Gota kola, Siberian ginseng and cayenne

[Guest guest]

I was recently reading a book on cayenne, and found a highly-

recommended formula of equal parts gota kola, siberian

ginseng and cayenne. This formula is recommended for emotional

and physical stress and to increase stamina -- there was a good

study behind it.

In looking up those herbs I can see the value of this formula.

(Info on herbs below.) I got the herbs in bulk and have started

it today. I am especially interested in relieving some of the

detox reactions to Primal Defense which I am having, because

I want to stay on and increase the Primal Defense.

I also found organic habanero cayenne powder...380,000 units...

so potent they had to take special precautions when they

measured it out. No I haven't tried it yet...

You can order any of these herbs in bulk from The Herb Store

.

BTW, the book I read talked about cayenne increasing low blood

pressure and sugar. I took notes but can't find them. I know

that piece of info is not very helpful out of context, and

sorry I don't have one.

Anyway, the formula above did NOT do that.

Note the restrictions on Siberian ginseng, one being not

to be used if one has high blood pressure. Maybe the gingeng

offsets the cayenne's effect of lowering blood pressure.

Anyway, sure sounds like a good formula, and I expect to

have good results.

~^^V^^~

Gota kola...

It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and

rejuvenating herbs

in Ayurveda and is used to improve meditation. It is said to

develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of

the

head, and to balance the right and left hemispheres of

the brain,

which the leaf is said to resemble.

Gotu kola has been widely used for a number of conditions,

particularly in traditional Eastern health care. In

Ayurveda Gotu

kola is one of the chief herbs for revitalizing the

nerves and brain

cells. It is said to fortify the immune system, both

cleansing and

feeding it, and to strengthen the adrenals.

It has been used as a tonic for purification of blood and

for

promoting healthy skin. It has also been used to aid in

restful

sleep, treat skin inflammations, as a treatment for high

blood

pressure and as a mild diuretic. Recent studies (1995)

demonstrated that Gotu kola destroyed cultured tumor

cells in the

laboratory setting (in vitro).

The leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the

world

for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders,

arthritis,

hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis. In recent years, Gotu kola

has

become popular in the West as a nerve tonic to promote

relaxation

and to enhance memory.

The herbs calming properties make it well suited for

overcoming

insomnia and making one calm for yoga and meditative

practices.

It is commonly used to rebuild energy reserves improve

memory

and treat fatigue, both mental and physical.

Gotu kola has been referred to as " food for the brain " .

This oriental

herb has demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and

anti-stress effects, as well as improving mental

functions such as

concentration and memory. It has a calming effect on the

body

and is chiefly used to support the central nervous

system. These

beneficial qualities make Gotu kola an excellent herb for

children

with A.D.D. because it has a stimulating effect on the

brain that

increases one's ability to focus while having a soothing and

relaxing effect on an overactive nervous system.

Gotu kola is often confused with kola nut. Due to this

confusion,

some people assume the rejuvenating properties of Gotu

kola are

due to the stimulating effects of caffeine contained in

kola nut. In

fact, Gotu kola is not related to kola nut and contains

no caffeine.

There are three main chemical constituents in Gotu kola.

The first

is asiaticoside, which is a triterpene glycoside and

classified as an

antibiotic. It aids in wound healing and has been used in

the

treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in the Far East.

The second

constituent is a pair of chemicals, brahmoside and

brahminoside,

which are saponin glycosides. These are diuretic in

nature and

have a slightly sedative action in large doses. Finally,

there is

madecassoside, a glycoside that is a strong

anti-inflammatory

agent. The plant is also a source of Vitamin K,

magnesium, calcium

and sodium.

Gotu Kola has been found to have significant results in

healing of

skin, other connective tissues, lymph tissue, blood

vessels, and

mucous membranes. Researchers have found that Gotu kola

contains several glycosides that exhibit wound healing and

anti-inflammatory activities and that asiaticosides

stimulate the

formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy

skin.

Gotu kola affects various stages of tissue development,

including

keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores

or ulcers),

the synthesis of collagen (the first step in tissue

repair), the

stimulation of hair and nail growth, and support for the

repair of

cartilage. Gotu kola has been effectively used in the

treatment of

second and third degree burns. It has been shown to decrease

healing time and reduce scar tissue formation.

Recent studies show that Gotu kola also has a positive

effect on

the circulatory system. It seems to improve the flow of

blood

throughout the body by strengthening the veins and

capillaries.

Gotu kola has been shown to be particularly useful for

people who

are inactive or confined to bed due to illness.

The herb has been used successfully to treat phlebitis

(inflammation of the veins), varicose veins, as well as

leg cramps,

swelling of the legs, and " heaviness " or tingling in the

legs. In

modern health care it has been used for venous

insufficiency,

localized inflammation and infection, and post-surgery

recovery.

Parts Used: Leaves and aerial parts.

Common Use: Prevention of mental fatigue and enhanced

concentration and memory. A balancing tonic that both

increases

energy and relaxes the body. Stimulates the central nervous

system, aids circulation especially in the legs, and is a

mild

diuretic. Aids in many types of wound healing. Used for

rheumatism, blood diseases, mental disorders, high blood

pressure,

congestive heart failure, sore throat, and hepatitis.

Siberian ginseng...

What Is It?

Famed as an energy tonic in China since ancient

times, Siberian ginseng only gained recognition in

the West in the 1950s, when a Russian scientist

(I. I. Brekhman) reported its notable

stress-repelling powers. Healthy men and women

taking the herb were found to better endure

physical strain, resist disease, and perform tests

of mental sharpness.

Today, Westerners are perhaps most familiar with

the plant's botanical cousin Panax ginseng, but

Siberian ginseng's apparent ability to fight fatigue

and alleviate myriad ailments has earned it an

enthusiastic following. Many people use it the

way traditional Chinese healers do--to reinforce

the body's vital energy (what the Chinese call qi).

Others take it to enhance memory and ward off

colds and flu. In Russia, millions of people use the

herb as a general tonic.

Also known as eleuthero, supplements of the herb

are made from the dried root of Eleutherococcus

senticosus, a plant indigenous to China, Japan,

Korea, and Siberia.

Health Benefits

Siberian ginseng contains remarkable compounds

that favorably affect the adrenal glands, the small

glands that rest atop the kidneys and secrete

stress-fighting hormones. Taking the herb is

believed to boost the body's capacity to handle

physical stresses ranging from heat exposure to

extreme exertion. Resistance to disease increases

as well. So does one's overall energy level.

Specifically, Siberian ginseng may help to:

Prevent stress-related illnesses. Several

studies have shown that Siberian ginseng can

increase a person's resistance to physical

stresses. In a series of landmark Russian studies

in the 1960s, 2,100 healthy adults (19 to 72

years old) given Siberian ginseng were shown to

better handle stressful conditions. Specifically,

they experienced an increased ability to perform

physical labor, withstand motion sickness, and

work with speed and precision despite being

surrounded by noise. They could also proofread

documents more accurately and more readily

adapt to such physical stresses such as heat,

high altitudes, and low-oxygen environments.

Other research indicates that taking Siberian

ginseng can heighten mental alertness and

improve concentration.

Relieve chronic fatigue syndrome and

fibromyalgia. Because Siberian ginseng bolsters

the adrenal glands, it's worth trying to relieve the

exhaustion and muscle pain associated with these

energy-depleting conditions.

Combat fatigue and restore energy. Siberian

ginseng is popular for invigorating and fortifying

the body. It appears to boost energy levels in

people with constant exhaustion. Those

recovering from an illness or weary from a heavy

work schedule may also benefit from its

energy-boosting and immune-enhancing powers.

For otherwise healthy individuals--even

athletes--the story is a little different, however.

In one study, 20 highly trained distance runners

given Siberian ginseng failed to outperform

similarly conditioned runners given a placebo when

both groups raced against each other on

treadmills. Not only did the Siberian

ginseng-taking runners run no faster, they didn't

run for longer either.

Increase male and female fertility and

reduce male impotence. By supporting healthy

uterine function, Siberian ginseng may be useful in

preventing female infertility. Males may

experience an increased sperm count (rotate it

with Panax ginseng for this purpose). Animal

studies indicate that the herb can even boost

testosterone levels and thus help reverse certain

cases of male impotence.

Relieve menstrual disorders and

menopausal symptoms. Siberian ginseng may

positively affect hormone levels and tone the

large uterine muscle. These properties make it

potentially valuable for easing certain menstrual

difficulties and menopausal symptoms.

Treat Alzheimer's disease. Siberian ginseng

may increase mental alertness, particularly in the

early stages of this progressive disorder. The

herb's ability to boost the transmission of nerve

impulses may also enhance memory.

Increase resistance to colds and flu.

Historically, the Chinese have found Siberian

ginseng to be effective in suppressing colds and

flu. The herb's immune-enhancing powers may

play a role. Interestingly, a Russian study of

13,000 auto workers who took Siberian ginseng

one winter showed that participants developed

40% fewer respiratory tract infections than they

had in previous winters.

Note: Siberian ginseng has also been found to be

useful for a number of other disorders. For

information on these additional ailments, see our

Dosage Recommendations Chart for Siberian

Ginseng.

Forms

tincture

tablet

softgel

powder

dried herb/tea

capsule

Dosage Information

Special tip:

--Buy Siberian ginseng extracts from a company

with a reputation for quality. Products should be

standardized to contain at least 0.8%

eleutherosides (the active ingredients).

For stress: Take 100 to 200 mg three times a

day. Special " adrenal gland " formulas now on the

market commonly contain Siberian ginseng in

combination with licorice, pantothenic acid, and

other stress-fighting ingredients.

For fatigue (and chronic fatigue syndrome),

female infertility, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia,

and the majority of other conditions mentioned:

Take 100 to 300 mg twice a day for 60 to 90

days, and then take a seven-day break before

resuming treatment.

For male infertility and impotence: Take l00 to

300 mg twice a day. For infertility, rotate every

three weeks with 100 to 250 mg Panax ginseng

standardized to contain 7% ginsenosides (the

active ingredient). For impotence, rotate every

two weeks.

For colds and flu: Take 300 mg twice a day for

seven to 10 days.

Be sure to check out our Dosage

Recommendations Chart for Siberian ginseng,

which has therapeutic dosages for specific

ailments at a glance.

Guidelines for Use

To give your body a rest, take a one- to

two-week pause from your Siberian ginseng

regimen every three months. (Or ask your doctor

about rotating it with other herbs.)

To avoid possible restlessness, don't take

Siberian ginseng within an hour of bedtime.

General Interaction

If taking high blood pressure medications

(antihypertensives), do not take Siberian ginseng.

It should not be taken by people who have

hypertension.

Note: For information on interactions with specific

generic drugs, see our WholeHealthMD

Drug/Nutrient Interactions Chart.

Possible Side Effects

Siberian ginseng is very safe at recommended

doses, even for long-term use.

In rare instances, mild diarrhea may occur.

At very high doses (900 mg daily and higher)

insomnia, nervousness, irritability, and anxiety

have been reported.

Cautions

Avoid Siberian ginseng if you have high blood

pressure.

Don't take Siberian ginseng while menstruating.

Stop taking it if you become pregnant.