AGARICUS MUSHROOM OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Agaricus mushroom is a fungus. It originated in Brazil, but is now grown in China, Japan, and Brazil for sale. A
solution containing chemicals that are taken from the plant (extract) is used as medicine.
Agaricus mushroom is used for cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis),
ongoing liver disease, bloodstream disorders, and digestive problems. Other uses include prevention of heart
disease, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and stomach ulcers. It is also used to boost the immune system and for
physical and emotional stress.
In Japan, extracts of the agaricus mushroom are approved as a food additive.
It is also consumed as food and tea.
How does it work?
Agaricus mushroom contains chemicals that might improve the body's use of insulin and decrease insulin resistance
in people with type 2 diabetes. Some developing research also suggests it might be able to strengthen the immune
system, fight tumor development, and work as an antioxidant.

ASTRAGALUS OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Astragalus is an herb. The root is used to make medicine.
Astragalus is used for many conditions, but so far, there isnt enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it
is effective for any of them.
Astragalus is used for the common cold, upper respiratory infections, allergies,fibromyalgia, anemia, HIV/AIDS, and
to strengthen and regulate the immune system. It is also used for chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS), kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Some people use astragalus as a general tonic, to protect the liver, and to fight bacteria and viruses.
Astragalus is commonly used in combination with other herbs. For example, in combination with Ligustrum lucidum
(glossy privet), astragalus is used orally fortreating breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer.
Astragalus is sometimes applied to the skin to increase blood flow to the area and to speed wound healing.
There are several different species of astragalus. Some species contain a toxin called swainsonine and have been
linked to livestock poisonings. Some of these species include Astragalus lentiginosus, Astragalus mollissimus, and
others. However, these species of astragalus are usually not found in dietary supplements used by humans. Most
astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus.
How does it work?
Astragalus seems to stimulate and increase the immune system.

BERBERINE OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Berberine is a chemical found in several plants including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape,
phellodendron, and tree tumeric.
People take berberine for heart failure.
Some people apply berberine directly to the skin to treat burns and to the eye to treat trachoma, a bacterial
infection that frequently causes blindness.
How does it work?
Berberine might cause stronger heartbeats. It also might also be able to kill bacteria.

BLACK TEA OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Black tea is a product made from the Camellia sinesis plant. The aged leaves and stems are used to make
medicine. Green tea, which is made from fresh leaves of the same plant, has some different properties.

Black tea is used for improving mental alertness as well as learning, memory and information processing skills. It is
also used for treating headache and low blood pressure; preventing heart disease, including hardening of
the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart attack; preventing Parkinson's disease; and reducing the risk
of stomach and colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. It is also used for type 2 diabetes,
stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, and as a diuretic to increase urine flow. Some people use black tea for
preventing tooth decay andkidney stones. In combination with various other products, black tea is used for weight
loss.
In foods, black tea is consumed as a hot or cold beverage.
How does it work?
Black tea contains 2% to 4% caffeine, which affects thinking and alertness, increases urine output, and may reduce
the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It also contains antioxidants and other substances that might help protect the
heart and blood vessels.

BLOND PSYLLIUM OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Blond psyllium is an herb. The seed and the outer covering of the seed (husk) are used to make medicine.
Blond psyllium is used as a laxative and for softening stools in people withhemorrhoids, anal fissures, and after anal
surgery. It is also used for diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and dysentery. Other uses
include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, weight control, and serious renal disease.
Some people apply blond psyllium to the skin as a poultice for boils.
In food manufacturing, blond psyllium is used as a thickener or stabilizer in some frozen dairy desserts.
Some foods that contain blond psyllium carry a label that claims these foods, when consumed as part of a low-fat
diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease. The FDA allows this claim if the food contains at least 1.7 grams of
psyllium per serving. The key word in this claim is may. It is true that blond psyllium can help lower cholesterol
levels; but theres no proof yet that taking blond psyllium reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Despite its
effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels, blond psyllium has not yet been included in the stepwise approaches to
dietary therapy such as the American Heart Association Step I or Step II diets for high cholesterol. Most clinical
studies have used a specific blond psyllium powder preparation (Metamucil) or food that contains psyllium seed husk,
such as cereals, breads, or snack bars.
How does it work?
The husks of the psyllium seed absorb water and form a large mass. In people with constipation, this mass stimulates
the bowel to move. In people with diarrhea, it can slow down the bowel and reduce bowel movements.

CAFFEINE OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Caffeine is a chemical found in coffee, tea, cola, guarana, mate, and other products.
Caffeine is most commonly used to improve mental alertness, but it has many other uses. Caffeine is used
by mouth or rectally in combination with painkillers (such asaspirin and acetaminophen) and a chemical
called ergotamine for treatingmigraineheadaches. It is also used with painkillers for simple headaches and preventing
and treating headaches after epidural anesthesia.
Some people use caffeine for asthma, gallbladder disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), shortness
of breath in newborns, and low blood pressure. Caffeine is also used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Very high
doses are used, often in combination with ephedrine, as an alternative to illegal stimulants.
Caffeine is one of the most commonly used stimulants among athletes. Taking caffeine, within limits, is allowed by the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Urine concentrations over 15 mcg/mL are prohibited. It takes most
people about 8 cups of coffee providing 100 mg/cup to reach this urine concentration.
Caffeine creams are applied to the skin to reduce redness and itching in dermatitis.

Healthcare providers sometimes give caffeine intravenously (by IV) for headache after epidural anesthesia, breathing
problems in newborns, and to increase urine flow.
In foods, caffeine is used as an ingredient in soft drinks, energy drinks, and other beverages.
People with voice disorders, singers, and other voice professionals are often advised against using caffeine.
However, until recently, this recommendation was based only on hearsay. Now developing research seems to
indicate that caffeine may actually harm voice quality. But further study is necessary to confirm these early findings.
How does it work?
Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood
pressure. Caffeine can raise blood pressure, but might not have this effect in people who use it all the time. Caffeine
can also act like a water pill that increases urine flow. But again, it may not have this effect in people who use
caffeine regularly. Also, drinking caffeine during moderate exercise is not likely to cause dehydration.

CHROMIUM OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Chromium is a metal. It is called an essential trace element because very small amounts of chromium are
necessary for human health.
Chromium is used for improving blood sugar control in people with prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and
high blood sugar due to taking steroids.
It is also used for depression, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lowering badcholesterol, and raising
good cholesterol in people taking heartmedications calledbeta blockers.
Some people try chromium for body conditioning including weight loss, increasing muscle, and decreasing body fat.
Chromium is also used to improve athletic performance and to increase energy.
Chromium was discovered in France in the late 1790s, but it took until the 1960s before it was recognized as being
an important trace element.
How does it work?
Chromium might help keep blood sugar levels normal by improving the way our bodies use insulin.

COFFEE OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Coffee is a drink made from coffee beans, which are the roasted fruit of the Coffea arabica bush.
People drink coffee to relieve mental and physical fatigue and to increase mental alertness. Coffee is also used to
prevent Parkinson's disease, gallstones, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
Other uses include treatment of headache, low blood pressure, obesity, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
Rectally, coffee is used as an enema to treat cancer. Coffee enemas are used as a part of the "Gerson Therapy." In
the Gerson Therapy, cancer patients are treated with caffeinated coffee in the form of enemas every four hours on a
daily basis. During the treatment people are given a diet of liver, vegetables, and a variety of medicines,
including potassium, pepsin, Lugol's solution, niacin, pancreatin, and thyroid extracts. The Gerson Therapy is
considered an unacceptable medical practice in the U.S., but continues to be used at The Hospital of the Baja
California in Tijuana, Mexico, one mile from the U.S.
How does it work?
Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system(CNS), heart, and muscles.

FENUGREEK OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Fenugreek is a plant. The seeds are used to make medicine.

Fenugreek is used for many conditions, but so far, there isnt enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not
it is effective for any of them.
Fenugreek is used for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach,constipation, and inflammation of
the stomach (gastritis). It is also used for conditions that affect heart health such as hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis) and for high blood levels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides.
Fenugreek is used for kidney ailments, a vitamin deficiency disease called beriberi, mouth ulcers, boils, bronchitis,
infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin(cellulitis), tuberculosis, chronic coughs, chapped lips,
baldness, cancer, and lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Some men use fenugreek for hernia, erectile dysfunction (ED), and other male problems.
Women who are breast-feeding sometimes use fenugreek to promote milk flow.
Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice. That means it is wrapped in cloth, warmed and applied directly to the
skin to treat local pain and swelling (inflammation),muscle pain, pain and swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis),
pain in the toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and eczema.
The taste and odor of fenugreek resembles maple syrup, and it has been used to mask the taste of medicines.
In foods, fenugreek is included as an ingredient in spice blends. It is also used as a flavoring agent in imitation maple
syrup, foods, beverages, and tobacco.
In manufacturing, fenugreek extracts are used in soaps and cosmetics.
Fenugreek leaves are eaten in India as a vegetable.
How does it work?
Fenugreek appears to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulate insulin. Both of these effects lower
blood sugar in people with diabetes.

GLUCOMANNAN OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Glucomannan is a sugar made from the root of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). Glucommanan powder,
capsules, and tablets are used as medicine.
Glucomannan is used for constipation, weight loss in adults and children, type 2 diabetes, blood sugar control,
and lowering cholesterol.
In foods, glucomannan is used as a thickener or gelling agent. Glucommanan flour and powder are used in food.
How does it work?
Glucomannan might work in the stomach and intestines by absorbing water to form a bulky fiber which treats
constipation. It may also slow the absorption of sugar andcholesterol from the gut, helping to control sugar
levels in diabetes, and reducing cholesterol levels.

GUARUMO OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Guarumo is a tree. The leaves and stem are used to make medicine.
Guarumo is taken by mouth for asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, liver disorders, and
joint diseases. It is also taken by mouth to relax muscles, promote sleep, reduce pain, and increase urination.
Guarumo is applied to the skin to reduce swelling and treat skin diseases.
How does it work?
Guarumo appears to reduce blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates. Guarumo also
seems to reduce pain and swelling, lower blood pressure, and increase urination. It also appears to depress the
central nervous system, causing a muscle relaxation.

HONEY OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Honey is a substance produced by bees from the nectar of plants. It is used as a medicine.
Honey can become contaminated with germs from plants, bees, and dust during production, and also during
collection and processing. Fortunately, the germ-fighting characteristics of honey ensure that most contaminating
organisms cannot survive or reproduce. However, bacteria that reproduce using spores, including the bacterium that
causes botulism, may remain. This explains why botulism has been reported in infants given honey by mouth. To
solve this problem, medical-grade honey (Medihoney, for example) is irradiated to inactive the bacterial spores.
Medical-grade honey is also standardized to have consistent germ-fighting activity. Some experts also suggest that
medical-grade honey should be collected from hives that are free from germs and not treated with antibiotics, and
that the nectar should be from plants that have not been treated with pesticides.
Honey is used for cough, asthma, and hay fever. It is also used for diarrhea andstomach ulcers caused by infection
with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Honey is also used as a source of carbohydrate during vigorous exercise.
Some people apply honey directly to the skin for wound healing, burns, sunburn,cataracts, and diabetic foot ulcers.
Topical use of honey has a long history. In fact, it is considered one of the oldest known wound dressings. Honey was
used by the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides in 50 A.D. for sunburn and infected wounds. Honeys healing
properties are mentioned in the Bible, Koran, and Torah.
In foods, honey is used as a sweetening agent.
In manufacturing, honey is used as a fragrance and a moisturizer in soaps andcosmetics.
Dont confuse honey with bee pollen, bee venom, and royal jelly.
How does it work?
Some of the chemicals in honey may kill certain bacteria and fungus. When applied to the skin, honey may serve as a
barrier to moisture and keep skin from sticking to dressings. Honey may also provide nutrients and other chemicals
that speed wound healing
.

IVY GOURD OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Ivy gourd is a plant. The leaves, root, and fruit are used to make medicine.
People take ivy gourd for diabetes, gonorrhea, and constipation.
Some people apply ivy gourd leaves directly to the skin for wounds.
Ivy gourd fruit and leaves are used as a vegetable in India and other Asian countries.
How does it work?
Ivy gourd contains chemicals that may reduce blood sugar levels.

MAGNESIUM OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Magnesium is a mineral that is present in relatively large amounts in the body. Researchers estimate that the average
persons body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, and about half of that is in the bones. Magnesium is important
in more than 300 chemical reactions that keep the body working properly. People get magnesium from their diet, but
sometimes magnesium supplements are needed if magnesium levels are too low. Dietary intake of magnesium may
be low, particularly among women.
An easy way to remember foods that are good magnesium sources is to think fiber. Foods that are high in fiber are
generally high in magnesium. Dietary sources of magnesium include legumes, whole grains, vegetables (especially
broccoli, squash, and green leafy vegetables), seeds, and nuts (especially almonds). Other sources include dairy
products, meats, chocolate, and coffee. Water with a high mineral content, or hard water, is also a source of
magnesium.
People take magnesium to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in the
US. Its particularly common among African Americans and the elderly.
Magnesium is also used as a laxative for constipation and for preparation of the bowel for surgical or diagnostic
procedures. It is also used as an antacid for acid indigestion.

Some people use magnesium for diseases of the heart and blood vessels includingchest pain, irregular
heartbeat, high blood pressure, high levels of bad cholesterolcalled low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, low
levels of good cholesterol called high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, heart valve disease (mitral valve
prolapse), and heart attack.
Magnesium is also used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS), Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, leg cramps during pregnancy, diabetes, kidney stones, migraine headaches,
weak bones (osteoporosis), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), altitude sickness, urinary incontinence, restless leg
syndrome, asthma, hayfever, multiple sclerosis, and for preventing hearing loss.
Athletes sometimes use magnesium to increase energy and endurance.
Some people put magnesium on their skin to treat infected skin ulcers, boils, andcarbuncles; and to speed up wound
healing. Magnesium is also used as a cold compress in the treatment of a severe skin infection caused by strep
bacteria (erysipelas) and as a hot compress for deep-seated skin infections.
Some companies that manufacturer magnesium/calcium combination supplementspromote a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio as being
ideal for absorption of these elements. However, there is no credible research to support this claim. Claims that coral
calcium products have ideal combinations of magnesium and calcium to cure a variety of diseases and conditions are
being carefully evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
How does it work?
Magnesium is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones. Magnesium is also required for the proper
function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. In the stomach, magnesium helps neutralize stomach
acid and moves stools through the intestine.

MILK THISTLE OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Milk thistle is a plant. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine. The seeds are more commonly
used.
Milk thistle is used most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, Amanita phalloides
mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis.
Nevertheless, researchers have not yet concluded with certainty that milk thistle is effective for any of these uses.
Milk thistle is also used for loss of appetite, heartburn (dyspepsia), and gallbladdercomplaints.
Some people use milk thistle for diabetes, hangover, diseases of the spleen, prostate cancer, malaria, depression,
uterine complaints, increasing breast milk flow, allergy symptoms, and starting menstrual flow.
In foods, milk thistle leaves and flowers are eaten as a vegetable for salads and a substitute for spinach. The seeds
are roasted for use as a coffee substitute.
Milk thistle gets its name from the milky sap that comes out of the leaves when they are broken. The leaves also have
unique white markings that, according to legend, were the Virgin Marys milk. Dont confuse milk thistle with blessed
thistle (Cnicus benedictus).
How does it work?
Milk thistle seed might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs. It also seems to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. Milk thistle plant extract might enhance the effects of estrogen.

NIACIN AND NIACINAMIDE VITAMIN B3 OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Niacin and niacinamide are forms of Vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is found in many foods including yeast, meat, fish, milk,
eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains.Niacin and niacinamide are also found in many vitamin B
complex supplements with other B vitamins.
Niacin is used for high cholesterol. It is also used along with other treatments for circulation
problems, migraine headache, dizziness, and to reduce the diarrheaassociated with cholera. Niacin is also used for

preventing positive urine drug screens in people who take illegal drugs.
Niacinamide is used for treating diabetes and two skin conditions called bullous pemphigoid and granuloma annulare.
Niacin or niacinamide is used for preventing vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra. Each of
these forms of vitamin B3 is used forschizophrenia, hallucinations due to drugs, Alzheimers disease and age-related
loss of thinking skills, chronic brain syndrome, depression, motion sickness, alcohol dependence, and fluid collection
(edema).
Some people use niacin or niacinamide for acne, leprosy, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), memory
loss, arthritis, preventing premenstrual headache, improving digestion, protecting against toxins and pollutants,
reducing the effects of aging, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, promoting relaxation, improving orgasm,
and preventing cataracts.
Niacinamide is applied to the skin for treating a skin condition called inflammatory acne vulgaris.
How does it work?
Niacinamide can be made from niacin in the body. Niacin is converted to niacinamide when it is taken in amounts
greater than what is needed by the body. Niacin and niacinamide are easily dissolved in water and are well-absorbed
when taken by mouth.
Niacin and niacinamide are required for the proper function of fats and sugars in the body and to maintain healthy
cells. At high doses, niacin and niacinamide can have different effects. Niacin might help people with heart disease
because of its beneficial effects on clotting. It may also improve levels of a certain type of fat called triglycerides in the
blood. Niacinamide has no beneficial effects on fats and should not be used for treating high cholesterol or high fat
levels in the blood.
Niacin deficiency can cause a condition called pellagra, which causes skin irritation, diarrhea, and dementia. Pellagra
was common in the early twentieth century, but is less common now, since foods are now fortified with niacin.
Pellagra has been virtually eliminated in western culture.
People with poor diet, alcoholism, and some types of slow-growing tumors called carcinoid tumors might be at risk for
niacin deficiency.

OATS OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Oat is a plant. People use the seed (oat), leaves and stem (oat straw), and bran (the outer layer of whole oats) to
make medicine.
Oat bran and whole oats are used for high blood pressure; high cholesterol; diabetes; and digestion problems
including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis,inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diarrhea, and constipation.
They are also used for preventing heart disease, gallstones, colon cancer, and stomach cancer.
People use oats for joint pain (rheumatism), fatigue, a fatigue-related condition calledneurasthenia syndrome,
withdrawal from nicotine and narcotics, and lowering high uric acid levels that can cause gout. Oats are also used
for anxiety, excitation and stress; as well as for weak bladder and kidney ailments. Other uses include connective
tissue disorders, skin diseases, fat redistribution syndrome associated with HIV treatment, and as a tonic.
Oat straw is used for the flu, swine (H1N1) flu, coughs, bladder disorders, joint pain,eye ailments, frostbite, gout, and
a skin infection called impetigo.
Topically, oats are used for skin conditions including itchiness, dryness, oiliness, weeping eczema, and
contact dermatitis. Oats are also applied to the skin for chicken pox, osteoarthritis, liver disorders, and added to foot
baths for chronically cold or tired feet.
In foods, oats are used as a grain or cereal.
In manufacturing, oats are included in some bath products and soaps.
How does it work?

Oats might help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels and control appetite by causing a feeling of fullness. Oat
bran might work by blocking the absorption from the gut of substances that contribute to heart disease, high
cholesterol, and diabetes.

PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Prickly pear cactus is a plant. It is part of the diet in Mexican and Mexican-American cultures. Only the young plant is
eaten; older plants are too tough. Prickly pear cactus is also used for medicine.
Prickly pear cactus is used for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcoholhangover, colitis, diarrhea, and
benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It is also used to fight viral infections.
In foods, the prickly pear juice is used in jellies and candies.
Most research on this product has been performed in Mexico by one research group.
How does it work?
Prickly pear cactus contains fiber and pectin, which can lower blood glucose by decreasing the absorption of sugar in
the stomach and intestine. Some researchers think that it might also decrease cholesterol levels, and kill viruses in
the body.

SOY OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Soy comes from soybeans. The beans can be processed into soy protein, which is a powder; soymilk, which is a
beverage that may or may not be fortified with extracalcium from the soybeans; or soy fiber, which contains some of
the fibrous parts of the bean.
Soy is used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and preventing diseases of theheart and blood vessels. It is
also used for type 2 diabetes, asthma, lung cancer,endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer, as well
as preventing weak bones (osteoporosis), and slowing the progression of kidney disease.
Other uses include treating constipation and diarrhea, as well as decreasing protein in the urine of people with kidney
disease, improving memory, and treating muscle soreness caused by exercise.
Women use soy for breast pain, preventing breast cancer, preventing hot flashes afterbreast cancer, menopausal
symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
In foods, soy is used as a milk substitute in infant feeding formulas, and as an alternative to cow's milk. Soybeans are
eaten boiled or roasted. Soy flour is used as an ingredient in foods, beverages, and condiments.
The active ingredients in soy are called isoflavones. A study of the quality of commercially available
soy supplements suggests that less than 25% of products contain within 90% of labeled isoflavone content. Paying
more for a product doesnt necessarily guarantee that the content shown on the label is accurate.
How does it work?
Soy contains "isoflavones" which are changed in the body to "phytoestrogens," which are similar to the hormone
estrogen.

WINE OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Wine is an alcoholic beverage prepared by fermenting grapes.
Wine is used for preventing diseases of the heart and circulatory system, including coronary heart disease,
hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart failure,heart attack, and stroke. Wine is also used for preventing
decline of thinking skills in later life, Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.
Some people use wine to reduce anxiety, stimulate the appetite, and improve digestion by increasing stomach acids.
Wine is sometimes applied directly to the skin to improve wound healing and resolve the small nodules near joints
that sometimes occur with rheumatoid arthritis.

How does it work?

Wine contains ethanol (alcohol), which blocks various nerve pathways in the brain. It also contains chemicals that
might have beneficial effects on the heart and blood circulation such as antioxidant effects, and preventing blood
platelets from forming clots.

XANTHAN GUM OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Xanthan gum is a sugar-like compound made by mixing aged (fermented) sugars with a certain kind of bacteria. It is
used to make medicine.
Xanthan gum is used for lowering blood sugar and total cholesterol in people withdiabetes. It is also used as
a laxative.
Xanthan gum is sometimes used as a saliva substitute in people with dry mouth(Sjogren's syndrome).
In manufacturing, xanthan gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in foods,toothpastes, and medicines.
Xanthan gum is also an ingredient in some sustained-release pills.
How does it work?
Xanthan gum swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through. It also might slow the
absorption of sugar from the digestive tract and work like saliva to lubricate and wet the mouth in people who don't
produce enough saliva.

GYMNEMA OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Gymnema is a woody climbing shrub native to India and Africa. The leaves are used to make medicine. Gymnema
has a long history of use in Indias Ayurvedic medicine. The Hindi name, gurmar, means "destroyer of sugar."
Today, gymnema is used for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, and cough. It is also used for malaria and as
a snake bite antidote, digestive stimulant, laxative,appetite suppressant, and diuretic.
How does it work?
Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also
increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the
body where insulin is made.

BITTER MELON OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Bitter melon is a plant. The fruit and seeds are used to make medicine.
Bitter melon is used for various stomach and intestinal disorders including gastrointestinal (GI) upset,
ulcers, colitis, constipation, and intestinal worms. It is also used for diabetes, kidney stones, fever, a skin condition
called psoriasis, and liverdisease; to start menstruation; and as supportive treatment for people with HIV/AIDS.
Topically, bitter melon is used for deep skin infections (abscesses) and wounds.
Bitter melon is used as a vegetable in India and other Asian countries and as an ingredient in some kinds of curries.
How does it work?
Bitter melon contains a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels.

CASSIA CINNAMON OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Cassia cinnamon is a plant. People use the bark and flower for medicine.
Cassia cinnamon is used for many conditions, but so far science has not confirmed that it is effective for any of them.
Research does show, however, that it is probably not effective for lowering blood sugar in type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
In addition to diabetes, Cassia cinnamon is used for gas (flatulence), muscle andstomach spasms,

preventing nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite.
Some people use it for erectile dysfunction (ED), hernia, bed-wetting, joint conditions, menopausal symptoms,
menstrual problems, and to cause abortions. Cassia cinnamon is also used for chest pain, kidney disorders, high
blood pressure, cramps,cancer, and as a blood purifier.
Cassia cinnamon is used in suntan lotions, nasal sprays, mouthwashes, gargles,toothpaste, and as a counterirritant
applied to the skin in liniments. A counterirritant is a substance that creates pain and swelling at the point of
application with the goal of lessening pain and swelling at another location.
In food and beverages, cassia cinnamon is used as a flavoring agent.
There are a lot of different types of cinnamon. Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum
aromaticum (Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon) are commonly used. In many cases, the cinnamon spice
purchased in food stores contains a combination of these different types of cinnamon. So far, only cassia cinnamon
has been shown to have any effect on blood sugar in humans. However, Cinnamomum verum also contains the
ingredient thought to be responsible for lowering blood sugar. See the separate listing for Cinnamon bark.
How does it work?
Cassia cinnamon contains the chemical cinnamaldehyde, which might have activity against bacteria and fungi.

CHIA OVERVIEW INFORMATION

When you hear chia, you may think of Chia Pets. These are clay figures sold in the US that support the growth of
chia sprouts. But chia has a much longer history as a medicinal herb. It originated in Mexico and was cultivated by
the Aztecs. Today, chia is grown commercially in Central America and South America. It is grown mainly for its seed,
which is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
People use chia seed for diabetes, high blood pressure, and for generally reducing the risk of heart
disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease).
How does it work?
Chia seeds contain a large amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Researchers think omega-3 fatty
acids and fiber help reduce risk factors for heart disease.

OOLONG TEA OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Oolong tea is a product made from the leaves, buds, and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. This is the same plant
that is also used to make black tea and green tea. The difference is in the processing. Oolong tea is partially
fermented, black tea is fully fermented, and green tea is unfermented.
Oolong tea is used to sharpen thinking skills and improve mental alertness. It is also used to
prevent cancer, tooth decay, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Some people use oolong tea to treat obesity, diabetes, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high
cholesterol and skinallergies such as eczema; and to boost the immune system.
How does it work?
Oolong tea contains caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), heart, and muscles.
Oolong tea also contains theophylline and theobromine, which are chemicals similar to caffeine.