Supplements & Vitamins - P

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Basic component of folic acid

NEEDED FOR –

• Sunburn and skin cancer protection
• Process of protein breakdown
• Red blood cell formation assistance
• Maintenance of healthy flora in the intestines

ALSO – 

• May help relieve scleroderma (hardening of the skin)
• May joint tissue hardening and arthritis
• Helps improve skin discoloration

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue, depression, irritability, graying hair, nervousness, irritability

DEFICIENCY RISK –
Use of sulfa drugs may cause PABA deficiency

SOURCES –
Whole grains, brown rice, wheat germ, liver, kidney, molasses, spinach, mushrooms

SUPPLEMENTS –
Not recommended due to potential danger of side effects including nausea, diarrhea, fever, skin rash, liver damage

OTHER –
Included in sunscreens to block UVA rays.

VITAMIN B5   Panthethine, Pantothenic acid

RDA – 10 mg

CAN PREVENT –

• Certain forms of anemia
• Heart and artery disease - Panthethine lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and raises HDL with no side effects; helps heart and arteries by supporting enzymes that break down fat; increases omega-3 fatty acids and reduces clot-promoting fats in cell membranes; raises Coenzyme A to increase metabolism in the heart and strengthen heart contractions and slow heart rate.

ALSO –

• Needed to make hormones and healthy blood cells
• Known as "anti-stress" vitamin due to its role in the production of adrenaline
• Helps convert fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy
• Required by all cells in the body and is concentrated in organs
• Enhances stamina
• Needed for normal intestinal function
• Can be used in treating depression and anxiety
• Involved in production of neurotransmitters
• Can have anti-inflammatory effects - used to treat arthritis and colitis
• Pantethine helps beneficial bacteria grow in intestines

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Fatigue headache, nausea and tingling in the hands

SOURCES –
Beef, brewer’s yeast, eggs, fresh vegetables, kidney, legumes, liver, mushrooms, nuts, pork, royal jelly, saltwater fish, torula yeast, whole rye flour, whole wheat

SUPPLEMENTS –
Pantethine can be most effective in treating high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease; Pantothenic acid helps convert fats and carbohydrates to energy; consult your doctor for supplement advice

OTHER –
Deficiency is very rare because B5 is found in almost every food; be sure to supplement all B-complex vitamins in balance with each other for best results.

PAPAYA 

The fruit and leaves of the Papaya tree are used medicinally. Papaya contains vitamins A, B, D, E, G, K, and C, and the minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium. The primary active ingredient is papain, which is a digestive enzyme. Papaya also has carpain and carposide, both are glucosides.

HISTORY: In Africa, natives use strips of Papaya on wounds and deep cuts to help clear away dead tissue, and promote healthy healing of wounds. Papaya is used by the food industry as a meat tenderizer.

INTERNAL USE: Ulcers and other internal bleeding are helped by the intake of Papaya. It is also used as a depressant for the central nervous system. Papian is a powerful abortive agent, and can induce an abortion in developing fetuses. It can also cause cellular structure changes surrounding placentas.

EXTERNAL USE: Papaya is often called a "Biological Scalpel". A topical application can help dissolve corns, warts and pimples. The papain in Papaya dissolves dead tissue without affecting living tissue. A seed paste can be used on Ringworm with good results.


PARSLEY 

The tops of the Parsley plant are used medicinally. The leaves contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C and also contain folic acid, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, silicon, sulfur, calcium and cobalt. Parsley Leaf Oil contains as much as 85% myristicin, which correct infection and inflammations in the prostate gland. It also contains Volatile Apoil Oil, which effects the body in three different ways. It lowers blood pressure, relaxes uterine tissue and stimulates the lymphatic glands.

INTERNAL USE: Parsley is great on kidney inflammation and bladder infections because it increases bladder release activity. It helps normalize menstruation in many women, as well has the ability to help dry up mother’s milk in lactating women. It is also believed to be an excellent cancer preventative drug, as it helps inhibit certain cancerous cells from multiplying.

EXTERNAL USE: Fresh Juice can help inflammation of the eyelid, such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis.


PASSION FLOWER (PASSIFLORA INCARNATA)

This herb also known as Maypop. This plant originated in the America’s, and is now found around the world due to its beautiful flowers. This herb has compounds that are mildly sedative in nature. An Alkaloid called harman is one of them. It also contains flavonoids like apiquenin, saponaretin and saponarin, all which have tranquilizing effects on the Sympathetic nervous System.

HISTORY: Passionflower has been used in Europe especially Germany to help with nervous disorders.

INTERNAL USE: This herb is used to treat nervousness and unrest. It is also used as an antispasmodic for spasms in the digestive tract, for gas, colitis, neuralgia, insomnia, twitching, epilepsy, convulsions and headaches. In older people it helps alleviate sciatic and nerve debilities. It also lowers blood pressure, slows pulse rate, and stimulates respiration.


PENNYROYAL (MENTHA PULEGIUM)

This mint herb is from the LAMIACEAE family. The flowers and tops of this plant are used as it contains the volatile oil ketone pulegone. This yellow-greenish oil yields strong aromatic odor and taste. Pennyroyal comes in two variations, European and American. The differences between the two can be seen in the flower, as European flowers have 4 stamens and American have 2. This herb grows to one foot in height, and has reddish-purple flowers.

HISTORY: In Greek Mythology, Minthe was a Nymph who was loved by the god Pluto. Pluto transformed her into these scented herbs after his jealous wife took drastic action. Mint is considered a sign of hospitality.

INTERNAL USE: Pennyroyal can help remove gas from the intestines and stomach, stimulate menstruation and produce a mild tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. Pennyroyal Tea has abortive properties, so pregnant women should avoid Pennyroyal for at least the first 3 months of their pregnancy

EXTERNAL USE: The oil can help provide relief from mosquitoes, chiggers, gnats, flies, ticks and other various insect bites. Pennyroyal oil opens the pores of the skin, enabling the body to sweat more easily and thus release built up toxins. It also helps treat skin eruptions, rashes, itching, and for treating leprosy.


PEPPERMINT (MENTHA X PIPERITA)

This perennial herb is from the Labiatae family. Peppermint contains the vitamins A, C and E, as well as magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, choline, copper, iodine, silicon, iron and sulfur. Peppermint is the result of a breeding experiment, blending Watermint and Spearmint plants together. Peppermint can be taken as oil, candy or as a very pleasant tasting Tea. The oil contains menthol, menthone, menthyl aletate, menthofuran and limonene. It also has viridfioral (which is an antibiotic), pulegone, piperitone, bicyloelemene (also an antibiotic), tocopherols, carotenoids, betaine, azulenes, rosmariinic acid and tannin. Peppermint is a square stemmed plant growing to two feet in height. Peppermint repels aphids and flea beetles. It is a very aromatic herb, and is commonly used for its fresh, energizing aroma in houses. 

HISTORY: Peppermint is used for digestive disorders as well as cooking. The Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint branches. The ancient Poet Ovid referred to the Peppermint plant as the Symbol of Hospitality. The Greeks believed Peppermint could clear the voice and cure hiccups. It was also believed to be a remedy for mad-dog bites when combined with salt! It is most famous for it’s flavoring of candies and other foods. It has been used for over 200 years, as one of the world’s a most popular food additive.

INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a tea, tincture, lozenges, syrup or in capsule form. Peppermint can prevent the formation of intestinal gas, gallstones, herpes, hiccups, stomach spasms, heartburn, colic, constipation, morning sickness, seasickness, vomiting and inflammation of mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Peppermint Oil has antibacterial properties, and help regulate the intestinal tract. It is an excellent herb to use for cleaning out the entire system, including the nerves. It helps send extra oxygen into the blood stream, giving the user a feeling of heightened energy. 

EXTERNAL USE: Peppermint Oil is used topically for puritis (sever itching) and urticaria (raised inflammation of the skin). It also helps burns, chickenpox, insect bites and stings, scabies and rheumatism. It is also great for use with a facial steam bath.


PERIWINKLE 

This herb has two alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, which as like a liquid "sponge" causing the body’s blood to absorb extra oxygen. This extra oxygen is especially useful in enriching the brain. 

INTERNAL USE: Periwinkle has been used successfully to treat leukemia in children. Verblastine sulfate is showing promising signs for use in Hodgkin’s Disease and choriocarcinoma. It is also being used in lung cancer research. It helps stop constipation, internal hemorrhaging, bloody noses and bleeding piles. Periwinkle Tea is also used to reduce nervousness, nightmares, hysteria and fits.

EXTERNAL USE: A hair rinse made from Periwinkle Tea can help remove dandruff. A body wash of the tea can help heal skin sores, and other skin diseases.

PHENYLANINE 

• Relates to the action of the central nervous system
• Can elevate mood, decrease pain, aid in memory and learning, and suppress appetite
• Can be used to treat schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, migraines, menstrual cramps, depression
• Deficiency can cause swollen glands, thyroid trouble, disturbed anal area, depression, and tumors arising from a serous or mucous surface.
• Toxicity can cause irritability, insomnia, or headaches. It has been known to raise the blood pressure.
• Glands and organs affected - parathyroid, hypothalamus, eyes and pineal gland
• Complementary Vitamins - Vitamins A, B-3, C, B complex ,B-15, and E.
• Complementary Minerals - calcium, selenium, magnesium and sulfur

PHOSPHORUS

RDA – 1000 mg

NEEDED FOR –

• Bone and tooth structure and formation
• Cell growth
• Energy production
• Contraction of the heart muscle
• Kidney function

ALSO –

• Assists the body in the utilization of vitamins and conversion of food to energy
• Present in DNA and RNA
• Makes up 1% of body weight
• In every cell in the body

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Rare, but could lead to anxiety, bone pain, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, skin sensitivity, trembling, weakness and weight changes.

SOURCES –
Found in most foods, especially carbonated soft drinks, asparagus, bran, brewer’s yeast, corn, dairy products, vegetables, eggs, fish, dried fruit, garlic, legumes, nuts, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, meats, poultry, salmon, whole grains.

SUPPLEMENTS –
Rarely necessary, must be done under a doctor’s supervision.

OTHER -
Proper balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus should be maintained at all times or adverse effects could result – abundance of phosphorus can deplete calcium in the blood.

PHYLLANTHUS (PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI)

The entire herb, which grows up to four feet high, and has multiple yellow flowers is used medicinally. It is native to India, but variations of it are found around the world. It contains alkaloids, bioflavonoids and lignans (hypophyllanthine and phyllanthine). It has antiviral properties, which work especially well on the Liver.

HISTORY: This herb has been used medicinally for over 2000 years in India.

INTERNAL USE: Phyllanthus is used to treat diabetes, jaundice, gonorrhea and menstrual problems.

EXTERNAL USE: A poultice of fresh shoots is used to treat skin irritation, sores, swelling, cuts and skin ulcers.


PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS)

This tree is from the PINACEAE family. The knots, inner bark, needles, young buds and sap are used medicinally. This herb contains Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, tannins, triterpenes, lignan and resins.

HISTORY: Pine Trees have been considered a symbol of Long Life by many cultures around the world. American Indians as well as other cultures have eaten pine nuts as a dietary staple.

INTERNAL USE: Pine may be taken as a tea, tincture and Syrup or in capsule form. It is used to fight infections and help heal tissues. 

EXTERNAL USE: This herb can be used to help with arthritis, boils, eczema, psoriasis, scabies and sores.

 

Pine bark extract 

Pine bark has been shown to be useful for allergy control. It has also been shown to be a very powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger even more powerful than either vitamin C or vitamin E. These free radicals can aging effects upon your body. Stress, air pollution, cigarette smoke and chemicals can cause your body to produce even more free radicals. Pine bark has the extra benefit of working well with other essential nutrients in a complete heath supplement.

Often, Pine bark extract is used in cardio vascular and heart formulas.

"Another group of plant pigments with remarkable protection against free radical damage are the flavonoids (found in pine bark). Flavonoid molecules are also quite unique in their antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity in that they are active against a wide variety of oxidants and free radicals." -Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

Pine bark can help support circulation in your hands, feet, and small eye capillaries. It also helps increase skin smoothness, reduce inflammation, and improve your joint flexibility. 

Athletes have indicated that pine bark extract shortens their body's recovery time from training, exercise regimen, or competitive events.


The benefits of pine bark extract related to it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

In two separate reports pine bark extract was also shown to have benefits for those with chronic venous insufficiency (Phytomedicine 2000 Oct; 7(5):3883-388; Fitoterapia 2000 Jun;71(3):236-44). In both reports pine bark extract was found to significantly improve heaviness, pain and edema in the legs as well as reduce venous blood pressure. There were no effects observed in those taking the placebo.

The conclusions to these reports suggest that pine bark extract is safe and effective for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, chronic venous insufficiency and possibly for other circulatory disorders as well.

The active constituents in pine bark extract are oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPC). These compounds are also found in grape seed extract. While it has been suggested for some time that OPCs are strong antioxidants there is increasing scientific proof that they have health benefits, especially for the circulatory system.

Pine bark extract is also known as: 

Pycnogenol, Maritime pine bark, French Maritime Pine Tree, Pinus maritima




PLANTAIN 

The leaves and seeds of the Plantain herb are used medicinally. It is rich in vitamins C, K and T, and has high concentrations of calcium, potassium and sulfur. It also contains the compounds glucoside and anucubin, which give this herb its strong medicinal properties.

INTERNAL USE: Plantain can help the bladder, uterine tract, kidney infections as well as stomach ulcers. It also used as an enema for hemorrhoids or as a vaginal douche for bacterial infections. It has the ability to neutralize poisons and stomach acids.

EXTERNAL USE: A poultice of ground up leaves help snake and insect bites. Salves of Plantain help clear up eczema, boils and carbuncles. Fresh Plantain juice helps stops skin itching.


PLEURISY ROOT (ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA)

This grows up to three feet high, and has bright golden flowers. The root of this plant is used medicinally as it contains the chemical compound asclepaidin, as well as resins and volatile oil.

INTERNAL USE: This herb can be taken as a tea or tincture. Pleurisy Root is considered the finest herb to use in combating tuberculosis and emphysema. It is also used to treat bowel problems, dysentery, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. The Tea of the Pleurisy Root also helps to detoxify the body through induced sweating.


POKE ROOT 

The roots, berries and young shoots are used medicinally. It has vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus. It also has resins, tannin, 10% natural plant sugars, phytolactic acid, asparagine (a non-essential amino acid) and steroids compounds, which resemble cortisone. 

INTERNAL USE: PokeRoot is a very powerful herb. A tea is commonly used, with no more than one teaspoon three times a day recommended. It is used to treat rheumatism, tonsillitis, mumps, lymphatic swelling, laryngitis, thyroid gland problems, spleen and liver enlargements.

EXTERNAL USE: A salve can be used to treat scabies, eczema, infection and other skin diseases. A powdered root poultice is used to help treat skin cancer.


POPPY (PAPAVER RHOEAS)

This perennial herb is from the PAPAVERACEAE family. This herb is also known as Corn Poppy, Seed Poppy and Ying Su Qiao. The flowers, leaves and seeds of the Poppy can be used medicinally. It contains tannins, alkaloids papaverine, rhoeadine and rhoearubine, meconic acid and anthocyanins. Poppies leaves can be eaten, it’s seeds pressed for oil and its powder is used as a food thickener. Poppy seeds are regularly used as a topping on bread and rolls. Poppy seed eaters must be careful, as frequent ingestion of the Poppy’s seeds can cause a positive opiate use result in urine tests. 

HISTORY: The poppy was a flower dedicated to the Egyptian Goddess Nix, who was the Goddess of the Night. They were also dedicated to both Thantos, God of Death and his twin brother Hypnos, God of Sleep, as well as his Son, Morpheus, the God of Dreams. The seeds were offered to the gods during death ceremonies. Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Poppy now, is its use to make opium. Opium is manufactured from the sap of the White Poppy. Opium was originally extracted to be used medicinally, but its abuse has caused centuries of addicts and death.

INTERNAL USE: The poppy is used to help those suffering from asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, insomnia, pneumonia and tonsillitis. Poppy is a mild narcotic, as well as a sedative, so care must be used with its use.


POTASSIUM

RDA – 3500 mg

NEEDED FOR –

• Proper muscle contraction
• Stable blood pressure
• Transfer of nutrients through cell membranes

ALSO –

• Used in treatment to lower blood pressure
• Sharply reduces risk of stroke
• Important for healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm
• Works with sodium to control the body’s water balance

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Abnormally dry skin, acne, muscle cramps, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhea, insatiable thirst, heart palpitations, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholesterol levels, insomnia, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, periodic headaches, salt retention

DEFICIENCY RISK –
Use of laxatives and diuretics; persons with kidney problems, prolonged vomiting/diarrhea; alcohol abuse; smokers

OTHER RISKS - 
A diet rich in potassium from food is unlikely to be a problem for healthy individuals because excesses are typically eliminated from your body. However, individuals with kidney disease may have to watch the amount of potassium in their diet.

The use of potassium supplements or potassium salt (often found as potassium chloride in salt substitutes) can cause dangerously high levels of potassium to accumulate in the body in infants;, in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease; and in folks on certain medications. High levels of potassium in the body can cause heart problems and even death. Supplements should never be taken without the approval of your doctor.

SOURCES –
Dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes, meat, beans, poultry, vegetables, whole grains-apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, sunflower seeds, fish, chicken, mushrooms, spinach, cantaloupe, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dates, dulse, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, torula yeast, parsley, wheat bran, yams

Herbs-catnip, hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, skullcap

 

Top ten potassium-rich foods

• potato, baked with skin, 7 oz (903 mg)

• yogurt, low fat vanilla, 8 oz (498 mg)

• milk, 8 oz (406 mg)

• grapefruit juice, canned, 8 oz (405 mg)

• acorn squash, boiled, mashed, 1/2 cup (321 mg)

• spinach, raw, 1 cup (312 mg)

• strawberries, 1 cup (247 mg)

• broccoli, boiled, 1/2 cup (228 mg)

• chickpeas, canned, 1/2 cup (207 mg)

• watermelon, 1 cup (186 mg)

SUPPLEMENTS –
Best sources of potassium are found in foods; always consult your doctor supplementing.

OTHER –
Potassium and magnesium together can show changes in muscle tone along with increased energy and endurance.

 

Pregnenolone 

Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring androgen (hormone), a neurosteroid, or "brain steroid" produced by the adrenal glands and is found in plasma, adrenal glands, liver, skin, gonads and brain tissue and goes into progesterone and other neurosteroids. 

Formed from cholesterol pathway, Pregnenolone has been a focus of interest to scientists every since its discovery during the 1930's, because it occupies some important metabolic pathways where the body "decides' to make progesterone, DHEA, androgen, estrogen, and corticoids including cortisone, the most potent anti-inflammatory of the all. 

Pregnenolone would probably be beneficial for both aging men and women and like DHEA, drops profoundly with age, although age-related "norms" for Pregnenolone have not been as clearly established as for DHEA. Pregnenolone is made in the mitochondria, the chemical factory of the cells and in nerve cells.

In a recent review, based on clinical studies with Pregnenolone that were performed in the 1940's and 1950's as well as more recent studies on steroid hormone metabolic and mechanism, Dr. Eugene Roberts (Pregnenolone- from Selye to Alzheimer and a model of the Pregnenolone sulfate binding side on the beta receptor: Biochem Pharmacol: 1995; 49#1: 1-16.) would be of value in a number of age-related conditions, including fatigue and reduced endurance, Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive impairment. 

In addition, Pregnenolone appeared to mitigate a number of non-age-related conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, scleroderma and psoriasis. Pregnenolone can be directly converted to progesterone and may thereby be of benefit in osteoporosis and a number of post menopausal conditions.

Pregnenolone appear to have a wide margin of safety and has been used for over 3 months in does exceeding 50 mg per day without apparent toxicity. We still have much to learn about the clinical uses and optimum doses of Pregnenolone - especially when combined with DHEA.

Benefits of Pregnenolone:

• Enhance memory
• Enhance DHEA levels without side effects
• Immune Enhancement
• Anticancer
• Antidepressant
• Increased energy
• Life Extension
• Cognitive Enhancement
• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
• Balance estrogen levels
• Increase resistance to stress
• Repair the myelin sheath membrane that protects
• the brain and nervous system and nerve cells 
• Reduced fatigue, increase endurance
• Enhances well-being
• Repair of Enzymes rheumatoid and lupus arthritis
• Reduced exophthalmia in Graves' disease patients 
• Protection from cortisone toxicity
• Control of certain cyclic seizures
• Sleep Aid
• PMS - pre-menstrual syndrome
• Increased libido, sex drive

Our bodies are run by hormones, and DHEA is considered by many to be the "mother of hormones" because it literally can be transformed into over fifty other important hormones including the sex hormones testosterone, progesterone, and the estrogens. 

It can also be made into Cortisone, which is related to our inflammatory responses in the body. Cortisone plays important roles in the regulation of allergies, (rashes, sinusitis, hay fever, and asthma) and inflammatory conditions (arthritis, bursitis, and many others). DHEA has a positive effect on white blood cells, making them more active and effective. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity have all been associated with low levels of DHEA. 

There have been so many positive results from using DHEA that the FDA has recently approved it for over the counter sale - However , despite all the euphoria over it's use, it still should not be taken in high dosages. Dr. Mindell recommends 5-50 mg daily for women, and 25-100 mg daily for men, DHEA is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, and is found in humans in abundance when we are young, but by middle age, the supply begins to drop. By age 50, most people produce only 30% of the DHEA that they did in their youth, and by age 60, it is barely detectable. The drop-off is significant, and dramatic. We actually have some long term studies regarding DHEA that are very revealing.

In one long term study of men between the ages of 50 and 79, researchers found that those with the lowest levels of DHEA had the highest rate of heart disease. Other studies of healthy men suggest that DHEA supplements cut cholesterol, reduce body fat, increase muscle mass, and relieve depression. Studies also show that men with the highest levels of DHEA were the least likely to be impotent. In animal studies, it has been shown to increase memory. All of these things combined are why people say this is the youth hormone!

 

PROLINE 

• Has a function in the joints and tendons of the body
• Collagen, the main fibrous protein found in bone, cartilage, and other connective tissue, consists of 2l%Proline.
• Aids in would healing
• Helps increase learning ability
• Deficiency could cause joint and tendon dysfunction and swelling, cardiac dysfunction and skin problems aswell as a "ringing" in the left ear
• Glands and organs affected - Bones, Duodenum, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Thyroid
• Complementary Vitamins - A, E, B Complex C, Niacin, Trypsin, Chymotrypsin, B-2, B-12 Folic Acid Complementary Minerals - Magnesium, Sulfur, Aluminum, Phosphorus, Calcium, Selenium, Chromium,Zinc
• Food Sources – beets, sugar, molasses, glucose, casein (milk protein).

PSYLLIUM

Psyllium comes from the Greek word ‘psylla’ meaning a flea, because the seed resembles a flea.
This herb is a bulk laxative that increases the volume of the intestinal contents. The major component of Psyllium is mucilage. The seeds and the husk are hydrophilic bulking agents which swell several times greater than their original size in water. 

This increased bulk creates a stretching action on the wall of the intestine that stimulates peristaltic activity in the bowel, The indigestible mucilage is found both in the whole seed and the husk and swells when it comes in contact with water. This property has been used in diet aids to fill the stomach and intestines, as a bulk laxative and also works ~n diarrhea by forming a bulk that will slow down rapid, loose stools. 

Its drawing action makes it a good base for an internal poultice. When Psyllium is taken with water or liquids and when six cups or more of fluid are taken with Psyllium in a day, the Psyllium acts as a bulking laxative by swelling in the intestinal tract. This aids in standardizing the habitual bowel movement, preferably a bowel movement with each normal sized meal.

The Psyllium husks are a lubricating, mucilaginous, fibrous herb with drawing, cleansing, laxative properties. The husks acts as a "colon broom" for those suffering with chronic constipation.. This process of the use, made by an intake of Psyllium seed hull, is effective for inflammatory diverticulitis, as a lubricant for ulcerous mucosal lining tissue, a balancer and regulator for digestive enzymes and colon bacteria.

When taken properly internally, Psyllium helps overcome chronic constipation. Psyllium has a unique action in the bowels as it can act as a demulcent or emollient, it can be used to either stop diarrhea or to do away with constipation, depending on the technique used. These hydrophilic bulking qualities have made it popular for weight loss programs as it fills the gastrointestinal tract with a bulk that is mostly calorie free, thus doing away with the urge to eat and helping to reduce excess weight.

In India, Psyllium has been used as a diuretic, and in China, related herbal combinations are used to treat bloody urine, coughing and high blood pressure, etc. These get results due to the healing abilities of the body when the colon waste is removed and the body is allowed to gain better health, which in turn aids in all bodily areas.

Psyllium used in the above described manner will relieve a physical condition described as autointoxication, in which the body due to an indecent intake of wrong foods and food combinations and other unhealthful habits, poisons itself by producing and reabsorbing an excess of intestinal waste products. The proper use of Psyllium, as described above, helps over a period of time to remove the offending substances. Health and well-being are the result of properly following these described procedures.

Psyllium used in a proper manner, is an excellent cleanser for the intestines and colon. It also acts to lubricate, moisten and heal the intestinal tract. Psyllium is very moisture absorbing, so it is essential always to take over 8 glasses of water daily with it, as it expands, and it would be advantageous, even essential, to use an herbal laxative with it. Psyllium’s soluble fibers prevent cholesterol absorption, It has insoluble fibers that have a scrubbing action as they pass through the intestines ridding it of old excess intestinal debris. Psyllium removes putrifactive toxins from the intestines, and adds bulk to the stool which absorbs toxins, soothes inflamed tissues, promotes the growth of friendly colon bacteria and reduce time thru the colon.

Psyllium is also known as: 

Plantago psyllium, P. ovata, Psyllium ovata, Fleaseed, Fleawort 

Pygeum 

Pygeum is also known as african pygeum. It is a large evergreen tree that grows in the high plateaus of southern Africa. This herb is often used in men's herbal blends. 

The pygeum bark is traditionally powdered and drunk as a tea for genito-urinary complaints. Double-blind clinical trials have shown efficacy for many parameters of prostatic hypertrophy, including failure to urinate, nocturnal urination, frequent urination, residual urine, abdominal heaviness, voiding volume, prostate volume and peak flow. Results included significant reduction of symptoms and prostate size, and clearance of bladder neck urethra obstruction. 

The pypeum bark contains three groups of active constituents: phytosterols (including beta-sitosterol), pentacyclic triterpenoids (including ursolic and oleaic acids) and ferulic esters of long-chain fatty alcohols (including ferulic esters of docosanol and tetracosanol). 


Natural Health 1994 Jul/Aug;24(4):44,46-47 
Steinman D
942530

More than half of all men over sixty have enlarged prostates, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia 
(BPH). Advanced cases can cause bladder infections, kidney damage, or sexual disability Standard treatments include expensive surgical procedures that can result in bleeding, bladder damage, and impotence, and drugs that cause dizziness, fatigue, fainting, and impotence. The European medical community uses Pygeum africanum, a safe, natural remedy for BPH that is largely unknown in the United States. The treatment is effective in more than half of all patients. The tribes of Natal have long used pygeum's brown bark as a cure for bladder pains and urinary difficulty. Studies indicate that pygeum reduces the symptoms of BPH, postponing the need for more powerful drugs or surgery.

However, most American urologists are unaware pygeum even exists. Others assert that the reports of pygeum's success are not supported by well-controlled scientific studies. However, when one of them,
Charles E. Shapiro of the University of Southern California, was asked to review some of the European studies, he acknowledged that pygeum appears to work as effectively as Proscar or Hytrin, the drugs most commonly prescribed for American men, without the side effects. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research is seeking to issue new BPH treatment guidelines because of the rising cost and mixed results of established treatments. Transurethral dilation of the prostate has fallen out of favor as a surgical treatment, to be replaced by transurethral resection of the prostate. This procedure may result in incontinence and possibly increased risk of heart disease. In contrast, there are no known serious side effects of pygeum, and it is inexpensive. 

Pygeum is also known as: 

African Pygeum, Pygeum africanus

VITAMIN B6   Pyridoxine

RDA – 2 mg

CAN PREVENT –

• Blood clots
• Growth of melanoma
• Depression
• Calcium oxalate kidney stones (with magnesium)
• Eye damage and vision loss

ALSO –

• Can affect physical and mental health
• Necessary for production of hydrochloric acid and absorption of fats and protein
• Aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance
• Promotes red blood cell formation
• Required by the nervous system, needed for normal brain function and for the synthesis of nucleic acids RNA, DNA, which contain genetic instructions for the reproduction of all cells and for normal cellular growth
• Affects immune system function and antibody production
• Supports cancer immunity
• Can prevent arteriosclerosis
• Inhibits production of homosysteine – high levels linked to heart disease
• Can reduce PMS symptoms
• Can help in treating allergies, arthritis, asthma
• Vital for manufacturing prostaglandins which are responsible for dilating blood vessels and opening bronchial passages to help asthma sufferers
• Can stabilize blood sugar
• Encourages cells to metabolize blood glucose
• Helps control blood sugar
• Acts as a diuretic reducing water retention to lower blood pressure
• Can be beneficial in treatment for uterine fibroids, endometriosis or fibrocystic breast disease
• Has been used in treatment for sleep disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Anemia, convulsions, headaches, nausea, flaky skin, sore tongue, vomiting – possibly acne, anorexia, arthritis, conjunctivitis, cracks or sores on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyperirritability, impaired wound healing, inflammation of the mouth and gums, learning difficulties, weak memory, hair loss, hearing problems, numbness, oily facial skin, stunted growth, tingling sensations, carpal tunnel syndrome.

DEFICIENCY RISK –
Take prescription medications, alcohol abuse, smokers, strict vegetarians, pregnant/breast-feeding women, persons taking prescription medications.

SOURCES –
Brewer’s yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, pork, beef, dairy products, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, wheat germ, avocados, bananas, beans, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, brown rice, whole grains, cabbage, cantaloupe, corn, dulse, plantains, potatoes, rice bran, soybeans

Herbs- alfalfa, catnip, oat straw

SUPPLEMENTS –
Can be toxic at high levels (above 200 mg in some cases); recommended amount is 50 mg daily; overdose could cause neurological problems; always supplement B-vitamins with each other to maintain healthy balance.

OTHER -
Antidepressants, estrogen therapy, oral contraceptives may increase B6 needs; diuretics and cortisone drugs block absorption of vitamin by the body.