Archive for May, 2010

This one’s for Giovanna, who asked me “what is ginger good for”.  If you look at Ginger it tells you what it’s for — (The Signature of Plants).  Ginger looks like the intestines, branching out to all of our organs, which works systemically (beneficial to the whole body). 

Ginger has been used for years for nauseau, motion sickness and inflammation.  It also helps  with circulation, in turn, helping with cardio health.  For thousands of years it has been used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis.  It works as a natural Cox2 Inhibitor, neutralizing inflammatory acids in the joint fluids (synovial fluids).  Also, recommended for osteoarthritis — especially in powdered form.  You can try either Nature’s Way Ginger  or New Chapter Ginger Force.

I’ve suggested customers make a ginger wrap by soaking a wash cloth in ginger tea (cooled down).  For swelling put the cloth in refrigerator and then wrap area (especially great for swollen knees).   Several customers found this to be very beneficial.   As always, check with your physician first.

As, most of us know it can be bought in the fruit and veggie section of your supermarket.  It also comes in capsules, chewable tablets,  powdered condiments, hexane-free softgels, tinctures and teas.  Natural ginger root is great for cooking!

by: C. Lombardo

Pycnogenol, from the pine bark, is a powerful bioflavanoid antioxidant  & 20X (twenty times) stronger than vitamin C.  It is very beneficial in improving connective tissues (skin), eyes, heart, vascular and immune system. It’s compared to grape seed which is another beneficial antioxidant known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s), I suggest 50 mg. to 100 mg. a day without any known harmful side effects. 

Pycnogenol has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, which means it not only improves blood circulation in the brain but it also improves nourishment and cell removal of waste from our brain.  This, therefore, is why it may help prevent dementia.  For more information read Life Extension’s research.

Life Extension has added pycnogenol to their Male Libido product because it enhances the effect of arginine increasing nitric oxide production.

Mega Food’s makes Cardio Strength with both OPC’s as well as other important antioxidants.  Country Life’s BioChem Pycnogenol  is another good choice.

For skin care I recommend Derma E’s Pycnogenol  Moisturizing Gel, Derma E’s Age-Defying Night Creme &/or Clear Vein Cream .

Carol Lombardo

Many people ask me if they can take a supplement to get rid of existing varicose veins and/or broken blood vessels.  I can’t guarantee that they will disappear but I will say that in most cases products like Vein-Gard capsules &/or Vein-Gard cream by Natural Care may help to prevent further damage. 

Also, try to elevate your legs up when you’re able.  If you’re on your legs for long periods, you might want to wear support hose.  It’s important to exercise your legs, as well. 

Another good product is Solaray Centiella Asiatica – this is the standarized form of Gotu Kola from Madagascar.  One of our customers tells me she has noticed that her veins became lighter and less cramping.  Also, her circulation has improved as well as her memory.  Gotu Kola is excellent for connective tissue disease, i.e., scleroderma, lupus, arthritis w/spondylitis and vascular disorders.  In the middle east it has been used for many other health problems.

Another product that helps with varicosities and/or spider veins is A. Vogel’s Venaforce, which is soothing horse chestnut leg gel.  I love this product, especially after a long day on my legs. 

Customers have told me they have seen some improvement and they have less discomfort.    Also the cream helps with swollen legs and ankles as well.

C. Lombardo

Inosine is derived from animal or plant source.  There is a form of inosine called Inosiplex that acts as an immune stimulator.  It has been investigated for it use in cancer therapy and in the treatment of virus infection.

Runners have used it because it prolongs there run (for endurance).  In Europe it is widely used to treat cardiomyopathy and irregular heartbeats.

The latest research shows it may be beneficial for people with MS and other spinal cord problems, and well as people suffering from other muscle/nerve disorders.  Designs for Health has made a great synergistic blend called Inosine – MS, which includes PS (Phosphatidyl Serine) and Gingko Bilboa.

Many companies have inosine in sports packs, e.g., Designs for Health Inosine MS, Douglas Labs Energy/ Sports Pack or Source Naturals Inosine.

If you tend to get the gout don’t use it unless you supplement with celery seed and/or tart cherry fruit extract.  As always check with your doctor before use.

by: C. Lombardo

The latest research shows that women who drank two & a half cups of regular coffee per day may had less chance of getting uterine cancer.   Also, the study shows it must be caffeinated not decaf.

According to the study this benefit is attained only by drinking coffee not other caffeine beverages, i.e., teas or soda.

I suggest drinking organic coffee, e.g., Cafe Altura.  If you’re not a coffee drinker or have high blood pressure, you can use a supplement like New Chapter CoffeeBerry, whole fruit concentrate.  The ORAC value is 2500, compared to other respected antoxidant fruits.