Yoga Tips

Because there are so many kinds of cat’s claw supplements, such as: cat’s claw leaves, cat’s claw bark, and cat’s claw twigs, cat’s claw is one of the most confusing nutritional supplements currently available in health food stores. Although all cat’s claw supplements claim to help the immune system, only the root of Uncaria tomentosa gives the true health benefits by possessing the healing power to treat and prevent diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, degenerative diseases, and also providing anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial benefits.

Rendered into liquid form, however, extracts of cat’s claw have been found to have potent adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and these are therefore used by herbal therapists to tackle a wide variety of common ailments. The anti-inflammatory qualities of the herb indicate potential benefits in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis; as well as digestive problems and ulcers, whilst as an adaptogen and anti-oxidant cat’s claw is believed to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even help in the fight against cancer.

Serious research into the benefits of cat’s claw has been underway in Europe since the 1970s, and although, as noted above, conventional medicine remains reluctant to confirm the herb’s therapeutic value, the fact that cat’s claw is only available on prescription in certain countries is a clear indication of its biochemical potency. Cat’s claw’s power as an immune system booster appears to be related to unique properties in the alkaloids derived from it, certain of which appear directly to enhance the ability of the body’s white blood cells to destroy potentially harmful foreign matter. These alkaloids also seem to stimulate the production of the vital T4 lymphocyte and leucocyte immune system cells which are crucial in fighting viral infections.

Why they started to move that fast? Because the recent studies about this herb extract shows that its effects are huge. The change of a patient who is taking cat’s claw could be notorious.

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.

European clinical studies have used the extract from the bark in combination with AZT in the treatment of AIDS. It is also used in the treatment and prevention of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as diabetes, PMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, and prostrate conditions.

To get all the latest tips, tricks, and tactics about natural herbal remedies, be sure to visit us at cat’s claw extract supplement

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.

Among the natural basket of herbs, a section of the patients have gone for muira puama, for lowering blood pressure. To know more about good blood pressure information on muira puama and other blood pressure herbal remedy, read.

Traditionally this herb was used by indigenous tribes as an aphrodisiac and to treat impotence. Chewing the barks, stems or root was the most popular method of administration.

It is from the Olacaceae family, and the genus is Ptychopetalum (species olacoides) and is also known as Muira Puama, Marapuama, Marapama, Potency Wood and Potenzholz. The bark and roots are used in herbal treatments.

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.

Although clinical studies and research are sparse, muira puama is still promoted today as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and as a male aphrodisiac. It has also been used for gastrointestinal disorders and as a treatment for indigestion.

Muira puama appears to be relatively safe at the dosages expressed above. Insomnia and restlessness have been noted with high doses. Due to lack of research with human subjects, women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid taking this supplement. Safety in children has also not been determined. There has not been any toxicity noted with long term use on muira puama. There do not appear to be any drug interactions with this supplement, although it may increase the effect of erectile dysfunction drugs and supplements.

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.

Finally! The whole unbiased truth about herbal remedies exposed. You owe it to yourself to visit natural herbs for impotenceand get the facts today.

If you are a panic attack sufferer, then of course you want to find relief for your condition as soon as possible. Panic attacks are not only frightening but they can also cause you to feel isolated and alone, and begin avoiding certain situations in which you used to feel comfortable.

Simple daily chores are avoided even going to a store to buy necessities or out for a movie is avoided. The anxiety causes them to stay away from everything because of the panic attack. But these anxiety attacks often are the culprits, as they in turn become responsible for worsening the condition more than the panic attacks.

Panic Attack Relief

For getting relief from panic attacks the first and foremost thing that one has to do is control their mind. If one has been particularly dealing with these attacks for fairly a long period of time then the probability of them feeling depressed and low is very high. One have to reassure themselves that they are not losing their mind though most likely it may seem so to them and that they are not all by themselves in this whole process.

However relief from panic attacks cannot be got from this one step alone. After one has successfully completed the initial step and have got into more positive thinking then its time for them to pay a visit to the doctor. They can consult their own physician or consult a psychiatrist of psychologist, whomever they are more in ease with.

They will help you to learn more about panic attacks and also help you determine what the causes of your panic attacks are. They may suggest self or group therapy, and group therapy has particularly shown to be effective because it gets you out and interacting with other people who have gone through the same experiences and who therefore can give you great firsthand opinions on what you should and should not do when you are having a panic attack and just in general.

To deal with panic attacks one must have a close watch on the thought process that goes in mind during stressful times. These attacks can become aggravate if the individual is having some negative thoughts in their head during attack time.

One has to curb all those thought that might lead them to a state of anxiety and result in panic attacks. One must push themselves to think positively and stick to the fact that they can’t stop their breathing process or die when having an attack.

Want to get an idea on panic attack symptoms? Learn more useful information on panic and anxiety attacks here.

You’re under stress, but you have to be in control all day long. Over time, that can lead to poor eating habits, the production of stress hormones and cardiac risk factors. The good news is you can reverse these risk factors non-pharmacologically and develop some habits for a lifetime that complement conventional diet and exercise.

Yoga can help you regain the state you want your mind and body to be in. It will help you relax.

Yoga is the most prominent form of the burgeoning mind-body health movement, which includes tai chi, qigong and other meditative forms of exercise. Mind-body fitness, which derives from Eastern philosophies and religions, improves physical and emotional well-being.

Mind-body exercise has many benefits; these benefits are showing themselves to be bona fide even under careful scientific scrutiny. In fact, mind-body exercise can do many things, not the least of which are to reduce cardiac risk and enhance mood.

Yoga’s kind, gentle movements are easy on the joints and yet still improve strength and flexibility, as well as muscle tone. In fact, it can make you more youthful than the sometimes jarring effects of aerobics, weight lifting, or running.

Indeed, practicing yoga can impact every part of your existence. Most modern Western practitioners, for example, focus on the physical asanas, or positions. However, many others utilize yoga as a path to bliss and live their lives in its all-encompassing embrace.

Considering yoga’s lofty goals, it’s delightfully simple and can be done anywhere, anytime. Taken to its extreme, yoga encompasses everything from a moral code and dietary practices to deep meditation. Most commonly, though, it’s a combination of asanas, meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises).

Entire books have been written on yoga breathing. Deep breathing is both calming and energizing. The energy you feel from a few minutes of careful breathing is not nervous or hyper, but that calm, steady energy we all need.

If you’re feeling particularly stressed, try this five-minute “breath break” to energize yourself and release stress. Read through the instructions several times before you actually try following the steps.

1. With your back as straight as possible, sit in a chair or on the floor. If you choose to sit in a chair, your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees in line with the center of your feet. If your feet don’t rest comfortably on the floor, put a book or cushion under your feet so that your knees are perpendicular to your hips. Your hands should be on the tops of your legs, palms down, open and relaxed.

2. Close your eyes gently and simply rest them, lids closed.

3. Think about your ribs, at the front, back, and at the sides of your body. Your lungs are behind those ribs.

4. Now, slowly breathe in, filling your lungs up from the bottom. Picture your ribs expanding out and up. Now, breathe out, slowly, with your lungs emptying from top to bottom and your ribs gently contracting back down and in. Don’t push the breath out.

5. The first few times you do this, do it for 2 to 3 minutes, then do it for up to 5 to 10 minutes. At first, set aside a time at least once a day to do this. When you learn how good it makes you feel, you’ll want to do it at other times as well.

Yoga helps you focus your mind and improve your body, and choosing the right routine can enhance your workout considerably. Simple yoga techniques are best for beginners, yet even a simple yoga exercise has numerous benefits for your overall health and well being.

A medical device that can be used in the prevention of illness and treatment of disease, the Biomat is able to help people improve their overall health by positively impacting on the immune system, decreasing pain, increasing metabolism and thus burning fat, increasing circulation, decreasing cardiovascular risk, reducing pain and stiffness in joints, clarifying the skin, and allowing detoxification to occur in the body. The Biomat uses the power of negative ions, far infrared rays, as well as amethyst crystals.

How does the Biomat perform these functions? Light energy in the form of far infrared rays (FIR) are invisible to human eyes, but can be felt as heat on the body, and are a natural part of the sun’s light (all living things produce some FIR). More and more medical professionals and those involved in alternative healing therapies are beginning to use FIR in their practices. These FIRs are sized between 9 and– microns, which is the size of light that resonates most closely with the cells in the body. In the body there is a feeling of warmth when it comes into contact with FIR, and the metabolism is also increased.

There is a substance known as Japanese Kurera Super Fiber in the Biomat, which is a layer of carbon ceramic material, which produces FIR when energy is pulsed through it. The amethyst crystals act as an amplifier for the FIR when they are passed through it, which creates a long wavelength light which can penetrate deeply into the body.

Negative ions are created in the Biomat, and these have been proven to be beneficial to the body’s health. In nature, negative ions are very commonly found in great abundance in rainforests, near waterfalls, and also near the ocean. Negative ions affect the brain by allowing it to receive more oxygen, which increases alertness and improves the attention span. Most people spend their time in areas where there are few negative ions, so the Biomat helps by increasing the negative ions a person is exposed to. DC current is passed through the Kurera fiber, which produce these negative ions. When the negative ions are discharged into the air, the body is able to take them in and positive ions in the bloodstream are then converted into negative ions. More calcium and sodium minerals are created in the bloodstream, which makes the bloodstream more alkaline, which is a healthy state for the body.

Amethyst crystal, as well as being known for its natural healing properties, is also a superconductor, which amplifies FIR in the Biomat enabling them to penetrate deeper into the body.

The Biomat can be slept on at night, or can be used for shorter periods of time (which is often the case in clinical practice). The Biomat has been approved for use by several insurance companies, as they consider it beneficial in the treatment of pain and various musculo-skeletal problems. The Biomat provides several advantages over other FIR products (such as traditional infrared saunas) as it converts AC into DC current which is healthier for the body (AC current has been shown to be detrimental to human health).

The Biomat is useful in the home and also in professional practice. All sorts of alternative practitioners, including Reiki practitioners, masseurs, chiropractors, and acupuncturists have found Biomats incredibly useful in their practices, given the Biomat’s ability to assist healing and also promote relaxation.

Cynthia Ryan purchased her Bio mat just over twelve months ago, and she hasn’t looked back. Once crippled by back pain, Cynthia is now able to enjoy her life to the fullest, in a way she once couldn’t have imagined.

The Biomat is an amazing device which combines three powerful healing tools into one easy to use medical device. Because the Biomat can be used by anyone, regardless of their level of health or ability, it is extremely beneficial for anyone with a health issue. Combining the power of far infrared ray (FIR) technology, with negative ions, and amethyst crystals, it is a truly unique device. The Biomat is also extremely safe to use and has been approved by the FDA for use as a medical device.

The Biomat can be used for a multitude of health conditions, from minor issues to serious illnesses. It is able to do this because of the combined effects of the FIR, the negative ions, and the amplifying amethyst (which increases the power of the FIR). The most obvious effect of FIR is that it produces heat in the body, but while it is doing this it is actually healing at a cellular levels. Because of the amethyst crystals, the FIR are able to deeply penetrate the body by several inches, allowing very deep healing. Cancer cells have been shown to die at 107 degrees F, while other cells are able to function when heated to this level, which the FIR is able to do.

Pain and stress are also relieved by FIR, which allow the expansion of blood vessels, and also improve circulation. When blood is better able to circulate through the body, oxygen can also travel better through the body to reach all parts more efficiently, especially areas which are injured and benefit from the additional oxygen, increasing healing. FIR positively impact on the body’s hormonal levels too, by improving the levels of cortisone, melatonin, prolactin, thyroid hormones, and testosterone in the body. Swelling and inflammation are also reduced by the use of FIR.

Those who are unable to exercise due to illness or disability find the Biomat especially beneficial, as it enables them to participate in what amounts to a cardio workout that burns up to 600 calories in a half hour session, while they simply lie on it.

The body benefits from negative ions in many ways. When the body carries more positive ions than negative ones, the cell walls become less permeable, preventing elimination of waste and absorption of nutrients. On the other hand, when the body has more negative ions in the bloodstream, the cell walls become more permeable, assisting in elimination of waste and absorption of nutrients, also calcium and sodium levels increase which creates a more alkaline blood system. For a body to maintain its maximum health and functioning, an alkaline environment is essential, and alongside this, it’s been shown that cancer cells can’t survive in an alkaline environment.

The amethyst crystals in the Biomat possess healing qualities of their own, but one of their key functions in the Biomat is the amplification of the FIRs, allowing them the deep, powerful penetration which is so beneficial. The purifying and calming qualities of amethyst crystals also make them a beneficial component of the Biomat.

Different applications of the Biomat call for different sizes. Fortunately, it is possible to buy Biomats to fit any sized bed, from single to king, and there are smaller Biomats designed for massage tables and similar, which are great for professionals who wish to utilize Biomats in their practices.

Cynthia Ryan loves writing about and talking about the Biomat, which has made such an improvement in the constant pain she once suffered that she hopes it can do the same for others who suffer like she once did.

Because there are so many kinds of cat’s claw supplements, such as: cat’s claw leaves, cat’s claw bark, and cat’s claw twigs, cat’s claw is one of the most confusing nutritional supplements currently available in health food stores. Although all cat’s claw supplements claim to help the immune system, only the root of Uncaria tomentosa gives the true health benefits by possessing the healing power to treat and prevent diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, degenerative diseases, and also providing anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial benefits.

However, only those Uncaria tomentosa roots that contain “good spirits,” seen by Ashaninka healers of the Ashaninka tribe contain healing properties. If these good spirits are mixed with any root that does not contain good spirits, the healing power is lost. With the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), scientists can now see the “good spirits” too. These good spirits are actually medicinal compounds called pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs).

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.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are 3000 plant extracts that can kill cancer cells, 70 percent of these plants being found only in the rain forest. The fertile environment provided by the rain forest, due to the constant rain from January to December and the 75-80 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, allows the plants grown to be amazingly rich in alkaloids and other medicinal compounds. When the Ashaninka harvest the plant, they work intelligently to keep it perpetually healthy.

Individual plants are never completely harvested. Only one third of their roots are collected at any time and then no more root is harvested from that plant for the next ten years, allowing re-growth in the remaining root. Because the Ashaninka are a generous people, they see no benefit in hoarding the cat’s claw for themselves. As their homelands continue to be destroyed by deforestation, they want to make sure that the plant’s healing properties continue on.

Some cat’s claw roots have good spirits, POAs, while others tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids, TOAs, which do not help the immune system at all. Since Uncaria tomentosa plants look almost identical, it is hard to tell if they contain healing properties or non-helpful properties. Plants containing POAs one year may contain TOAs the following year because their alkaloid chemotypes change at will. After scientists discovered that they could “see” the presence of TOAs using the HPLC technology, they gained the ability to harvest cat’s claw root extracts with POAs consistently. Because buying products that contain TOAs will only benefit the cat’s claw distributor due to its canceling effects on POAs, it is important to read the label of the cat’s claw root product you are considering buying.

The inner bark of the plant is the source of cat’s claw’s active alkaloid compounds, but the bark itself is indigestible and poorly absorbed, if at all, by the human digestive system. Fortunately, however, cat’s claw is now readily available in the form of easily absorbed teas, tinctures and capsules, but it’s probably best to start with low doses to ensure freedom from any possible side effects. And as recommended therapeutic doses vary between 750 and 3,000 mg per day, it’s always worth talking things over with your physician or a reputable herbal practitioner before beginning any program of supplementation. But the potential benefits of cat’s claw appear so promising that this is not a herb you should ignore.

We can be grateful to American Indians for a multitude of herbal and natural medicines. Pau d’arco has a been used as a medicine by the indigenous people of the rainforest.

It is said that the practice of using this herb dates back to the time of the ancient Incas and Aztecs, the first inhabitants of South America. No wonder in South America alone, we also find accounts of Pau darco’s healing wonders.

There are many uses of Pau darco. Research has been done in the 1960’s and the 1970’s on pau darco to verify the medicinal claims of this herb. Research, particularly that carried out by the U.S. National Cancer Institute proved that if not preventing or delaying cancer, Pau darco, actually treats cancer in very astounding ways. However, oral doses of the herb have to reach useful levels in the blood, therefore causing some side effects. That’s why dosages were stopped in some patients.

In the abovementioned studies, lapachol, a chemical element strongly present in Pau darco, is shown to be active against the malaria parasite. If you have a compromised immune system, this herb may just be the right one for you.

In ancient times, the pau d’arco tree amazed the indigenous peoples of South America with its ability to repel microbes. The truth is, no fungus ever forms on the pau d’arco tree, even though it grows in the most lush tropical rain forests in the world. This amazing tree has proven entirely immune to fungal infection, which makes it a one-of-a-kind among its arboreal cousins.

Pau darco has been found more effective that pharmaceutical medication by many people. Not only does the herb have antifungal, antiprotozoal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, it has also been a cure for inflammations, skin injuries, psoriasis, and even vaginal yeast infections. In some parts of South America, it is even used as a mouthwash, again, because of its antibacterial quality.

In taking the herb, take note of its side effects. Heavy use of Pau darco may result in the loss of red blood cells, thus, causing anemia. Anemia usually results in fatigue, cool, pale skin, an abnormal heartbeat and breathing patterns. Associated with lapachol, lesser side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Dozens of different species of pau d’arco exist, each distinguished by its leaf configuration and flower color. The tree providing the most health benefits is the pinkflowered Tabebuia heptophylla, which grows mainly in Argentina. This is the only kind of pau d’arco offered because we demand only the best for our customers.

Muira Puama, whose name means “potency wood” in the language of the indigenous tribes of the Amazon, is a shrub that grows wild throughout most of the Amazon basin. Muira Puama, which is one of the primary ingredients in the herbal male enhancement product Extagen, has been used by indigenous people to treat a wide range of disorders, ranging from neuromuscular issues to sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

An estimated 10 to 20 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction. This number is expected to increase dramatically as the median age of the population increases. Currently, erectile dysfunction is thought to affect over 25% of men over the age of 50.

Although the frequency of erectile dysfunction increases with age, it must be stressed that ageing itself is not a cause of impotence. Although the amount and force of the ejaculate as well as the need to ejaculate decrease with age, the capacity for er ection is retained. Men are capable of retaining their sexual virility well into their 80’s.

Erectile dysfunction may be due to organic or psychogenic factors. In the overwhelming majority of cases the cause is organic, i.e., it is due to some physiological reason. In fact, in men over the age of 50, organic causes are responsible fro erectile dysfunction in of 90%. In the past, a man with impotence who was able to have nighttime or early morning erections was thought to have psychogenic impotence. However, it is mow recognized that this is not a reliable indicator.

Many potential users of herbal supplements such as Extagen are initially put off because these supplements do not have legal status as medications and are therefore not typically independently tested. Fortunately Muira Puama, like many of the other herbal ingredients in Extagen, has undergone numerous studies regarding its effectiveness.

For example, Muira Puama has been extensively studied by the Sexology Institute of Paris, France. A high percentage of participants in scientifically controlled case studies reported that taking Muira Puama extract was highly effective in increasing erectile efficiency and libido.

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.

Presently, the mechanism of action of Muira puama is unknown, From the preliminary information, it appears that it works on enhancing both psychological and physical aspects of sexual function. Future research will undoubtably shed additional light on t his extremely promising herb for erectile dysfunction.

Erythroxylum catuaba is a vigorous-growing, small tree that produces yellow and orange flowers and small, dark yellow, oval-shaped, inedible fruit. It grows in the northern part of Brazil in Amazonas, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas.

This catuaba tree belongs to the family Erythroxylaceae, whose principal genus, Erythroxylum, contains several species that are sources of cocaine. Catuaba, however, contains none of the active cocaine alkaloids.

Catuaba has a long history of use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the aphrodisiac qualities of the plant and over the last few centuries they have composed many songs praising its wonders and abilities.

Indigenous and local peoples have used catuaba for generations. It is the most famous of all Brazilian aphrodisiac plants. In the Brazilian state of Minas there is a saying, “Until a father reaches 60, the son is his; after that, the son is catuaba’s!”

The study found that the pathway of catuaba’s anti-HIV activity stemmed (at least partially) from the inhibition of HIV absorption into cells, and suggested that catuaba had potential against opportunistic infections in HIV patients. A U.S. patent was granted (in 2002) to a group of Brazilian researchers for a catuaba bark extract (Trichilia catigua).

Its patent refers to animal studies it conducted that reported that it relieved pain and relaxed and dilated blood vessels in rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. A study published in 1997 reported that catuaba bark had significant pain relieving activity in vivo.

In European herbal medicine catuaba is considered an aphrodisiac and a brain and nerve stimulant. A bark tea is used for sexual weakness, impotence, nervous debility, and exhaustion. Herbalists and health practitioners in the United States use catuaba in much the same way: as a tonic for genital function, as a central nervous system stimulant, for sexual impotence, general exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia related to hypertension, agitation, and poor memory.

In the last several years, its popularity has grown in the North American herbal market, with various products (especially libido formulas) now available in health food stores. Catuaba is also showing up in other formulas for depression, stress and nervous disorders. (The jury’s still out as to which species is being sold, however!) Interested consumers should seek a reputable manufacturer and product – with a verified plant source and botanical species for the herbal ingredient being sold.