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Cat’s claw, known as una de gato in Spanish, is a herb derived from a vine-type plant which grows widely in the countries of Central and South America, and is particularly common in the Amazon rainforests and Peru. So vast and botanically rich are the wilds of the Amazon rain forest that many herbal practitioners still look to it as a potential source of powerful, but as yet undiscovered, herbal remedies. Although this hope might seem to some like wishful thinking, the example of cat’s claw suggests that it may not be entirely fanciful; because although the herb has only very recently become known in the West, it has been used as health tonic and treatment by the indigenous peoples of the region for many centuries. But the claims made for the benefits of cat’s claw need to be treated with some caution, because there are those who would have you regard it as something akin to a miracle herb or universal panacea; and orthodox medicine, as always, is rightly sceptical of the wilder claims of the herbal or “natural” remedy lobby.

The plant is considered a valuable medicinal resource and is protected in Peru. Although scientific research has just recently begun to explore cat’s claw, many cultures native to the South American rain forest areas have used this herb for hundreds of years.

POAs directly interact with white blood cells, which fight diseases we catch, such as colds and flu, along with diseases that start in our own cells, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Some POAs also help white blood cells called macrophages, which engulf and digest foreign material, work faster by engulfing more bacteria and disease causing microbes. This medicinal compound also increases the production of interleukin, a chemical protein secreted by macrophages that alerts resting white blood cells and forces them into action and helps make other biochemicals that are helpful to the immune system.

One particular such alkaloid, rynchophylline, is also believed to be of great benefit to the cardio-vascular system in preventing blood “stickiness”, or the potentially catastrophic formation of clots in circulating blood in the heart and brain. Like other anti-oxidants, cat’s claw may also help to prevent the oxidation of low density lipids (LDL), or “bad cholesterol”, and the consequent build up of deposits inside the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Recent research also suggests that the anti-oxidant action of cat’s claw may also help to prevent the deposit of the plaques within brain tissue which are implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The active substances in Cat’s Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals. Some of the alkaloids have been proven to boost the immune system. The major alkaloid rhynchophylline has anti-hypertensive effects and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, reducing heart rate and controlling cholesterol.

Other constituents contribute anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Many treatments combine the herb with different plants and natural products to increase the absorption and bioavailability.

But in the case of cat’s claw the only contraindications for its use appear to for pregnant women and those suffering from disorders of the immune system. For all others, the herb appears to be completely safe, although very rare cases of minor gastric upsets and headaches have been reported.

In return for harvesting, the Ashaninka are directly paid by the distributors. This arrangement provides the Ashaninka with the ability to make their own decisions as to how to spend this income, allowing them to make improvements in the tribe’s water supply and in their living areas. This arrangement also protects the rain forest, which gives us its many nuts, fruits, oil producing, and medicinal plants. Because of all its products, the rain forest hold more economic value than if it was cut down and used for timber or grazing land for cattle. Cats claw can be purchased at any health food store make sure you check the label to ensure you are receiving the Uncaria tomentosa official Cats Claw.

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Muira puama is a small bush/tree that grows to a height of 5 meters and produces small, white, jasmine-scented flowers. The plant parts used are the bark and root of this tree are used for medical purposes.

The indigenous tribes in Brazil have used the roots and bark internally in a tea as an aphrodisiac, for treating sexual debility and erectile dysfunction, nervous system disorders, neuralgia, baldness, impotency, gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular problems and rheumatism.

Murapuama has been used as a herb in Europe for some time and is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a source on herbal medicine from the British Herbal Medicine Association, and is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.

Muira puama has also been used as a tonic for nervous conditions and depressions. It has been used to promote overall nerve function and to relieve nerve pain. Some Amazonian tribes have used this medicinal herb to treat dysentery and rheumatism. A paste of the bark and/or root oils has also been applied topically to treat beriberi and paralysis.

Although many people are skeptical about sexual stimulants or “herbal viagra” as such, the muira puama herb has been shown by Dr. Jacques Lelu, a world authority on sexual functioning, of the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, that it is effective in assisting in increasing sexual desire as well as attaining and maintaining an erection.

The action of the muira puama herb is not fully understood but it seems to assist with both the psychological as well as the physical aspect of sexual function.Muira puama is considered a safe herb, whereas another herbal sexual stimulant called yohimbine can induce anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations in some individuals, as well as elevated blood pressure, high heart rate, dizziness, headache, and skin flushing.

Muira puama contains: The active constituents are free long-chain fatty acids, sterols, coumarin, alkaloids and essential oils. Chemically, it contains .05% muirapuamine, .4% fat, .5% alkaloids, .6% pholbaphene, .6% alpha-resinic acid, .7% beta resinic acid, .5% of a mixture of esters including behenic acid, lupeol and beta-sitosterol, as well as tannin, volatile oils and fatty acids.

Although some people maintain that muira puama is just a general tonic, there are far more confirmations out there in the real world from satisfied users, to the fact that it is great for assisting with erectile dysfunction and increasing sexual enjoyment.

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When you have hypothyroidism you will often feel tired, stressed and weak because of your condition. Many people often also gain weight. Certain foods can change all of that and this is what I’m going to talk about here.

In this article I intend to tell you which foods will increase your energy levels and will foods will hinder your energy levels and even cause energy crashes. By taking on this information you will start to feel better in no time.

First off, the foods to go for. These are foods which are high in the amino acid tyrosine. If you eat lots of foods containing this your thyroid will start to function better in no time at all. Foods containing tyrosine are foods such as bananas, pumpkin, chicken and fish.

You must also go for foods which incorporate iodine. This is great for hypothyroidism and helped me to get my energy levels up quickly. Some foods I would recommend are fish oils, seaweed and sea kelp.

One technique that helped me was to listen to my own body. This means to sit quietly an hour after eating and really notice how you feel. Has your meal made you sluggish or are you feeling better?

You will start to find that some foods make you feel noticeably better than others. This is very important! Keep track of this and you will be on your way to better hypothyroidism management.

A great way to really gage this is to use a food diary and record how you are feeling as you try certain things. Alternatively you can write your own blog. You can get a free, easy to use blog at blogger.com which will allow you to not only record your journey but also interact with others doing the same thing. I found this to be a great help and I’m sure you will too.

Please do not attempt any fad diets as you need to always stay on a healthy eating plan. Fad diets are always unsustainable in the long term. You need a diet that will be perfectly tailored to your needs, especially when you have hypothyroidism.

I really hope this article has given you some good insights and ideas as to how you can get your health back on track. Why not start today and you will feel much better tomorrow.

If you want to start feeling better soonwhy not try a diet with these hypothyroidism foods. Learn more by clicking here: foods for hypothyroidism.

Why gynecomastia is common in boys younger than 17: Gynecomastia is a condition that produces “man boobs” in men. The chest area stores abnormally large amounts of fat tissue, making the man appear to have breasts like a woman. This condition is common in teenage boys. In many cases, it goes away within a couple of years.

It is unknown the exact cause of gynecomastia. Each individual case is unique. But it is safe to say that in young boys, it is almost always hormonal. The nipples become puffy and large, the breast grows abnormally large, etc. Studies show that 30-60% of young boys suffer from this condition. Most recover from it.

Boys that are overweight naturally have fat all over their body, including the chest area. So having large man boobs looks natural. But in skinnier boys, it looks unnatural. If they are generally skinny but carrying protruding man boobs, the other kids will take notice. He will feel very embarrassed.

A young boy in his preteen and teenage years is already going through many difficulties. He has to worry about fitting in, figuring out who he is, and of course, girls. And developing man boobs only adds to the hardship. Kids at that age can be very cruel. Boys with man boobs can be targets for taunting.

Gym will never be fun. Changing clothes in front of the other boys can be quite embarrassing if you have man boobs. They will tell everyone else in school and everyone will know your secret. It can be psychologically damaging. Being shunned and ridiculed has lead to suicide with some young kids. It is not an easy time in life.

Sometimes, losing weight can reduce the amount of adipose tissue in the breast. But if it is not enough, surgery may be needed. But most doctors will tell you to wait it out. In majority of the cases with young boys, the condition often disappears on its own. Wait until the body is done growing. If it still remains, then talk to your doctor about the surgical options.

The hormonal changes are sometimes just part of the puberty cycle. Unimaginable changes go through a young boy’s body during this time. Sometimes it is just a matter of imbalance, which will usually clear up on its own. Wait a few years and it is likely to go away. When speaking to your doctor, be sure to let him/her know of your medical history and the medications (if any) that are taken.

Certain medical conditions and/or medications that are taken can be causing the condition. It is important that the doctor know all the medical history and medications taken to help find the best solution.

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So what are the 3 techniques a man With man boobs uses to conceal their man boobs? The three methods are: balance your diet, exercise, or for drastic conditions, surgery. But surgery is the last option if all else has failed. Diet and the appropriate exercises are the best and most effective way to get rid of those unwanted man boobs. In addition to aerobic (cardio) exercises, anaerobic work outs are good too. Start lifting weights. Using machines that focus on tightening and strengthening your chest is a great way to tighten those bulging man boobs. Work on your shoulders, back, and lower chest. This is a great way to get man “pecs” versus having sagging man boobs.

Overweight men tend to be most likely to accumulate fat in the breast area, giving the appearance of having “man boobs”. This can be embarrassing and detrimental to self esteem. Change your diet to reduce the amount of adipose tissue in not just your breast area but the overall body. Often times, changing your diet may not be enough. Start exercising

Man boobs occurs in many men. Most of the men tend to be overweight. But even some average sized men will sometimes grow man boobs. The condition is known as Gynecomastia. If you find your self with man boobs that look like you need a bra, it may be time to make some adjustments.

If changing your diet and exercising more has not worked, contact your physician. See if you are a right candidate to undergo surgical procedure. If you have not tried the aforementioned methods, surgery may not be the best solution for you. Try the other methods first. If they still do not work, then you may want to look into surgery.

Men with man boobs can be self conscious. Many men start to develop man boobs when they are in their teens. The teenage years are already a painful and complicated time in ones life. Having man boobs makes it even worse. It can ruin self esteem and hinder confidence at any age.

Many men start developing the features from teen years. But it is not too much of a big deal if it starts then since the body is going through so many hormonal changes. But if the problem proceeds to later on into your twenties and thirties, you might want to start making some changes.

Man boobs does not have to be a problem. It does not have to ruin your life. If you take proper care of your body and get the appropriate exercise, man boobs do not have to be a problem. You have too much other things in your life to worry about minor things such as man boobs. Do not let it be a problem. Take care of it once and for all and never let it run your life.

Some men will wrap their man boobs to give the illusion of having a flat chest. This can be awkward and uncomfortable. Imagine if you start making out with a woman for the first time. You take off your shirt and she sees what you have been hiding. It can freak out some women and turn them off. You do not need to let that happen to you. Take action and do not let man boobs ruin your life.

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Tea is a beverage that is consumed by millions of people across all planets because it is known as one of nature’s greatest drugs. It comes from the dried out leaves, stalks, and stems of plants, and water is added to make it a beverage. It can be consumed as a hot or cold drink as well as plain of sweetened, depending on what you add to it. Some of the most mainstream varieties are green tea, chamomile, and white tea, but there are hundreds of other varieties. Here are four health benefits of tea to help motivate you to add it to your day.

Tea is great for your teeth. Compounds found in tea help to destroy bacteria and slow down acid production, both of which are responsible for the decay of your teeth. There are also trace amounts of fluoride, which also helps to fight cavities.

It will give you great looking skin. Tea is known to have many antioxidants in it. Antioxidants have been shown to slow down and sometimes reverse the signs of aging. They do this by destroying free radicals, which are the cause of aging in cells.

It can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Many studies have shown tea as a very effective way to reduce your risk of heart attack. Studies suggest that drinking tea at least once per day can reduce hypertension by almost 50%. All you have to do is replace those sugary sodas and other artificial drinks with all natural tea, and reap a multitude of heart health benefits. It can help your mood and reduce tension. Many studies have shown that drinking tea can help relax the brain and the body. This can be a powerful combatant to the stress that many people deal with in their day to day lives.

These are just four benefits of drinking tea and there are still many others. Find a type that you like and try to drink some daily. You can brew it in the morning and replace your morning cup of coffee or drink a cold glass of iced tea with lunch or dinner. You can feel good when you drink it because it tastes great and it is very beneficial for your health.

The author of this article has been writing online for four years now. Not only does she enjoy writing about health and fitness, but she also helps families obtain affordable life insurance by providing free quotes for term life.

In a fascinating broadcast on National Public Radio, internationally renowned medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets tells his story of discovering the medicinal potential of agarikon, an extremely rare and threatened species of wood conk that requires century-old trees to grow. Agarikon is today all but extinct in Europe, its remaining distribution limited to the old growth forests on the North American West Coast.

Knowing that mushrooms are susceptible to many of the same microbes as humans, how could it be, he asked himself, that this perennial wood conk managed to stay healthy for 50 years in the dripping wet rain forest without rotting? It must have a powerful immune system, he concluded, with potentially powerful medicinal compounds that could benefit humans.

To find agarikon in the wild, look for something reminiscent of a beehive on the ancient tree trunks of an old-growth forest. (You may view a picture of agarikon through the agarikon-link on this page.) Please keep in mind that agarikon is a rare and threatened species. Do not harvest it unless there’s a very good reason for doing so. But by all means, bring out your digital camera.

Using a proprietary extraction method on his organically cultivated agarikon, Stamets created an agarikon medicinal. He sent a sample of it to the Defense Department for testing within the BIO Shield Program, at a top security lab facility in Ft. Dietrich, Maryland. The BIO Shield Program is dedicated to finding remedies for use against bioterrorism threats and potential biological warfare agents, such as anthrax or smallpox.

Within this BIO Shield Program, tens of thousands of natural and manmade compounds have been tested for use against biological warfare pathogens. Drug discovery supervisor John Seacrest was happy to report on the radio show that the agarikon extract provided by Stamets had indeed been one of the few substances tested that had proved effective against smallpox related viruses.

Following this discovery, Paul Stamets now has a patent pending on a mushroom-derived anti-viral drug. One of his financial backers, Boston-based investor John Norris, bases his support in part on the fact that, as he says, not everyone is able or willing to be vaccinated against diseases such as smallpox.

It’s also worth mentioning that Mr. Norris is a former second in command in the FDA hierarchy, and he believes that through his joint venture with Paul Stamets, they could soon be selling several hundred million doses of the Stamets agarikon extract to the armies of the United States, U.K., and Germany.

That may still be a few years into the future, though. Paul Stamets new mushroom related anti-viral medicine first has to stand up to exhaustive testing, and then eventually be approved for release by the FDA.

Note: The above article is intended for informational purposes only. Agarikon has not been approved by the FDA for use as a medicinal. Never use any herbal or mushroom-product for medicinal purposes unless advice to do so by a licensed medical practitioner.

Reference: Banse, T., NPR Morning Edition, Smallpox Defense May Be Found in Mushrooms, August 4, 2005.

About the author: Dr. Rafael has worked in natural health since 1996, specializing in mycomedicinals. Click Agarikon Mushrooms for picture of agarikon, mushroom products, free mushroom articles, or to request unique copies of medicinal mushroom articles for your own web-site or magazine / ezine. Click Fomitopsis medicinal for scientific research references about agarikon.

The thyroid gland is normally shaped like a butterfly and it is located in the front side of a person’s neck. Its main function is to produce chemicals that we otherwise know as hormones which in turn have their own special functions. In the main these hormones will regulate the operations of the human body in so far as better utilization of food goes. In addition to this these glands also help the body make best use of its energy.

Normally, this gland is better known for its ability to produce chemicals that in the proper proportions will keep the body functioning properly. So, these chemicals will govern the manner in which the human body metabolizes food consumed by a person and they also govern the growth of the body.

When the gland in question starts to malfunction you can suffer from a variety of ailments though the most common of these are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. These two conditions can individually as well as severally cause you to lose your hair prematurely. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to cessation of the process of growing new hair.

When these hormones reach the gland some amount of T3 and T4 hormones are released that get into the bloodstream and will ensure proper metabolism of the person’s heart and liver as well as muscles and other important organs. It is up to the pituitary gland to regulate the hormone levels in the person’s blood and in addition the pituitary glands also help control the decrease or increase in the TSH levels.

This gland can fall prey to a few common disorders including conditions known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism as too goiters. In the case of hypothyroidism the problem arises when the gland is not able to produce sufficient amount of hormones. The worst thing about such a disease is that the condition can exist without the person suspecting that anything is amiss.

The trouble with symptoms of hypothyroidism is that they are often confused with symptoms of other diseases. However, as long as correct diagnosis of hypothyroidism takes place, then treating the condition is not difficult and is in fact quite straightforward. All that is needed is to inject replacement hormones.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that arises when the gland starts to produce excessive amounts of hormones. To treat this problem use is made of radioactive iodine and in addition the condition can also be treated through use of certain drugs and surgery too is another option worth considering. The last named can slow down the progress of the disease and also put an end to it once and for all.

When the condition is diagnosed as hypothyroidism then there are distinct symptoms including signs of premature graying which can develop even before a person reaches the age of thirty. In addition, this condition causes other symptoms such as loss of hair and the skin may start developing white patches.

The thyroid gland can also be struck with cancer which however will not lead to immediate fatality and once the offending part is isolated and then treated the person can live for longer. Thyroiditis is another problem affecting this gland and this problem is inflammatory by nature and it can cause much pain. It occurs for a wide variety of reasons but is easily treatable and often the symptoms of it disappear on their own.

Would you like to learn more about foods for thyroid? Read other article at thyroid diet

The human body was designed in a way that it will be able to naturally fight infections and prevent diseases. It has ways of removing toxic substances like when you sneeze, when you cough, when you sweat, when you pee and when you remove bowels. Because of these you are usually able to stay healthy even if you take in toxic substances when you drink, eat, use health and beauty products and breathe. However, like any machine, the human body can also sometimes fail to do its functions well. There are instances when the body is not able to remove all toxins that are needed to be removed. When this happens, toxins accumulate. They get reabsorbed into the bloodstream and cause different health problems.

A good way to thwart toxins from accumulating in your body is to use colon cleaners. What are colon cleaners? They are used to eliminate any unwanted substances that are deposited in the colon. The colon is a very long tube found almost at the end of the digestive tract. It can grow as long as four and a half to five and a half feet long, which is the average height of a young adult. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from food after digestion. It separates those wastes. But the colon, aside from being long, is also segmented so it is very conducive for deposition of these wastes and other toxic substances. When these toxins are not properly eliminated, health problems like constipation, flatulence, bloating and bad breath may arise.

There are many colon cleaners available if you decide to clean your colon of toxic substances. You can use enemas like fleet enema and soap sud enema. Enemas are done by introducing substances in the colon to induce excretion of wastes. If you are the type who is not at ease with having something inserted in your anus, there are laxatives available for you. These oral pills also induce excretion of wastes. Aside from synthetic laxatives there are also herbal colon cleaners that you can use. Like most herbal products, these colon cleaners are gaining popularity because they are marketed as safe to use being made of natural ingredients.

Another way to cleanse the colon is through colonic hydrotherapy. Through this method, water is introduced in the colon through the anus to literally wash away toxins. A professional in a clinic or a hospital usually performs this. The problem with this type of colon cleansing is that even the substances that are not harmful may be removed.

Another way to clean your colon is by adapting a colon cleansing diet. This diet involves eating foods rich in fibers. Fibers are needed to sweep the colon clean of toxic substances that get deposited there. In this diet, you are also required to drink plenty of fluids. It would also be beneficial to avoid foods that were prepared using high amounts of preservatives.

Colon cleaners aim to help you clean your system to prevent diseases. But before using any of the colon cleaners mentioned here, it is better to ask your doctor for advice first for your own safety.

The use of Reishi as an herbal remedy dates back longer than any other medicinal mushroom in historic literature. The first written record can be found in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, dating back two thousand years. Reishi (a.k.a. Ganoderma or Ling Zhi) is often considered a panacea ” cure-all ” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While it may not be literally accurate to refer to Reishi as a cure-all, the fact that it appears to act as an inflammation modulator may be one of many reasons for its age-old veneration in the Orient.

In fact, Chinese medical practitioners have been prescribing Reishi extract for ages in cases of arthritis, bronchitis and other conditions involving any type of inflammation. Modern research in Asia as well as in America and Europe confirm the validity of these uses. Out of 19 papers used for this article, 17 reported positive results in the use or Reishi extract for arthritis. Only two were studies were inconclusive, both of which were conducted by the same research team. (1,2)

A U.S. based study conducted in 1993 showed that a water extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) exhibited “significant anti-inflammatory activity.” (4) Ten years later, an Indian research paper was published which stated that the use of Reishi extract helped decrease inflammation in acute edema by 56% and in chronic edema by 60%. (3) Using the “Article References” link on this page, you will find references to seven additional research articles that confirm Reishi extract as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. (5,6,7,8,9,10,11)

Other Reishi studies have been performed which more directly relate to arthritis. A 2006 report by Kenneth Blum et al. provided support that clinical evidence demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of natural substances for joint health, such as glucosamine sulfate , chondroitin sulfate, and Ganoderma lucidum [Reishi]. (12)

Also that same year, a Chinese study by Xi Bao et al. came to the conclusion that Reishi plus another medicinal herbal remedy commonly used in China seemed to have a “beneficial immunomodulatory effect” on arthritis. (13)

The mechanism through which Reishi achieves this beneficial effect on arthritis was suggested in a study the following year, 2007, by Ho et al., which states that GL-PP [Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide] significantly inhibited the proliferation of RASF [Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts] (14)

Five additional studies are included in the references that report positive findings between Reishi and arthritis. (15,16,17) One goes so far as to state that Reishi shows favorable results when compared to prednisone, and is free from the side effects. (18) In extension of this, a separate study also found that not only was Reishi extract free of the side effects of prednisone, it could also help balance the existing side effects of prednisolone* such as cell toxicity and proteinuria. (*Prednisolone is the active compound of prednisone. The liver breaks down prednisone and converts it to prednisolone.) (19)

In conclusion, the majority of research on the use of Reishi extract for inflammation or arthritis appears to support its effectiveness. Please remember that it is very important to always consult a licensed medical doctor before using any herb for medicinal purposes.

Name clarification: The Japanese name Reishi includes many closely related species. By far the most prevalent is Ganoderma lucidum (Common Reishi or Red Reishi), a species rare in the U.S. but common in South East Asia. The English common name for Ganoderma lucidum is Varnished Conk. In China, its known as Ling Zhi.

Other related species that are often called “Reishi” include: “Hemlock Reishi” (Ganoderma tsugae),” which is common on hemlock trees in eastern U.S.; the Chinese species known as “Black Reishi” (Ganoderma sinense); another American species found on the west coast which is sometimes referred to as “Red Reishi” (Ganoderma resinaceum), although “Red Reishi” more often refers to G. lucidum in contrast to “Black Reishi,” G. sinense; and finally two Japanese species, one that is sometimes known as “Purple Reishi” Ganoderma japonicum, and one without any English name, Ganoderma neo-japonicum.