Gymnema leaf, aka sugar destroyer, has been safely used in India for blood sugar support for over 2000 years. Neem leaf, another powerful Ayurvedic herb famous for its support of healthy glucose levels, is like a 5-for-1 special in terms of benefits to human health. Its actions include liver detox, immune system and digestive support, and anti-microbial action especially beneficial for healthy skin.  Combined with Holy Basil, aka Tulsi in Ayurveda, a highly revered herb and potentiator, Glucose Guard provides you with a powerful, all-natural way to support healthy blood sugar levels.

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Translated from Sanskrit, shatavari means "one hundred lovers" due to its rejuvenating action and ability to promote fertility and vitality in both men and women.

Shatavari is a premier herb for women in Ayurveda.  It has an affinity for the reproductive system, balancing hormones in women of all ages, from menstrual to menopausal. In men, shatavari encourages the healthy production of semen and supports a healthy libido.  In Ayurveda, shatavari is believed to calm the mind and promote love and devotion.

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Herbs, From Mild to Powerful  Herbs can have a powerful effect on our bodies, tonifying and strengthening natural body functions and improving our health in ways we never thought possible.  I have used herbs all my life for a variety of purposes and have discovered that the action of herbs can range from mild and soothing such as a hot cup of chamomile tea for upset stomach to powerful and life-changing as turmeric root was for my chronic pain. 

Herbs & Prescription Meds  A healthy respect for herbs is important to ensure our physical well-being and safety.  Collectively, herbs contain a vast number of compounds, minerals, vitamins, anti-oxidants and active components.  The unique combinations of compounds and nutrients in herbs are responsible for their action.  For example, some herbs may have a sedative effect, others may thin or thicken the blood or lower blood glucose, and still others may raise or lower blood pressure.  Their effect on us can depend on our physical condition as well as the dose.  Combining herbs with prescription medications or OTC drugs may compound the effects of those medicines or reduce their effectiveness. The number of possible combinations of herbs and medications are endless and sometime it is impossible to know how they will interact. 

Safety First  The first rule of thumb when taking herbs is to check with your health care practitioner if you also take prescription medications.  I have been surprised at how receptive many physicians are to the use of herbs in conjunction with or as an alternative to prescription medications.  I told my doctor about an Ayurvedic herb that I take for hot flashes and she said, “If it works, keep taking it!”  When you do take herbs, in most cases, it is best to take them with food and water to prevent upset stomach, especially when trying a new herb.  Always start with a test dose of one capsule to check for a potential allergic reaction or unexpected effects.  If you notice any negative effects, stop taking the herb immediately.  If you are unsure whether the herb or some other factor was responsible, you may want to try another small dose at a later time, but you should never put your health and well-being at risk.  Clearly, in the rare case that you are allergic to an herb, it is not advisable to take it again.  I have used a couple dozen herbs over the years, and like most people, I have had no problems.  There’s a good chance you won’t either, but it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Internet Research  Before I try a new herb, I always research the side-effects and interactions before I take it.   Examples of websites I sometimes refer to for information are www.webmd.com and https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed.  Another site I find useful is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/.  I prefer websites that document their sources in footnotes so that I can look up the articles and verify information.

Please note that the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements.  The information provided on this website and the products offered are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

He Went Down on His Knees   His face turned red as he coughed and tried to breathe at the same time.  All conversation at the table ceased as we turned to look at him with a startled look on our faces.  "Are you ok?" I asked.  He nodded as he tried to regain his composure, but the coughing turned convulsive.  He got up from the table and stumbled out to the restaurant patio. He went down on his knees.  "Do you want me to call an ambulance?" I urgently asked, but he could not respond!.  I grabbed my cell phone and started to dial 911.  In that same instant, I heard the raspy, life-saving breath return to his wracked lungs!  The crisis had passed!  Although shaken, we were able to resume our evening with family and friends.  

You Need Steroids   "Allergies" the doctor said, "you need steroids!"  My husband, a man with the constitution of a Viking who goes for years without a simple cold or even a headache, was shocked.  But it was clear that the itchy throat and scratchy cough that he had been ignoring for months had reached epic proportions and now there was a logical explanation.  Still, he was hesitant to take something as powerful as steroids when he rarely even took aspirin.

A Flea Gun for an Elephant?  I had recently completed an herbalism course with a reknowned Ayurvedic practitioner and book author.  I recalled from my training that stinging nettles are often used effectively to support the body's response to seasonal allergies. I mentioned this natural remedy, although honestly, given the magnitude of his allergy attack, I thought this would be akin to using a flea gun to stop a charging elephant. Still, he was willing to try it. "I've got nothing to lose", he said, adding that if it didn't work, he would take the steroids.

The Power of Nettles   He began to take between 1,600-2,000 mg, or approximately two capsules, of whole dried stinging nettle at the first signs of a dry, scratchy cough. He was incredulous when this seemingly simple herb appeared to arrest the onset of an allergy attack, not once but many times. He found that even when he was out in the field, surrounded by acres of dusty, drying weeds, two capsules were enough to stop an allergy attack in its tracks and he was good for a full day.  For weeks and months he continued the regimen, both of us expecting this crazy little herb to fail, but it just wouldn't.  

Still Works Years Later   It has been six years, and still, he only takes it on as as-needed basis, usually twice a week during allergy season. The best part is that he has had no side effects from stinging nettle, no drowsiness or dryness or any other discomfort and has never required the use of steroids. He has never missed work because of allergies and never had another episode like the one in the restaurant. He is further comforted by the fact that stinging nettles is nutritious and research studies show its anti-inflammatory action may have beneficial effects on bones and joints, the urinary tract, and the prostate in men.

All Natural, No Side Effects   A natural approach to seasonal allergy distress!  Soothing, effective relief, you just can't ask for more!  http://www.tierranaturals.com/products/nettle-leaf

Turmeric root is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant food that has been used as a spice and herbal medicine for more than 4,000 years.  As a major herb in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is treasured as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, blood cleansing tonic for joints, skin, digestion, and the liver.  It is one of the most studied herbs on the planet due to its active ingredient, curcumin.  The process of inflammation has been shown to play a major role in most chronic illnesses and curcumin has proven to play a major support role in these conditions.

A report published by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists has this to say about turmeric root.  “Extensive clinical trials over the past quarter century have addressed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of this nutraceutical against numerous diseases in humans. Some promising effects have been observed in patients with various pro-inflammatory diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, uveitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, tropical pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor, oral lichen planus, gastric inflammation, vitiligo, psoriasis, acute coronary syndrome, atherosclerosis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic microangiopathy, lupus nephritis, renal conditions, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, β-thalassemia, biliary dyskinesia, Dejerine-Sottas disease, cholecystitis, and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Curcumin has also shown protection against hepatic conditions, chronic arsenic exposure, and alcohol intoxication. Dose-escalating studies have indicated the safety of curcumin at doses as high as 12 g/day over 3 months.” (1)

Another report published in The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, the authors, Bharat B. Aggarwal1 and Kuzhuvelil B. Harikumar, state the following:  “For centuries it has been known that turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, but extensive research performed within the past two decades has shown that the this activity of turmeric is due to curcumin, a diferuloylmethane. This agent has been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. The process of inflammation has been shown to play a major role in most chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. In the current review, we provide evidence for the potential role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of various pro-inflammatory chronic diseases.” (2)

Turmeric root is truly a potent herb with the potential to support human health in the most amazing ways.  http://www.tierranaturals.com/products/turmeric-root

References:

(1)  Subash C. Gupta, Sridevi Patchva, and Bharat B. Aggarwal, “Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials”, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535097/

(2)  Bharat B. Aggarwal1 and Kuzhuvelil B. Harikumar, “ Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin, the Anti-inflammatory Agent, Against Neurodegenerative, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Metabolic, Autoimmune and Neoplastic Diseases”, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/

"If I was marooned on a deserted island and could only have one herb, I would choose turmeric."  This was the statement made by my world herbalism instructor, a reknowned herbal expert, author and Ayurvedic practitioner. It is no small wonder since this true gift of nature contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant extensively researched for its anti-inflammatory action and beneficial effects on human health.  In Ayurveda, turmeric is considered a major blood cleanser, liver-detox herb, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic. It is believed to have general joint-rebuilding capability.  A powerhouse herb all the way around.

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