In the last 10 years or so, andrographis paniculata has become popular in America and Scandinavia where it is used as a preventative and treatment for the common cold - hence its modern nickname - 'Indian echinachea'. But HSI Panellists have discovered that the herb has enormous potential in a far wider range of diseases. And now that the herb is available in the UK, we're delighted to bring you this report about its extraordinary benefits...
The global flu epidemic of 1918 was one of the most devastating infectious outbreaks in world history - more virulent even than the Black Death in the 14th century - killing 50 million people worldwide. No country escaped its onslaught but in India, an amazing herb, Andrographis paniculata, was credited with stopping the spread of the deadly virus.
Now, important new research has confirmed a host of pharmacological benefits for this herb, including potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. In addition, scientists have discovered that Andrographis paniculata helps boost the immune system, protects against cancer, prevents blood clots and maintains efficient digestive functioning. Andrographis paniculata is an annual plant with characteristic white-purple or spotted purple flowers that flourishes in South-East Asia, China and India. It has been valued for centuries by herbalists as a treatment for upper respiratory infections, fever, sore throat and herpes. Other reported applications include its use in cases of malaria, dysentery and even snakebites.
In the last 10 years or so, andrographis has become popular in America and Scandinavia where it is used as a preventative and treatment for the common cold - hence its modern nickname - 'Indian echinachea'. But HSI Panellists have discovered that the herb has enormous potential in a far wider range of diseases. And now that the herb is available in the UK, we're delighted to bring you this report about its extraordinary benefits.
Andrographis helps your body fight infection and can reduce the length of a cold Although scientists in the West have recently been uncovering the remarkable medicinal properties of andrographis, it has in fact been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years.
Today it is prominent in at least 26 different Ayurvedic formulations used to treat liver disorders. The herb improves gall bladder function, increases bile flow (thereby aiding digestion), and has been found to be as effective as silymarin (active compound in milk thistle) in protecting the liver 1.
To date, the herb is best known in Western society as a popular over-the-counter alternative remedy for the common cold. Several double-blind clinical trials have shown that andrographis can reduce the severity of symptoms. In one study involving 158 participants, andrographis or placebo was given daily for 4 days. By the second day those taking the herb showed significant improvements as compared to those given the placebo. Improvements were seen in relation to sleeplessness, nasal drainage and sore throat too.
As a preventative for the common cold, studies show that andrographis may increase the body's resistance to infection by stimulating the production of antibodies and macrophages - large white blood cells that scavenge foreign matter. In a three-month trial involving 107 students, 54 of the participants took 100mg of andrographis twice daily, while the remaining students were given placebo. At the end of the trial only 16 students in the andrographis group experienced the signs of a cold, compared to 33 in the placebo group 3, 4.
Andrographis promotes a healthy heart by preventing blocked arteries and blood clots
Withania somnifera
ASHWAGANDHA - A popular Ayurvedic medicinal substance derived from the root and berry of the plant. This herb is often used as a component in formulations prescribed for stress, strain, fatigue, pain, skin diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy . It is also used as a general tonic, to increase energy and improve health and longevity. Externally, it can be applied as a local analgesic. ASHWAGANDHA has anti-oxidant and anti-stress properties.
Small scale human studies suggest ASHWAGANDHA may promote growth in children and improve hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and sexual performance in adults. A herbomineral formula containing ASHWAGANDHA was shown to benefit osteoarthritis in a clinical trial. ASHWAGANDHA has also been found to be rich in iron. This herb may induce abortion. Pregnant women should avoid this herb.
Asparagus Racemosus
Shatavari is considered to be the main Ayurvedic rejuvenating femal tonic for overall health and vitality. The reputed adaptogenic effects of Shatavari may be attributed to its concentrations of saponins, known as Shatavarins. In Sanskrit, Shatavari means "she who possesses a hundred husbands."
Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is recommended in Ayurvedic texts for prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and as a galactogogue. A. racemosus has also been used successfully by some Ayurvedic practitioners for nervous disorders, inflammation, liver diseases and certain infectious diseases. Recently few reports are available demonstrating beneficial effects of alcoholic and water extracts of the root of A. racemosus in some clinical conditions and experimentally induced diseases, e.g. galactogogue effect, antihepatotoxic and immunomodulatory activities.
Shatavari has been used in India for thousands of years for its therapeutic and tonic properties. It is an all-round tonic and rejuvenative which can be given to a person with any type, constitution, males or females, youngsters or elders. Indeed, Shatavari is the Universal Rasayana. The name Shatavari is symbolic which means one who possesses one hundred husbands. It has various synonyms like atirasa (very juicy), narayani (from which famous preparation Narayana taila is manufactured), satpadi (possesses hundreds of roots), suksma patra (has tiny leaves etc).
Charaka has categorized it as balya promoting strength or a tonic, vaya sthapana – promotes longevity, sukra janana (spermatogenic), Also, he has cited it as a rejuvenative to rasa and mamsa dhatus and mamsavaha srotasa. Susruta has mentioned it as sukra sodhana – purifies the sperms or semen. Whereas, it is quoted as vajikara – augments the sexual vigour and quantity of semen (Sarngandhara Samhita). It is also classified as samsamana – neither it aggravates nor it eliminates the doshas from the body, but simply pacifies the aggravated doshas especially, pitta.
Tribulus terristris
Tribulus Terrestris is a plant that grows in many tropical and moderate areas of the world. Many different cultures have used it for a number of conditions. For example, the Greeks used Tribulus Terrestris as a diuretic and a mood-enhancer.
Indians used it as a diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. The Chinese used it for a variety of liver, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases. The people of Bulgaria used Tribulus Terrestris as a sex enhancer and to treat infertility. Recently, Eastern European athletes and strength champions have used it as well. High quality, nutrient rich Tribulus Terrestris is available from. Tribulus Terrestris is a testosterone enhancer.
Now one can understand why it has been used to increase fertility and help with impotence. Laboratory animal studies found that Tribulus Terrestris increased sperm count as well as motility levels after taking it for 30 days.
This is a good supplement for men and women to increase their sex drive. According to Bill Phillips, editor of Muscle Media, "...Tribulus Terrestris can significantly "lift" performance in the bedroom." Anyone who wants to increase muscle growth (bodybuilders, athletes, etc.) would be wise to try stacking Tribulus Terrestris.
TRIBULUS Terrestris: Underrated Roadside Sex Weed - by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
TRIBULUS terrestris, also called "puncture vine" is a plant long used around the world for the treatment of various ailments. TRIBULUS is popularly claimed to improve sexual function in humans. In Turkey, TRIBULUS terrestris is commonly used in folk medicine for blood pressure and cholesterol. In Europe, TRIBULUS has been used in folk medicine throughout history, as far back as the Greeks, for wide-ranging conditions as headache, nervous disorders, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. In China and India, TRIBULUS terrestris has been touted for use in liver, kidney, urinary, and cardiovascular remedies. But what does modern science have to say about this herb?
TRIBULUS Terrestris and sexual behavior
One rodent study found TRIBULUS to be helpful as a sex booster. Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were studied in both normal and castrated rats to further understand the role of TRIBULUS as an aphrodisiac. ICP refers to blood flow into the corpus cavernosa of the penis. Adult rats were divided into groups of 8 each that included distilled water treated (normal and castrated), testosterone treated (normal and castrated) and TRIBULUS treated (castrated). Compared to the castrated control, treatment of castrated rats (with either testosterone or TRIBULUS extract) showed increase in prostate weight and ICP. There was also a mild to moderate improvement in sexual behavior as evidenced by an increase in mounting frequency. TRIBULUS terrestris may also an influence on testosterone release. One small study in rodents indicates that TRIBULUS has an influence on androgen receptors which are located on brain cells in the hypothalamus (see study below).
Study Done by Iron Magazine
Description: TRIBULUS (puncture vine) is a vine that has been used as a general tonic (energy) and herbal treatment for impotence, but is found primarily in dietary supplements marketed for increasing testosterone levels in bodybuilders and power athletes.
Increased testosterone production
Increased muscle mass/strength
Theory: The idea behind TRIBULUS is that it may increase testosterone levels indirectly by raising blood levels of another hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in regulating natural testosterone production and serum levels.
Prunus amygdalus
It is known for its astringent effect. It has a globulin called amandin. It contains folic acid, alpha tocopherol and zinc, which are useful in skin disorders. In Ayurveda, almond kernels are considered demulcent, lithontriptic and diuretic as well as being a nervine tonic.
