest

ALJ is the key product for the respiratory system. It provides nutrients that must be present for proper respiratory system function. This formula supports healthy lung function and helps support the body during seasonal changes. It also encourages the entire respiratory tract to gently cleanse itself and helps promote respiratory tissue health. It contains: boneset herb, horseradish root, mullein leaves, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds. Each of these herbs has been used traditionally as a dietary supplement. ALJ combines them in a balanced formula.

Benefits
* Supports Healthy Lung Function
* Provides Nutrients to Breathe Freely
* Relief from Seasonal Airborne Substances

About The Ingredients

Fenugreek - The seed part of fenugreek is a mucilaginous herb with affinity for the lymphatic and respiratory systems. It is an excellent herb to use for conditions involving excess mucus or phlegm such as asthma. It has bitter principles, saponins, which have a dissolving and loosening properties, which may explain why it has been used to dissolve thick or hardened mucus and aid in its expulsion from the body. It may help expel toxic waste from the lymphatic system as mucus secretions come from the lymphatic system. Mucilage is also helpful in the digestive process.

Fennel is an aromatic herb, especially useful for stimulating the digestive process. It has a long history of use in helping to overcome colic, gas and other digestive disturbances. These oils appear to stimulate the lungs to eliminate phlegm. This is known as an expectorant action. Fennel also has diuretic properties. Historically, it has been used in cases of persistent coughs and bronchitis. It is also reported to have anti-convulsive properties.

Mullein is one of the major herbs used for lung problems. It appears to have the ability to loosen mucus and move it out of the body. It also appears to nourish and strengthen the lung tissue making it useful for all respiratory problems and pulmonary diseases. Mullein has been used to help reduce swelling in the lymph nodes as well.

Boneset is an old Indian remedy. It has aromatic and bitter qualities. It is reported to be laxative, diaphoretic, and expectorant. Historically it has been used for all kinds of fevers, influenza, catarrh, constipation, night sweats, bronchitis, sore throat, and chills. It got its name from its use in cases of "bone break fever" which was a type of influenza where the bones felt like they were going to break.

Horseradish is a pungent, heating aromatic along the same lines as capsicum and ginger. In fact, the great herbalist Samuel Thomson recommended it as an alternative for these two herbs in his therapy. This class of herbs has a profound impact on digestion and circulation. They stimulate the flow of digestive secretions and cause an increase in blood flow to the extremities. The Chinese used it to aid in the digestion of fats. Horseradish also appears to have a strong stimulating effect on the respiratory membranes causing them to expel mucous. Hence it has been used historically for bronchitis, catarrh, constipation, coughs, hoarseness, pulmonary complaints, sinus troubles, wheezing and whopping cough.

For external use, Aloe Vera Gel spreads on quickly and penetrates deeply, leaving no stickiness.

Many companies manufacture aloe vera, but most products on the market have lost much of the plant’s original benefits due to overprocessing. Nature's Sunshine's Aloe Vera gel is processed in a special way to avoid the loss of essential vitamins, minerals and other constituents.

The leaf is filleted; then the green outer portion that contains aloin is removed, leaving the gel that remains in the leaf. The gel remains thick when the leaf is first cut, but after a few minutes, an enzymatic reaction causes it to become liquid and freely run out. It is this 100% pure liquid that Nature's Sunshine collects.

Aloe Vera Gel is created by adding a gelling agent, Irish moss extract, to the juice.

Black Ointment is a black salve designed for topical use. It has been used for acne, boils, splinters, insect bites, bumps on skin, glass slivers, and more. It contains chaparral herb, lobelia herb, comfrey leaf, golden seal root, plantain root, red clover herb, mullein herb, marshmallow root, chickweed herb, and myrrh gum in a base of olive oil, beeswax, pine tar and vitamin E oil.

Black Walnut is a rich source of the trace mineral chromium and is also high in iodine. Its inner bark, leaves, fruit and unripe husk are used in herbology. The tree grows widely in the western U.S. and Canada and is native to the hardwood forests of the Central Mississippi Valley and the Appalachian region of North America. It is a large tree and can sometimes reach a height of 100 feet and 4-5 feet in diameter. The earliest known reference to the walnut tells that Alexander the Great introduced it to Greece from the Middle East. In fact, in almost every part of the world, the walnut is part of local herbal nutrition.

Herbalists have traditionally used the husks as a nutritional aid for the intestinal system. It has long been considered one of America's most valuable native cathartics. It is also called an astringent because it is rich in tannin, a toning substance. It's properties also make an excellent vermicide, sudorific, antiseptic, and febrifuge.

There are benefits from the rich supply of organic iodine and tannins which contain antiseptic properties. It also has oxygenating abilities that help to burn up excess toxins and fatty materials. It aids in regulating blood sugar levels, and has been used for herpes, impetigo, athlete's foot, ringworm and counteracts hemorrhoidal bleeding in the colon.

It's excellent properties enable Black Walnut's to aid many body systems , such as:

Weakened Immune System
Weakened Skin System
Weakened Intestinal System
Weakened Glandular System

It has neither a strong taste or odor and is considered a mild enough herb to try for many disorders by those who are afraid of stronger herbs. For this reason it is very well tolerated by children.

Pet owners love to use Black Walnut as a natural worming option and it is also used in heartworm programs for a safer approach to killing them than the drugs.

Black Walnut is available in capsules with each capsule containing 500 mg Black Walnut Hulls (Green Hulls) (Juglans nigra). It's also available as a natural and pure extract of the finest Black Walnut Hulls (Juglans nigra) in a water and alcohol base.

Sources:
Health Handbook by Louise Tenney
Today's Herbs, 2/82, p.1
Nature's Sunshine Herbal Calendar

Bone/Skin Poultice

When the FDA withdrew comfrey root from the marketplace, the public needed a replacement to supply its healing benefits. Bone/Skin Poultice, a Western formulation using American, European and Chinese herbs, acts as the substitute for the famous comfrey plant.

However, Bone/Skin Poultice is more than a "fill-in" since this supplement provides all the medicinal merits of comfrey and much more.

To discover the properties of Bone/Skin Poultice requires a review of the well-known uses of comfrey. Historically, old herbalists used crushed comfrey leaves to soothe wounds and burns and improve skin complexion. In addition comfrey was used in treating gastric, duodenal and external ulcers. As a tea comfrey helped loosen respiratory congestion, and a strong concentrate of comfrey was used to help stop internal hemorrhaging. Comfrey is a soothing, mucilaginous herb.

Scientifically, comfrey's allatonin content was found to promote new cell growth and repair all kinds of tissue damage. That's why another of its names was "knit-bone."And this herb is loaded with vitamins and minerals, too.

Bone/Skin Poultice combines yarrow flowers, mullein leaf, plantain herb and Chinese rehmannia root to give additional benefits not found in comfrey alone. When you combine these four herbs together, you can see that this product may be useful to people who are suffering from pain, eczema, respiratory congestion, wounds, inflammation or any "itis" disease.

About The Ingredients

Yarrow flowers: Yarrow contains a blue volatile oil that is a powerful anti - inflammatory, so it reduces swelling, redness and speeds healing. Yarrow has a long history of use as a wound healer and as a styptic agent, which stops bleeding. Yarrow encourages regular monthly periods and may help relieve the monthly blues for women as well as relieve cramps and muscle spasms. (Yarrow flowers should be used only in small amounts by those who are pregnant.)

This plant is considered both an astringent and aromatic bitter that helps to lower high blood pressure, reduce high fevers, stop bleeding, in addition to providing a mild antibiotic and diuretic action. Many of its characteristics match those of chamomile.

Mullein leaf: An aid for pain, bleeding and infection, mullein leaf is also an anti-spasmodic (relieves cramps). This herb is famous for lung problems and is a wonderful healer, even for swollen tissues including the joints. Since this plant soothes inflammation and relieves pain, most people would expect an acrid, sour or bitter taste. However, mullein's mild taste pleasantly surprises many.

Plantain: This famous herb helps pull tissues together for healing (astringent), is antiseptic and diuretic, in addition to cooling, soothing and healing. Plantain is excellent for repairing both acute and chronic wounds and can be used internally and externally. This plant is a superior remedy for neuralgia pain and even venereal disease in its early stages. Native Americans also used plantain as an effective anti-poison remedy for treating snake bites, as well as an effective remedy for burns and bee stings.

Chinese rehmannia root: This root contains aromatic compounds that promote sweating to cleanse the body, increase blood circulation, relieve pain and inflammation and also muscle spasms. In Chinese herbalism this root has been used to treat specific conditions such as-headaches, migraines, arthritis, rheumatism, flu, inflammatory skin conditions and anemia. This plant's normalizing powers for menstruation (emmenagogue and anti -spasmodic) are similar to false unicorn.

Sources
Materia Medica and Pharmacology by David M, R. Culbreth, Ph. D., M.D.
The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal by Terry Willard, Ph.D.
Indian Herbology of North America by Alma R. Hutchens.

Recommended Use
Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily and/or mix herb powder with Golden Salve or with Black Ointment to create poultices. You can apply this mixture to any area of the body and wrap with a hot, moist rag to stimulate absorption of the herbal properties. Bedtime is a favorite time of use since you can also wrap with plastic wrap to keep the moisture from clothes and mattress.

Capsicum is added to many herbal formulas as a catalyst for the other herbs. Capsicum stimulates digestion and Influences blood flow (just watch someone’s face when they eat a food with lots of it), which makes it food for the circulatory system. It has proved efficacious in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving chronic congestion of people addicted to alcohol.

Cayenne also relieves painful muscle spasms in the shoulder, arm, and spine areas, the pain of shingles and diabetic neuropathy. It has also been sprinkled inside socks as a traditional remedy for those prone to cold feet.

Ingredients
Each capsule contains 520 mg capsicum. The capsicum used in this product contains 35,000–40,000 Scoville Heat Units.

Capsicum Liquid Herb is a natural and pure extract composed of the finest capsicum fruit with water and 15–20 percent alcohol.

Recommended Usage Take approximately 10–15 drops (0.5 ml) in water with food four times daily. One ml is equal to 2 capsules of capsicum.

Liquid Herbs are highly concentrated herbal extracts suspended in a base of 100% pure vegetable glycerin. They are also very concentrated and are one-to-one extracts. That means that there is one pound of extracted herbs in each pound of herbal liquid. Most extracts,aren't that potent. That means that only small amounts of Liquid Herbs are needed. Catnip and fennel are ideal for a Liquid Herb combination.

Catnip, Latinname Nepeta cataria, is found in all parts of the United States and in Europe. It is a common weed loved by cats (hence its popular name). The whole herb is used in herbology. It is primarily recognized as a nutritional aid for the digestive and nervous systems.

Catnip was used by Indians to nutritionally calm the digestive system, especially in children. It is also known to help relieve flatulence and relax the intestinal tract. In addition, it assists in improving circulation and in eliminating mucus from the body.

This herb has been known to nutritionally support the nervous system through its rich content of nutritional volatile constituents. It is an aromatic that appears to assist the nervous system by way of its influence upon the digestive system (where many feel the seat of emotions resides).

Catnip is high in vitamins A, C and B-complex and contains magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium and a trace of sulphur.

Fennel, Latin name Foeniculum vulgare, a perennial herb found throughout the world, is native to the Mediterranean area and has been cultivated since ancient times. Its use spread from the Mediterranean regions with the expansion of civilization. It is best known as a cooking spice.

The fennel fruit is the part prized by herbalists and cooks alike. Since the fruit is rather small, it is usually referred to as a seed. Some groups of Indians were known to chew the seeds to assist in digestion. The seeds are used by herbalists when ripened and dried.

The fennel plant is well-known by herbalists throughout the world and has been used for the same purpose as ginger, as a digestive aid. It is known as a carminative (to relieve flatulence) and is used similarly by both Western and Oriental herbalists.

Historically, fennel has been noted by herbalists as a nutritional aid for helping digestion and for cleansing the urinary and respiratory systems. The properties of fennel are due primarily to the volatile oil content. Because of its volatile oil content, fennel has been classified as an aromatic herb.

There is no known toxicity for fennel or catnip, and their use is safe with children, especially because of their mild flavor.

In addition to the nutritional benefits of catnip and fennel, combining these herbs in a glycerin base also poses health benefits. Glycerin is a natural component of all fats and oils. All fats are glycerides of fatty acids, being composed of molecules of fatty acids bonded to glycerin. In our bodies, fats are broken down through the digestion process into their component parts-fatty acids and glycerin. Being a natural product of digestion, glycerin has normal metabolic pathways, which makes it ideal for use with small children. It can be recombined with fatty acids to form the various oils and fats the body needs; it can be converted into sugars and burned for fuel, or it can be stored for later use. Additionally, Liquid Herbs are more easily assimilated than dry herbs in capsules. Hence, they are more valuable for persons with weak digestion and they enter the system more quickly.

References:
Francis, Terry Tucker. "Sweet Fennel;' The Herbalist, November 1977, Grieve, Mrs. M. A Modern Herbal. vol. 1. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1971. Hutchens, Alma R. Indian Herbology of North America. Ontario, Canada: Merco, 1969-1983. Keith, Velma J. & Monteen Gordon. The How To Herb Book. Pleassion of civilization. It is best known as a sweet cooking spice. ant Grove, UT. Mayfield Publishing, 1984. Leung, Albert Y. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1980
Pedersen, Mark. Nutritional Herbology. Bountiful, UT: Pedersen Publishing,1987.
Shook, Edward E. Advanced Treatise in Herbology. Beaumont, California: Trinity Center Press, 1978.
Tenney, Louise. Today's Herbal Health. 2nd ed. Provo, UT. Woodland Books, 1983.
Tyler, Varro E. The Honest Herbal. Philadelphia: George F. Stickley Company.

Chamomile may be best known as a popular late-night herbal tea since it helps people to fall asleep more easily. It is considered one of the safest medicinal herbs, known as a soothing, gentle relaxant, it's been used for a variety of complaints from stress to menstrual cramps.

In North America and central Europe, products made from the German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are most widely available. The properties you want come from the daisylike flowers which contain volatile oils as well as flavonoids and coumarin. Contemporary herbalists recommend chamomile for its ability to soothe the nerves and promote more restful sleep. It also supports skin health.

Studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. Never stop taking prescription medications without consulting a doctor.

Chamomile's anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic actions help to relax smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine, so it is sometimes used for heartburn, flatulence and nausea. This action is also why many women prefer it to ease the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

Because chamomile is available in so many forms, it's important to read the labels to be sure you are getting the correct part of the plant, the flower, for active properties. The effects of chamomile are cumulative, so taking it regularly provides the best benefits.

Cautions
If you suffer from allergies to plants of the Compositae family (a large group including such flowers as daisies, ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums), you may wish to be cautious about using chamomile at first. While there have been isolated reports of allergic reactions, causing skin rashes and bronchial constriction, most people can use this herb with no problem.

Ingredients
Each capsule provides Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria recutita) 250 mg

Charcoal has been used for at least 2,000 years and is well-known for its absorptive ability. It is often used to support the body’s cleansing and detoxification mechanisms as it helps remove toxins in the digestive tract. It may also help the body’s efforts to expel intestinal gas.

In many hospital emergency rooms, activated charcoal (AC) is the treatment of choice for poisonings. AC is not the same type of charcoal used in grills. When ingested, AC absorbs or binds to the toxic substance. It works its way through the gastro-intestinal tract until both the AC and the toxins are eliminated with a bowel movement.

More than 90% of poisoning exposures occur in the home. The most important thing a parent can do is be prepared. Poison-proof your house and keep emergency phone numbers next to your phone. Your medicine cabinet should contain activated charcoal and ipecac syrup. Don't give anything unless instructed by a medical professional since diffeent poisoning require different treatments.

Recommended Directions:
Take 4–8 capsules with water at least two hours after or one hour before eating a meal or taking medication.

Members of the echinacea genus contain polysaccharides, fatty acids and glycosides that promote the optimal function of the immune system. Echinacea supports the normal body function of clearing toxins and promoting resistance. This product combines the qualities of Echinacea purpurea herb and root and Echinacea angustifolia root.

Golden Seal root (Hydrastis canadensis) contains powerful alkaloids like berberine and hydrastine that help the body maintain strong immunity. It has become one of the most popular herbs in America today. Golden Seal’s constituents also benefit the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and glandular systems.

Garlic

Garlic is a member of the family that includes onions, leeks and shallots. An old Welsh saying goes, “Eat leeks in March and wild garlic in May, and all the year after physicians may play.”

Olympic athletes in ancient Greece chewed a clove at the start of a competition, believing it increased their stamina. Garlic's strong odor is due mostly to a sulfide called allicin which contains the active properties that are sought after by people who take garlic. This prized herb possesses antibiotic, antibacterial and other activity.

Garlic has been studied not only in Europe, but in American medical schools as well, and is shown to reduce blood lipids (cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood.

Ingredients
Each capsule contains Garlic Bulb (Allium sativum)550 mg

Recommended Usage
Take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily.

Golden Salve is a soothing ointment for healing which contains extracts of comfrey leaf, golden seal root, yarrow flower, white oak bark, black walnut hulls, marshmallow root, lobelia herb, scullcap herb, myrrh gum, mullein herb, wheat germ and chickweed herb in a base of olive oil, beeswax, vitamin E and eucalyptus oil.

We know this herb for its wide use as a candy flavoring, but its value goes far beyond that. The dietary use of licorice goes back several thousand years. Licorice root has been used by traditional herbalists as a general tonic and for respiratory support. It also supports the liver.

Licorice is included in most Chinese herb combinations to balance the other herbs and to promote vitality. It has a reputation for helping the entire body maintain balance (particularly helpful to women who menstruate) and promoting well-being.

Licorice contains triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, magnesium, silicon, sodium and other beneficial constituents.

Historical Uses of Licorice Root
Adrenal Exhaustion
Circulation
Caffeine Withdrawal
Endurance
Energy
Tonic
Mood Swings
Addison's Disease
Depression
Poor Concentration
Hypoglycemia
Hyperactivity
Mental Alertness
Brain Fog
ADD
ADHD
Chronic Fatigue

Adrenal Support
"The adrenal glands often suffer from dietaryand social abuses. They are constantly whipsawed by junk food, coffee, alcohol,overwork, insomnia, lack of exercise, anger, and anxiety. This is what is knownas 'adrenal exhaustion'. The most evident signs are fatigue, irritability, muscle weakness, inability to concentrate, indigestion, poor food assimilation, and periodic bouts of depression. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, manifests just about all of these symptoms, as does Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Unless the adrenals are looked after, conditionscan worsen and lead to serious illness such as Addison's Disease,which is life-threatening. Besides the more obvious changes (diet) there is also herbal help. LicoriceRoot is to the adrenals what a nice soakingin a tub of hot water followed up with a hand Swedish massageis to tired, aching muscles and joints. Licorice quickly tonesthe adrenals by relaxing and strengthening them to continue pumpingout adrenalin but in more measured amounts.

Of the 150-plus chemical compounds in this medicinal root, glycyrrhizin ( or glycyrrhizinic acid) is the most active principle. Glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sucrose."     Source: Healing Power Of Herbs, Dr. John Heinerman

"An herb that feeds the adrenal glands and helps the body adapt is called an "adaptogen." Adaptogen herbs offer the materials needed to make the hormones and secretions so crucial to balance. Licorice Root is a long-favored adaptogen herb for building strength. Licorice's nature and properties so closely match the needs of the gland's hormone composition that hormones are then produced by the body quickly and with little effort."     Source: Herbal Health Newsletter,Vol. 6. No. 2

"Licorice contains glycyrrhizinic acid, starch and sugars in this herb contribute toward the strength and energy of the body and helps to build up the entire system. Experiments have shown that Licorice has cortisone-like properties. It has been found to have a very beneficial and nourishing effect on the adrenal glands if some portion of the gland is healthy. Addison's disease, which decreases adrenal cortex secretions, has been treated with success with licorice extracts. Licorice is known to stimulate the production of the cortin hormone which is useful when the body is under mental and emotional stress and helps with the coping process."      Source: Today's Herbs, Vol.XII Number 10

"Rapidly failing blood sugar level can affect both the mind an the body. The brain, which uses glucose as fuel. may be affccted. The lack of sugar delivered to the brain and to the body provides one mechanism whereby low blood sugar causes symptoms. But there is another mechanism. When the sugar level falls, the body can quickly compensate, raising it again by pouring out adrenalin from the adrenal glands. The response is seen in a sudden fright or in a typical anxiety reaction. Think of the phrase: "My adrenalin was flowing" and you'll know what it means.

Adrenalin is a very rapid acting hormone that can change the physiology of the body in less than a minute. In fact, the reaction is so fast that commonly during a glucose tolerance test, the doctor does not even have time to collect a blood specimen before the blood sugar has shot up much higher than it was just a moment earlier, before the adrenaline release took place.

Many systems of the body can be made to malfunction suddenly in the presence of this sudden adrenalin release, and, because of this backfiring, hypoglycemia can be the triggering mechanism of a variety of conditions - sudden changes in heart rate or heart rhythm, sudden attacks of fainting or dizzy spells, sudden onset of headaches or ringing in the ears, an outpouring of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach, and even the cardiac pain called angina pcctoris." Source: Dr. Atkins Super Energy Diet

Extract: A natural and pure extract composed of the finest licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in water and alcohol. Contains 15 - 20% Alcohol

Recommended Use
Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily; ATC concentrated, take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily; liquid, take 20–25 drops with water three times daily.

When well-known herbalist Samuel Thompson was a boy, one of his favorite pranks was to get his friends to take significant amounts of Lobelia herb. Samuel would then sit back and wait for the reaction. The herb gave him many hours of entertainment. Lobelia's properties are similar to those of syrup of ipecac.

Also known as Indian tobacco and pukeweed, Lobelia has been in use for more than 100 years, not only internally, but also externally. The plant, native to North America, is both beautiful and useful. Lobelia contains a substance called lobeline, which is similar to the relaxing properties of nicotine.

In tincture form, Lobelia Essence is easily applied and quickly absorbed. It can be added to baths or external cosmetic applications*, or taken under the tongue. Lobelia Essence is often applied to the spine to promote relaxation and sleep. Itcan also be rubbed on the chest for asthma and congestion in the chest area.

Lobelia is also an herb used to quit smoking since the chemical structure lobeline is similar to nicotine in the body. Therefore, the smoker's body thinks it is getting nicotine when in fact it is not. Lobelia is also a cleansing herb, so it will be beneficial to clear some of the effects of smoking on the body.

*From Nature's Sunshine Health Sciences - "In a 2 oz. cosmetic application it is suggested to add between 15-30 drops. Regulate accordingly based on desired effect being sought. No more than 30 drops should ever be added. Please discontinue use if skin irritation were to develop."

* Strengthens Immune System
* Helps Bulid Blood
* Builds a Healthy Circulatory System
* Assists Detoxification Process

Pau D'Arco [Immune system builder] bark comes from a tree that makes its habitat predominantly in Argentina and Brazil, but which also grows in other tropical areas.

The tree grows as tall as 30 meters and is known by the name taheebo. Unlike other trees in the area, pau d'arco does not develop fungus growth. The tree bark was one of the major plants used to promote health and immunity among the Incas, and its use has continued among the Callawaya tribe in South America.

Pau d'arco contains a chemical called lapachol, which may provide nutritional support to the immune system.

The bark is stripped by hand vertically from the ground up about 6 or 7 feet, leaving enough bark intact to ensure the life of the tree. Nature's Sunshine's pau d'arco comes from Brazil. It is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, bulk for tea, liquid extract and soothing, softening lotion.

Capsules:
The bottle contains 100 capsules. Each capsule contains 500 mg Brazilian Taheebo Bark (Tabebuia heptaphylla). Five capsules equal two cups of Pau d' Arco tea. Label recommendations are to take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily.

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Even though valerian is a large attractive plant with small white or pink flowers, its fragrance is not one of its major strong suits. Both the Greek doctor Dioscorides and the Roman doctor Galen complained about the smell of valerian in their writings. The only way to describe it is a cross between the odor of rotten cheese and dirty socks. In spite of its malodorous properties, valerian was hailed throughout the Middle Ages as and "all heal" herb. Held in great esteem by practitioners of the ages, valerian has been used for numerous disorders, mostly related to the nervous system.

History and Composition
Valerian Officinalis is native to Europe, North America, and the northern part of Asia. Altogether, the genus contains about 150 different species. These are widely distributed throughout the temperate zones. Both the root and the rhizome are highly prized for their healing properties. The major healing components found in the valerian root are valepotrits, valeranic acid, valeranone, valereal. These are all volatile oils that are found only in valerian. Other volatile oils in the root such as pineole, borneol, cineole, carophilene, and azulene are also commonly found in other herbs with healing properties. All of these oils exert anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and nerve-calming effects on the body. In addition, the root contains alkaloids that are known to relieve pain and relax the body. Other ingredients found in the root include rutin, beta sitosterol, salicylic acid, and choline.1

Therapeutic Actions
Valerian can be classified in many different therapeutic categories. It is one of the best nervine herbs for its efficacy in treating disorders of the nervous system and in calming the entire body. Other categories include anodyne (pain reliever), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiemetic, carminative (tones, soothes, and stimulates the digestive and elimination systems), sedative, hypnotic, antihypertensive, and antibacterial.

Indications
The herb valerian is most effective in treating a wide range of stress conditions such as irritability, depression, fear, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, hysteria, delusions, and nervous tension. It is also indicated for patients who suffer from insomnia. Valerian not only eases the trouble of falling asleep but also improves the quality of sleep during the night.2

After taking valerian, a patient will wake up very rested and alert without the grogginess seen with some over-the-counter sleeping pills. As a pain reliever, the herb is useful for treating tension headaches, migraine headaches, arthritis, and sore muscles.

Valerian has also been found to be effective in a number of nerve disorders. The herb is useful for treating shingles, sciatica,neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. Symptoms suggestive of peripheral neuropathy such as numbness, tingling sensation, pain, and muscle weakness are effectively controlled with the use of valerian. It has also been used to treat attention deficit disorder in adults.

The herb has also found a role in treating a variety of nervous disorders in children. In one German study, an extract of valerian root was given to 120 children with a wide variety of behavioral disorders such as restlessness, sleep disorders, hyperactivity, learning disorders, bed wetting, anxiety, headache, and the habits of thumb sucking and nail biting. After three weeks of using valerian extract daily, 75 percent of the children showed marked improvement of their conditions without any toxicity or negative side effects.3

In ancient Rome, valerian was used to treat certain heart conditions. Through its positive action on the autonomic nervous system, the herb is effective in treating tachycardia by slowing down the heart at the same time gently increasing its force. It also is effective in regulating arrhythmias. Along with a stabilizing effect on the blood pressure, valerian is an anti- thrombotic that can be used to prevent the formation of blood clots.4

This stabilizing effect is also seen on the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Valerian calms the stomach while encouraging the release of digestive enzymes and reducing the pain and discomfort of ulcers. In the colon, the herb alleviates cramps, gas, and diarrhea, and has a soothing effect on the bowel with colitis. Valerian has also proved helpful in the treatment of asthma.

Unlike other sedatives and drugs, valerian has none of the side effects or dependency risk that these have. In addition there is no synergistic effect when the herb is taken with alcohol. It can also be taken safely along with other prescription drugs. Valerian is used extensively in Europe where it is accepted by orthodox medicine. It is found in many over-the- counter preparations used to treat a variety of nervous disorders. As more practitioners discover the benefits of valerian, its use will increase in the United States as well.

References
1. Pedersen, M. Nutritional Herbology. Bountiful, UT: Pedersen Publishing,1987, p. 248.
2. Leathwood, P.D., Chauffard, F. Aqueous extract of valerian improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behavior 17:65-71, 1982.
3. Klich, R, Gladbach, B. Verhaltensstoerungen im kindesalter und deren therapie. MedizinischeWelt 26(25):1252-1254, 1975.
4. Mowrey, D.B. Herbal Tonic Therapies. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1993, pp154-155

Bioflavonoids are nutritional compounds found together in nature that help protect the body from free radical damage and are reported to have numerous health benefits. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are formed when the body burns oxygen.

Bioflavonoidsare also referred to as vitamin P and are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables. Research reports over 800 different bioflavonoids. Most of these are the yellow pigments found in citrus fruit as well as other fruits and vegetables.

Some researchers believe that bioflavonoids help maintain capillaries. Capillaries are microscopic blood vessels that allow the oxygen, hormones, nutrients, and antibodies to pass from the body's bloodstream to individual cells.

If capillary walls are too fragile they allow blood to drain into the cells. The result of this is easy bruising, brain and retinal hemorrhages, bleeding gums and other abnormalities. Bioflavonoids also in recent studies have been shown to help the blood clot, this alone can be helpful for clotting disorders.

Researchers have discovered that some of the functions that vitamin C is credited with is actually from the bioflavonoids. Since they work so close together numerous reports have stated that vitamin C and many bioflavonoids need each other to produce the effects that they have on the immune system.

Foods that are high in bioflavonoids include apricots, blackberries, black currants, broccoli, cantaloupes, cherries, grapefruits, grapes, oranges and lemons.

Ingredients per 2 Tablets
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)1000 mg
Calcium (di-calcium phosphate) 180 mg
Phosphorus (di-calcium phosphate) 140 mg

Plus a Proprietary Blend (525 mg) of the following:
Grapefruit Bioflavonoid
Hesperidin (bioflavonoid)
Lemon Bioflavonoid
Orange Bioflavonoid
Rutin
Rose Hips (Rosa canina)

Herbal Medicine Chest Products
1. Activated Charcoal	10. Citrus Bioflavnoids
2. AL-J	11. Echinacea/Golden Seal
3. Aloe Vera Gel	12. Garlic
4. Black Ointment	13. Golden Salve
5. Black Walnut	14. Licorice
6. Bone/Skin Poultice	15. Lobelia
7. Capsicum	16. Valerian
8. Catnip & Fennel	17. Pau D` Arco
9. Chamomile

The numbers after each health concern relate to the numbered list of items in the Herbal Medicine Chest list above. It is not necessary to use ALL of the numbers, since the numbers represent OPTIONS you have in choosing an herbal remedy. You may want to alternate with more than one item if you have it to get a more balanced and effective approach to the problem.

Herbal Medicine Chest Products