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Maca,
sometimes called Peruvian ginseng, is cultivated in the Andes highlands,
where it was first used by the Inca Indians about 2000 years ago, and by
the Peruvians. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential
minerals, including iodine and iron. It was traditionally used
to enhance fertility. Today it is used to promote fertility, energy,
stamina, endurance, mental clarity, and to help with female hormonal
imbalances.
Magnesium
is involved with many functions in the body. It activates enzymes necessary for the
metabolism of carbohydrates and protein, it helps muscles to release contraction (or
relax), it helps regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the body and gut, and it provides
protection by preventing formation of clots in the brain and heart and calcium deposits in
the urinary tract. Magnesium also helps control electrical charges that induce the passage
of nutrients in and out of cells. The increase in energy (and sometimes the decrease in
depression) that often follows the intake of additional magnesium can be accounted for in
so many ways that it behooves all of us to make sure we are getting adequate supplies of
this vital nutrient.
Ma Huang (Ephedra
sinensis) Vasodilator; anti-spasmodic; hypertensive; circulatory stimulant; used for
asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, hayfever, opens air passages.
Marshmallow Root
(Althaea officinalis) Soothing demulcent, used for gastrointestinal inflammation;
expectorant in respiratory congestion and bronchitis. Used externally as a poultice for
mastitis and skin ulcers. |
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MCT Oil
stands for Medium Chain Tryglycerides. They are derived from coconut oil. Because they are
shorter chains than most dietary fats, MCT's don't require bile to be absorbed and can go
directly to the liver. They supply 2 and 1/4 times the energy of the same amount of
carbohydrates, making them ideal for endurance athletics and as a protein-sparing
supplement. Because they are soluble in biological fluids, they aren't converted to
bodyfat but are burned for energy.
Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum
marianum) Powerful liver detoxifter, antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning. Increases
secretion and flow of bile. Galactagogue. (top)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Sedative, useful in transition labor. Eases false labor pains. Emmenagogue;
anti-spasmodic; cardiac tonic; reduces tension and anxiety.
MSM, or Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane, was
discovered by Robert Herschler of the Department of Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences
University. It is a natural form of sulfur found in all living organisms and is present in
our body fluids and tissues, occurring naturally in milk, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Sulfur is involved with the proper function of enzymes, and is found as part of
sulfur-containing amino acids like L-Cysteine and L-Methionine. It helps form the
bonds that link connective tissue together. According to Stanley W. Jacob, MD and
other researchers, MSM can help to relieve both food and pollen-type allergies, ameliorate
overacid conditions, control constipation, improve lung function, alleviate parasite
problems in the intestinal and urogenital tracts, protect against lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis, and breast and colon cancer, reduce arthritic pain, relieve snoring, improve
growth and texture of nails and hair, and increase elasticity of the skin. (top)
Muira-Puama is a wonderful
and uniquely energizing herb. Found in South America, it has been used there to treat both
frigidity and impotence. Known also as a nervine, many people recognize this property when
they report that the energy from Muira-Puama usually comes along with a calm, centered,
and almost steely quality of strength.
Mullein Leaf (Verbascum
thapsus) Expectorant; demulcent, reduces respiratory inflammation. Flowers steeped in
olive oil used as an earache remedy.
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora myrrha)
Antiseptic; anti-microbial; astringent. Used for mouth ulcers, sore throat gingivitis,
pyorrhea, sinusitis and pharyngitis. Used externally on cuts and abrasions, forms natural
Band-Aid.
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