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BALM OF GILEAD (POPULUS CANDICANS)
This herb is from the SALICACEA family. It is also known as Poplar Buds, Balsam Poplar, Mecca Balsam, Gileadensis, and Tacamahac. Balm of Gilead has the compound salicin in it, which is the same component that is in aspirin. Because of this, do not use this herb if you are allergic to aspirin. This herb also has other active compounds, such as gallic acid, tannins, and essential oils.
HISTORY: The Balm of Gilead has been used historically to reduce breast milk production following pregnancy.
INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a capsule, tea, tincture or even as syrup. It is used to help bronchitis, coughs, laryngitis, sore throats, and tonsillitis.
EXTERNAL USE: Use this herb as a compress or poultice to help treat abscesses, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and rheumatism.
BARBERRY (BERBERIS VULGARIS)
The Barberry plant can grow up to eight feet high and has red or black berries. The fruit is commonly used for making jam or jellies and pies. The root bark of the Barberry plant is used as a medicinal herb. Barberry is high in vitamin C, and contains iron, manganese and phosphorus. This herb also has chemical compounds in it such as arbutin, allantion and tannin. It is not recommended to use this herb if you have any heart diseases, or are pregnant. Barberry’s strength comes from a powerful alkaline component called Berberine, which also a strong alkaloid in Goldenseal.
HISTORY: Barberry is believed to have originated in Europe, but due to its popularity with humans, it is now grown through out North America. Barberry was used in ancient Europe to treat internal infections, stomach disorders and skin conditions.
INTERNAL USE: Use tea or tincture of Barberry to help bacterial infections, bladder stones, bowel problems, cystitis, diarrhea, E-Coli infections, heart burn, high blood pressure, jaundice, kidney stones, nephritis, swollen spleen, stimulation of bile from the liver and stomach problems. Barberry can also help the body by working as an anti-oxidant, which means it helps eliminate free radical electrons in the body. Because of its strong properties, pregnant or breast-feeding women should use caution in taking Barberry.
EXTERNAL USE: Use Barberry as an antiseptic on the surface of the skin to kill bacteria. It can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle to prevent bad breath and as a douche to help fight a vaginal infection.
Barley grass
Barley grass is one of the green grasses, the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age. Barley has served as a food staple in most cultures. The use of barley for food and medicinal purposes dates to antiquity. Agronomists place this ancient cereal grass as being cultivated as early as 7000 BC. Roman gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. In the West, it was first known for the barley grain it produces.
Barley grass contains eighteen amino acids, including the eight essential ones. Amino acids we must get from our diet as the body cannot produce them itself. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are the major constituents of every cell and body fluid (except urine and bile) and arethus necessary for the continual cell building, cell regeneration, and energy production that we need for life. An added benefit of the barley grass proteins is that they are polypeptides; smaller proteins that can be directly absorbed by the blood, where they promote cell metabolism and neutralize substances that are bad for our health.
Barley Grass also contains a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals. It is clear that the leaves of the cereal grasses provide the nearest thing this planet offers to the perfect food. The barley grass also contains chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has been studied for its potential as a deodorant, in stimulating tissue growth, and in stimulating red blood cells in connection with blood supply. The chlorophyll formed complex compounds with the carcinogens ( cancer causing ) while they were still in the digestive tract, limiting their negative effect on the body.
Barley also contains glucan, a fiber also found in oat bran and reported to reduce cholesterol levels. The root contains the alkaloid hordenine which stimulates peripheral blood circulation and has been used as a bronchodilator for bronchitis. Barley bran, like wheat bran may be effective in protecting against the risk of cancer.
The barley grass also contain a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Among the vitamins are beta carotene and five B vitamin, including vitamin B12. Barley Grass also contains: folic acid and antioxidant vitamin C and vitamin E. Minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Lab analysis on barley grass has turned up more than 70 other trace minerals.
Barley Grass also known as:
Hordeum vulgare, barley grass
BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM)
This annual herb is from the LAMIACEAE family. The name Basil is from the Greek word "Basileus" which means "King". Basil is also known as St. Joseph wort. At one time in history, this herb was praised more than the King! It is an annual plant, and has thin branchy roots. Basil can grow up to three feet high with flowers that vary widely in color. Basil is used for culinary taste, as well as for medicine. It contains vitamins A, D, and B2, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
HISTORY: It is said that Basil can help increase one’s fortune and wealth. Many people believe that by putting a Basil leaf in their wallets, it will attract prosperity.
INTERNAL USE: Use basil to help prevent stomach cramps, gas and alleviate constipation problems.
EXTERNAL USE: A poultice of Basil leaves can help draw out insect, bee wasp, or snake venom. It can help cure acne, heal abrasions, cuts and give a person’s hair a high shine after it is used as a rinse.
BAY (LAURUS NOBILIS)
This Evergreen Tree is also known as Laurel. The leaves of this tree are used medicinally for it’s herbal properties. The Bay Tree has dark green oval leaves, small yellow flowers, and produces dark purple black fruit. It can grow up to fifty feet high, but most Bay Trees only grow a height of 20 feet.
HISTORY: The use of Bay leaves reaches back centuries. Bay leaves were used as a medicinal remedy as well as a cooking herb by different cultures around the world. . Bay Leaves can be found in many soups around the world, as well as in many meat dishes, such as roasts!
Although Bay leaves add zeal to all foods, the Bay Leaves themselves should not be eaten!
INTERNAL USE: Bay Leaves may be used as a leaf infusion or tincture. This can help indigestion, poor appetite, induce menstruation and prevent gas. Since Bay leaves can induce menstruation, pregnant women should avoid using the Bay herb.
EXTERNAL USE: An infusion or tincture can be used to help heal bruises, sore joints and prevent dandruff when used as a hair rinse.
BAYBERRY (MYRICA CERIFERA)
The Bayberry herb is an extracted from the Bayberry tree’s bark and roots. Bayberry contains high amounts of vitamin C, and is used as a general blood tonic. The Bayberry tree can grow up to thirty-five feet high.
HISTORY: The Bayberry tree is supposed to bring prosperity and luck to the house it’s planted next to. This is why it is considered good luck to plant a Bayberry tree near your house.
INTERNAL USE: Bayberry extract can help to aid digestion, rejuvenate the adrenal glands, clears sinus passageways, increase blood flow, ward of colds and when combined with the herb Ginger, fight against Cholera. A Douche of Bayberry Tea can treat excessive menstrual bleeding, vaginal infections or a prolapsed Uterus.
EXTERNAL USE: A tea gargle of Bayberry can help sore or infected throats, as well as help stop bleeding gums.
BEARBERRY (ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI)
The herb Bearberry has red flowers and berries and is found around the world, primarily in colder regions. Bearberry contains the glycoside arbutin, which is a chemical compound that has the ability to eliminate bacteria in the Urinary Tract.
HISTORY: Bearberry was smoked with tobacco by many Native American tribes. It was also used as a tea in Northern Asia.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is often taken as a tea or in capsule form. It works well with other alkaline-based herbs or food to help clean out the stomach and intestines of bacteria infections.
BETH ROOT (TRILLIUM PENDULUM)
This perennial herb is also known as Birth Root. Beth root grows to just over a foot in height, has flowers of various colors, and produces red to pink colored fruit.
INTERNAL USE: Beth root can help bronchitis, coughs, diarrhea, hemorrhaging and insomnia. EXTERNAL USE: This herb can be used topically to help alleviate insect bites and stings, skin ulcers and surface tumors.
bee pollen
As a food, bee pollen may well be considered older than mankind. Bees reportedly buzzed over our planet long before humans walked in the woods and forests. The foods made by bees in the form of honey and pollen have long sustained animals and people. These foods can provide complete nourishment to maintain life for an extended period of time, even without the ordinary forms of essential nutrients.
In the past decade, science has discovered that bee pollen contains a miracle concentration of nearly all the known nutrients.
Bee pollen is considered a potent healer, a source of regenerative power which can pervade the body. The bee pollen is said to have been the secret "ambrosia" eaten by the ancient gods to acquire eternal youth. Today, scientists realize that bee pollen does contain healing properties that create a feeling of rejuvenation within the body. New scientific discoveries reveal how bee pollen has been able to extend the life span as well as heal ailments. Bee pollen bursts with easily assimilated protein and lecithin, which nourish the brain and nervous system.
Bee pollen is a timeless wonder food, an all-natural creation, even a source of life. Man's search for youth leads to the beehive. Bee Pollen nutritionally supports the body in many ways, including assisting with vitality and a feeling of well-being. When you are having a "sluggish day", think bee pollen !
Bee Pollen Contents:
Vitamins: Provitamin A, B-1 Thiamine , B-2 Riboflavin , B-3 Niacin , B-6 Pyridoxine , Pantothenic acid , Biotin , B-12 (cyanocobalamin) , Folic acid , Choline , Inositol , Vitamin C , Vitamin D , Vitamin E , Vitamin K , Rutin
Minerals: Calcium , Phosphorus , Potassium , Sulfur , Sodium , Chlorine , Magnesium , Iron , Manganese , Copper, Iodine , Zinc , Silicon , Molybdenum , Boron , Titanium
BILBERRY (VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS)
This plant is also known as Huckleberry or Blueberry. The fruit and leaves of this plant are used medicinally. This herb is commonly found in the colder environments of North America and Europe, where it’s fruit is eaten, and it’s fruit and leaves are used medicinally. The Bilberry plant grows up to a height of eighteen inches, and is found all over the world. The Bilberry plant contains a bioflavonoid complex called anthocyanoside. This compound works by helping rebuild connective tissues in the body, as well as working as an antioxidant in the body, stopping free radical damage.
HISTORY: many pilots, who claimed they could see an improvement in their eyesight after eating this herb, used Bilberry during World War II.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is used for diarrhea, kidney stones, scurvy and urinary infections.
BIOFLAVONOIDS
Hesperetin, hesperidin, eriodictyol, quercetin, quercetrin, rutin
NEEDED FOR:
- Enhanced absorption of vitamin C
- Treatment of athletic injuries due to relief of pain, bruises and bumps
- Reduced leg and muscle pain
- Healthy circulation
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Prevention and treatment of cataracts
- Quercetin
- May treat and prevent asthma symptoms
- Antihistamine qualities
- Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
- Antioxidant affect against LDL cholesterol
- May help in preventing colon, ovarian, endometrial, breast cancers, also leukemia
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Can be found in unfermented green tea, red wine, apples, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli
SOURCES –
White material beneath the peel of citrus fruits, peppers, buckwheat, black currants, apricots, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, oranges, prunes
Herbs – chervil, elderberries, hawthorn berry, horsetail, rose hips, shepherd’s purse
SUPPLEMENTS –
Not produced in the body so must be supplied through diet or supplements; quercetin is found in blue-green algae and is available in supplement form.
Bioperine
Bioperine is used for aging.
There is a growing consensus among nutritionists, that the obstacle to better nutrition clearly lies in the efficient delivery of nutrients to the body. It's not just what you eat - it's what your body can absorb!
The results of any proper nutrition program should be that various nutrients are provided to the target tissues in sufficient quantity. Just increasing the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is not always the right answer to what is simply a poor nutrient absorption problem. The issue of absorption becomes even more important as a person ages. Thus bioperine is useful for "anti-aging" supplements.
Clinical testing and data indicates Bioperine is a technological breakthrough as a safe nutritional supplement for increasing the absorption of vitamins, phytonutrients and minerals. When Bioperine was administered with beta-carotene (fat soluble) the observed result was a 60% increase in blood level beta-carotene. Similar results were obtained with vitamin B6 (water soluble) and the mineral selenium. Suggesting, Bioperine significantly increases absorption whether a vitamin or a mineral, whether the vitamin is fat or water soluble.
Other names for Bioperine: none
BIOTIN
RDI – 300 mcg
NEEDED FOR –
- Cell growth
- Carbohydrate, fat, protein metabolism
- Healthy hair and skin
ALSO –
- May relieve muscle pain
- Used to treat "cradle cap" in infants
- Works with B-complex vitamins
- May restore weak/brittle nails
- Can help with hair loss
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Possibly anemia, depression, hair loss, high blood sugar, inflammation of the skin, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscular pain, nausea, soreness of the tongue
DEFICIENCY RISK –
Most people not at risk because wound in many foods, however, biotin absorption is inhibited by diet high in egg whites along with prescription medications, alcohol abuse and anticonvulsant medications.
SOURCES –
Brewer’s yeast, cooked egg yolks, cheese, organ meats, nuts, royal jelly, milk, poultry, saltwater fish, soybeans, whole grains
SUPPLEMENTS –
Generally not needed; consult your doctor.
BIRCH (BETULA ALBA)
This herb is from the BETULACE family. Birch is also known as White Birch and Lady of the Woods. Birch has medicinal extractions made from its bark and leaves. Birch is high in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and in the minerals calcium, chloride, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, silicon and fluoride. Birch also has the compounds betulinic acid, tannin, and glycosides. Since its chemical make up is very similar to natural aspirin, those who are allergic to aspirin should not use this Birch based herbs.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is usually taken as a tea or in capsule form. Birch helps arthritis, bladder problems, blood purifier, boils, gout, kidney stones and worms. It can also be used as a powder to brush teeth.
EXTERNAL USE: Use in an ointment form to treat acne, cuts, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and wounds.
BLACKBERRY (RUBUS FRUCTICOSUS)
This herb is from the RUBUS family. The Blackberry plant is also known as Dewberry and European Blackberry. The leaves, rootbark, and berries of Blackberry are used medicinally, and contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 C, calcium, iron and chemical compounds called tannins. Blackberries are found growing wild in both North America and Europe.
HISTORY: This herb has been recorded as a remedy for treatment of diarrhea and gout in ancient Greece, as well as a popular food. Worldwide, this herb has been a favorite for centuries in the making of Jams, Jellies, Pies and many other foods.
INTERNAL USE: Use Blackberry as a tea or brandy to stop diarrhea, Dysentery, running noses, sinus problems, sore throats and wounds.
BLACK COHOSH (CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA)
This herb is from the ARISTOLOCHIA family. This herb is also known as Black Snakeroot, Rattle Root, SquawRoot and Bugbane. The root of the Black Cohosh plant is used medicinally, and contains vitamin A, inositol, B5 and large amounts of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and silicon. Black Cohosh also contains chemical compounds such as estrogen, tannins, resins, starches and natural sugars. This plant is a native of North America where it grows in shady woods, growing up to three feet high with feathery white flowers. Its growing range extends from the United States up into Canada. Black Cohosh acts as a sedative on the central nervous system.
HISTORY: American Indian women used Black Cohosh for internal relief of pain from several different sources. headaches, snake bites, pelvis pain, uterine problems, pelvic conditions, pains and uterine troubles. They shared their medicinal knowledge with European Settlers who took Black Cohosh seeds back to Europe.
INTERNAL USE: Black Cohosh is used to help childbirth pains, coughs, diarrhea, high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, uric acid accumulation, rattlesnake bites, rheumatism, tinnitis (ringing of the ears) whooping cough, and uterine problems. Care must be used in taking Black Cohosh, as an overdose will produce nausea, lowered pulse rate and vomiting.
EXTERNAL USE: Black Cohosh can be used to treat snakebites.
BLACK HAW (VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM)
This tree is from the CAPRIFOLIACEAE family. It is also known as American Sloe, Nannybush, Stagbush and Sweet Biburnum. This tree can grow up to a height of twenty-five feet. The fruit, roots and bark of this plant are used medicinally. Black Haw contains vitamin C, and the chemical compounds amentoflavone, isovaerianic acid, aesculetine, salicin and essential Oils.
HISTORY: This herb was used during the 1700 and 1800’s by slaves to prevent miscarriages.
INTERNAL USE: This herb is taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. It is used for arthritis, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, headaches, high blood pressure, morning sickness, rheumatism and hemorrhaging occurring during childbirth.
BLACK WALNUT (JUNLANS NIGRA)
The herbal compounds that Black Walnut offers to us is derived from the hulls and leaves of the tree. These compounds are rich in organic iodine-B15, calcium, iron, protein, potassium phosphorus, silica, and the chemical compounds juglone, ellagic acid and barium alkaloids. The ellagic acid provides a protective antidote to electrical shock, accidental electrocution and lightening mishaps!
HISTORY: This tree has been prized for centuries for its beautiful hard wood. The fruit of the tree has also been used as a source of food for many cultures around the world.
INTERNAL USE: This herb can help destroy intestinal parasites, fungal infections, dry milk from lactating women, restore tooth enamel, mouth sores and warts.
EXTERNAL USE: Use Black Walnut as a topical antiseptic for acne, eczema, herpes, poison oak, ringworm, skin parasites and other skin problems.
BLESSED THISTLE (CNICUS BENEDICTUS)
Blessed Thistle is also known as the herb Holy Thistle. Blessed Thistle contains vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and potassium. This herb originated in Europe, but is now found commonly in Asia and North America.
HISTORY: It is believed that if Blessed Thistle is spread around your house, that good luck, peace and harmony will fill your life!
INTERNAL USE: Blessed Thistle is used as a general tonic to help blood circulation, cancer, constipation, food digestion, gas, gall bladder problems, increase appetite, liver diseases, menstrual cycle regulation, milk production in lactating women, strengthening internal organs (heart, lung, liver, kidneys) stimulant for the brain, and some menopausal problems.
BLOODROOT (SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS)
This herb gets its name from its bright blood-red colored root. It is this bright red root that is used medicinally.
HISTORY: In addition to its medicinal use, Bloodroot was also used by Native Americans as a source of red dye.
INTERNAL USE: Bloodroot is used to help treat arthritis, some cancers, coughs, rheumatism, and sore throats.
BLUEBERRY (VACCINIUM GLOBULARE)
This plant is from the VACCINIUM family. The Blueberry plant is also known as Huckleberry. The fruit and leaves of this herb are used medicinally. Blueberry plants originated from North America, but due to human transplanting, it can now be found in cooler locations worldwide. Blueberry contains vitamins A and C, as well as compounds such as natural sugars, tannin and anthrocyanosides. Blueberry is also used to make delicious pies, jams, jellies, and muffins.
HISTORY: The fruit and leaves of these plants were used by Native Americans for centuries as food sources as well as medicinally. The dried berries were often used as a source of food during winter months.
INTERNAL USE: Blueberry is used to stop diarrhea, help some forms of diabetes, improve eye health and sooth sore throats.
BLUE COHOSH (CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES)
Blue Cohosh is found though out North America and contains vitamins E and B complex. It also has the minerals calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and silicon. The roots of this blue flowering herb are used for medicinal purposes.
HISTORY: This herb has been used by Native American Indian tribes for centuries to help women with Menstrual problems.
INTERNAL USE: Blue Cohosh is used to ease childbirth pain, by increasing the elasticity of the uterus, and stimulating uterine contractions. Pregnant women should not use it, except during the final weeks of pregnancy.
BLUE VERVAIN
This herb contains vitamins C, E, the minerals calcium and manganese and a powerful glycoside called verbenalin. Verbenalin is a complex chemical compound which works on the sensory nerves leading to and from the brain.
INTERNAL USE: Blue Vervain acts as a mild sedative on the Central Nervous System. It calms the mind and induces restful sleep for insomniacs. It helps asthma, bronchitis, and also aids in promoting a sweat, stopping fevers, upset stomachs and expelling worms. EXTERNAL USE:
BORAGE (BORAGO OFFICINALIS)
This annual herb can grow up to 3 feet high, and has star shaped blue to pink flowers. The leaves, seeds and flowers of this herb are used medicinally. This herb is not recommended for use by women during their pregnancy.
INTERNAL USE: Borage can be taken as a tea or tincture. It is used to help depression, lower body temperature and alleviate menstrual cramps.
EXTERNAL USE: Use Borage topically to help sooth minor skin irritation and rashes.
borage seed
With our fat phobia and the resultant barrage of low fat and non-fat food products lining the grocery store aisles, a recommendation to supplement your daily diet with one to two tablespoons of essential fatty acid rich flax or borage seed oil would appear to go against what you are being told. To the contrary, this is exactly what health conscious consumers are doing across the country, not only to attain and maintain optimal health, but in many instances, as a treatment for the over 60 health ailments the essential fatty acids have been scientifically validated to benefit.
It is true Americans should not consume more than 20-30% of daily calories as fats, a lack of the dietary essential fatty acids has been suggested to facilitate degenerative disease. Surveys indicate that at least 80% of our population is deficient in the essential fatty acids, this may present a serious health threat. Unfortunately, mass commercial refinement of fats and oils products and foods containing them has effectively eliminated the essential fatty acids from our food chain, contributing to our modern day deficiency.
Nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%). A great deal of scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in GLA, resulting in significant interest regarding the aforementioned health ailments, as well as those affected by pre-menstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, eczema, psoriasis, obesity, and vascular disorders.
The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more critical, than our body's metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates as evidenced by the drastic rise in fat related degenerative diseases, such as vascular disease and strokes. Dietary essential fatty acids common to borage seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, and are important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions including:
- inflammation, swelling, & pain
- pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels
- secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity
- smooth muscle & autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart
- water retention
- blood clotting ability
- allergic response
- rheumatoid arthritis
- nerve transmission
- steroid production & hormone synthesis
Scientists continue to discover regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat metabolism is certain, as are problems in the regulation of the above listed bodily functions.
For some individuals, flax seed oil may offer only half of the solution. Those deficient in co-factor nutrients, specifically the vitamins pro-A, A, C, E, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, B12, biotin, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and zinc, sometimes have difficulty in converting the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, found in borage and other seed oils to the healthful prostaglandins. See NutraPack product that offers all of these if you need a great multi-vitamin.
Still others are thought to lack the necessary enzyme (catalyst) to make this conversion; particularly those afflicted with diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism and the aged. For those suffering from co-factor deficiencies, a broad spectrum multi-vitamin and mineral may be recommended with, perhaps, an oil supplement rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Individuals who may lack the proper enzyme system would require a GLA supplement in addition to the flax seed oil. Nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%).
When considering an essential fatty acid supplement and deciding on either flax or borage seed oils, the most sensible solution may be a formulation of the two. The combination of both flax and borage seed oil provides nature's best of the omega-3 fatty acids in flax with the best of omega-6 fatty acids in GLA rich borage oil. This option has now been made available by a flax & borage oil product called Advanced Omega by Symmetry.
Supplementation with flax seed & borage seed oils makes good sense for the following reasons:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids and GLA together on the production of beneficial prostaglandins.
2. Over 60 health problems have proven to benefit from both flax seed and borage seed supplements.
3. Flax seed oil combined with borage seed oil work together for even better results.
4. Flax seed and borage seed oils combined is less expensive than purchasing them separately.
Conclusion :
The answer appears not to be no fat, but the right fat, as common to flax and borage seed oils, to achieve optimal health.
Past and present scientific research supports the use of essential fatty acid nutrients in promoting optimal health. Borage seed oil is recognized as nature's richest source of GLA. These natural plant substances used alone have created a great deal of interest in the treatment of numerous health problems. Evidence exists to suggest the combination of omega-3 fatty acids with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) may further complement the therapeutic result of either fatty acid used singularly.
Other Borage Seed Information:
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have reported that high doses of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) were highly effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. An earlier study by the same group had shown that administration of 1,100 mg. of GLA per day from borage seed oil reduced synovitis in six of seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis. GLA is rapidly converted to dihomogamma-linolenic acid, the immediate precursor of prostaglandin E1 which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Nature's most potent concentration (24%) of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil.
Other benefits of Borage Seed GLA include:
1. Vasodilation of blood vessels which can reduce high blood pressure.
2. Reduction of abnormal blood clotting which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
3. Enhanced regulation of immune response, specifically a reduction in autoimmune dysfunction, the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Enhanced defense against abnormal cell proliferation which may prevent and even reverse some cancers.
5. Elimination of common skin disorder such as eczema.
6. Slowing of some aspects of normal aging.
Borage seed is also known as:
Common bugloss, Starflower, Borago officinalis
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