Thursday, December 27, 2007
ELDER BERRY
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra [Latin]), also called elder flower are native to Europe, but have been naturalized to the Americas, and have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in England, where it is commonly used to make Elderberry wine and pies, and was once referred to as "nature's medicine chest."
Elderberry is a natural remedy with three flavonoids that have antiviral properties. Flavonoids are very effective against different strains of influenza virus. Black Elderberry also has other compounds, called anthocyanins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, thus reducing aches and pains. Elderberries contain flavonoids, which are natural chemical substances that give food their taste and color; they also boost the immune system, and supply the body with antioxidant protection. Elderberry may be effective in treating some diseases related to a depressed immune system, and preliminary studies have shown some preliminary promises against some viruses, including herpes and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Two of the compounds found in Elderberry, alpha- and beta-amyrin palmitate, have been shown to exhibit strong antihepatotoxic activity, making it an excellent choice for combating liver damage. Other plant chemicals, the flavonoids, phenolic compounds and triterpenes, have antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities, with subtle "hormone-like" communication capabilities. This subtle herb can often avert problems before they get started, making it increasingly popular as an immune booster among people who have immune compromised health issues such as HIV. Elderberry has been traditionally used for relieving pain, inflammation, water retention, and congestion. All parts of the Elderberry tree, including the bark, flowers, and leaves, have been used in herbal medicine. Elderberry leaves are added to topical creams and sitz baths to treat inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis, boils, and eczema. Aged Elderberry bark has been used to treat water retention and constipation, and to induce vomiting.
Elderberry has been shown to be very effective against at least eight strains of flu virus. It contains Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs), which help prevent some types of flu from infecting healthy cells. Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that Elderberry reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some studies also suggest that elderberry can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decreased nasal congestion in those with bacterial sinusitis. Elderberry works as a simple cleanser and as an antioxidant. It is also a diaphoretic, diuretic, and hepatic. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, and acts as a mild laxative. This gentle herb is used for bronchitis, catarrh, common cold symptoms including coughs and sore throats, fevers, influenza, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica & skin disorders.
Uses Of Elderberry
Elderberry used for kidney problems, urinary problems, eliminating excess water from the body and Inflammatory Conditions.
Elderberry may be helpful in arthritic and rheumatic complaints.
Elderberry flowers tea use to treat respiratory infections.
It is also used for fighting influenza and colds as an excellent internal cleanser.
Elderberry helps in relieves asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, colds and influenza.
Other proposed uses of Elderberry are :
High Cholesterol
HIV Support
Herpes
Side Effects Of Elderberry
Elderberry flowers are generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare and consist primarily of occasional mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. Nonetheless, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Research & Herbs Depart At Nutrovita.com
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BilBerry - The Potent Antioxidant
BILBERRY
Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus (Latin), is made from a small, blue berry that has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. bilberries have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Bilberry has traditionally been used to treat diarrhea, varicose veins, mucous membrane inflammation, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It has also been shown to be particularly beneficial to the health of the eyes.
Bilberry contains flavonoids called anthocyanosides, which are found largely in dark-skinned fruits, and act as potent antioxidants in the body. These anthocyanosides are thought to be at least part of the reason that Bilberry is effective in treating such eye disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. In one Italian study, a combination of bilberry extracts and vitamin E stopped the progression of cataracts in 97 percent of the study participants. Bilberries are very rich in natural antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. As an anti oxidant Bilberry is great in the defense against cell damaging agents called free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and are most commonly produced from simple oxygen exposure. An other common cause of free radical formation is exposure to carbon monoxide from such things as pollution and cigarette smoke. Anti oxidants remove free radicals from the body and help keep cells healthy. Too many free radicals can cause mutation of cells, which can lead to such things as cancer. Using Bilberry with other anti oxidants such as vitamin C and E and performing regular exercise can help keep your body purged of free radicals and may drastically help reduce the risk of such mutations.
The following active constituents have been found in Bilberry: ericolin, arbutin, beta-amyrin, nonacosane, and anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides are a type of flavonoid which causes the deep blue-red color of many berries. This may produce many of the secondary benefits such as lowering of blood pressure, reduction of clots, reducing varicosities and bruising, reversing poor blood supply, and improving blood supply. Bilberry is used in Europe before surgery to prevent excessive bleeding and hemorrhaging. A recent German medical journal reports bilberry effective in reducing excessive bleeding by 71% (Lietti). Bilberry also thins the blood by inhibiting platelet adhesion (Bottecchia). This combination of actions
1. improving capillary strength,
2. reduction of capillary leakage, and
3. blood thinning
results in improved blood flow and may reduce clotting-related health risks.
Benefits Of Billberry
The Bilberry pigments decrease capillary permeability and fragility, and the tendency to bruise easily. Therefore,Bilberry Extract are useful for the treatment of microcirculatory disorders, such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids. Bilberry preparations are also useful for degenerating eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
The anthocyanidin pigments, along with the flavonoids and other antioxidants, help protect and relax blood vessels, inhibit blood clot formation, and improve microvascular blood flow, thereby diminishing angina events. Many of the antioxidants in Bilberry are more potent than vita min E and can inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as well as promoting vasorelaxation. Preliminary experiments reveal that Bilberry extract also possess antimicrobial and anticancer properties and may help in the healing of wounds and ulcers.
Bilberry promotes good circulation and strengthens artery walls, and thus may be an effective treatment for atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up on the artery walls and blocks the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. Bilberry's anti-inflammatory properties also work to reduce the overall inflammation, including inflammation of the gums, that has been linked with heart disease.
Bilberry extract called Vaccinium Myrtillus Anthocyanoside (VMA) is a popular treatment for chronic venous insufficiency, a condition characterized by swelling, varicose veins, pain, itching, and skin ulcers in the legs. It might also prove to be an effective treatment for Raynaud's disease, a condition that causes numbness and pain in the outer extremities (fingers, toes, nose) upon exposure to the cold--the anti-inflammatory properties of Bilberry help reduce the stress on capillaries, and relax small blood vessels, which helps keep the blood flowing to all parts of the body. Because Bilberry strengthens the capillaries, it is also used to discourage bruising. Bilberry has long been used to ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
Uses Of Bilberry
Bilberry leaf has been used for diabetes, stomach problems, arthritis, blood circulation problems, and heart problems
Bilberry contains anthocyanosides, compounds that benefit the circulatory system.
Bilberry strengthens blood vessels and connective tissue, builds strong capillaries, improves circulation, and may help to control the formation of blood clots, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.
Additionally, the compounds (anthocyanosides) in Bilberry help eyes adapt to light changes and enhances night vision.
Tannin, found in dried Bilberry berries, helps to control diarrhea and related intestinal inflammation (astringent properties).
Extract of Bilberry protects the stomach against digestive acids because it stimulates the production of stomach mucus.
The leaves of the Bilberry are high in chromium - important to regulate blood sugar levels. This may benefit people who are diabetic or hypoglycemic.
Side Effects Of Bilberry
There are no any serious side effects of Bilberry but it may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, or headaches. Also, people taking drugs or herbs that lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, cause diarrhea, or thin the blood, should take Bilberry with caution—it could increase the effects of these herbs and medications.
Research & Herbs Depart At Nutrovita.com
Health Articles
For a Good Workout, Try the Medicine Ball
When most people think of a medicine ball, they usually get a mental picture of the old, tattered and torn brown leather weighted ball sitting in the corner of an old school iron pumping gym. They also see these balls as being a very outdated method of working out. When was the last time you've seen anyone use one of those or even heard anyone talk about them? With all the modern exercise machines and other various equipment available today, what possible reason could there be to make anyone want to include the medicine ball as part of their workout?
First of all, the medicine ball has come a long way from the old leather ones mentioned earlier. They now come in a vast array of colors and are made with rubber surfaces making them easier to grip. They also come in weights ranging from one to fifty pounds so you can vary resistance to suit your needs. Because they bounce and can be tossed around, they are great for working you with random movements instead of the fixed ones that come with barbell, dumbbell and machine workouts. There is virtually no other equipment in the gym or at home that can provide the versatility of the medicine ball.
Some good reasons to make the medicine ball part of your workout routine are:
You can add variety to your routine because of the limitless kinds of exercises you can do with them. You can toss them, bounce them, roll them, and do many traditional free weight exercises with them. With all the variety they provide, it is hard to get bored with their use and people of all fitness levels from beginner to athlete can use them.
Using the medicine ball is a good tool for meeting people because there are loads of exercises you can do with the ball that work great with two or more people. You can toss the ball to each other, roll it to each other, bounce it back and forth, and hand it off to each other. You can even work in small groups using the ball, making room to be even more creative with it.
A lot of medicine ball exercises are great for working your core or midsection muscles, which are involved when you toss, roll, bounce or catch it. There is also a lot of movement involved when using the ball like side to side movement or front to back movement to catch it. Standing and twisting side to side while holding the ball is great for your midsection as well.
If you are looking to improve your performance in a particular sport or activity, the medicine ball can help there too. Tossing and bouncing it back and forth with a partner helps improve eye-hand coordination. Tossing the ball also improves strength for things like golf and tennis swings, throwing a baseball or football, and swimming strokes. Rolling it will help improve strength for your bowling game or underhand softball pitching.
Using the medicine ball is a great way to add a little something different to your usual exercise routine. You can do things with it that you most likely could not do with the traditional equipment you've been using, and at times, using the medicine ball can be downright playful and fun to work with, reminding you of when you were a kid tossing and rolling the ball around in the park with your friends thus making you feel young again.
About The Author:
Jim O'Neill gives you tons of valuable information on the subjects of weight loss, fitness, and nutrition to make it easy for you to live a healthy lifestyle. Sign up now for his free 7 part mini e-course at: www.mrgymfitness.com/minicourse.php
