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GABA
(Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) is an amino acid derivative that functions as an inhibitory
neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. It is an anti-stress, anti-anxiety,
calming and relaxing nutrient. It has been used clinically for depressed sex drive,
prostate problems, and a tranquilizer substitute without any addictive qualities.
According to American Pharmacy, April 1984, it is the most important neurotransmitter in
aiding the control of all convulsive disorders- parkinsonism, cerebral palsy, and
epilepsy. Likewise, substances that block GABA's action have convulsant activity.
I find it to be very effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes prior to a stressful event,
such as examinations, or interviews. I find myself feeling relaxed, but still able to
think clearly and focused.
Gamma Oryzanol was first researched
extensively by Japanese scientists, who derived it from rice bran oil. It increased the
anabolic efficiency of food, basically increasing mass with less food, possibly by
stimulating the pituitary to release growth hormone releasing hormone. There is also some
evidence that it helps increase energy levels and overall stamina and that it aids tissue
repair.
Garlic
(Allium sativum) remedies were first recorded 5000 years ago. The Egyptians prescribed it for high
blood pressure, lice, skin troubles, worms, intestinal disorders, ulcers, and respiratory
diseases. It is a nutrient rich plant that can be high in selenium, germanium, sulfur
containing amino acids and compounds.
The distinctive odor and taste of garlic are attributed to
allicin. It's antibacterial action is equivalent to 1% of penicillin. It has been used for
all forms of infections, eye, ear, nose, throat, intestinal, skin, etc. It is effective
against 20 varieties of fungi, including Athlete's Foot. It has been used effectively in
the treatment of candidiasis and for thrush lesions. It has also been demonstrated to be
effective in increasing HDL-cholesterol (the beneficial type) and lowering
LDL-cholesterol. It contains anti-coagulant substances that can thin out the blood and
help prevent heart disease and strokes, and lower blood pressure. (top)
Gentian Root (Gentiana
lutea)
Bitter, promotes production of gastric juices and bile. For sluggish digestion, dyspepsia
and flatulence. Restores appetite lost during morning sickness.
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Germanium was discovered by
Japanese scientist Dr. Kazuhiko Asai, who stated that Germanium was "a health-giving
substance - it restores health to those afflicted with disease and sustains health in
those who are healthy.... Where body cells lack oxygen, indispensable to life, a gradual
decline in function is inevitable and the fire of life will reduce until it is
extinguished". Although Germanium has been studied and noted for it's remarkable
iummune-boosting, analgesic, anti-tumor, and liver-restoring powers, many of our customers
report it's energizing effects as well. This is because it acts at a fundamental level of
life function. Dr. Asai suggested that it can, at least partially, substitute for or
supplement oxygenation in tissue, because its unique chemical structure strongly attracts
and absorbs ("delocalizes") electrons. This facilitates energy generation from
high-energy electrons, analogous to the well-understood role of oxygen as an
"electron sink" essential for energy-yielding electron transfer processes.
Also see our Germanium Topic for more
information.
Ginger Root (Zinziber
officinalis)
possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune stimulatory properties. It is
used for nausea, motion sickness, and digestive problems. It helps to break fevers;
stimulant; carminative; diaphoretic; aids in utilization of other herbs.
Ginkgo Biloba
The Ginkgo is the world's oldest living tree, a species whose existence can be traced back
over 200 million years. For this reason the Ginkgo is often referred to as a "living
fossil". Even individual trees may live as long as 1,000 years. The Ginkgo is
associated with longevity and it has incredible resistance to environmental factors. It
also appears that taking a concentrated extract of Ginkgo Biloba leaves may promote
longevity and resistance to aging in humans.
Ginkgo's pharmacological activity is due to its high content of
terpenes, flavonoids, pro-anthocyanidins and Ginkgo Heterosides (flavoglycosides). A Ginkgo Biloba
extract (G.B.E.) has demonstrated remarkable pharmacological action on different parts of
the circulatory and nervous system (arteries, capillaries, veins, and heart). Its effects
include enhancement of energy, increase of cellular glucose intake, and inhibiting of
platelet aggregation. Ginkgo Biloba Extract also promotes radical scavenging activity,
increased blood flow to the brain, and improved transmission of nerve signals. In clinical
trials, patients with chronic cerebral arterial insufficiency and/or peripheral arterial
insufficiency responded favorably to Ginkgo Biloba extract. Furthermore, since
G.B.E.
improves some aspects of neural transmission, it may be effective in certain cases of
senility, including the early stages of Alzheimers's Disease.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract may lessen many common complaints of the geriatric
population, such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, depression, short-term memory loss,
and intermittent claudication (cramping in the legs caused by poor circulation). By
improving neural transmission, Ginkgo Biloba Extract may also improve mental functions in
elderly patients displaying signs of senility. This extract may offer significant
protective action against development of Alzheimer's Disease and strokes. Future studies
may indicate that G.B.E. is of benefit as a vasodilator in cases of angina, as an
inotropic agent in congestive heart failure, and as a mood-elevating substance in
depression. (top)
Ginseng, American, is considered a
threatened species. In 1989, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated ginseng exports
from the US had a total worth over $73 million! From a traditional herbalist's point of
view, American ginseng is "cooling" compared to the "hotter" energies
of its Asian cousin Panax ginseng, probably due to its slightly different range of
ginsenosides. Some American herbalists use American ginseng as a stress reducing tonic,
whereas the more stimulating Asian variety is employed as an energy tonic. Over 90% of the
harvest is exported to the Far East, where it is preferred by Chinese in summer months and
is often used for women. The few remaining Americans who already have too much energy and
need stress relief also prefer it.
Ginseng, Asian, or Panax ginseng, is
the herb of ancient Chinese lore and folk medicine. The Latin name Panax derives from the
Greek word panakos meaning "cure-all" or panacea, a testimony to the wondrous
reputation this herb had in the mid-1700's when the famous Swedish botanist Linnaeus named
the plant.The wild root is virtually extinct in Asia today, with a few kilos of the roots
still being found in the wild. These roots command prices of up to $10,000 each on the
Hong Kong market. Most Panax ginseng is commercially cultivated in China and Korea, in
both red and white forms. White (actually beige or cream colored) is the natural, dried
root material, while the "red" is basically the white roots which have been
steam-treated. This process engages a preservation process, besides the natural color
change. In South Korea, the red is considered higher quality by the Korean government's
Office of Monopoly, which controls all processing and export of Red Korean Ginseng.
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consider the Asian ginseng to be an
energy tonic, stimulating and heat producing, increasing yang energies. It is employed in
a number of degenerative and "wasting" diseases where chi or vital energy is
deficient. It is contraindicated in conditions such as colds and flu. The red variety is
considered by traditional herbalists to be more potent and stimulating than white. Some
scientific tests appear to confirm this notion.
In recent years, many companies have come out with ginsengs that have standardized the
amount of ginsenosides, the known active ingredients. Because of this development, an
impressive array of research on Asian ginseng has been conducted in Europe, and the
results of this research has validated some of the traditional "tonic"
reputation of Asian ginseng root. These studies confirm the stress-reducing properties,
heightened endurance levels, cardiovascular and other activities of Asian ginseng.
(top)
Ginseng, Siberian, or
Eleutherococcus senticosus, became famous in the late 1970's because it was reportedly
used by Russian Olympic team members and Soviet cosmonauts as part of their daily training
regimen. A Soviet scientist, Dr. I.I. Brekhman, did the early research on Siberian
ginseng, and it is his work that popularized the term "adaptogen", indicating a
substance that tends to restore normal physiological function, whether it is deficient or
excessive, and that allows the body as a whole to respond to a non-specific stress (such
as over-exercise). Siberian ginseng belongs to the same Araliaceae family as the other
ginsengs, but genus Eleutherococcus instead of Panax. It is the premier substance for
enhancing physical stamina and endurance.
Glucosamine Sulfate
See Glucosamine Topic
Glutamine has many
functions in the body. Recently it has been used to help heal leaky-gut syndrome and
chronic immune problems, because of it's importance as a fuel in the mitochondria of both
the gut lining and other cells in the body. Body-builders use it because it is a primary
nutrient for muscle growth. Recovering alcoholics have used L-glutamine for many years as
part of a program to help control sugar cravings and for mental clarity. And many healthy
people find that L-glutamine gives them similar results. (top)
Golden Rod (Solidago
spp.)
Anti-inflammatory; urinary antiseptic; diuretic; diaphoretic; expectorant, astringent. For
diarrhea and internal hemorrhage. Gargle for laryngitis and pharyngitis.
Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis
candensis) Antiseptic, used internally and topically for infection, sore throat,
gastritis, ulceration and colitis. Root infusion used as douche for
vaginitis. Generally
not recommended for long-term use.
Gotu Kola (Centella
asiatica)
helps improve circulation throughout the body, especially in the brain. It is used
to increase mental stamina, alleviate depression and anxiety, improve memory, promote
longevity, increase energy and endurance. Gotu Kola has also been traditionally used
to improve wound healing, nervousness, insomnia, sore throat, venereal disease, urinary
tract infections, and nervous system disorders. (top)
Gravel Root (Eupatorium
purpureum) For kidney and urinary infections and stones, prostatitis, pelvic inflammatory
disease; painful menses; rheumatism and gout
Green Foods: See Energy
Topic
Grindelia Bud/Flower (Grindelia
spp.) Expectorant, anti-spasmodic; used for bronchitis, sinus congestion, bladder
infections; topically for poison oak and ivy, insect bites.
GTF Chromium is the
glucose tolerance factor. Dr. Janice Kelier-Phelps, in her book The Hidden Addiction,
states that sugar is connected in every case with addiction. Glucose (blood sugar) is the
fuel with which cells produce energy. Poor sugar metabolism results in low energy and the
body craving more and more sugar to fill the deficit. The glucose cannot be converted into
energy because it is not passing the discriminatory cellular membrane. For this to occur,
insulin needs to bind with the cellular membrane and chromium supplies the
"spark" to allow this to happen. Poor metabolism is broken if enough chromium is
available. I have found it very helpful in keeping moods stable, and reducing my desire
for sweets. (top)
Guar Gum is a gel-forming fiber
that, according to studies, curbs the appetite naturally, creates greater stability in
blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of colon cancer, and lowers blood serum cholesterol
levels. It is tasteless, totally non-dependent, and slows down digestive stomach time;
non-obese people have the food remain in the stomach for a longer period of time than
obese people. I find it helps me to feel energetic throughout the day and improves
elimination. It is important to drink extra water. It is available in powder or capsules.
Guggul has been used by Ayurveda to
lower cholesterol levels. It is thought to increase white blood cell count and
possesses strong disinfecting properties. Other uses have included treating the
common cold, inflammation associated with arthritis, and various skin, dental, and
ophthalmic infections.
Gymnema sylvestre has been used to
control diabetes in Ayurveda. It seems to increase insulin production by possibly
regenerating the islets of Langerhans and beta cells.
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