|
|
|
|
|
|
wounds. It is said to improve sports performance and has a following among athletes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gotu kola's only known side effect is a skin rash in sensitive individuals. The recommended dose for tea (1 tsp. dried herb infused in 1 cup boiling water) is up to 2 cups per day. Gotu kola is often combined with other herbs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guggulow or Gum Guggul (Commiphor mukul) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A tree resin widely used in Europe and its native India, guggulow helps normalize body weight and blood cholesterol levels. Research shows it to have few side effects; an estimated one percent of capsule users have an allergic reaction and should discontinue use. A mild thyroid tonic, guggulow helps balance the metabolism, reduce obesity and prevent heart attacks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus oxyacantha) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Also called the hawmay, mayblossom, mayflower, maythorn or whitethorn, the hawthorn has nearly 1,000 species in North America. Hawthorn belongs to the family rosaceae, whose members include the rose, peach, almond, apple and strawberry. Its name comes from the sharp thorns on its twiggy branches. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fruit, flowers and leaves of the hawthorn have been used to treat heart diseases for hundreds of years. Modern science has confirmed such use by demonstrating that hawthorn berries dilate blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more efficiently and lowering blood pressure. Hawthorn also improves the heart itself, acting directly on the heart muscle to help heal damage and improve the organ's operation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unlike prescription drugs prescribed for heart ailments, |
|
|
|
|
|