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Alpha Lipoic Acid Heart
Beta-1,3-Glucan Immunity
Body Building Lutein
Brain Nutrients Melatonin
Candida Pregnenolone
Colostrum Progest Cream
DHEA Prostate
Digestion Velvet Antler
Energy Vision
Germanium Vitamin D
Glucosamine Weight Loss

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.

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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