Cinnamon
Benefits:  
  • Cinnamon may play a role in improving glucose and insulin metabolism, particularly because bioactive compounds extracted from cinnamon may potentiate insulin activity. It is thus used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (although it does not replace allopathic treatment for this condition).
  • Cinnamon is commonly used to treat systemic candidiasis.
  • Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant.
  • Cinnamon has an effect on sluggish digestion and circulation and assists in treating these conditions.
Precautions:   
  • Safety of therapeutic doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been established.
  • Caution should be observed when using high doses over the long term in patients on anti-coagulant treatment, or patients taking cytochrome P450 metabolized agents.
 

Elderberry
Benefits:   
  • Elderberry assists with the treatment of colds, flu catarrh and hay fever.
  • Elderberry contains anthocyanin antioxidants, which have been shown to enhance the immune system by boosting the body’s production of cytokines. Cytokines are protein molecules that help regulate immune system’s response in cases of infection.
  • Elderberry also helps to eliminate toxins through its diaphoretic properties, which increases sweating and detoxification.
  • Elderberry extract has been shown to have antiviral effects on certain strains of the flu virus, which could help reduce the severity of flu symptoms.
 

Garlic
Benefits:   
  • For centuries garlic has been used as an invaluable supplement for its many beneficial properties.
  • Each capsule contains concentrated garlic oil from fresh garlic cloves.
  • Garlic is well-known for its antimicrobial properties, supporting the immune system in fighting bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
  • Garlic is also known to have antioxidant benefits, helping to protect our body cells and tissues against free radical damage.
  • Garlic is known to support the cardiovascular system and has been shown to assist in reducing high cholesterol and mild hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Garlic supports healthy blood circulation and has mild blood thinning or anti-thrombotic properties.
  • Garlic is often recommended as a preventative measure for age-related atherosclerosis and vascular changes.
Precautions:   
  • Avoid concentrated doses during breastfeeding.
  • Avoid high doses with the use of anticoagulant (blood thinning) medicines.

 

Ginseng
Benefits:   
  • Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a herb native to China and Korea. The Latin name Panax gingseng is derived from the Greek words pan (all) and akos (cure).
  • Ginseng is a traditional tonic, used for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility or declining capacity for work and concentration.
  • Ginseng is also traditionally recommended during convalescence and to help boost energy levels during times of exhaustion.
  • Vitamin E, added to the Ginseng, is a naturally occurring antioxidant which helps maintain healthy cells. Vitamin E protects vitamin A and unsaturated fatty acids against oxidation in the body.
Precautions:   
Dosages of herbal remedies should be adapted for children under the age of 12. Consult your herbalist or contact our head office.
 

Ginkgo biloba
Benefits:   
  • Ginkgo is the world’s most ancient tree, originating two hundred million years ago.
  • Ginkgo biloba is known to help optimise blood circulation and is therefore often used to assist in the treatment of circulatory problems in the elderly.
  • Gingko biloba is a herbal remedy which aids in the treatment of poor memory and concentration.
  • It is also recommended to assist in the management of altitude sickness, tinnitus and vertigo relating to poor blood circulation.
  • Ginkgo biloba has also traditionally been recommended to assist in the treatment of other ailments relating to poor blood circulation, such as cold hands & feet and impotence.
  • Precautions   
  • Should the condition not improve within 8 weeks, consult your practitioner.
  • Do not take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if on anticoagulant therapy (taking blood thinning medicines such as Wafarin and various forms of aspirin).
  • Dosages of herbal remedies should be adapted for children under the age of 12. Consult your herbalist or contact our head office.
 

Gymnema
Benefits:   
  • Gymnema is used in the treatment of hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) as it has a hypoglycaemic (blood sugar lowering) action. It has been used in Ayurveda for over 2000 years to treat “honey urine” (diabetes).
  • Gymnema reduces the perception of sweetness in the mouth, and thus helps to reduce cravings for sweet foods. It is therefore frequently used by slimmers as well as those with blood sugar disorders.
  • Gymnema also shows lipid-lowering actions, and may thus help in lowering cholesterol.
  • Gymnema can be used to assist in slimming, as it reduces sugar cravings and helps to stabilise blood sugar levels.
Precautions:   
  • Patients taking blood sugar-lowering medication should monitor their blood sugar levels closely as Gymnema may potentiate the effects of their medication
  • Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and it should thus be avoided.

 

Kelp
Benefits:
  • Kelp tablets are made from the finest Norwegian seaweed, which contains fibre, minerals such as iron, Vitamin B12, and is especially rich in Iodine.
  • Iodine is an important trace element which forms part of the thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's metabolism.
  • Kelp is a popular supplement to assist in weight loss, due to its effects on metabolic rate.
  • Kelp is also known for its diuretic properties and may be used to assist in the treatment of mild water retention.
  • It is a concentrated source of a variety of antioxidant nutrients, which may help to protect our body cells against free radical damage.
  • Precautions   
  • Contains Iodine: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Avoid in cases of a thyroid problem, unless under medical supervision.
  • Dosages of herbal remedies should be adapted for children under the age of 12. Consult your herbalist or contact our head office.
 

Milk Thistle
Benefits:   
  • Milk Thistle is a herbal remedy that protects the liver against toxins, including alcohol. It supports the liver’s function in detoxifying and cleansing the body.
  • It protects liver cells against damaging toxins such as alcohol.
  • Milk Thistle extracts have been used to treat chronic hepatitis and Amanita phylloides mushroom toxicity.
  • It is a rich source of antioxidants that offer protection to cells and tissues against damaging free radicals.
  • Milk Thistle assists with regeneration of damaged liver cells.
  • Has a mild laxative effect.
Precautions:   
  • Safety during pregnancy has not been established.

 

Red Clover Extract
Benefits:   
  • Red Clover contains estrogen-like substances called isoflavones that may assist with the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes, mood swings, irritability and anxiety.
  • Red clover contains anticoagulant constituents called coumarins.
Precautions:   
  • Those on anticoagulant drugs (e.g. Warfarin), or suffering from bleeding disorders should avoid taking Red Clover.
  • Safety for use in those at risk of oestrogen-dependant cancers has not been established. Best avoided.

 

Saw Palmetto
Benefits:  
  • Saw Palmetto is a herbal extract made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens plant, which is native to America.
  • This herbal remedy has gained great popularity due to its effectiveness in assisting the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland).
  • Saw Palmetto is also known for its diuretic and urinary antiseptic properties.
Precautions:   
  • Should the condition not improve within 4 weeks, consult your practitioner.
  • Dosages of herbal remedies should be adapted for children under the age of 12. Consult your herbalist or contact our head office.
 

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