The following information is taken from results of documented studies. While the many specific sources aren't listed here, we'll be pleased to provide that information on request.

Note that several herbs may be shown under a condition. As with medications, a particular herb may work better for one individual than another one would. We suggest that one be tried, and if the results aren't as good as hoped for, then another one.

As ever, if you're pregnant or taking prescribed medications, we stress that a personal physician be consulted before taking herbs, any other kind of dietary supplement, over the counter medications, or other prescription drugs.  

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE:  Turmeric- Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid protein ``plaques'' within the brain. In studies in rats, the curcumin in Turmeric ``not only reduces the amyloid, but also reduces the (brain's) response to the amyloid". Conductors of study remark that Rosemary and Ginger have similar properties and need to be examined as well for their effects on the condition.

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR: Gymnema sylvestre- An herb from India which has shown to help regulate blood sugar; seems to boost insulin production; Kudzu Root- Helps normalize blood sugar (& blood pressure) and control food cravings; Fenugreek- Contains 6 compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels (& cholesterol).
ALSO HELPFUL: garlic; onion; beans; turmeric

HIGH CHOLESTEROL:  Turmeric- is capable of attaining better results than cholesterol drugs, and without their side effects; Fenugreek- Its cholesterol-lowering activity has been demonstrated in studies; Ginger- Many studies show it helps to lower cholesterol. ALSO HELPFUL: flaxseed meal; cinnamon powder; garlic; carrots; avocado; beans; fiber; celery

INSOMNIA: Kava Kava- Tests have shown it to be as effective as some prescription sleep aids; Catnip- It has a calming effect on humans; a natural sleep enhancer without side effects; Valerian- Long used for insomnia; works well for most people;  Lemon Balm (Melissa) Has both sedative & stomach-soothing actions; Chamomile- Calming; conducive to sleep

LIVER FUNCTION: Milk Thistle- Protects liver against damage from alcohol, hepatitis, toxins and can even regenerate liver cells already damaged; Dandelion- supports and enhances liver function; Turmeric- Contains several compounds that both cleanse and protect the liver. *LIVER CLEANSING HERBS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME OF DAY AS PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

HERPES VIRUS (genital herpes, cold sores, shingles): Lemon Balm- (Melissa) Has both antiviral and anti-herpes properties. Contains polyphenols which can prevent viruses from attaching to cells. Use orally and apply topically [avoid use on sensitive genital tissues] ; Echinacea- Has antiviral and immune-stimulating properties. Take orally immediately on noticing symptoms. ESSENTIAL OILS (Dilute in a carrier oil & apply directly): Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree. [Never ingest essential oils]

LUNGS- ( ASTHMA; BRONCHITIS; EMPHYSEMA):  Mullein- expectorant; antispasmodic; Eucalyptus-  expectorant; Stinging Nettle- A potent antihistamine; to help treat respiratory symptoms of allergy; hayfever; shown to reduce allergic response; Ginkgo Biloba- Interferes with a body chemical (platelet-activating factor) which plays a key role in triggering allergic response & spasms of the bronchial tubes.

MENTAL FUNCTION: Rhodiola rosea- perhaps the most impressive plant in its ability to enhance mental function; increasing focus; retention of information, etc.; Ginkgo Biloba- Shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease; assists ability to focus, concentrate; recall. Turmeric- Studies indicate that it helps prevent the formation in the brain of the plaques associated with Alzheimer's Disease. And these three herbs preserve acetylcholine, a brain chemical needed for good mental functioning: Rosemary- anti-oxidant; the "memory herb", Gotu Kola- used to maintain mental vigor, & Sage- anti-oxidant; prevention of cell damage.

MENSTRUAL : Perfect Period- our original formula; corrects menstrual problems by balancing hormones-- effective for irregular cycles; pain; excessive bleeding; PMS & symptoms of endometriosis. [see Perfect Period page for more information]  PERFECT PERIOD DOES IT ALL, but other choices could be: Chasteberry [Vitex]- long used for cycle problems; Kava Kava- Could be helpful for cramps; two pain-relieving compounds; plus it's relaxing.

MENOPAUSE: Black Cohosh- good source of plant estrogens; helps symptoms related to menopause-- it's usually the first choice in herbs; Red Clover- estrogenic, also may help prevent cancer, especially breast cancer; Alfalfa- high in estrogens (also may reduce symptoms of arthritis); Dandelion- helps prevent osteoporosis; St. John's Wort- effective for the mild to moderate depression that may accompany menopause.
TIP: Natural progesterone cream from soy and wild yam; Soy products (capsules, soy milk, soy protein, etc.) have proven to be helpful with menopausal symptoms. Avoid in presence of hypothyroidism.

OVERWEIGHT: "Crave-Less", our original formula, helps users attain impressive results when used as directed, due to twofold activites: reducing cravings through balancing blood sugar and preventing spikes and drops; also by reducing "anxiety eating", or "grazing". Chickweed- shown effective for suppression of appetite without side effects; Kudzu Root- can reduce food cravings; lowers high blood sugar as well. "Slimming"- an essential oil blend by The Well, L.L.C., a combination of eight essential oils which are known for boosting metabolism as well as their diuretic properties [to be used in therapeutic bath].
TIP: Lots of water, fruits & vegetables; little fat in diet; exercise daily; develop good habits to replace bad.

PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT:  Saw Palmetto- proven as effective as the most popular pharmaceutical for symptoms of enlarged prostate. Prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone, which causes overgrowth of prostate cells. IMPORTANT: If you're over fifty years of age, be sure to have a complete physical each year, including a prostate check. Ask your physician if a PSA test (a blood test) is appropriate for you.

PAIN: Turmeric or Ginger Root- shown to be effective anti-inflammatories; Devil's Claw- evidence supports its use for the treatment of osteoarthritis and low back pain; Burdock- used as system cleanser; for elimination of toxins contributing to joint pain; St. John's Wort- may reduce body / muscle aches associated with depresssion; fibromyalgia; Kava Kava- antispasmodic; contains two pain-relieving chemicals shown to be as effective as aspirin; Valerian- useful when muscle spasms are involved. ESSENTIAL OILS (Dilute & apply): Lavender; Peppermint; Eucalyptus; Rosemary (Never ingest essential oils) *The Well, L.L.C.’s arthritis rub, "Comfort", get lots of endorsements as a pain reliever for localized pain.

SEXUALITY, MEN: Ginkgo Biloba- increases blood flow to extremities; can assist erections; Saw Palmetto- often recommended to boost libido & to treat impotency; Ginseng- a long history as a sexual tonic; said to boost performance and sex drive; Maca Root- proven to increase sex drive and performance; Rhodiola Rosea- studies confirm positive effects on sexuality. ESSENTIAL OILS (Never ingest): Ylang-Ylang, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Cinnamon, Nutmeg; more.
NOTE! Yohimbe Bark, often recommended for sexual performance, can be very dangerous to use!

SEXUALITY, WOMEN: Damiana- we continue to receive wonderful feedback about its benefits for low libido; Fenugreek- shown to increase female sex drive; increase breast size in women; Ginseng- long used as a sexual tonic for both sexes; to increase energy & stamina; Maca Root- proven to increase sex drive and activity; Rhodiola Rosea- studies confirm positive effects on sexuality; Saw Palmetto- can enhance sex drives of both male & female; can enlarge female breasts. ESSENTIAL OILS (Never ingest): Ylang-Ylang, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Cinnamon, Clary Sage; more

SINUSITIS:  Echinacea- immune stimulant; speeds healing of bacterial, fungal & viral infections; Goldenseal- antibiotic; antibacterial; antifungal; Eucalyptus- decongestant; helps relieve congestion of the sinus cavities; Oregano- antiseptic; cleansing; Myrrh- antiseptic; may help clear stubborn cases of chronic sinus infection
TIPS: Those who use a Neti Pot [nasal wash] daily report little or no sinus problems, and using a humidifier should help keep home air moist during heating season.

SKIN PROBLEMS: Calendula- use topically & orally for fungus infections; speeds healing of wounds; acne; Burdock- Used as system cleanser; helps eliminate toxins; proven helpful for psoriasis; Gotu Kola- stimulates regeneration of skin cells; proven useful in treating eczema, wounds & other skin conditions; Oregon Grape Root- shown effective for psoriasis.  USEFUL Essential oils (dilute & apply; never ingest): Bergamot; Chamomile; Eucalyptus; Geranium; Lavender; Teatree; Lemon, Rosemary and others.

THYROID: Rhodiola rosea- studies have proven its ability to improve thyroid activity without causing hyperthyroidism; Lemon Balm- (Melissa) helps normalize thyroid hormone whether there is too much or too little of it; Vervain (Verbena)- this applies to Vervain as well; St. John's Wort- Can be helpful when depression is present (common with LOW thyroid); Kelp- contains iodine which stimulates thyroid activity

URINARY: Blueberry/Bilberry- like cranberry, it prevents bacteria from sticking to bladder walls, thereby discouraging infections; Stinging Nettle- For prevention & treatment of kidney stones; also diuretic. Some DIURETIC herbs: Celery Seed; Parsley; Dandelion Root

VISION: Blueberry (Bilberry)- used for prevention of cataracts; treatment of macular degeneration & glaucoma; Catnip- for prevention of cataracts; Eyebright- suggested for eye health; inflammatory conditions
TIP: Antioxidants, in foods or supplements, are highly suggested for eye health and prevention of cataracts. Goji Juice has been cited for vision improvement [be sure to buy only 100% goji; not the inferior products with a little of it added to inexpensive juices like apple, grape, etc]. Also, protect the eyes from direct sun.

VARICOSE VEINS: Horse Chesnut- contains aescin, which strengthens capillaries & reduces fluid leakage; Blueberry (Bilberry)- used to stimulate new capillary formation; strengthen capillaries; increase health of circulatory system; Gotu Kola- Has 3 active compounds that work together to treat circulatory problems

YEAST INFECTIONS: See "Candidiasis"