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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Nutritive
herb with high mineral and vitamin content including Vit. K and iron; estrogen precursor
for menopause; mild diuretic. (top)
Aloe vera. Applied fresh as a
burn and wound remedy, astringent. Fresh peeled leaf inserted as a rectal suppository for
hemorrhoids. For chronic constipation with atonic bowel.
Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) is an
amino acid with important functions in the Krebs Cycle (cell energy production). It
increases stamina and recovery time, and reduces the buildup of lactic acid in the
muscles. It is also a receptor for ammonia, a waste product of protein metabolism. The
results are greater mental clarity, and better physical performance! (top)
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a
remarkable metabolic antioxidant readily transported through cellular membranes. It also
helps recycle other antioxidants! What this means is that when vitamin E quenches
lipid peroxidation a vitamin E radical is formed and that radical is reduced back to
vitamin E by lipoic acid. It does a similar task with vitamin C, in turn Vitamin C can
also reduce vitamin E.
Not only does lipoic acid play a role in lipid (fat) environments, but also in aqueous
(water) environments where it can inactivate hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, singlet
oxygen, hypochlorous acid, and nitric oxide. Lipoic acid acts as a catalyst and
chelator.
In Europe it has been used for detoxification of heavy metal poisoning, possible
application in atherosclerosis, side effects of diabetes, oxidative stress, and it may
exert a protective effect against the formation of cataracts.
Most recent research now indicates that Lipoic Acid prevents HIV replication. It has the
ability to protect the genetic material, DNA, in the cell nucleus and protect NF kappa-B
in the cytosol and most important it is able to bolster the cellular glutathione levels in
the system and in lymphocytes!
Presently there are several companies that sell lipoic acid. We have sold it for about
five years from Cardiovascular Research; now it is also available from Jarrow, Twin Lab,
and others.
For further information, see this interview with Dr. Jim Clark about Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Amla is considered a rejuvenator in
Ayurvedic medicine. It is perhaps the richest source of vitamin C found in nature.
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Angelica Root (Angelica
archangelica) Antispasmodic, for strong menstrual cramps with scanty flow; intestinal
colic and poor digestion; stimulating expectorant for coughs.
Anise Seed (Pimpinella
anisum)
Eases indigestion, flatulence and colic. Antispasmodic and expectorant. (top)
Arginine, evidence suggests, may
help turn body fat into muscle, improve immunity to disease, promote healing and combat
arthritis. Now considered a nutritionally essential amino acid, L-arginine is used in the
body in the construction of important structural proteins and enzymes. It also stimulates
the release of insulin, growth hormone and helps produce creatine phosphate, which is a
compound required for muscle contraction. The brain has a special need for
L-arginine. It
is also used by the body to make vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone which decreases
urine volume to maintain fluid. Vasopressin also can enhance memory. L-arginine is a
component of the hormones insulin and glucagon, and of collagen, elastin, and hemoglobin.
L-arginine improves T-cell production, and Pearson and Shaw suggest that
L-arginine is
effective against arthritis which is caused by an inadequate activity of T-suppressor
white cells thereby causing the body to attack itself and produce inflammation. They also
report L-arginine blocks formation of tumors in mice inoculated with MSV (a cancer-causing
virus). Like L-ornithine, L-arginine is helpful in
reducing plaque, stimulating wound healing, and helps in the regeneration of the liver.
Large quantities of L-arginine may be tolerated differently by different people according
to their biochemical individuality. L-Arginine may increase the severity of symptoms in
some schizophrenics. In L-lysine-deficient diets, supplemental L-arginine could facilitate
a Herpes Simplex flare-up in some individuals. L-arginine-rich foods like chocolate and
brazil nuts should also be avoided. (top)
Arnica Flower Linament (Arnica
spp.)
Topical use for bruises, sprains. strains and other athletic injuries, including swelling.
Use on unbroken skin.
Ashwagandha,
or Winter Cherry (Withnia somnifera), is a small branching hairy shrub found in the arid
wastelands of Himalayan India. It has adaptogenic properties similar to Chinese
ginseng, and it has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac and a rasayana in
Ayurveda. It is particularly rejuvenative to the muscle tissues and sexual fluids.
It also may assist in calming those suffering from chronic exhaustion. The
active constituents are called Withanolides.
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