Glossary - C
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CACTUS

The pads or leaves of many cacti contain many natural compounds and vitamins. The Prickly Pear cactus also has natural organic insulin, which can help strengthen the pancreas and help with diabetes.

HISTORY: American Indians first discovered the healing powers of the many Cactuses around the American Plains and Southwest.

INTERNAL USE: Cactus juice can neutralize many poisons, and is a general antidote for many toxins. It is also used to help people with diabetes, infections, hemorrhaging and arthritis. It is also an excellent internal cleanser.

EXTERNAL USE: A poultice of Cactus will help Tarantula bites to disappear quickly. The Juice has the ability to neutralize the venom of the Tarantula, and other toxins as well.

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CALAMUS (ACORUS CALAMUS)

This herb is from the ARACEAE family. It is also known as Shi Chang Pu, Sweet Flag, Singers Root and Sweet Sedge. The root of this herb is used medicinally. Versions of this herb are found in North America and in India. Calamus was used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Egypt.

HISTORY: The Shakers, an early American immigrant group used this herb to make a candy named Sweet Flag. This herb was also used by Ancient Egyptians as a Sexual Aphrodisiac. It was used by American Indians to improve their physical endurance while they traveled from one place to another.

INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. It is used to treat anorexia, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, colic, coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, epilepsy, fever, gas, headaches, rheumatism and sinusitis. Care should be exercised with use of this herb, as overdoses can cause hallucinogenic effects.

EXTERNAL USE: This herb can be used as a powder for foot odor, and a balm for skin parasites.

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CALCIUM

RDA – 1000 mg

CAN PREVENT -

• Cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol
• Muscle cramps
• Possibly colon, endometrium, pancreatic cancers
• Bone loss associated with osteoporosis
• Preeclampsia during pregnancy

ALSO –

• Vital in formation of strong bones and teeth
• Needed for muscular growth and contraction
• May increase bone growth rate and bone mineral density in children
• Essential in blood clotting
• May lower blood pressure
• Participates in the protein structuring of RNA/DNA
• Helps maintain proper cell membrane permeability
• Helps keep skin healthy
• Protects bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of the metal
• Most abundant mineral in the body
• Regulates heartbeat
• Sends nerve messages,
• Needed to make hormones, enzymes for digestion and energy production
• Helps build bone connective tissue

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –

Aching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, hypertension, insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness in arms/legs, pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, tooth decay, cognitive impairment, convulsions, depression, delusions, hyperactivity

DEFICIENCY RISK –

Female athletes, menopausal women, persons taking thyroid medications, hormone steroids can have inhibited absorption

SOURCES –

Milk, dairy foods (yogurt, cottage cheese), salmon (with bones), green leafy vegetables, almonds, asparagus, beans, blackstrap molasses, Brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, buttermilk, cabbage, carob, cheese, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, figs, filberts, goat’s milk, kale, kelp, mustard greens, nuts, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, turnip greens, watercress, whey, yogurt

Herbs – alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, hops, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, shepherd’s purse, violet leaves, yarrow, yellow dock

SUPPLEMENTS –

Look for elemental calcium amount (actual calcium amount in the supplement); works well with Vitamin D; Calcium citrate easily absorbed; necessary if you have osteoporosis, bone disorders, high risk of colon cancer; best to supplement throughout the day rather than at one time (at meals); taken at bedtime can improve sleep

OTHER –

Lysine needed for absorption; Iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium can all affect absorption; alcohol, coffee, junk foods can lead to calcium loss

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CALTROP (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS)

This herb is from the ZYGOPHLLACEAE family. Caltrop is also known as Ci Ji Li, Devil’s Thorn, Goat’s Head, Puncture Vine and Tribulus. The fruit of this plant is used medicinally.

INTERNAL USE: This herb is taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. It helps bladder stones, cystitis, diabetes, gout, hemorrhoids, impotence, infertility, lumbago, kidney stones, sciatica, tinnitus and venereal diseases

EXTERNAL USE: An oil of Caltrop is used on the scalp to help regrow hair, and to treat alopecia.

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CAPSICUM

*see Chili Peppers

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CARNITINE

• Increases the use of fat as an energy source- important to any weight-loss exercise effort
• Heart completely dependent on Carnitine
• Encourages the clearance of fatty acids and triglycerides
• May be used in treatment for diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, immune problems
• Deficiency causes fatty acids to build up around the cell and poorly metabolize.

The supplementation of carnitine is a key nutrient in muscle loss. carnitine supplementation is indispensable for infant health Since carnitine is not found in any vegetable, vegetarians (including breast-feeding vegetarians )should take note of this fact.

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CASCARA SAGRADA (RHAMNUS PURSHIANI CORTEX)

This tree is also known as Cascara or Sacred Bark. It can grow up to 33 feet tall, and has small yellowish-green colored flowers with blue-black fruit. It originated in the American Northwest, along the Pacific Coast. The dried bark of this herb is used medicinally because it contains Vitamins A, B2, B5, B complex, aluminum, calcium, potassium, manganese, tin, lead and strontium. It also contains chrysophanic acid, which give it a laxative property. It also contains emodin, which help create a tightening mood.

HISTORY: Native American tribes have used this herb for centuries to help bowel ailments and distinctions.

INTERNAL USE: Cascara can help constipation, gas, hemorrhoids, liver problems, gall bladder problems and general intestinal cleansing. ,. The chrysophanic acid in Cascara helps to stimulate the muscle walls of the lower bowel, while the emodin acts as a check on the chrysophanic aid to prevent diarrhea. It is not habit forming, and if used, can also help the gallbladder duct to discharge gallstones. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant.

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CASTOR OIL PLANT (RICINUS COMMUNIS)

This tree is from the EUPHORBIACEAE family. The Castor Tree is also known as Palma Christi, and Castor oil Bush. These trees range from forty-foot high trees in the tropics, to large bushes in colder climates, such as France. The oil from the Castor tree seeds are used medicinally. The Castor tree is a native to India, but is now commonly found through out the world, and is most numerous in the United States. The seeds from the Castor tree are very heavy with oils. The pressing of the seeds release the oils, which are then commercially prepared. Cold Press Oil means that the Castor oil was directly squeezed from the seeds without heating. Most Castor Oil is obtained by heating the seeds while they are being squeezed. Cold Press oil is the purist, and supposedly the best medicinal oil available. While the oil is non-toxic, Castor seeds are extremely poisonous! Be very careful not to ingest Castor seeds, as it can take as little as 3 seeds to kill an adult.

HISTORY: Castor Oil has been used to help intestinal problems as well as a fuel source for lamps for thousands of years.

INTERNAL USE: The oil is used to help diarrhea, constipation, worm expulsion and anytime a laxative action is needed.

EXTERNAL USE: An ointment of Castor oil is used to help heal skin rashes, ringworm, and to increase milk flow in lactating women’s breasts.

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CATNIP (NEPETA CATARIA)

This perennial herb is from the LABIATAE family. This herb is also known as Catmint. It is high in vitamins A, B complex and C as well as containing the minerals magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium and traces of sulfur. The tops of the Catnip plant are used medicinally. This type of mint has a square stem with heart shaped flowers, and grows up to three feet high. Harvest Catnip’s young leaves and flowering tops when fully open, but before they turn brown. Catnip is very fragrant, and is routinely used in Potpourri. Catnip is also put on salads to help bring out robust flavors, as well as rubbing Catnip leaves into meat to add flavor.

HISTORY: Most famous of its narcotic effect on felines, Catnip has been used for centuries by many cultures to help with stomach problems. The origin of the name is probably from the Roman Town of Nepeti, where Catnip was cultivated long ago. Colonists brought Catnip to America, where it was even listed as a commercial crop in 1796. It has since escaped into the landscape.

INTERNAL USE: Use Catnip as a tea, tincture or capsule form to help colic, cramping, diarrhea, fevers, gas, headaches, increase urination, lung congestion, spasms, relieve stomach cramping, spasms and to help prevent miscarriages and premature births. Clinical Psychologists have reported that smoking Catnip produces hallucinogenic reactions less severe than that caused by Marijuana smoking.

EXTERNAL USE: Catnip can be used as a poultice on mumps or other skin problems to reduce the swelling.

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CATS CLAW (UNCARIA TOMENTOSA)

The bark from this plants root is used medicinally. Cats claw bark contains strong oxyindole alkaloids, and glycosides.

HISTORY: This herb has been used for centuries by the Native South Americans for internal problems and as a natural form of birth control.

INTERNAL USE: Use Cats claw to help arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal problems, rheumatism and tumors.

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CAYENNE

*see Chili Peppers

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CELERY

This herb is most noted for its presence in salads and as a snack food. The root and seeds of celery are used for its medicinal properties. Celery contains vitamins A, B, and C, and has high quantities of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Celery also has trace amounts of sulfur, silicon and magnesium. It is also high in alkaline constituents, which make it an excellent choice to neutralize body acidity.

INTERNAL USE: Use Celery to help arthritis, dropsy, gout, kidney problems, lumbago, neuralgia and rheumatism.

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CHAMOMILE (CHAMAEMELUM NOBILE)

This annual herb is from the Compositae family. The word Chamomile is from ancient Greek meaning "Ground Apple". This herb is also known as Manzanilla. Chamomile has an apple fragrance smell, and contains Vitamin A, the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese and zinc. Chamomile also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which works on the central nervous system like a sedative. Chamomile contains the amino acid chamazulene that is an anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory agent. The flowering portion of Chamomile is used medicinally. The flower is a deep yellow with silver white rays and grows up to nine inches high. Chamomile is from the Daisy group, so people with allergies to daisies, ragweed, asters or chrysanthemums should avoid this herb. Chamomile tea is a very pleasant tasting concoction, and is a favorite tea flavor, taken purely for its taste.

HISTORY: The early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were said to have used this herb. Chamomile was used to help prevent indigestion by ancient European peoples.

INTERNAL USE: This herb may be taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. It is best when made from fresh herbs to get the strongest, freshest volatile oil. It helps colic, caffeine withdrawals, gas, hay fever, hyperacidity, insomnia, indigestion, jaundice, lumbago, minor infections, menstrual cramps, rheumatism and ulcers. Chamomile helps to maintain the health of the body's various mucus membranes, which help keep out infections and maintain the bodies immune system.

EXTERNAL USE: Use Chamomile skin creams to maintain the health of the skin. It is also useful to apply on sore muscles, sunburns, eczema, ringworm, hemorrhoids and joint pain.

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CHAPARRAL LARREA DIVARICATA)

The leaves of the Chaparral herb are used medicinally. The Chaparral plant can grow up to ten feet high and are high in potassium and sodium, and contain small amounts of aluminum, barium, chlorine, molybdenum, silicon and tin. Chaparral is a very popular herb due to its antibiotic properties. This herb contains an anti-tumor substance called NDGA, which also has anti-cancer properties. Chaparral also has Saponins, which are a compound that helps to clean the human body of impurities.

INTERNAL USE: Use Chaparral to treat bacterial infections, diarrhea, leukemia, melanomas of the skin, venereal diseases and viral infections.

EXTERNAL USE: Chaparral is used topically to treat acne, arthritis, eczema, hemorrhoids, scabies and open wounds.

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CHASTEBERRY

This herb is thought to act directly on the pituitary gland, which helps to regulate the estrogen-to-progesterone levels and balances in the human body.

INTERNAL USE: This herb is used to balance hormone levels in women. Chasteberry is used for irregular or painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other disorders related to hormonal imbalances. Its use during menopause helps relieve "hot flashes" and to help bring back normal hormonal levels and balances after the use of birth control pills. Chasteberry also help acne, endometriosis and fibroid cysts.

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CHICKWEED (STELLARIA MEDIA)

This herb is also known as Starweed. The stem and leaves of this herb is used medicinally, are rich in vitamins A, B complex, C and D, as well as calcium, copper, iron, sodium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus and zinc. Chickweed also contains resins and glycosides that have antiseptic properties. Chickweed is native to North America and Europe.

INTERNAL USE: Chickweed is an excellent antidote for minor blood poisoning as well as helping bronchitis, coughs, inflamed bowels, suppressing appetites and internal ulcers.

EXTERNAL USE: Use this herb as a poultice for boils, burns, insect bites, insect stings, sore eyes, skin irritations and swollen testes

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CHILI PEPPERS (CAPSICUM ANNUUM OR CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS)

The Chili Pepper is from the CAPSICUM family. It is also known as Cayenne Pepper, Hot Pepper or Red Pepper. Chili plants can grow up to six feet high and produce multiple fruits which are used medicinally, as well as used as a food source. This hot plant is officially known as a "Capsicum", meaning it contains the alkaloid ingredient "Capsaicin". Chili Pepper plants originated in South America, but its tremendous popularity has now spread it all over the world by humans. It also has a high quantity of Vitamins A and C, the minerals magnesium, Phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. Chili Peppers act as a catalyst herb, helping transport other herbs throughout the body, and also helping increase the effectiveness of other herbs. Although this herb can be a tremendous benefit to many, care must be used with herb. Avoid exposing the chili pepper your skin because of the strong alkaloids in the herb. Contact can cause painful skin irritations.

HISTORY: It was used by many ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs. It was used medicinally, as well as an accent in cooking!

INTERNAL USE: Chili Peppers can be taken as a capsule, food, powder or tincture. These red peppers can be used as a stimulant, and can help arthritis, colic, diabetic symptoms, gas, internal bleeding, itchy feet, itchy skin, peptic ulcers and assist in preventing aspirin caused stomach damage.

EXTERNAL USE: A Capsaicin ointment has been used effectively to treat arthritis, diabetes, bleeding cuts, herpes zoster, lumbago, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, rheumatism and ease the pain following mastectomy surgery. A sprinkling of powdered Cayenne will help stop blood flow on many cuts or abrasions.

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CHLORIDE

RDI – 3400 mg

NEEDED FOR –

• Fluid balance in the body
• Hydrochloric acid, important for digestion

ALSO –

• Helps muscles contract/relax
• Found inside cells, spaces between cells, blood in the body

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –

• Very rare due to content in table salt; severe vomiting/diarrhea can cause loss of electrolytes (chloride, potassium, sodium)

SOURCES –

• Found in almost all foods, especially table salt, soy sauce, processed foods

SUPPLEMENTS –

• Not necessary due to content in almost all foods; only supplement if recommended by a doctor

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CHOCOLATE

This herb is extracted from the Cacao plant of South America. It only has 5mg of caffeine, the same as a cup of coffee. Chocolate can raise the "good" cholesterol HDL, but not elevate the "bad" cholesterol " LDL. Chocolate has a high content of saturated fat, but also has a high amount of stearic acid, which helps keep cholesterol under control. Chocolate does have some side effects though; it can aggravate high blood pressure, obesity (through chocolate addiction) and sometimes headaches. It may also aggravate heartburn. Studies have shown a drink of chocolate, tomato juice, and other juices suppressed the desire to drink alcohol. Ingestion of chocolate causes the body to produce opiate like chemicals (endorphins) that cause the sensation of pleasure to the brain. If you suffer from chocolate addiction, a drug called naloxone (which is also used to treat heroine overdoses) can help stop the craving for chocolate.

HISTORY: Records show a drink made of the seeds of the Cacao plant was used as early as AD 460 by South American peoples. In the 16^th Century, the Aztec King Montezuma gave the Spanish a gift of this drink. Hernando Cortez took this drink back to Europe, where it quickly became a highly popular drink. Unlike today’s chocolate drinks, this was a bitter drink, like unsweetened coffee. The candy version of Chocolate did not appear until the 19^th century when the Cocoa press was invented.

INTERNAL USE: Chocolate can help reduce alcohol cravings, relieve depression, reduce general body pain (by increasing Serotonin levels in the body), stimulate physical and mental processes in the body and stimulate metabolism. It is able to stimulate the body’s metabolism through the action of amine compounds called tyramine and phenylethylamine

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CHOLINE

NEEDED FOR –

• Production of acetylcholine-neurotransmitter important for brain function, and phosphatidylcholine, neurotransmitter necessary for making membranes of cells

Liver function

• Mental function, memory performance

ALSO –

• Can be produced in the body
• Aids in hormone production
• Moves fats from the liver
• Helps fat and cholesterol metabolism
• May benefit therapies for uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast syndrome, endometriosis,breast and endometrial cancer

Beneficial for disorders of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia.

DEFICENCY SYMPTOMS –

• Impaired brain and mental function, heart problems, gastric ulcers, high blood pressure, fat buildup in the liver, kidney and liver impairment, stunted growth

SOURCES –

• Eggs, organ meats, dandelion greens, nuts, seeds, soybeans, red meat, caviar, cabbage, cauliflower, chickpeas, lentils, rice

SUPPLEMENTS –

• Very little need for supplement; traditional supplement is lecithin granules form soybean oil, but can also be found in pill, natural or liquid form

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CHROMIUM

RDA – 120 mcg

NEEDED FOR –

• Energy production
• Synthesis of cholesterol, fat, protein
• Essential in sugar metabolism

ALSO –

• Helps insulin deliver glucose to cells
• May help diabetics and hypoglycemics control blood sugar
• Used to help control blood cholesterol levels
• Promotes fat loss and lean muscle increase
• May benefit osteoporosis, high blood pressure, migraines

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –

• Anxiety, fatigue, increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, glucose intolerance, diabetic symptoms due to inability to use insulin normally, inadequate metabolism of amino acids, increased risk of heart disease

TOXICITY SYMPTOMS –

• Kidney and liver problems, gastrointestinal ulcers, dermatitis

DEFICIENCY RISK –

• Most American at risk due to diet high in refined foods so they don’t gain minimal amounts from their diets

SOURCES –

• Apples, broccoli, beer, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, beef, meat, whole grains, dried beans, blackstrap molasses, nuts, calf liver, chicken, corn and corn oil, dairy products, dried liver, dulse, eggs, oysters, rhubarb, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and potatoes
• Herbs – catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam, yarrow

SUPPLEMENTS –

• Best absorbed supplement is chromium picolinate; do not take supplements without doctor’s supervision due to possible side effects of affected insulin requirements, especially for diabetics.

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CINNAMON (CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM)

This herb contains oils containing the terpenoids eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. It is these two terpenoids that are believed to give Cinnamon its strong medicinal abilities.

HISTORY: Cinnamon is one of the oldest recorded herbs. Records indicate its use medicinally more than 4000 years ago.

INTERNAL USE: Cinnamon can be taken as a powder, tea or. This herb is used for arthritis, diarrhea, diabetes, fever, yeast Infections, and menstrual problems.

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CITROLINE

• Promotes energy
• Stimulates the immune system
• Deficiency can cause malabsorption of Iron

Citroline will convert to Arginine then to Ornithine in the kidney. This series of interactions serves to convert a highly toxic compound, ammonia, into a non-toxic compound, which will be excreted from the body in the form of urine. Citrolin is also an "OAT" allergy antidote.

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CLOVES (EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLATA)

The Clove tree is from the MYRTACEAE family. Cloves also known as Clavos, Carophyllus and Ding Xiang. The word Clove is from the Latin language, and it means "Nail", which refers to the shape of Clove Buds. The Clove tree can grow up to twenty-five feet high. The actual clove has strong anti bacterial agents in it.

HISTORY: Cloves have been used for countless centuries for both its medicinal and scent properties. People were actually required to hold Cloves in their mouths during the Chinese Han Dynasty when they talked to the Emperor. The Chinese Emperor did not like talking to people with bad breath, and this solved the problem. Cloves are also used to make artificial vanilla. Cloves are also commonly used in the making of cigarettes.

INTERNAL USE: Use Cloves as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. Cloves can help with anorexia, asthma, colds, diarrhea, gas, halitosis, indigestion, intestinal parasites and worm expulsion. A careful use of Clove Oil can be used to treat the throat for staph infections, toothaches and strep throat.

EXTERNAL USE: Cloves can be used externally for arthritis, gargles, headaches and a dental rinse.

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COENZYME Q10

Ubiquinone

NEEEDED FOR –

• Energy production in every cell of the body
• Aids circulation
• Healthy heart function

ALSO –

• Ability to counter histamine, so is good for people with allergies, asthma, respiratory disease
• Used in Japan, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and Canada to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure
• Used to treat side effects of chemotherapy
• May help heal duodenum ulcers
• Could reduce "stickiness" of blood clots

SOURCES –

• Mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, beef, peanuts, spinach, vegetable oils (soy or canola), wheat germ, brown rice, tofu

SUPPLEMENTS –

• Best absorbed when taken with oily or fatty foods such as fish; purest form is dark, bright yellow or orange with little taste; liquid or oil form is preferable; cholesterol-lowering drugs may inhibit effectiveness; check with your doctor about supplements

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COLTSFOOT (TUSSILAGO FARFARA)

This perennial herb is from the ASTERACEAE family. The name is from the Latin language meaning "Cough Dispeller." This herb is also known as British Tobacco, Bull’s Foot, Butterbur, Coughwort, Horsehoof and Owl’s Blanket. The brilliant yellow flowers and green leaves of this herb are used medicinally.

HISTORY: The flowers of this herb were used by French Apothecaries as their symbol, much as the RX symbol is used by Pharmacies today. Coltsfoot flowers are still used to make wines in Europe, and the herb's ashes have also been used as a salt substitute in buttermaking. The fresh leaves were then used to wrap the finished butter.

INTERNAL USE: This herb is taken as a tea, tincture, syrup or in capsule form. It is used to treat asthma, bronchitis, coughs, diarrhea, emphysema, gastritis, laryngitis, tuberculoses and whooping cough. Coltsfoot is also used to treat some forms of lung cancer.

EXTERNAL USE: A topical use for this herb is to help ease the pain of cuts, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, insect stings, and wounds.

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COMFREY (SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE)

This perennial herb is also known as Knitbone. It contains vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc. Comfrey also has 18 amino acids including lysine. This herb can reach up to five feet in height, and has flowers of various colors.

INTERNAL USE: Use Comfrey as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. It must be very carefully used internally, due to its powerful nature. It has the ability to coat the intestinal lining, acting like a lubricant. This helps promote healing in the digestive tract, destroying bacteria. It’s Allatoin content helps with acne, scalp problems, nourish the pituitary gland and kill bacteria.. A tea of both root and leaves is believed to be the best medicinally. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

EXTERNAL USE: Uses as a lotion, to treat abrasions, skin irritations, insect bites, insect stings, nosebleeds and on wounds. It has restricted availability in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and Germany.

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COPPER

RDA – 2 mg

NEEDED FOR –

• Healthy nerves and joints
• Aids in formation of bone, hemoglobin, red blood cells
• Formation of elastin - works in balance with Zinc and Vitamin C
• Bone healing and strength
• Energy production
• Hair and skin coloring
• Taste sensitivity
• Artery flexibility for circulation

ALSO –

• Essential in heart function
• Helps to control, sugar, uric acid levels
• Enhances development of red and white blood cells
• Used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
• Makes insulation that covers nerves
• Important in absorption of iron

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –

• Osteoporosis, anemia, baldness, diarrhea, general weakness, impaired respiratory function, skin sores

DEFICIENCY RISK –

• Vegetarians and nursing home residents (lack of dietary intake)

TOXICITY SYMPTOMS–

• Depression, irritability, nausea, vomiting, nervousness and joint and muscle pain, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, migraine headaches, excess seen in some people with macular degeneration.

SOURCES –

• Nuts, seeds, organ meats, soy products, almonds, avocados, barley, beans, beets, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, garlic, lentils, livers, lobster, mushrooms, oats, oranges, oysters, pecans, potatoes, radishes, raisins, salmon, seafood, soy beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables

SUPPLEMENTS –

• Generally unnecessary; only supplement under a doctor’s supervision due to toxicity side effects

ALSO –

• Balance with zinc intake due to competition with copper for absorption; PMS and birth control pills associated with elevated copper levels along with preeclampsia, breast cancer, lymphoma and chronic leukemia

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CORNSILK (ZEA MAYS)

The silky streamers inside an ear of corn is used medicinally as cornsilk.. It contains vitamins B and K as well as silicon, maizenic acid, fixed oils, resins and mucilage.

INTERNAL USE: Cornsilk is taken as a tincture. Use Cornsilk to help bedwetting, burning urine, bladder stones, cystic inflammation, kidney stones, obesity, prostate stones, renal inflammation and many PMS symptoms

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COWSLIP (PRIMULA VERIS)

This herb is from the PRIMULACAE family. Cowslip is also known as Herb Peter, Paigle, Peggle, KeyFlower, Key of Heaven, Fairy Cups, Petty Mulleins, Crewel, Buckles, Palsywort, Plumrocks, Mayflower, Password, Artetyke, Drelip, Our Lady’s Keys and Arthritica. This plant is from the Primrose family, and is related to the Primrose and Scarlet Pimpernel plants. Cowslip produces two tightly coiled leaves, which roll backwards and lay side by side. The leaves lie nearly flat on the ground, from which a long stalk, crowned by mottled flowers, spring all from one point to form an "umbel".

HISTORY: Shakespeare mentioned Cowslip in his play Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, pontificating the magical qualities of this herb. In Norse Mythology, the flower was a dedicated symbol of Frcya, the Key Virgin, and was believed that through this flower, one could be admitted to her treasure palace. This pagan story became changed in time to be the Virgin Mary, so it also got the name of "Our Lady’s Keys" and "Key of Heaven.", and "KeyFlower". Cowslip is also made into a powerful fermented wine, which has a very great reputation.

INTERNAL USE: Cowslip is used as a sedative and as an Antispasmodic. It helps calm the mind and help increase mental abilities, including concentration and memory.

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CRAMP BARK (VIBURNUM OPULUS)

This herb is from the CAPRIFOLIACEAE family. Cramp Bark is also known as Guelder Rose. This herb grows as a bush that can reach up to ten feet high, and has red berries. Care must be used with this herb, as uncooked berries are poisonous. The bark and berries are used medicinally. It contains vitamins C and K as well as the minerals calcium, potassium and magnesium. Cramp Bark also has bitter resins, viburnin, tannin, sugar , citric, malic, oxalic and valeric acids. The presence of valeric acid in Cramp Bark give it a 'Valerian" smell.

INTERNAL USE: Cramp Bark is used to alleviate asthma, epileptic seizures, high blood pressure, some heart problems, muscle spasms, menstrual pain, mumps, labor pains and rheumatism.

EXTERNAL USE: A decoction of Bark Flowers is used to help treat eczema and other skin problems. It has also been known to help with Arthritis and sore muscles.

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CRANBERRY (GERANIUM MACULATUM)

This herb is from the VACCINIUM family. The fruit of this plant is used medicinally, as well as used in beverages. This famous herb is from the American Northeast. Cranberries are grown in large marshy areas. Its chemical properties give it an antibiotic ability.

HISTORY: This berry is perhaps most famous as the prime ingredient in Cranberry Juice, which is a favorite drink, or mixer in alcoholic drinks.

INTERNAL USE: Cranberry capsules, tea, juice or jams can be used to help prevent stones in the kidneys or bladder. It is also used to kill e. coli and cure urinary tract infections.

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CYPERUS (CYPERUS ROTUNDUS)

This herb is from the CYPERACEAE family. This herb is also known as Chufa, Nutgrass, Sedge Root and Xian Fu.

INTERNAL USE: This herb is taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. It is used to treat diarrhea, gas and infertility. It is also used to help with some kinds of Cervical Cancer.

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CYSTEINE AND CYSTINE

• Each molecule of cystine consists of two molecules of cysteine joined together
• Present in fingernails,s toenails, skin, and hair and aids in the production of collagen

Cysteine is:

• An effective antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals, which can result in aged skin, hardening of the arteries, accumultion of age pigments (age spots), arthritis, and mutagenic disorders such as cancer
• May also act as a membrane stabilizer and serve as a protectant at the cellular level against the adverse effects of heavy smoking and heavy drinking
• Both Cystine and Cysteine promote healing from surgical opertions and burns, while also stimulting white blood cell activity in the immune system, necessary for resistance to disease.

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VITAMIN C

Ascorbic acid

RDA - 60 mg

CAN PREVENT-

• Cancer of the colon, bladder, lung, cervix, colon, pancreas, esophagus, mouth, stomach, breast, cervix because of antioxidant ability (protects against free radicals)
• Artherosclerosis
• Blood clotting and bruising
• Infections
• Heart disease
• Premature births
• Lung inflammation and asthma attacks
• Infection and enhance immunity
• Colds and flu
• Cataracts and glaucoma
• Cancer treatment complication

ALSO-

• Required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, healthy gums
• Aids in production of anti-stress hormones
• Protects against harmful effects of pollution
• Increases absorption of iron
• May reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure
• Boosts natural defenses and kills bacteria
• Can be beneficial in treating chronic fatigue, recurrent hepatitis, AIDS and herpes C
• Keeps LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing and building up
• Protects against toxic by-products of stress
• Needed to make connective tissue for bones
• Builds strong blood vessels
• Needed for wound healing
• Helps control blood sugar and blood pressure
• Most important antioxidant in the body

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS - Scurvy, disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency poor wound healing, soft and spongy bleeding gums, edema, extreme weakness, pinpoint' hemorrhages under the skin - rare in Western societies;

More common deficiency signs are bleeding gums when brushed, increased susceptibility to infection, especially colds and bronchial infections, joint pains, lack of energy, poor digestion, prolonged healing time, tendency to bruise easily, tooth loss

DEFICIENCY RISK - persons with asthma, allergies, diabetes, colds, flu, stress, alcohol abuse; pregnant women, smokers, recent surgery, regularly take aspirin/birth control pills/antibiotics

SOURCES - berries, citrus fruits, green vegetables-asparagus, avocados, beet greens, black currants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, grapefruit, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions, oranges, papayas, green peas, sweet peppers, persimmons, pineapple, radishes, rose hips, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, tomatoes, turnip greens, watercress

HERBS - alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hoips, skullcap, violet leaves, yarrow, yellow dock

SUPPLEMENTS- Divide up dose over the course of the day for better absorption; ascorbic acid formulas are fine for general health and nutritional support; recommended supplement 200-1000 mg per day; alwa