Garlic the Great!

Many uses over many years

Our knowledge of garlic's health benefits dates as far back as ancient Indian and Eastern medicine. Throughout history, garlic has been used as everything from an antibiotic to a tasty cooking ingredient. While many of the people who recognize garlic's health benefits today take it to reduce their cholesterol levels and help to reduce their risk of heart disease, the so-called stinking rose also functions as an antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, carminative, expectorant and diuretic. Generally speaking, it is known to stimulate the immune system. Traditional uses have ranged from treatment of asthma and parasites to relief of hemorrhoids, kidney stones and menstrual abnormalities. Externally, it has been applied to skin rashes and abscesses and used to control lice and dandruff. It even has been employed as an aphrodisiac, although, given its characteristically strong odor, its effectiveness in that role seems unlikely.
In modern times, garlic has been associated most closely with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The conventional medicine establishment has long held that the presence of a high level of cholesterol in the blood is the primary risk factor for heart disease and strokes. High cholesterol also is a factor in impotence and mental sluggishness.

Research confirms the benefits of Garlic

According to the authors of Smart Medicine for Healthier Living-Janet Zand, L.Ac., O.M.D., Allan N. Spreen, M.D., C.N.C. and James B. LaValle, R:Ph., N.D., the body manufactures all of the cholesterol that it needs through the liver. And when there is more cholesterol than the body's mechanisms can cope with, it is deposited on the interior of the blood vessel walls, narrowing them-a condition known as atherosclerosis.
Writing in The Garlic Book, Dr. Stephen Fulder asserts that garlic has been shown to lower the levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood "as effectively as many modern drugs now used for the purpose." Fulder also says that garlic thins the blood, which helps to prevent clots inside the blood vessels, and thus may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Garlic already is considered a medicine in Germany and Switzerland, where it is used to treat high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Many sources believe that the herb's power is in the alliin, which is a sulfur-containing version of an amino acid. As explained in Dr Earl Mindell's Garlic, The Miracle Nutrient, alliin helps to boost the levels of HDL cholesterol levels, (also known as the "good cholesterol" because it delivers excess cholesterol to the liver to be destroyed), and simultaneously slows down endogenous cholesterol synthesis, the body's own cholesterol manufacturing process. Mindell states, "Garlic is a terrific `cholesterol buster.' It raises HDL (the good cholesterol), lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol), and reduces triglycerides [an additional fatty substance that is combined with cholesterol in the body's lipoproteins]."

How much garlic is right for me?

The amount of garlic that should be consumed daily to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease still seems to be under some debate, although the average recommended dose is four grams, or one to two cloves daily. As a supplement, 500 mg of garlic three times daily is advised by the authors of Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. A Dutch research study, described in Varro E. Tyler's book, Herbs of Choice, concluded that garlic did, in deed, help lower cholesterol, thin the blood and reduce triglycerides, but only when participants consumed the equivalent of five to 20 cloves of garlic daily. On the other hand, in more recent studies, garlic has proved effective using a smaller dose of about one to two cloves daily.
There are a few reported side effects of garlic. Body odor and bad breath are the most obvious, although there also have been rare reports of an allergy to garlic. Tyler admits that large amounts of garlic "can result in heartburn, flatulence and related gastrointestinal problems." He continues, "Consumption of garlic reduces the clotting time of the blood, which (while aiding in the prevention of strokes) may cause medical problems in certain individuals (such as hemophiliacs)."
There are several ways garlic can be worked into the diet. Fresh garlic may be the simplest and least expensive method; however, this brings on the problem of odor. One way to remedy this is to wrap the clove in a peppermint leaf and swallow it whole. Many people, of course, choose to take garlic supplements, preferably enteric-coated tablets, which, according to Fulder, are capsules that pass through the stomach and release their contents in the small intestine-where they are most helpful and least likely to produce the unpleasant odor.
Finally, Steven Foster, author of Herbs for Your Health, suggests that, if you choose to add cooked garlic to your food, it should be added last. Otherwise, he says, alliin, the compound that makes garlic effective, gradually will vaporize into the air.
Garlic has been an integral part of health and society for centuries. According to Healing Herbal Remedies, one tale tells of how "society's first strike took place when garlic became scarce," and Fulder reveals that "the tomb of King Tutankhamen himself, contained six dried bulbs" of garlic. Is it possible that, when it came to Tut's health, "Mummy" knew best?

Herbs and Menopause

Women by the millions are headed for a change-THE CHANGE, rather-that not-so-magical moment of a woman's life when her ovaries decide to call it quits. Doctors call it "menopause"; women have other names for the dreaded phenomenon they experience, usually between the ages of 45 and 55.
Traditional western medicine has been restricted in the ways it could support women who come to their doctor with classic menopausal complaints-hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and memory or concentration difficulties. For these women, the options have been limited to two: 1) hormone replacement therapy with medications containing estrogen and progesterone, the hormones the ovaries quit making at the time of menopause, or 2) live with it.
Today, however, women are demanding more choices-ways they can be more comfortable without having to rely on synthetic hormone therapy. Setting aside traditional medical therapy, natural remedies have become increasingly popular for those women who want to make menopause a smooth but natural transition. In a three-part series of articles, I will discuss the various herbal remedies for menopause and help you make an informed decision about what's best for you.
One of the more popular herbs for menopausal symptoms is black cohosh root, harvested from a shrub-like plant native to parts of Eastern North America. It has been used widely in Europe as a treatment for menopausal hot flashes and is gaining in popularity in the USA. The way black cohosh works to control hot flashes is interesting and worth the discussion. Unfortunately it DOES involve a mostly painless mini-lecture on menopause and why hot flashes occur. So, if you're up for it...
When a woman approaches menopause, her ovaries basically give out and fail to produce the usual amount of estrogen and progesterone, the hormones normally produced cyclically in menstruating women. The brain, sensing the relative lack of female hormones, starts sending out chemical signals in an attempt to entice the ovaries to "pick up the pace a bit" and produce more hormones. These brain chemicals are called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Women in menopause have lots of these hormones in their bodies. Scientists believe that fluctuations in the higher levels of LH in particular are what causes hot flashes.
Enter black cohosh. When taken for menopausal symptoms, the herb attaches itself to some of the same receptors in the body that estrogen does and tricks the brain into thinking it's really estrogen. The LH levels are reduced and hot flashes are improved. Easy, huh?
Well, not exactly. If black cohosh can trick the brain into thinking it's estrogen, does it act like estrogen in other ways? More importantly, does it carry the same risk of stimulating the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers (like some breast and uterine cancers) as does real estrogen?
While not completely understood scientifically, recent evidence suggests that black cohosh has minimal estrogenic properties. This means that while it attaches to estrogen receptors like estrogen, it doesn't "turn on" those receptors in the same way estrogen would. Other than its effect on the brain's secretion of LH, it is not known to stimulate the uterine lining or do any other of the commonly-known things estrogen does. In other words, part of the body is tricked into thinking black cohosh is estrogen, but not all of it.
So what does all this mean? If science can prove that black cohosh reduces LH levels but doesn't act completely like estrogen, this may be a wonderful option for menopausal women at risk for estrogen-sensitive cancers who otherwise wouldn't be candidates for traditional estrogen replacement therapy. The "jury" is still out on this but I, personally, am quite hopeful that this will be the case.
If you're willing to give black cohosh a try, this is what you need to know before heading to the store to buy some. Look for a reputable brand that gives you the dose of black cohosh as a "standardized extract". The daily dose should be approximately 80 milligrams of standardized extract. Sometimes other herbs are mixed in with the black cohosh and called a "menopausal formula". This is probably fine but as you will learn in subsequent articles, not every herb is as safe or effective as black cohosh and you may be inviting unwelcome side effects. Take it for a month or so and see how you feel. There haven't been any scientific studies on black cohosh beyond 6 months of use so see your healthcare provider if you want to use the herb longer than that.

Heal Yourself Using Plants from Your Own Garden - How to Make Compresses

by Kolbjørn Borseth of Aromantic 


Your back garden is a treasure trove of healing herbs and flowers which can be used at little expense to make a range of healing products and health remedies. Using your own plants also provides you with the assurance of using fresh, organic and uncontaminated materials. You can never know the history behind herbs and vegetable oils. They could for example have been grown next to a motorway, absorbing potentially harmful toxins. They could also have been stored indefinitely, reducing the potency of the ingredients. In this article we show you how to use your own garden products to make compresses, tinctures and healing oils. These remedies are tried and tested over history, so why not have a go? It's amazingly simple and safe to make many of these remedies and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are using your garden not only for food and pleasure but for healing your family. It's like having your own family health centre in your back garden and you don't need to rely on drug companies to deal with all of your health problems.

Making Compresses

Compresses are an excellent way to apply a treatment externally to a specific part of the body. This reduces the necessity for internal medication. There are two types of compress, those without heat and those with heat. Compresses without heat are used on wounds, eczema, psoriasis and similar problems where the skin is broken (not inflamed). NB: Never use warming compresses on broken skin.
Compress with heat are used when the skin is not broken, for example with rheumatism, sprains, inflammations, accidents, pains and swellings (but not with shingles). With pain you can also use a heating pillow, outside the hot compress. A hot water bottle would also suffice. Cover the compress with wool or other insulating materials.
When garlic and onion is used, it is important that it does not come into direct contact with the skin, and should therefore be placed on a cotton cloth. Never use hot compresses on wounds as the ingredients will be absorbed into the body. As a rule, compresses should be left on the person overnight, but not for more than 8 - 10 hours at a time. (This doesn't apply to burns). Don't put the same compress on two nights in a row. An exception is dry chamomile compress, which you can use for more than one night in a row. You can use this compress with or without heating.

How to Make a Compress

You will need:

• A cotton cloth 30 x 50 cm for compress to throat, knee or elbow.
• Clingfilm, surgical tape or freezer tape (never use tape or Clingfilm directly on the skin).
• Elastic Bandage.
• Woolen cloth.

Method:

1. Take a cotton cloth 50 x 30 cm, spread about 200ml of the recommended content evenly in the middle of the cotton cloth. Then cover with Clingfilm.
2. Fold each side of the cloth over the content.
3. Lastly tape everything so the content is secure.
4. Place the compress on the area to be treated with the cloth side towards the skin. The Clingfilm is facing outside, so the healing content goes into the body/skin. Wrap around with an elastic bandage and secure with tape.

Compresses on a wounded surface can first appear much worse. This is because the compress draws out puss and impurities through the wound. Change the compress often, wash and clean the area with a strong chamomile infusion. You will soon see a big improvement and the wound will heal.

Arnica Compress

Use on sprains, bruises, swollen skin, pains, burns and herpes blisters.
50 ml warm water and 1 - 2 teaspoons Arnica tincture.
Put a cotton cloth in hot Arnica water, squeeze the cloth and put it over the area to be treated. Put Clingfilm over and then a stretchy bandage. With a hot compress, put the woolen cloth over the Clingfilm and then the stretchy bandage. Using Arnica on burns increases the bleeding through and reduces the scar formation.
Warning: The skin should not be in contact with Arnica for more than 6 hours per day, too long at a time can create skin irritation. Never take arnica tincture internally.

Chamomile Compress

Useful for: sore throats, pain, prostate problems, psoriasis, eczema, earache.
Use about 20 gr. of chamomile flowers on the middle of the compress. Fold and tape. Put the Clingfilm on the top. You can use this chamomile compress up to 30 times if it's not wet after use. You have to put it in a sealed plastic bag between uses.

Onion Compress

Useful for: throat infections, hoarseness, earache, eye problems, muscle and acute joint inflammations, good for sinusitis. With eye problems, it aches for 1 minute after you put on the compress.
All you need is one onion, finely chopped and placed in a piece of cotton cloth. Use a rolling pin to flatten the package and squeeze out the juices. Cover with Clingfilm and then fold into a cotton cloth. Fold and tape together and place cotton side down on the affected area with the Clingfilm on the outside. Wrap with a woolen cloth and stretch bandage.
Warning: The first time you use onion compress, use it only for 1 hour to see if you have a positive reaction.

Green Cabbage or Savoy Compress

Useful for: eczema, psoriasis, menstrual cramps, pains, swelling, infections in the skin, joint pain.
Use the green outer leaves from organically grown plants. Cut away the thick stalks and use a rolling pin or bottle to press flat. Place and layer the inside of the leaves (the smooth side) around the entire area of the skin, root side down. Bind to body with cotton or lint free cloth. Then hold together with cling film and cover with a stretch bandage. Leave on overnight. (Cabbage contains a senaps oil that increases the blood circulation. It also includes the wound healing substance U Vitamin).

Potato Compress

Useful for: eczema or swelling under the eyes.
Use 3 peeled grated raw organic potatoes. Spread the potatoes on the cotton cloth and fold it together. When used on the eyes, put the grated raw potato in a small piece of gauze. Let it work for 30 minutes with closed eyes.

Compresses for Rheumatism

Night 1: Onion Compress.
Night 2 Dry Chamomile Compress.
Night 3: Arnica Compress.

Compresses Leg Wounds

Night 1: Cabbage Compress.
Night 2 Chamomile Herbal Tea Compress.
Night 3: Onion Compress.

Macerated Vegetable Oils for Skin Healing - Calendula Flowers in Oil

Making your own macerated oil is very easy. Take fresh flowers from your garden, chop up the flower buds and fill up a jar with vegetable oil. (Choose virgin olive oil which does not go rancid.) Pack the flower buds into the jar, seal and sit in the sun for 2 - 3 days then leave it in a dark cupboard for 2 - 3 weeks, shaking it every day. Strain the mixture through muslin and store in a dark jar. It will keep for around 2 years if stored in a dark cool place.

Make your own Tinctures

Tinctures are alcohol-based solutions which draw out the healing ingredients from herbs and flowers. You can make tinctures using wild flowers or flowers from your garden. Simply use chopped flowers and pack it in a jar half filled with the strongest vodka. Use 100 - 150 gr. fresh flowers or herbs to 150ml alcohol. If you use dried herbs or flowers use only 10 - 15 gr. in 150ml alcohol. Seal the jar and leave it in on a sunny window sill for 2 - 3 days. Then store in a dark place at room temperature for 2 - 3 weeks, shaking it every day. Strain through muslin cloth and store in a dark bottle. The tincture will keep for 2 - 3 years.
For both Macerated oils and tinctures, St John's Wort and Marigold flowers are excellent for treating sunburn and skin sores. Using Arnica on swollen skin will reduce the swelling overnight. An onion compress for earache will dramatically reduce the pain overnight also.
Kolbjorn Borseth has been working with alternative medicine for 25 years. Originally from Norway, he moved to Sweden and for ten years he worked with the leading lady of complimentary medicine, Lily Johansen. Her complimentary health care clinic treated over 30,000 patients. At that time we picked all of our fresh herbs and ingredients to be used fresh in the treatments each day. The above recipes come from this hospital.
In 1985, Kolbjorn started a Natural skin care factory in Sweden using local herbs. In one season he picked around 4,000 kg of herbs for drying and for making natural medicines and treatments.

About the Author:

Kolbjørn Borseth of Aromantic specializes in empowering people of all levels in making their own highly effective natural skin care products. Through his web site customers are able to access many free resources as well as being able to order all the raw materials, equipment and know-how required to make aromatherapy products, creams, shampoos, soaps and cosmetics.

Introduction to Using Essential Oils

by Kolbjorn Borseth of Aromantic
Essential Oils are a source of great pleasure and give a sense of well being both to body and soul. An essential oil is a concentrated, aromatic, volatile liquid composed of small oil-like molecules. They consist of a complicated combination of naturally occurring chemicals which the plant itself produces through photosynthesis. They are called essential 'oils' but in fact contain no fatty substances in the same way that, e.g. Almond Oil does. Because they are volatile they do not create oil stains. Essential Oil is created in small cavities in the cellular structure of plants, either in the roots, petals, seeds or peel (as in the case of citrus oils). The oil is extracted either by distillation or cold pressing. Essential Oils occur at different levels in different plants, with some plants producing more than others. For instance, 100 kg of petals are required to produce 20ml of Rose Oil, while 100 Kg of leaves will yield 1 - 1.5 litres of Peppermint Oil. This means that the cost of oils will vary but that doesn't make Peppermint Oil less effective than Rose Oil. This article is a brief introduction to the most commonly used ones.
Uses of Essential Oils:

• To make perfumes.
• To add fragrance to skin care products.
• As drops to add to a vaporizer or for use in a spraying flask to create a certain atmosphere, to prevent a cold or simply to freshen the air.
• In baths, footbaths, or hand baths, e.g. to warm or relax cold limbs or, when slightly colder water is used, to create a stimulating effect.
• In compresses e.g. to cool sunburn.
• In massage and other skin care oils e.g. to increase blood circulation.
• To inhale directly from the bottle or from a vaporizer e.g. to aid relaxation or to clear congested air passages.

Safety Guidelines

When using Essential Oils it is very important to adhere to the recommended dosage to achieve the desired effect. The wrong dosage (which is often the temptation to use too much) can result in skin damage, headache, nausea or similar. Some Essential Oils are not suitable for use during pregnancy or in conjunction with high blood pressure, while some should be used sparingly on the skin. (See directions for individual oils).

Smaller Droppers

Most Essential Oils are thin and require a smaller dropper where percentage dosing is as follows:

0.1%	= 2 drops / 100ml
0.2%	= 4 drops / 100ml
0.25%	= 6 drops / 100ml
0.5%	= 12 drops / 100ml
0.75%	= 18 drops / 100ml
1%	= 25 drops / 100ml
1.5%	= 32 drops / 100ml
2%	= 50 drops / 100ml
2.5%	= 62 drops / 100ml
3%	= 75 drops / 100ml
4%	= 100 drops / 100ml

Larger Droppers

Vetivert, Sandalwood and Benzoin are thicker Oils and require a larger dropper, which releases larger drops. Percentage dosing for these Oils will be:

1%	= 20 drops / 100ml
2%	= 40 drops / 100ml
2.5%	= 50 drops / 100ml
3%	= 60 drops / 100ml
4%	= 80 drops / 100ml

Using Essential Oils to freshen up rooms is an excellent and pleasant way of enhancing everyday life as well as creating atmosphere for festive or special occasions. Fragrances and blends of fragrances can be used to create a special effect - Romantic, for that sacred time with your partner, or Festive, to make that party of yours unforgettable. Or use the Essential Oil you feel intuitively drawn to use at that particular time - e.g. Lavender for serenity and Bergamot for self-confidence. To freshen up your home or room, you can use an Essential Oil Fragrance Burner, a Spraying Flask or an Aroma Stone.

Essential Oil Fragrance Burner

Used for larger spaces where the effect needs to last for a while. The bigger the space, the more Oil will be required. Because Essential Oils evaporate spreading their aroma around the room, you may want to add more Oil after a time to maintain the effect. Top Note Oils such as Citrus and Peppermint evaporate more quickly than the Middle and Base Note Oils.

Spraying Flask

Used to create a short-term, immediate effect in a room or other space. Can be used in the car to invigorate you or to tone down the smell inside the car. When there are colds around you can spray with e.g. lemon or after vacuuming you can use your favorite oil or blend of Oils. Another tip is to spray covers, mattresses and pillows during airing with e.g. Lemon and Lavender to give them a clean, fresh smell.

Aroma Stones (Sand Stones)

Used to emit fragrance over a longer period of time in smaller spaces such as cupboards, toilets, halls or chests of drawers. In the car, use Peppermint to help you concentrate and at the same time counteract car-sickness. In the home or at work, an Aroma Stone can be displayed as part of the decor.

Drops Used Directly

In your rubbish bin or compost bucket to counteract bad odors, or put a few drops on your vacuum cleaner filter so the air being blown out is filled with the cleansing, antiseptic smell of Lemon, or apply something uplifting and stabilizing like Geranium . If you don't want to blend the oils yourself you can purchase our ready made blends.

Fragrance Notes

Essential Oils can also be classified according to how they smell, e.g. Rosy or Minty. This method of classification has nothing to do with which part of the plant the Oil comes from but rather with how the Oil smells. Sometimes the difference between Woody and Herbaceous or Spicy and Herbaceous smells can be hard to define. You may also have your own ideas which differ from what we are suggesting here. It is naturally up to you and what you think, as the creator of your own perfume, is what is most important.

Woody Notes:	Cedar wood, Cypress, Sandalwood, Tea Tree
Root Notes:	Benzoin, Patchouli, Vetivert
Citrus Notes:	Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange
Spicy Notes:	Bay Leaf, Cloves
Rosy Notes:	Geranium, Rose de Mai (Absolute), Rosewood
Orange Notes:	Neroli, Petitgrain
Herbaceous Notes:	Lavender, Rosemary
Floral Notes:	Jasmine (Absolute), Ylang Ylang
Minty Notes:	Peppermint

About the Author:

Kolbjørn Borseth of Aromantic specializes in empowering people of all levels in making their own highly effective natural skin care products. Through his web site customers are able to access many free resources as well as being able to order all the raw materials, equipment and know-how required to make aromatherapy products, creams, shampoos, soaps and cosmetics.

Treating Your Prostate With Herbs

Doctors in Europe are on the cutting edge of herbal medicine. Twenty years ago they discovered the power of this mysterious tree bark for treating prostate problems. And they've been using it ever since. The United States is finally beginning to catch on. But now it may be too late. In fact, this proven remedy is so scarce that most prostate formulas in the U.S. don't include it. Even though it may be the most powerful natural prostate remedy in the world!
Your prostate supplement probably works... to a degree. But without this difficult-to-get ingredient you'll never get complete relief from your embarrassing and dangerous prostate symptoms. Without it, your formula only does half the job - at best!
Pygeum africanum grows in the mountains of southern Africa. The bark of this tree has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for urinary disorders. Natives of southern Africa still brew pygeum tea to relieve symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
The demand for it in Europe and throughout the world has been so great that pygeum tree bark has become very valuable. So valuable that it's been over-harvested.
In fact, pygeum is now listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. In many areas it's been harvested nearly into extinction.
Because pygeum is endangered, many countries in Africa have banned harvesting it. The short supply has caused prices to rise. So much so, that many prostate supplement makers have stopped using it.
Or, worse, they use trace amounts. Just enough to list it on their label so you think your formula offers complete protection. But it's not enough to do you any good. It's just there for show. (You'd be surprised how common that is.)

Are you secretly settling for incomplete relief?

To get real relief from your symptoms you need the right combination of remedies. At the right dosages.
Many herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals are proven to relieve prostate symptoms. For example, you've probably heard about saw palmetto. In fact, you may already take it on a daily basis. But saw palmetto can't do the job by itself!
If your prostate formula doesn't have pygeum - or doesn't combine the right remedies at the right doses - you aren't getting the most relief possible from your embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms.
Worse, if you still have symptoms you could be at greater risk. In fact, just not being able to empty your bladder completely could lead to bladder infections , to kidney stones, even kidney failure and death. Fortunately, you can avoid these gruesome outcomes if your supplement has the right ingredients.

26 separate studies prove the power of pygeum

Pygeum was shown to relieve common prostate symptoms in 26 different scientific studies. Remember, it works so well that there isn't enough pygeum left in the world to meet demand.
A study of 263 patients in Germany, France and Austria tested the effects of 100 mg of pygeum a day against a placebo. The results showed a full 66% improvement in urination for the group taking the pygeum - more than double that of the placebo group.
But how well it works by itself is only part of the magic. Another reason it's so valuable is because it makes other herbal remedies work better. That's right. Pygeum actually makes other ingredients, like saw palmetto and stinging nettle, more effective.
In a Swiss study, researchers showed that a combination of pygeum and stinging nettle partially blocked two enzymes that cause your body to produce dihydrotestosterone or DHT, which is considered a key factor in causing painful prostate problems.
This study showed that a combination of pygeum and nettle worked a lot better than either one by itself. And, the study supports using combinations of both ingredients for the treatment of prostate symptoms. Decrease overnight trips to the bathroom and get a good night's sleep - at last!
One study in Europe showed that patients taking pygeum reported a 32% decrease in urination during the night hours. Imagine, finally being able to get a good night's sleep and not having to run to the bathroom every 10 minutes - especially for those false alarms.
26 studies can't be wrong! This stuff works! And you'll get other benefits too. An Italian study done in 1991 showed that pygeum not only reduced prostate symptoms and urinary problems but it can also increase libido. How's that for a side benefit!?
Pygeum is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that works to reduce swollen prostate tissue. Urology Times magazine stated "Pygeum helps decrease prostate swelling and painful urination."
Plus it lowers blood cholesterol. That's important because scientists believe cholesterol increases the binding sites for DHT in the prostate. Reducing cholesterol levels reduces DHT binding sites. Fewer binding sites means less prostate tissue growth.

But how can we include pygeum when it's so hard to get?

After seeing the studies and talking with numerous doctors and nutritionists, we knew we had to offer ample amounts of pygeum in order to help you protect your prostate. But we didn't want to contribute to the harvesting problem - or, obviously, do anything underhanded. So we entered into a special arrangement with Euromed in Spain. They're one of the leading suppliers of herbal ingredients in Europe, maybe even the world. They harvest the pygeum tree bark in a sustainable way, which is certified by European authorities. So you can rest assured that Ultimate Prostate Support will always contain the highest quality pygeum at the right dosage so you get the most out of it.

Used with pygeum, saw palmetto becomes even more powerful

Native Americans have used saw palmetto for centuries. During the early parts of the last century, tea made from saw palmetto was used to treat prostate problems. In fact, the U.S. Pharmacopoeia has listed it as a remedy for prostate problems since 1905.
Now there's proof that saw palmetto relieves prostate symptoms as well as some prescription drugs, but without the dangerous and embarrassing side effects!
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study of nearly 3,000 men treated with saw palmetto versus a popular prescription drug. Their conclusion: "Saw palmetto extract produces similar improvements in urinary tract symptoms and urinary flow and was associated with fewer adverse treatment events."
Saw palmetto is a great natural solution, but it can't do the job alone. But, once you combine it with other remedies like pygeum, you can get the relief you've been looking for.
Not only does pygeum magnify the power of saw palmetto, it boosts the power of stinging nettle, too. One study found that patients who took both saw palmetto and stinging nettle experienced changes in urine flow and in residual urine. Study organizers declared the combination safe and effective.
Another study followed 2,080 BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) patients for 12 weeks. Men in the study were treated with a combination of saw palmetto and nettle root. The results were amazing.

• 26% increase in maximum urinary flow
• 44.7% reduction in residual urine
• 62.5% reduction in painful urination
• 53.6% reduction in post urination dribbling
• 50% reduction in nighttime urination

Stinging nettle delivers 82% improvement in 8 weeks!

A French study found that a combination of stinging nettle and pygeum led to dramatic improvements in BPH in only one month.
Another study showed that eight weeks of treatment with stinging nettle led to an 82% improvement in symptoms. A different study showed an 86% improvement in symptoms after three months treatment. Either way, that's a huge improvement in just 2 or 3 months. Imagine if you could cut your painful symptoms and trips to the bathroom by over 80%!
Stinging nettle is just one more part of the total package. It works in concert with both pygeum and saw palmetto to deliver powerful relief from your symptoms.

Lycopene may be man's new best friend

Lycopene comes from tomatoes. It's the stuff that makes them red. And, it's now thought to be the world's most powerful antioxidant. And a powerful defense against prostate cancer .
The proof is just too strong to ignore. A six-year study of 48,000 men at Harvard Medical School found that men who ate tomato products twice a week had a 21% to 34% reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Some research even suggests that lycopene can help treat existing cancer.
Dr. Omer Kacuk, professor of medicine and oncology at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan, studied the effect of lycopene on prostate cancer patients. The study followed 30 men who were going to have their prostates surgically removed. Half were given lycopene. The other half were given a placebo.
Patients taking lycopene had smaller tumors. And, their tumors showed signs of regression and decreased malignancy. Dr Kacuk states "Our findings suggest that lycopene as tomato extract may not only help prevent prostate cancer, but may also be useful in treating prostate cancer".

Vitamins and minerals protect your prostate at the cellular level

All natural vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant. And a powerful ally in your fight against prostate disease. Now there's evidence that it may help fight prostate cancer.
A University of Helsinki study in Finland gave 29,133 men, ages 50 to 69, vitamin E, beta-carotene, both supplements together, or a placebo. The treatments continued for five to eight years.
Compared with the placebo group, the men taking vitamin E were 36% less likely to develop prostate cancer. The results of the study also suggested that vitamin E may help prevent prostate cancer from moving from the latent to the progressive stages.
Selenium works with vitamin E to protect the whole cell. While selenium protects the inside of the cell, vitamin E protects the cell membrane. Alone, they each have their benefits, but together they're a powerful defense against cell damage that can lead to cancer.
Zinc is another important mineral for your prostate health. It's been shown to improve urinary symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate in men with BPH.
Zinc also helps control the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Since DHT makes your prostate grow, less DHT is better. And, since zinc is required for normal testosterone and sperm production, it's thought that a zinc deficiency can lead to impotence.
Now you have the whole list. A scientifically formulated combination of these ingredients is the best way to relieve your symptoms. Take any less and you're selling yourself short!

You'll benefit most from the right combination

Taken alone, each of these natural remedies can improve your prostate health.
Each can give you some relief from your embarrassing and dangerous symptoms. But, only when you take the right combination, at the right doses, can you get total relief.
The power comes from the complete combination of ingredients that is built around pygeum. Many prostate formulas on the market today have some of these ingredients. And they probably work...to some degree.
But if you want the ultimate in prostate support...if you want the most powerful weapon available...if you want total relief from your symptoms and the worry that goes with them...then you need to take a complete formulation. And it must include at least 100 mg of pygeum every day.

Everything you need - in one GUARANTEED formulation

You could buy each of these ingredients at the health food store. But, it'd probably cost you at least $75 a month. That's if you can even find a quality source of the most important one of all - pygeum!
Even if you can find each part of this powerful combination you'd have a hard time getting the right dosage or the best quality. Plus you'd have to take six or seven different pills a few times a day to get the maximum benefit.
Ultimate Prostate Support is a scientifically formulated mixture of all these proven ingredients. The nutritional team working for NorthStar Nutritionals has combined these prostate protecting botanicals, vitamins and minerals into a powerful formula.
Pygeum, combined with saw palmetto, stinging nettle and zinc, works to reduce the size of your prostate. And it's only then that your symptoms can start to disappear.
Lycopene, vitamin E and selenium work together to promote optimum prostate health and studies show they may even protect you from prostate cancer.

Detoxification and Cleansing

Toxicity has become a great concern in the twentieth century. Threatening our health are powerful chemicals, air and water pollution, radiation, and nuclear waste. We ingest new chemicals, use more drugs, eat more sugary and refined foods, and abuse ourselves daily with stimulants and/or sedatives. Cancer and cardiovascular disease are on the rise; arthritis, allergies, obesity , and skin problems are also rapidly increasing; and a wide range of symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, pains , coughs, gastrointestinal problems, immune weaknesses, sexual diseases, and psychological distress are being seen by physicians in record numbers. Although a connection between increased toxicity and increases in diseases is obvious, it is important to understand how it occurs so that we may avoid or eliminate it from our lives. Toxicity occurs on two basic bodily levels-external and internal. We can acquire toxins from our environment by breathing them, by ingesting them, or through physical contact with them. Most drugs, food additives, and allergens can create toxic elements in the body. In fact, any substance can become toxic when used in excess.
Internally, our body produces toxins through normal everyday functions. Biochemical and cellular activities generate substances that need to be eliminated. These unstable molecules, called free radicals, are biochemical toxins and are considered a common factor in chronic disease. When these biochemical toxins are not counteracted or eliminated, they can irritate or inflame the cells and tissues, blocking normal functions on all levels of the body. Microbes such as intestinal bacteria, foreign bacteria, yeasts, and parasites produce metabolic waste products that we must handle. Even our thoughts, emotions, and stress can increase biochemical toxicity. The proper elimination of these toxins is essential. Clearly, the healthy human body can handle certain levels of toxins; the concern is with excess intake or production of toxins or a reduction in the elimination processes.
A toxin is basically any substance that creates irritating and/or harmful effects in the body, undermining our health and stressing our biochemical or organ functions. This irritation may result from the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs or from unusual physiological patterns. The irritating chemicals or free radicals in recreational drugs can also cause tissue degeneration. Negative "ethers," psychic or spiritual influences, bad relationships, thought patterns, and emotions can have toxic effects on the body.
Toxicity occurs when we ingest more than we can utilize and eliminate. Homeostasis refers to balanced bodily functions. This balance is disturbed when we feed ourselves more than we need or when we abuse specific substances. Toxicity may depend on the dosage, frequency, or potency of the toxin. A toxin may produce an immediate or rapid onset of symptoms, as many pesticides and some drugs do, or it may have long-term effects, as when asbestos exposure leads to lung cancer .
If our body is working well, with good immune and eliminative functions, it can handle everyday exposure to toxins. The cleansing process encourages our immune system to handle the elimination of toxins and abnormal cells generated by the body.
Our body handles toxins either by neutralizing, transforming, or eliminating them. For example, many of the antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins C and E , beta-carotene , zinc , and selenium may neutralize free-radical molecules. The liver helps transform many toxic substances into harmless agents, which the blood carries away to the kidneys; the liver also sends wastes through the bile into the intestines, where it is eliminated. We also clear toxins by sweating , either from exercise or heat; our sinuses expel excess mucus when congested; and our skin releases toxins as skin rashes .
Mental detoxification is also important. Cleansing our minds of negative thought patterns is essential to health, and physical detoxification can aid this process. Emotionally, detoxification helps us uncover and express hidden frustrations, anger, resentments, and fear, and replace them with forgiveness, love, joy, and hope. Many people experience new clarity of purpose in life during cleansing processes. A light detoxification over a couple of days can help us feel better; a longer process and deeper commitment to eliminating certain abusive habits and eating a better diet can help us change our whole life. Detoxification is part of a transformational medicine that instills change at many levels. Change and evolution are keys to healing.
Some people go to extremes with fasting, laxatives, enemas, colonics, diuretics, and even exercise and begin to lose essential nutrients from their body. This can cause protein or vitamin-mineral deficiencies. So, although congestion from over intake and under elimination is a more common problem in this culture, excessive detoxification can be equally harmful.

What Is Detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of either clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing or transforming them, and hence clearing excess mucus and congestion. Fats (especially oxidized fats and cholesterol), free radicals, and other irritating molecules act as toxins on an internal level. Functionally, poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin all increase toxicity.
Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins while improving elimination. The avoidance of chemicals from food or other sources, including refined food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, helps minimize the toxin load. Drinking extra water (purified) and increasing fiber by including more fruits and vegetables in the diet are also essential steps. Moving to a less congesting diet will also induce healing.
Detoxification therapy-particularly fasting-is the oldest known medical treatment on earth and a completely natural process.

Who Should Detoxify?

Almost everyone needs to detox and rest their body from time to time. Some of us need to cleanse more frequently or work more continually to rebalance our body. Cleansing or detoxification is but one part of the trilogy of nutritional action (the others being building, or toning, and balancing, or maintenance). A regular, balanced diet devoid of excess necessitates less intensive detoxification. Our body has a daily elimination cycle, mostly carried out at night and in the early morning up until breakfast. When we eat a congesting diet higher in fats, meats, dairy products, refined foods, and chemicals, detoxification becomes more important, particularly to those who eat excessively, and to those who eat excessively at night.
Our individual lifestyle provides clues for deciding how and when to detoxify. If we have any symptoms or diseases of toxicity and congestion, we will likely benefit from detoxification practices. It is like a vacation for our body and digestive tract.
Common toxicity symptoms include headache, fatigue, congestion, backaches , aching or swollen joints, digestive problems, "allergy" symptoms, and sensitivity to environmental agents such as chemicals, perfumes, and synthetics. Dietary changes or avoidance of the symptom-causing agents is usually beneficial. However, it is important to differentiate between allergic and toxicity symptoms in order to determine the appropriate medical care. This detox program, fasting, and juice cleansing can be genuinely helpful in reducing allergy symptoms; however, allergies present a dynamic subtly different from toxicity.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity

• Headaches
• Joint pains
• Coughs
• Wheezing
• Sore throat
• Tight or stiff neck
• Angina pectoris
• Circulatory deficits
• High blood fats
• Backaches
• Itchy nose
• Frequent colds
• Irritated eyes
• Immune weakness
• Environmental sensitivity
• Sinus congestion
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Nervousness
• Sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Mood changes
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Anorexia
• Bad breath
• Constipation

Detoxification and cleansing can contribute to the healing of many acute and chronic illnesses that result from short- or long-term congestive patterns. Detox and cleansing benefits people with addictions to numerous substances.
Detoxification is also an important component in treating obesity. Many of the toxins we ingest or make are stored in the fatty tissues; hence, obesity is almost always associated with toxicity. When we lose weight, we reduce our body fat and thereby our toxic load. However, during weight loss we also release more toxins and need to protect ourselves from nutrient depletion through extra supplementation, including taking additional antioxidants to balance these toxins. Exercise will also promote the loss of excess pounds and help further detoxification.

Problems Related to Congestion / Stagnation / Toxicity

• Acne
• Abscesses
• Boils
• Eczema
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Constipation
• Colitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticulitis
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Thrombophlebitis
• Gout
• Obesity
• Infections by:
• Bacteria
• Virus
• Fungus
• Parasites
• Worms
• Uterine fibroid tumors
• Cancer
• Cataracts
• Colds
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• Emphysema
• Kidney stones
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Prostate disease
• Menstrual problems
• Vaginitis
• Varicose veins
• Diabetes
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastritis
• Pancreatitis
• Mental illness
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Senility
• Parkinson's disease
• Drug addiction
• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Gallstones

Of course, not all of these problems are related solely to toxicity nor will they be completely cured by detoxification. Still, many conditions are created by nutritional abuses and can be alleviated by eliminating the related toxins.

When Is the Best Time to Detoxify?

Whenever we feel congested, our first step is to follow detoxification procedures fine-tuned to our specific needs.
Our bodies have natural cleansing cycles when they want a lighter diet, more liquids, and greater elimination than intake. This occurs daily (usually from the night until midmorning, about an hour after we wake) and it may occur weekly and more commonly for a few days a month. Women, in particular, are aware of this natural cleansing time with their menstrual cycle. In fact, many women feel better both premenstrually and during their periods if they follow a simple cleansing program of more juices, greens, lighter foods, and herbs.
To summarize, seasonal changes are key times of stress when we need to reduce our outer demands and consumptions and listen to the way our inner world mirrors the natural cycles. Spring is the key time for detoxification; autumn is also important. In spring, we may eat more citrus fruits, fresh greens, juices; while in autumn we may dine on harvest fruits, such as apples or grapes , and seasonal vegetables. An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables are appropriate for summer; and whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and soups best simplify our diet in winter.
The sample yearly program provided here is designed for a basically healthy person who eats well. It is not appropriate for people with heart problems, extreme fatigue, underweight conditions, or poor circulation (those who experience coldness). More complete, in-depth fasting programs may release even greater amounts of toxins. Releasing too much toxicity can make sick people sicker; if this happens, they need to increase fluids and eat normally again until they feel better. People with cancer need to be very careful about how they detoxify, and often they need regular, quality nourishment. Fasting should be done only under the care of an experienced physician. All people should avoid fasting just prior to surgery, and should wait four to six weeks before detoxifying after it. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid heavy detoxification, though they can usually handle mild programs, which should be undertaken only with the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Where Can We Detoxify?

During basic, simple detoxification programs, most of us can maintain our normal daily routine. In fact, energy, performance, and health often improve. For some, the detox process may produce headaches, fatigue, irritability, mucous congestions, or aches and pains for the first few days. Any of the symptoms of toxicity may appear, however usually they don't. Symptoms that have been experienced previously may reoccur transiently during detoxification; sometimes it is hard to know whether or not to treat them.
It is wise to begin new programs, diets, or lifestyle changes with a few days at home. In time, experience will show what works best. Most of us can maintain a regular work schedule during a cleanse or detox program (and we may even be more productive). However, it might be easier to begin a program on a Friday, as the first few days are usually the hardest. Some of us may be more sensitive during cleansing to the stress of our work environment or to chemical exposures. Also, co-workers or family members may provide temptations or challenge our decisions. Having supportive guides or co-cleansers can be a great comfort and source of positive reinforcement when our inner resolve begins to fade. At the end of the first or second day, usually around dinnertime, symptoms like headache and fatigue may begin to appear, and it is good to be able to rest and spend time in familiar, undemanding surroundings. By the third day, we usually feel pretty stable and ready for work.
Still, many people like to start new programs on a Monday, knowing that they will do fine, using willpower and visualization to see themselves through. People often feel better than ever and are able to accomplish tasks and meet challenges more easily than usual. In fact, experienced fasters may utilize fasting during busy work periods to improve their productivity. Preparing and planning, clearing doubts and fears, and keeping a daily journal are all useful during this vital process and are crucial to any successful undertaking.

Why Detoxify?

We detoxify/cleanse for health, vitality, and rejuvenation-to clear symptoms, treat disease, and prevent future problems. A cleansing program is an ideal way to help us reevaluate our lives, make changes, or clear abuses and addictions. Withdrawal happens fairly rapidly, and as cravings are reduced we can begin a new life without the addictive habits or drugs.
Detoxification can be helpful for weight loss, although this is not its primary purpose. However, just the simplification of our diet will have some detoxifying effects in our body. Anyone eating 4,000 calories daily of fatty, sweet foods in a poorly balanced diet, who begins to eat 2,000-2,500 calories daily of more wholesome foods will definitely experience detoxification, weight loss, and improved health simultaneously.
We also cleanse/detoxify to rest or heal our overloaded digestive organs and allow them to catch up on past work. At the same time, we are inspired to cleanse our external life as well, cleaning out rooms, sorting through the piles on our desks, clarifying our personal priorities, or revitalizing our wardrobes. Most often our energy is increased and becomes more steady, motivating us to change both internally and externally.

Alternative Cholesterol Treatments

by Dr. Gordon Chang
Cholesterol is a vital nutrient for healthy body function. Cholesterol is used by the body in the manufacture of hormones testosterone, estrogen, progesterone to name a few. This list is by no means complete. It is also used in the myelin sheath formation (covering for nerves). The liver makes approximately 90 percent of the body's daily cholesterol requirement. The remaining 10 percent is obtained from dietary sources. Cholesterol is usually transported around the body in the blood bound to different proteins. Depending on the type of protein it called HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein). High LDL, in conjunction with a low HDL has been associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation and hence has been linked to heart disease. Atherosclerotic plaque formation on the arterial walls causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Since the body requires approximately 10% of its daily cholesterol requirements from dietary sources, a treatment strategy for high cholesterol has been to control the intake of cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in all animal products but some animal products (e.g. egg yolks and red meats), are higher in cholesterol than others (e.g. fish, and chicken breast) therefore by changing you dietary habits, even slightly, you can decrease your intake of cholesterol. Increasing your intake of fiber has also been shown to decrease blood cholesterol. Fiber is known to bind dietary fat and cholesterol in the gut and thus inhibit their absorption by the body. Increasing your intake of green leafy vegetables and increasing your level of exercise has been shown to have dramatic effects on blood pressure and blood cholesterols. People who exercise have been found to have higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL as well as lower levels of total blood cholesterols.
There are several naturally occurring substances that have been shown to significantly decrease blood cholesterols. Some of these include Guggul, niacin, garlic, policosanol, and plant sterols.
Guggul (guggulipids) is an extract of an Indian herb, Commiphora mukul. Guggul extract has been shown in several clinical studies to significantly decrease total blood cholesterol levels as well as LDL levels. Results were seen within 4 to 12 weeks. More importantly there were no side effects when the standardized extract was used.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, has been long know to be as effective as many prescribed drugs used in the treatment of high cholesterol levels. However, there is a problem with straight niacin. If used at a high enough dosage to reduce cholesterol, there is a very real statistical chance of causing damage to the liver in addition to the well known effect of skin flushing. These side effects make niacin unacceptable as a cholesterol lowering supplement. Fortunately, Inositol Hexanicotinate, which is chemically similar to niacin, provides the cholesterol lowering benefits of niacin without the risk of liver damage or flushing. In fact long term studies indicate that Inisotol Hexanicotinate is free of any serious side effects other than the occasional individual suffering from mild gastrointestinal upset.
Policosanol is a mixture of long chain aliphatic alcohols. It was originally extracted from sugar cane waxes, but it is now available from several other natural sources. Policosanol, in dosages that range from 5-20 mg per day, has been shown to significantly decrease total cholesterol levels by 15-30 percent within 4 weeks. In addition, it also decreases LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol). There have been no significant side effects reported in human and animal studies.
Garlic is another herb that has shown cholesterol lowering effects, if taken in sufficient quantities. Of course, garlic can also have social effects if taken in sufficient quantities, so many prefer to use other substances to lower their cholesterol.
Plant sterols are also known to significantly decrease cholesterol levels. However, to see this effect individuals have to consume between 4-10 grams of plant sterols. It is believed that plant sterols work to decrease blood cholesterol levels by competing with dietary cholesterol for absorption. By using intelligent supplementation strategies in combination with a well advised diet and an exercise program you may well find that you get a surprising and beneficial response in both the overall level of your cholesterol, as well as a beneficial shift in the ratio of HDL/LDL cholesterol in your blood.