HERBS - INGREDIENTS OVERVIEW

Flaxseed

The advantage of flaxseed is that it aids digestion and solves constipation problems. The combination of alpha-linolenic acid and lignans protects the circulatory system by counteracting inflammatory reactions. Flaxseed also counteracts oxidative stress in the blood vessels. In addition, flaxseed also lowers cholestrol levels and increases the ‘good’ HDL cholestrol level. Flaxseed protects not only the circulatory system against oxidative stress and inflammation, but the entire body. Due to the presence of lignans, flaxseed is useful in fighting the symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes. 

Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus)

In folk medicine, the flowers of the cornflower are used in treatment of kidney diseases, bladder and urinary retention. The flowers of the plant are used in a wide range of herbal mixtures in the treatment of metabolic diseases, gout, diathesis, rheumatism and liver diseases. The flowers of the cornflower have the properties of diuretic, choleretic and have antibacterial activity. 

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

This little plant sees an impressive list of uses. Insufficient bile secretion, stomach cramps, colic, absent menstruation, cold hands and feet, thrombosis prevention, childhood diseases, rheumatism, gout, sedative.

Marigold is also used internally for conditions such as: jaundice, liver inflammation, stomach/intestinal cramps, bile duct inflammation, stomach ulcers, colon inflammation, painful menstruation and genital inflammation. Improves and cleanses the digestive system. Stimulates the liver and stomach. Also in all kinds of infections in the gastrointestinal tract. For gastritis. Has a mild laxative effect. 

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) Sea buckthorn berries are considered in folk medicine as an ancient powerful healing remedy for spring fatigue, lack of appetite, bleeding gums, festering wounds, burns and stomach ulcers. Sea buckthorn grows on poor and sandy soils, especially in coastal areas. Nowadays, the berries are mainly used in juices because of their high vitamin C content. 

Algae

They are very popular in Japan, but algae remain relatively unknown foods in the Netherlands. And that is a shame, because these ‘sea vegetables’ have numerous good health properties. They contain almost all essential minerals, such as iodine, potassium, iron and calcium. Some algae contain as much as 10 times the amount of calcium of cow's milk and as much as five times more iron than spinach! Furthermore, algae contain a large amount of proteins, amino acids and vitamins. Therefore, algae should deserve a prominent place in our diet. 

Red tea - Pu Erh

In China, red tea is used as a supplement to a healthy diet to promote liver metabolism and lower cholesterol levels. According to Chinese medicine, tea strengthens the immune system, protects against infections and has a bacteriostatic effect. It helps digest fatty meals and stimulates the digestive glands, making it a good support in losing weight.
Red tea - Pu Erh comes from the Yunnan region bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. This “region of eternal spring” has a perfect climate for growing tea, especially in the mountains, and due to regular rainfall and mild temperatures (with no freezing time), the -Qingmao or red tea tree grows luxuriantly there. 

Currants

Currants are low in sugar. Dried berries can be made into a fresh tea, which aids digestion. The following properties are attributed to the berries: tonic, cooling, blood purifying, appetite stimulant, weak laxative, digestive aid and diuretic. 

Goji berries

As small as the goji berry is, so much impressive is its composition. For thousands of years, goji berries have been considered a disease fighter and ailment healer in traditional Chinese medicine. Ancient Chinese medical texts speak of healing and improving eye, liver and kidney ailments. Today, the goji berry is known as one of the most nutritious foods in the world.

They are anti-inflammatory. This means they contain substances that are anti-inflammatory. Beta-sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent in goji berries, can protect against heart disease, lower cholesterol and improve sexual health. Beta-sitosterol is used by the medical community in more products to treat all kinds of ailments such as asthma, fibromyalgia, allergies, hair loss, etc. It is a plant-based substance that is similar to cholesterol, but actually lowers cholesterol levels in the body;

The goji berry is naturally very vitamin-rich. They contain measure vitamin C than oranges, more iron than steak and more beta-carotene than carrots. Furthermore, berries also contain an awful lot of vitamin B such as riboflavin, thiamin and niacin. Vitamin E is also abundant in goji berries;
Goji berries are one of the richest edible plant sources. The substances in them are known to provide good eye protection. The substance zeaxanthin, similar to vitamin A, has been shown to protect the retina of the eye. It prevents age-related degeneration of the eyes, or deterioration of the retina. Furthermore, zeaxanthin protects the body from free radicals, molecules that destroy cells in the body and play a role in the development of many diseases;

Goji berries promote muscle growth. They contain all amino acids, 8 of which are essential. This makes goji very useful in meeting our body's daily protein requirement. They improve the body's immune system. Polysaccharides are nutrients in the goji berry that have been shown to boost the immune system.

Ginkgo biloba leaf

Documentation shows that the Ginkgo tree was used as a medicine for respiratory ailments some 3,000 years ago. In ancient China, people inhaled the vapour of a hot decoction of the leaves against colds and inflammation of the nasal sinuses.

Many scientific studies have conclusively established that Ginkgo extracts improve blood flow in the brain and limbs. The older we get, the more fat accumulates in the walls of our blood vessels. This process of arteriosclerosis hinders the passage of nutrients from our blood to organs and tissues. This is responsible for the fact that in older people, memory sometimes becomes less sharp; the brain cells no longer get sufficient glucose and oxygen. Other ailments of old age such as dizziness, impaired concentration, tinnitus, headaches and etal legs are also the result of poor circulati

Vorberg and other researchers discovered in 1985 that Ginkgo biloba markedly improves concentration, performance and memory in older people. Another study found that Ginkgo provides relief to patients with complaints of dizziness, headaches and tinnitus, while depressive moods and anxiety states disappear

Peppermint - Mentha Piperita

Peppermint extracts have a mild sedative effect. Peppermint works well for lower abdominal nausea, morning sickness, indigestion, stomach flu, peptic ulcer, infuenza and colds. 

Pennyroyal (polei or poleo) - Mentha Pulegium

Pennyroyal is known to be safe to take in limited quantities. Pennyroyal is traditionally known to be a menstrual stimulant or abortifacient (abortifacient) herb. Pennyroyal is also used to calm the stomach and reduce flatulence. It has a strong peppermint aroma.

Note: The use of large quantities of Pennyroyal is strongly advised against in cases of kidney disease because of its diuretic effect and if women want to become pregnant or are already pregnant. Pennyroyal is an ‘emmenagogues’ = herbs that stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, stimulates menstruation. Women have used plants such as mugwort, parsley and ginger to induce abortion. Others use ‘emmenagogues’ to stimulate menstruation when it remains absent for reasons other than pregnancy, such as hormonal disorders or conditions like infrequent or light menstruation.  

Peperina - Bystropogon mollis

Peperina can have very positive effects for improving digestion, is relaxing, antispasmodic. Can reduce nervousness, insomnia, convulsive pain and headaches. 

Inca tea (Khoka)

Inca tea is best known for its good digestive properties. It is a great fat burner and antidepressant. 

Boldo - Peumus Boldus

Boldo is a tree native to Chile. It is recommended to drink Boldo tea in the morning on an empty stomach, an hour before eating anything else. Boldo soothes the stomach, helps to cleanse the liver. Purifies the body and helps eliminate toxins. Boldo has properties that help purify the blood if the kidneys or liver are not working properly. Diuretic, helps eliminate excess fluid, acts directly on the kidneys, filtering and speeding up the formation of urine. Boldo helps remove bile that has accumulated in the gallbladder. Boldo has a mild sedative effect on the nervous system. 

Mint - Mentha

Good for stomach problems, cramps, hiccups, pain on bile roads, supportive for nausea due to pregnancy, travel etc., supportive for headaches and migraines due to liver and bile disorders. Calms flatulence and fermentation symptoms. Stimulates appetite and supports poor digestion. Good for acid regurgitation. 

Lemon verbena (Cedrón) - Lippia Citriodora

Used for digestive problems and spasms of the gut, is expectorant, strengthens the nervous system and reduces fever. Is very popular as an after-meal tea, drunk cold or hot... It has a slight anti-anxiety effect and is often drunk before sleeping for this reason. 

Tilo - Justicia pectoralis (Tilia Cordata)

Use for: stomach cramps, vomiting, insomnia, melancholy, depression, stress, hysteria. It promotes digestion. It stimulates sweat and urine production. 

Katuava (Catuaba) - Psidium cinereum

Catuaba is often considered a general tonic, as it is believed to act as a central nervous system stimulant and it increases energy levels. While such beliefs may be true, no scientific evidence for it has yet been found. In modern herbal medicine in Brazil, catuaba is considered a central nervous system stimulant with mood-enhancing properties (aphrodisiac). Catuaba is used against sexual impotence, tension, stress, neurasthenia, insomnia, hypochondria, poor memory or amnesia, sexual weakness, general fatigue and pain related to the central nervous system. In European botanical medicine, catuaba is referred to as an aphrodisiac, stimulator of the brain and nerves. 

Guarana - Paullinia cupana

Guarana has been known to Amazonian Indians for centuries. Guarana stimulates the digestive tract, is a diuretic, protects the liver and is a natural stimulant. Gives extra energy in a natural way. Ideal energy source to cope with everyday stress. Guarana is a shrub native to the Amazon region. The fruit contains a substance similar to caffeine, other stimulants and vitamins A, B and E. It gives a slow release that lasts for hours. Besides caffeine, guarana contains theobromine, theofillin, proteins, fibres, minerals and carbohydrates. These substances suppress appetite. Guarana is used as an ingredient in some soft drinks and energy drinks.

Note: The use of large amounts of Guarana in combination with certain blood thinners (coumarin derivatives) should be strongly avoided. As with other caffeine-containing products, people with heart problems or high blood pressure should avoid taking large amounts of Guarana. In the United States, Guarana is considered safe and has a so-called “GRAS status” (Generally Regarded As Safe). 

Burrito - Aloysia Polystachya 

Used for stomach pain and against liver disorders (abdominal pain and slow digestion). Is also an antidepressant. 

Ginseng - Panax Ginseng

Asian tradition ascribes ginseng a wide range of medicinal properties. This is because the root of Panax Ginseng contains ginsenosides. These are substances - consisting of chemical compounds - that occur naturally in ginseng plants. Ginseng contains several variants of these ginsenosides. This could explain the broad effects attributed to ginseng. The Chinese have used ginseng for thousands of years, originally mainly against fatigue and debilitation. Ginseng improves adaptability and the immune system and enhances physical and mental performance.

Lemon balm - Melissa Officinalis

The herb has a mild antispasmodic effect and is also used to stimulate appetite, promote sweating and for stomach complaints. Melissa can be very useful for nausea and other intestinal complaints. It reduces intestinal cramps, and calms the entire digestive system. Melissa can also bring relief to flatulence. Has a calming effect, especially before bedtime. 

Rose hip - Rosa Rubiginosa

It is a source of vitamin C that is invigorating for recovering patients due to their unusually high vitamin content. Rose hips have strong medicinal properties, are anti-inflammatory, they stimulate digestion and are diuretic. They increase resistance to colds and increase blood production. 

Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare

Strengthens stomach, antispasmodic, promotes digestion, increases glandular activity, promotes coughing up phlegm. Promotes menstruation, promotes suckling. Urinating, sweat promoting, antipyretic. Both halting and diarrhoea remedy. 

Fucus vesiculosis (bladder wrack or kelp)

Contains many minerals. Besides pectin-like mucilage, its most important constituent contains iodine and a range of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, bromine, phosphorus, copper, chromium, chlorine, manganese, silicon, selenium and zinc. These constituents make this plant suitable for use in obesity related to the thyroid. It reduces the feeling of hunger and strongly promotes bowel function and peristalsis. In addition, bladder wrack reduces fat storage in the body and its iodine content activates the thyroid. 

Chamomile - Chamomilla

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, anti-allergic, antispasmodic, calming, soothing, emollient, decongestant (counteracts swelling of mucous membranes), improves digestion, reduces gastric and duodenal ulcers, reduces cystitis, regulates menstrual disorders (irregular, delayed). 

Coriander - Coriandrum Sativum

Coriander is anti-inflammatory, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, can help treat anxiety and insomnia, is a diuretic (it promotes the expulsion of fluids through the urine), aids digestion, appears to have a role in the treatment of diabetes and may have a cholesterol-lowering effect. Besides its broad medicinal properties, coriander is best known for its detoxifying properties. 

Incayuyo - Lippia integrifolia

Home is the high peaks of the Andes mountains of the Cordillera and pre Cordoba mountains. The indigenous people of South America consider this plant sacred. Has healing properties in: indigestion caused by heavy and indigestible food or drinking too much liquid, any kind of discomfort of the stomach, flatulence and belching. It is a great fat burner and antidepressant. It has a purifying effect on the respiratory and nervous systems. 

Moringa

Moringa Oleifera is also known as the ‘miracle tree’ because of the high nutritional and medicinal properties of the tree's leaves and fruits. Moringa is packed with nutrients including calcium, chloride, chromium, copper, fluorine, iron, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulphur and zinc, vitamins A, B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin E. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the tree. For thousands of years, Indians have used moringa leaves in their food to get nutritious meals. Moringa leaves, extremely rich in vitamins and minerals, are used in Africa to combat malnutrition and lower blood-sugar levels. 

Horsetail - Equisetum arverse

Horsetail contains many minerals and is particularly rich in silica that our bodies need for building bones, hair, nails, cartilage, skin and healing wounds. Horsetail repairs, strengthens and relaxes the skeleton, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair and nails. It inhibits the ageing process in elastic tissues. The herb is irreplaceable and invaluable in bleeding, bladder and kidney ailments and dirty wounds. Pains disappear in rheumatism, gout, osteoarthritis, arthritis and nerve pains. It further helps with renal pelvic inflammation, bladder infections and bladder cramps. The herb is also a remedy for itchy skin rashes, nail bed infections, heel spur, fistulas and haemorrhoids.
Note: Due to diuretic effect, watch out for use in renal failure, pregnancy and diabetics. 

Senna - Cassia angustifolia

Senna causes the last part of the intestine (the colon) to take back less fluid from the stool. Senna also stimulates the bowel to produce mucus. This results in softer stools and thus easy bowel movements. In addition, senna stimulates bowel movements, reducing the length of time stools remain in the intestines and their ability to thicken.
Note: watch out for use during pregnancy or lactation or gastrointestinal disorders. 

Milk thistle

Milk thistle is used for uterine problems and to stimulate menstruation, among other things, but is perhaps best known for treating liver failure. Milk thistle contains substances (under the collective name silymarin) that protect and strengthen the liver. The liver processes various nutrients, including fats, making it one of the most important organs in our body. The liver neutralises or detoxifies many drugs, chemical pollutants and alcohol. Milk thistle prevents a deficiency of glutahione, an amino acid-like substance that enables the detoxification process in the liver. 
Milk thistle is also a powerful antioxidant. Perhaps even better than vitamins C and E in preventing damage from highly reactive free radicals. Milk thistle promotes the growth of new healthy liver cells to replace old damaged ones. 

Green tea/tea plant - Camelia sinesis

Fresh young tea leaves contain about 4% of caffeine, 25% of polyphenols, 2% of protein, 27% of crude fibre, 4% of carbohydrates, 60% of pectin and further essential oil on a dry weight basis. The top and upper leaves have the highest content of caffeine and polyphenols. Young light green leaves are preferred for tea production. These have short white hairs on the underside. Older leaves are darker green in colour and produce a different taste of tea again due to a different chemical composition. Green tea is obtained by steaming the leaves immediately after harvesting, rendering the enzymes inactive and eliminating oxidation. The nutrients in this drink may have a good effect on: lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), improving bowel function, nicer skin, better resistance to infections, positive impact on joint problems and reducing stress. And green tea may possibly boost metabolism, regulate blood sugar levels, suppress feelings of hunger and prevent the accumulation of fat from sugar.

Dill

Dill has anti-bacterial and digestive properties. It also works well against flatulence. In general, it can be used well for stomach cramps and gastrointestinal cramps. 

Sempervivum (House garlic or Thunderbeard)

The whole herb can be applied. Sempervivum is mostly used in homeopathy among other things for menstrual complaints.
 

PREBIOTICA

Inulin

Prebiotics are ballast substances (dietary fibres) that bacteria living in the intestines can attach to and need to multiply. In addition, prebiotics can contribute to a bulk for the intestines that improves peristalsis. Inulin is an important example of such a bulking agent. It is a water-soluble fibre that cannot be resorbed in the small intestine, but bifidobacteria possess enzymes suitable for digesting inulin. The microbial metabolism in the colon converts inulin into short-chain fatty acids, among others, which benefit erythrocytes. A lack of erythrocytes increases intestinal permeability, provoking allergies and food intolerances. Short-chain fatty acids have an anti-carcinogenic effect in this regard. (Source: www.therapeutenadvies.nl)

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