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Saw Palmetto as a Natural Medicine.

Editor — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:05:23 +0000

Saw palmetto extract is an extract of the fruit of Serenoa repens. It is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols. It has been used in traditional, eclectic, and alternative medicine for a variety of indications, most notably benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Medicinal Parts Used: Berries

Serenoa serrulata, also known as Sabal is part of the Palmae plant family. Saw Palmetto is a small, palm-like plant found in sand dunes along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. It is native to the Atlantic Coast of south Carolina, Georgia and Florida and southern California, USA, and grows from the Carolinas to Texas.

Saw palmetto Effects

A tissue builder as it stimulates the appetite and increases assimilation of the nutrients; it is useful for wasting conditions and for underweight problems. It helps to build strength during periods of convalescence. It is a nutritive for the sexual organs and is used in the treatment of the following conditions: inflamed and enlarged prostate, impotence, atrophy of the testes, low libido, female functional infertility, low milk production, and dysmenorrhea associated with lack of tone in the reproductive organs. With its afflnity for the sexual organs, it may also function as an aphrodisiac. It has a soothing and expectorant action on mucous membranes and is useful for colds, catarrh, bronchitis, and asthma. Other uses include: urinary imbalances, enuresis, and as a sedative to the menstrual system. The Native Americans used the crushed root for sore breasts.

Saw palmetto Treatments

In men: used to treat and relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); shrinks the prostate and releases the squeeze of the urethra, so that, urine flows normally; increases urine volume, decreases frequent urination, and more ease of urination.

In women: helps relieve painful periods and regulates the menstrual cycle; stimulates the production of prolactin, a female hormone that promotes breast enlargement. Used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections; has an aphrodisiac effect by enhancing sexual functioning and sexual desire.

Saw Palmetto is now the teatment of choice for male hair loss by interrupting hormonal signals thereby reducing the uptake by the hair follicles of a the chemical DHT (dyhydrotestosterone) which is known to convert testosterone into a chemical that can lead to hair loss.

Saw Palmetto Contraindications and Side Effects

Few side effects or allergic reactions are associated with saw palmetto extract use. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, some of which may be reduced by taking the extract with food. Use may increase the risk of bleeding or affect sex hormones, and concurrent use of other drugs with similar action should be avoided.

Beta-sitosterol, one chemical present in saw palmetto extract, is chemically similar to cholesterol. High levels of sitosterol concentrations in blood have been correlated with increased severity of heart disease in men who have previously suffered from heart attacks.

Should not be used during pregnancy because of its potential hormonal effects.

Preparation Methods & Dosage:

Look for extracts containing 320 milligrams of fruit extract and biologically active sterols. or 2 to 3 teaspoons of fresh saw palmetto berries every day. Add 10 to 20 drops of saw palmetto extract to 8 oz. organic shampoo without sulfates to help prevent hair loss.

Saw Palmetto Actions

* anabolic [strengthens and builds body tissues]
* aphrodisiac [an agent for rousing or increasing sexual desire or potency]
* diuretic [an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine]
* expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous from the respiratory passages]
* inhibits androgen and estrogen receptor activity
* sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
* tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]

Saw Palmetto as a Natural Medicine. is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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St. John’s Wort as a Natural Medicine

Editor — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:58:09 +0000

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb. A plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. St. John’s wort—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers whose medicinal uses were first recorded in ancient Greece. The name St. John’s wort apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June.

Common Names—St. John’s wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goatweed

Latin Name—Hypericum perforatum

What St. John’s Wort Is Used For

St. John’s wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.
St. John’s wort has also been used as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.
Today, St. John’s wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.

How St. John’s Wort Is Used

The flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used to prepare teas, tablets, and capsules containing concentrated extracts. Liquid extracts and topical preparations are also used.

What the Science Says

There is scientific evidence that St. John’s wort may be useful for short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression. Although some studies have reported benefits for more severe depression, others have not; for example, a large study sponsored by NCCAM found that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
NCCAM is studying the use of St. John’s wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.

St. John’s Wort Side Effects and Cautions

St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
Research has shown that St. John’s wort interacts with many medications in ways that can interfere with their intended effects. Examples of medications that can be affected include:
- Antidepressants
- Birth control pills
- Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
- Digoxin, a heart medication
- Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
- Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
- Seizure-control drugs, such as dilantin and phenobarbital
- Warfarin and related anticoagulants.
Taking St. John’s wort with certain antidepressants may lead to increased serotonin-related side effects, which may be potentially serious.
St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

St. John’s Wort as a Natural Medicine is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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Tart Cherry Juice Benefits. All about Tart Cherries.

Editor — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:54:57 +0000

Cherry Facts and Nutrition Information

Cherries are drupes, or stone fruits, related to plums and more distantly to peaches and nectarines. They have been enjoyed since the Stone Age-pits were found in several Stone Age caves in Europe. The Romans carried cherries throughout Europe and England along the routes of conquest.

Cherries are grown in several regions, but seventy percent of the cherries produced in the United States come from four states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah).

There are two main types of cherries: sweet and sour. Sour cherries (tart cherries) are lower in calories and higher in vitamin C and beta carotene than sweet cherries. The Montgomery Sour Cherry (Montgomery Tart Cherry) is the best known sour cherry or tart cherry.

What is the difference between tart cherries and sweet cherries?

Sweet cherries are grown primarily for fresh eating. The tart cherry, also called “red tart”, “sour cherry”, or Montmorency, is widely used for canning and processing to make jams, preserves, and pies. Tart cherry pie filling is the number one pie filling sold in the U.S. The name “Montmorency” refers to the most widely grown variety of tart cherries.

Tart cherries have a distinctive, bright red color. In fact, the same compounds that give tarts their color contain the antioxidant properties that researchers are investigating.

While sweet cherries are grown in several parts of the country, tarts are grown primarily in northwestern Michigan. Michigan has 3.8 million tart cherry trees. All of the recent research into the health benefits of cherries is referring to tart cherries.

The tart cherry offers a number natural health benefits and is a source for a number of nutrients. The amazing stories of the natural health benefits have been passed down from generation to generation. They have been passed from mother to daughter and grandfather to grandson.

Cherries to Help you Sleep

The University of Texas Health Science Center recently began to quantify the availability and activity of the melatonin in cherry products. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant for which there is extensive evidence showing it to be significant in improving the body’s circadian rhythms and natural sleep patterns.

In their preliminary work, Dr. Russel Reiter and Dr. Dun-xian Tan used radioimmunoassay (RIA) and high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC) to identify substantial levels of melatonin in tart cherry juice concentrate. The amount of melatonin found, says Dr. Reiter, “is extremely significant.”Although melatonin is found in the body in extremely small quantities, slight increases in melatonin levels can produce very positive results.

Researchers are now working to determine the amount of active melatonin available to the human body after the consumption of tart cherry juice or other cherry products. Once identified, researchers will be able to calculate the optimum level of cherries that should be consumed to achieve the greatest health benefit. Dr. Reiter points out, “as we age, the human body’s ability to produce melatonin decreases,” so it may be beneficial to find a way to increase melatonin levels, particularly for the elderly. Including cherries as part of a healthy diet could be a way to do this.

Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant considered more potent that vitamins C, E, and A, because it is soluble both in fat and water.

New Research Shows the Power of Cherries

Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Fruits – Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) Units per 100 grams

Recently published research conducted at Michigan State University investigated a range of fruits and berries for the level and activity of anthocyanins found in each.

Researchers analyzed the ability of the fruits to help maintain a healthy body and act as antioxidants to destroy free radicals. The researchers then quantified the anthocyanin levels of tart and sweet cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, elderberries and bilberries.

Researchers discovered that the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins from cherries was superior to vitamin E at a test concentration of 125 g/ml.

Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are present in both cherries and raspberries. The yields of pure anthocyanins 1 and 2 in 100 g in cherries and raspberries were the highest of the fruits tested at 26.5 and 24 mg, respectively. Fresh blackberries and strawberries contained only anthocyanin 2 at a total level of 22.5 and 18.2 mg/100 g, respectively; whereas anthocyanins 1 and 2 were not found in bilberries, blueberries, cranberries or elderberries.

Cherries and a healthy cardiovascular system

Cherries are packed with powerful health-promoting properties. Research indicates tart cherries contain at least 17 natural compounds including beta carotene, vitamin A, Melatonin and phenol compounds known as flavonoids.
Studies suggest flavonoids help promote cardiovascular health. Some of the specific flavonoids in cherries include anthocyanins, proanthocyanins and anthocyanidins. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring compounds that give fruits, vegetables and plants their vibrant color. Tart cherries are a good source of these vital flavonoids.

Brunswick Labs located in Wareham, MA discovered that tart cherries also contain a class of compounds called SOD (super oxide dismutase), which act as super scavengers of dangerous free radicals throughout the body. Very few foods contain SOD and the human body is often lacking in SOD.

Cherries and healthy joint function

The good news about the health benefits of cherries continues to increase. According to ongoing research, Montmorency tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants. In addition, there are beneficial compounds in Montmorency tart cherries that may help maintain healthy joint function.

Other fruits and vegetable do not have the unique anthocyanin and antioxidant makeup similar to those of tart cherries.

While the research on the exact mechanisms that give cherries their unique ability to maintain healthy joint function, many consumers are discovering that tart cherry juice and other cherry products can help maintain an active lifestyle.

Short List of Some Benefits of Tart Cherries:

Nature’s sleep support -supports natural sleep and relaxation
Fight free radicals
Supports the Immune system
Supports balanced mood
Anti-aging properties
Supports the body’s response to stress, and worry
Tart cherries are a potent antioxidant, packed with Melatonin
Support joint mobility
Support joint and muscle comfort
Support cardiovascular health
To manage post-exercise recovery with cherries

Tart Cherry Supplements and Tart Cherry Products

The tart cherry offers a number of ways to enjoy the natural health benefits including dried tart cherries, tart cherry juice concentrate, tart cherry capsules and more. Below are some of the ways and sources to incorporate tart cherries into your daily diet.

Dried Tart Cherries: A handful of dried cherries make a great healthy snack or an addition to your morning cereal. They also make a good alternative to the candy in the candy jar next to your computer. Dried cherries make a great choice since they are available year round.
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate: It takes approximately 100 tart cherries to make one ounce of tart cherry juice. Tart cherry juice concentrate is a concentrated way to get the natural health.
Tart Cherry Extract (Super Fruit Supplements): Tart cherry supplements are the most convenient and easiest way to get the natural health benefits of the tart cherry. These super fruit dietary supplements start with the whole cherry. The entire tart cherry, excluding the pit and the stem, is used to produce the tart cherry capsules, including the skin and the flesh of the fruit.

Sources for Tart Cherry Supplements and Products:

Traverse Bay Farms is based in in Bellaire, Michigan – the epic-center region of tart cherry farming. This area of Northwestern Michigan is often referred to as the “Traverse Bay” area.

The unique micro-climate and mineral-rich soil area of northwestern Michigan produces a wide variety of agricultural products. In fact, the area stretching along hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan shoreline produces some of the world’s finest fruit.

Traverse Bay Farms products pair the highest quality fruit with the most innovative manufacturing processes to produce gourmet fruit products and the proprietary line of fruit-based dietary supplements.

Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

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Tart Cherry Capsules (capsules):

Traverse Bay Farms – The award winning Fruit advantage formula for Sour Cherry Extract Supplement

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Dried Tart Cherries:
Traverse Bay Farms has 4 different options available for you:
Dried Sweetened Tart Cherries,
Dried Natural Tart Cherries (no added sugar),
Organic Dried Tart Cherries and Chocolate-Covered Dried Tart Cherries
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Traverse Bay Farms also run Special offers, coupons or free shipping on selected products or quantities. Take a look at the running offers here –>

Tart Cherry Juice Benefits. All about Tart Cherries. is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract

Editor — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:41:32 +0000

Basic information about the herb ginkgo—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world. Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.

Common Names—ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing)

Latin Name—Ginkgo biloba

What Ginkgo Biloba Is Used For

Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing or roaring sounds in the ears).
Today, people use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory; to treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries); and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, and other health conditions.

How Ginkgo Biloba Is Used

Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make tablets, capsules, or teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in skin products.

What the Science Says

Numerous studies of ginkgo have been done for a variety of conditions. Some promising results have been seen for intermittent claudication, but larger, well-designed research studies are needed.
An NCCAM-funded study of the well-characterized ginkgo product, EGb-761, found it ineffective in lowering the overall incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. Further analysis of the same data also found ginkgo to be ineffective in slowing cognitive decline. In this clinical trial, known as the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study, researchers recruited more than 3,000 volunteers age 75 and over who took 240 mg of ginkgo daily. Participants were followed for an average of approximately 6 years.
Some smaller studies for memory enhancement have had promising results, but a trial sponsored by the National Institute on Aging of more than 200 healthy adults over age 60 found that ginkgo taken for 6 weeks did not improve memory.
Other NCCAM-funded research includes studies on ginkgo for asthma, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, vascular function (intermittent claudication), cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and insulin resistance. NCCAM is also looking at potential interactions between ginkgo and prescription drugs.

Side Effects and Cautions

Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.
There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo.
Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to contain little ginkgotoxin.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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Grape Seed Extract Intake Benefits

Editor — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:24:05 +0000

Basic information about grape seed extract - uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The grape seeds used to produce grape seed extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece.

Common Name—grape seed extract

Latin Name—Vitis vinifera

What Grape Seed Extract Is Used For

Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.

How Grape Seed Extract Is Used

Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is available in capsule and tablet forms.

What the Science Says

Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants-substances that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function. However, it is still unclear how grape seed might affect human health.
Grape seed extract has shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials. However, few trials have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific evidence is available.
A study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that grape seed extract did not reduce the hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for breast cancer.
NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
NCCAM is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.

Side Effects and Cautions

Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials.
Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea.
The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Grape Seed Extract Intake Benefits is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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Garlic as a Dietary supplement

Editor — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:58:34 +0000

Basic information about garlic—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years.

Common Names—garlic

Latin Names—Allium sativum

What is garlic?

Garlic is a vegetable (Allium sativum) that belongs to the Allium class of bulb-shaped plants, which also includes onions, chives, leeks, and scallions. Garlic is used for flavoring in cooking and is unique because of its high sulfur content. In addition to sulfur, garlic also contains arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium, all of which may be beneficial to health (1).

The characteristic odor and flavor of garlic comes from sulfur compounds formed from allicin, the major precursor of garlic’s bioactive compounds, which are formed when garlic bulbs are chopped, crushed, or damaged (2). Bioactive compounds are defined as substances in foods or dietary supplements, other than those needed to meet basic nutritional needs, that are responsible for changes in health status.

What are the types of garlic preparations?

Garlic supplements can be classified into four groups: Garlic essential oil, garlic oil macerate, garlic powder, and garlic extract.

• Garlic essential oil is obtained by passing steam through garlic. Commercially available garlic oil capsules generally contain vegetable oil, but only have a small amount of garlic essential oil because of its strong odor.

• Garlic oil macerate products are made from encapsulated mixtures of whole garlic cloves ground into vegetable oil.

• Garlic powder is produced by slicing or crushing garlic cloves, then drying and grinding them into powder. Garlic powder is used as a flavoring agent for condiments and food and is thought to retain the same ingredients as raw garlic.

• Garlic extract is made from whole or sliced garlic cloves that are soaked in an alcohol solution (an extracting solution) for varying amounts of time. Powdered forms of the extract also are available

What Is Garlic Used For?

Garlic’s most common uses as a dietary supplement. A product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements that are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Garlic is also used to prevent certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.

How Is Garlic Used as a Dietary Supplement?

Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They may also be dried or powdered and used in tablets and capsules. Raw garlic cloves can be used to make oils and liquid extracts.

What the Science Says

Some evidence indicates that taking garlic can slightly lower blood cholesterol levels; studies have shown positive effects for short-term (1 to 3 months) use. However, an NCCAM-funded study on the safety and effectiveness of three garlic preparations (fresh garlic, dried powdered garlic tablets, and aged garlic extract tablets) for lowering blood cholesterol levels found no effect.
Preliminary research suggests that taking garlic may slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a condition that can lead to heart disease or stroke.
Evidence is mixed on whether taking garlic can slightly lower blood pressure.
Some studies suggest consuming garlic as a regular part of the diet may lower the risk of certain cancers. However, no clinical trials have examined this. A clinical trial on the long-term use of garlic supplements to prevent stomach cancer found no effect.
Recent NCCAM-funded research includes studies on how garlic interacts with certain drugs and how it can thin the blood.

Side Effects and Cautions

Garlic appears to be safe for most adults.
Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. These side effects are more common with raw garlic.
Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) in a manner similar to aspirin. This effect may be a problem during or after surgery. Use garlic with caution if you are planning to have surgery or dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder. A cautious approach is to avoid garlic in your diet or as a supplement for at least 1 week before surgery.
Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection. Its effect on other drugs has not been well studied.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Garlic as a Dietary supplement is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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Aloe Vera as a Natural medicine

Aloe Vera as a Natural medicine

Editor — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:45:50 +0000

Basic information about aloe vera—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Common Names—aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant’s gall

Latin Names—Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis

What Aloe Vera Is Used For

Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

How Aloe Vera Is Used

Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

What the Science Says

Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation therapy.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions

Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Aloe Vera as a Natural medicine is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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Clean Detox – Gwyneth Paltrow’s favorite detox

Editor — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:47:12 +0000

If you’re looking for the official Clean Detox Program website, click here

What is Clean Detox? The Clean Detox Program is a 21 day detox program that is specifically designed for the person on the move. Unlike traditional cleanses, you need not stay at home while you detox on the Clean Detox Program. This cleanse is designed for those who want to live their life and still get Clean.

Why should we cleanse?

Some of the external toxins that we are exposed to come from:

- Car and industrial plant fumes, tobacco smoke.
- Tap water containing heavy metals, industrial/agricultural chemicals and chlorine (absorbed through drinking and the skin when taking a bath or shower).
- Pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, synthetic additives, antibiotics and growth hormones (in meat) in the processed non-organic food we eat.
- Household air fresheners and cleaners, skin creams, deodorants, shampoos, hairsprays, damp proof and furniture treatments and electromagnetic pollution from home electronic gadgets.

At the same time our bodies continually produce toxins from all the processes that are needed to keep us alive, such as breathing, digestion and immunity system defence. Sources of internal toxins include:

- Free radicals (unstable molecules) generated from normal body processes that can cause havoc in the body (e.g. they have been linked to ageing and cancer).
- The by-products of bacteria and yeasts that live in our intestines.
- Injuries and wounds.
- Excessive stress.
- Mercury or “silver” fillings.

Top 5 Reasons to Detox your Body and Lose Weight with the Doctor created Clean Detox Program

The Clean Detox Program is different from other detox programs. How?
The Clean Detox Program was designed by cardiologist, and cleanse specialist, Dr Alejandro Junger MD (the Director of Integrative Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital and a practicing physician at the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City), to be easy to follow and safe to conduct. Do detox programs actually work? If they’re done correctly, they do! Follow the program that well-respected doctors like Mark Hyman MD (NY Times Best-Seller) and Frank Lipman MD (author of Spent) have endorsed.

Celebrity Endorsed
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Clean Review: “As I write this, I am finishing the amazing three-week-long “Clean” detox program.. Designed by New York cardiologist and detoxification specialist Dr. Alejandro Junger, this program allowed me to work and exercise regularly, something I cannot do if I am on a liquid-only detox. I followed it to the letter and I can report that it worked wonders. I feel pure and happy and much lighter (I dropped the extra pounds that I had gained during a majorly fun and delicious “relax and enjoy life phase” about a month ago). This thing is amazing.”

Community Supported
Upwards of 60% of customers who purchase cleansing products don’t actually finish their cleanse. At the Clean Detox Program we are committed to make sure you finish your cleanse and get the results you deserve! 91% of our customers finish their cleanse due to our extensive community support site and regular follow up calls from our Wellness Coaches.

Real & Lasting Results
Kristin Taliaferro (Age 39) from Dallas, TX started her Clean Detox Program on July 15th, 2009. It didn’t take long for Kristin to fall in love with the simplicity and supportive nature of the program and the online community.
“I love this program. Even though I completed the cleanse awhile ago, I’m still keeping up with many of the principles. I feel forever changed and can see lasting results. Most importantly, my hypoglycemia seems to be totally gone since I don’t have any symptoms at all. I’ve recruited lots of people to do the program. They all love the results. And, now, my sister is about to start! I’m really excited for her!”

In a post on our community site Kristin listed the top 10 Things she loved about the program: Here are a couple:

Number 5: “The ease of the program in general. The kit makes it super easy to do. I’ve been using the kit (supplements and shakes) plus mixing in some of the recipes from the book [Clean by Dr Alejandro Junger MD].”

Number 10: “The changes in my body and how vibrant I feel all day long. My eyes are brighter, my tummy feels flatter and my body is literally humming….”

Plan + Support = Results
According to surveys, only 8% of Americans successfully achieve their New Year’s resolutions. A whopping 45% fail by the end of January!

Why? The two main reasons are: 1) They don’t have a plan and 2) They don’t have support.

Clean Provides You With a Plan: It is not enough to “just want to lose weight” – you have to have a plan. The Clean Detox Program is proven to produce real results and we have countless testimonials to back it up.

Clean Provides You Support: Why are we crazy about support? Because Support = Success. In a recent survey 95.4% of our customers reported that the Clean Support System (our commnity site + our Wellness Coaches) made a “significant difference” in their ability to complete the program and achieve lasting results.

Save $10 On The Clean Program! Use Code CLEANDEC At Checkout! Click Here!

Clean Detox – Gwyneth Paltrow’s favorite detox is an article review from: Medicinezine.com

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