| Dried flowering tops
Berries contain vitamins A and C
Fresh berries
Key Preparations & Their Uses
Cream made with flowering tops (see p. 295). Apply freely to chapped skin.
Infusion of flowering tops (to make', p. 290). For colds, drink I cup 3 times a day.
Tincture of flowering tops (to make. p. 291). For hay fever, take I tsp with water 3-4 limes a day.
C=S Decoction of berries (to make, p. 290). For rheumatic aches, take 100 ml 3 times a day. |
Christian Ratsch
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 Saffron also contains the vitamins riboflavin (1007/g!) and thiamine (Bhat and Broker 1953). The essential oil has a rather complex structure (Zarghami 1970): "The principal component of the essential oil is safranal, which produces the scent typical of the drug. Safranal is first produced during drying, which is why this step merits particular attention during processing" (Pahlow 1995,78*).
Effects
The psychoactive effects of saffron have been occasionally described as "spasms of laughter" and "delirium" (Vonarburg 1995, 76); "in its effects, saffron comes close to opium [cf. |
| Woodcut from Tabernaemontanus, Neu Vollkommen Krauter-Buch, 1731)
Psidium guajava Linnaeus
Guajava Treey Guava
The fruits of the guava tree are rich in vitamins. In contrast, the narcotic principle is found in the leaves. (Copperplate engraving from Meister, Der Orientalisch-Indianische Kunst- und Lustgartner [The Oriental-Indian Art and Pleasure Gardener], 1677)
281 The South American Ugni molinae Turcz. [syn. Myrtus ugni Mol., Eugenia ugni (Mol.) Hook, et Arn.] (Myrtaceae) is known in German as chilenischeguava ("Chilean guava") (Zander 1994, 556*; see chicha). |
| They are also rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C, but also thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and beta-carotene) and minerals (Mg, Fe, Ca) as well as tannins, catechol tannins, sugars (mannitol, glucose, fructose, rhamnose, galactose, xylose), flavonoids, glycosides, amino acids (phenylalanine, choline, etc.), and proteins (Krikorian and Getahun 1973). There are also reports of an essential oil (Qedan 1972).
Effects
The primary effect of khat is an increase in energy and wakefulness (Widler et al. 1994). |
Cynthia A. Foster, M.D.
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 It was as if the professors were saying that the babies were tiny machines that ran on a certain percentage of protein, fat, and carbohydrates with a few vitamins. Women have been breastfeeding since the beginning of time, and I know not all of them have had a college education to even know what carbohydrates are, and yet, they have been able to feed and raise healthy children. In contrast, modern medicine tries to control every single variable of human life, condensing them down to minute facts and details, and then tweaking the details. |
Christian Ratsch
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| Approximately 100 g of coca leaves suffice to provide the recommended daily dose of all important minerals and vitamins (Duke et al. 1975). Both fresh as well as dried leaves possess good nutritional value (305 calories per 100 g)—which is why the Indians regard coca as a food.
The essential oil of E. coca var. coca, which has a scent reminiscent of that of grass, consists of 38% a-dihydrobenzaldehyde, 16.1% ds-3-hexen-l-ol, 13.6% methyl salicylate, 10. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
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 This false message resulted in passage of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994, which created a protected new category for the estimated 20,000 vitamins, herbs, minerals, and anything else that had been sold as a supplement before October 1994.
Despite very real dangers, the FDA is allowed to halt production of a product not when the manufacturer fails to show that it is safe and effective, but only after the FDA itself proves the product to be dangerous to people's health. |
| Legislation supported by the health-food industry, passed in 1994, took away the FDA's authority to test or preap-prove dietary supplements such as herbs and vitamins.
Prior to that date, FDA reviews of safety and efficacy resulted in the elimination of many herbal ingredients in over-the-counter medications. These products are currently available, but now they lack FDA review and approval. Such review is required for all other over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, which cannot be marketed until they are standardized, proven safe and effective, and accurately labeled. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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 They may be minerals, vitamins, or enzymes. Common examples include vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
Anterior horn cells: Special neurons found within the grey matter of the spinal cord that stimulate motor movement in the body.
Aspartate: An acidic amino acid used by the brain as a neurotransmitter. At higher doses it can injure or kill neurons and is then considered an excitotoxin.
ATP: Abbreviation for adenosine triphosphate, a high-energy compound that all cells in the body use for energy. It is generated by the metabolism of food. |
| This is reminiscent of doctors' responses to claims of the beneficial effects of vitamins less than a decade ago.
The defenders of MSG safety have always relied on the weak argument that glutamate is excluded from the brain by the blood-brain barrier. But the text of the FASEB report says the opposite. In fact, they cite a recent study done by Bogdanov and Wurtman (1994) in which they measured deep brain (striate) levels of glutamate following a dose of MSG. |
Dr. Joseph M. Kadans, N.D.
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 The large variety of minerals and vitamins strengthens the blood. Apples also contain malic and tartaric acids, which help prevent disturbances of the liver and digestion in general. It has been reported that where unsweetened apple cider is used as a beverage the formation of kidney stones is unknown. The low acidity of the apples stimulates salivary flow and thus helps to remove debris from the teeth and stimulates gum tissues. Studies also indicate that eating apples daily will reduce skin diseases, arthritis, and various lung and asthma problems. |
| In fact, practically all vitamins, especially Vitamin C, are needed by the body for proper functioning of the glands and organs. Pantothenic acid, for example, may cause a marked decrease in the quantity of hormones produced.
Tensions and stresses. When the brain senses danger or where there is any unusual stress such as exercise, the glands produce hormones, cortisone and sex hormones as needed by the various parts of the body to meet the tension or stress demands. Proteins are broken down to form sugar for energy to meet the demands of the muscles or organs requiring attention. |
Jean Carper
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 Cabbage's known anticancer compounds include chlorophyll, dithiolthiones, certain flavonoids, indoles, isothiocyanates, phenols such as caffeic and ferulic acids, and vitamins E and C.
INFECTION FIGHTER?
Cabbage can destroy bacteria and viruses in test tubes. Romanian scientists searching for foods that might correct an immune system gone awry found in 1986 that cabbage boosted the immune functioning of animal cells growing in test tubes. The vegetable stimulated the production of more antibodies. |
Christian Ratsch
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| Also present are vitamins (A, B2, C, D, P, nicotinic acid), minerals (e.g., manganese), and carbohydrates (dextrin, pectin), as well as traces of essential oils, which are responsible for the aroma (the fresh leaves contain some four to five times as much essential oil as dried or fermented leaves; Aleijos 1977, 103). The greatest amounts of essential oil are found in the so-called flying tea from Darjeeling (the first harvest of the year, which is exported by air freight; cf. Vollers 1981).
Effects
Fecause of the often high amounts of caffeine it can contain (up to 4. |
Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D.
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 Magnesium, potassium, and the vitamins B6, C, and D are also important in preventing leg cramps. Add a whole B supplement or brewer's yeast tea made from licorice and tea made from ginseng powder or extract to the diet. These are said to increase natural hormones in the body, and may help with endocrine imbalance.
CALF CRAMPS Water Therapy
Many people have painful nighttime cramps. Hot whirlpool baths will relieve the problem temporarily. However, any other local heat applications or ice may bring on additional spasms. |
Lendon H. Smith, M.D.
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| I think the vitamins have gone sour. I want my money back. "The manager takes a whiff. "It smells the same as when you bought it. Here's a fresh, unopened bottle from the same company. I'll open it." Manager smells contents. "It smells just like your bottle. It is the same stuff, and it has not spoiled." The point here is that the person—not the supplements—has changed. Some of the nutrients in the pills the customer ingested became an overdose after about two or three weeks, and the nose/body connection was trying to signal the body's owner to stop taking them. |
| Capsules of amino acids are readily absorbed and will quickly team up with the appropriate vitamins and minerals to be used to duplicate the genetic code (as in cell division), to form muscles, connective tissue, metabolize hormones, form enzymes, and produce neurotransmitters. Once the machinery is operating smoothly, these amino acid supplements can be discontinued and sensible eating habits will maintain the physiology. Continued use is fine, but can be expensive. They are utilized best if taken on an empty stomach. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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| The most efficient free radical scavengers (neutralizers) are found naturally in the form of certain vitamins and minerals. Among the most important of these are vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene. The minerals selenium, zinc, and magnesium also play a part in reducing free radical damage. New, more powerful, free radical scavengers are being developed by the pharmaceutical companies. They may have a more powerful effect and be better localized in the neurons that need them than naturally occurring compounds.
3. |
| Others include vitamins K, D, A, and the minerals, magnesium, chromium, zinc, and selenium.
The Common Link
One of the age old quests of science has been to find the unifying principle that will explain all phenomena. For physics, this is represented by the unified field theory which was supposed to explain all forces in nature. Thus far, no such unifying principle has been found for biology and medicine. But we are moving closer. One of the most interesting discoveries is the central role calcium channels play in disease, injury, and aging. |
| This is why humans must eat, to provide nutrients to replace these vital substances, including vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
The number of chemical reactions taking place in the nervous system at any given time number in the hundreds of thousands. Everything that is broken down in the brain, all of the transmitters generated, every energy reaction, all of the structural proteins and lipids, and the process of inter-conversions of substances to create other substances, occurs via complex biochemical reactions. |
Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D.
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| Holistic physicians use high doses of these vitamins to clear internal infections. Vitamin C: Take 2,000 mg up to 3,000 mg (depending on bowel tolerance) spaced out during the day. Vitamin A: Fresh carrot juice contains about 18,000 IU of vitamin A per glass. Try IV2 glasses, or start with a 25,000 IU dose of tablets for a few days. During an emergency such as this, holistic physicians work upwards to 50,000 IU and higher. |
Andrew Chevallier
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 Constituents Alfalfa contains isoflavones, coumarins, alkaloids, vitamins, and porphyrins. The isoflavones and coumarins are estrogenic.
History & Folklore Pliny (ad 23-79) recorded that alfilfa was brought to Greece
Alfalfa has been cultivated for centuries for its nutritional and medicinal properties. by Darius, King of Persia (550-486 bc), during his attempt to conquer Athens. The seeds have been eaten for thousands of years. Medicinal Actions & Uses Alfalfa is perhaps more therapeutically useful as a food than a medicine. |
Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D.
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| Holistic physicians use high doses of these vitamins to clear internal infections. Vitamin C: 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg (depending on bowel tolerance) spaced out during the day. Vitamin A: Fresh carrot juice contains about 18,000 IU of vitamin A per glass. Try VA glasses, or start with a 25,000 IU dose of tablets for a few days. During an emergency such as this, holistic physicians work up to 50,000 IU and higher. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
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| It protects against cold and helps the body absorb certain vitamins. Excess dietary fat increases the risk for serious health problems. fatty acid A component of fat, whether saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. Saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels.
Feldenkrais method A therapy designed to make the body work with gravity rather than against it by correcting physical habits of movement that unduly strain muscles and joints. fiber Indigestible parts of plants, some soluble, some insoluble. In the human digestive system, fiber absorbs water and assists elimination. |
Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D.
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| Vegetable juices produce intense infusions of needed vitamins, and also flush the system. The following juices are helpful for eczema: beet, carrot, celery, cucumber, endive, spinach, and parsley. Many persons who suffer from eczema need an additional intake of vegetable oils and/or vitamin F.
The nutritional expert Dr. Alan Gaby feels that appropriate nutritional therapy eliminates the need for potentially dangerous steroid therapy in the treatment of eczema. |
| In general, proper scalp stimulation, frequent brushing, cleansing with a mild shampoo, and taking appropriate amounts of vitamins, exercise, rest, and sunshine will make the skin and hair lustrous and healthy.
If you have a chronic disease condition, you should wash your hair and scalp frequently in order to stimulate circulation and eliminate toxins from the body.
SHAMPOO FOR BODY
If you go to a spa or an old-fashioned Turkish bath you will be lathered from head to toe with soap, and a skilled practitioner will scrub your body with a large scrubbing brush. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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| And there is some evidence that vitamins E and C (powerful free radical scavengers) can slow the progress of Parkinson's disease.233 Some neurologists have even suggested the use of vitamin E for all Parkinsonism patients.234
Dexter and coworkers have demonstrated that patients dying with Parkinson's disease also have very high levels of iron within the neurons of the substantia nigra.235 It has been shown that iron within tissues acts as a powerful stimulus for the production of free radicals. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
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| But some alternative practitioners believe that huge dosages of vitamins, sometimes hundreds of supplement pills a day, can cure disease. These individuals practice megavitamin or orthomolecular therapy (the latter adds minerals and other nutrients), unproven methods considered dangerous by mainstream scientists.
In the 1950s, two psychiatrists theorized that a biochemical abnormality causes schizophrenia (it is now known that genetic defects are responsible).They administered large doses of niacin and C, creating "mega (large dose) vitamin therapy. |
| This was shown in a recent television documentary, in which a young woman with treatable breast cancer rejected surgery to remove the tumor in favor of megadoses of vitamins.
Scientific research has found no benefit to orthomolecular therapy for any disease.
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin and Mineral Intake
?RDAs are set by the FDA, based on studies by the National Academy of Sciences.
?Although some people assume these to be minimum standards, they are actually safe maximum standards.
? |
| They believe that, when it comes to vitamins and minerals, if some is good, more must be better. Typically these beliefs are not substantiated; often they are voiced by purveyors of food supplements who also promote a myriad of over-the-counter remedies for a wide range of ailments and deficiencies.
Research Evidence to Date
Research has shown that people who are nutritionally deficient benefit from supplements. It is well established that a daily vitamin can compensate for iron deficiency in menstruating women and for poor diets in the frail elderly. |
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