Herbal supplements, vitamins

Herbal Supplements and Vitamins

Library of Information with Links

1: Calcium

Introduction: Calcium is a building block for bone. Adequate dietary calcium intake is one of the important factors for maintaining healthy and strong bones. Calcium-rich foods include low-fat milk, cheese, broccoli, yogurt, and soybeans. Also, many foods, such as orange juice, are fortified with calcium.

Calcium content of various foods.

As one ages, more calicium needed in the diet.

Calcium and Vitamin D.

Calcium and weight loss.

General informational article on calcium.

2: Cascara Sagrada

Introduction: Cascara Sagrada is made from the dried bark of the cascara buckthorn and is used as a stimulating laxative. It was first used for medicinal purposes by native American Indians.

General discussion of cascara sagrada.

Cascara sagrada research information.

Potential side effects from cascara sagrada use.

3: Chondroitin

Introduction: Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of joint cartilage which is the tissue that wraps the bone endings at joints. As a supplement, it is used to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and most often taken in conjunction with glucosamine.

General discussion of Chondroitin.

Additional discussion of Chondroitin.

Taking both chondroitin and glucosamine.

Chondroitin studies.

Potential chondroitin side effects.

4: Echinacea

Introduction: Echinacea is a wildflower native to North America. There are three different commonly-used species of the plant (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea). Also, each of these can be taken in varying forms -- tea, tincture, and tablets to name a few. Echinacea is promoted for cold prevention and under the theory that it supports the immune system by activating white blood cells.

Does echinacea work?

General information about echinacea.

Concerns over production quality of echinacea.

Information from the American Cancer Society on echinacea.

Safety review of echinacea.

US researchers conclude echinacea reduces a person's chance of catching a cold.

5: Folic Acid

Introduction: Folic Acid is a B vitamin which is found naturally in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains. It's best known health benefit is the reduction of birth defects when taken by pregnant women.

General discussion of folic acid and its benefits.

List of links to folic acid information.

Report suggest folic acid may have additional benefit of reduce high blood pressure risk.

6: Garlic.

Introduction: Raw garlic has anti-fungal and, possibly, anti-biotic properties. It is also a mild blood thinner and under study for reducing cancer risks.

General discussion of health benefits of garlic.

Discussion of garlic from the American Cancer Society.

Garlic's potential benefits for the heart.

7: Green Tea.

Introduction: Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and, thus, is thought to provide the same health benefits associated with antioxidants: i.e., boost immune system.

General discussion of health benefits of green tea.

More information on the health benefits of green tea.

Differences between green tea and black tea.

Green tea's ability to fight cancer from BBC News.

British study finds daily tea intake improves memory.

8: Saw Palmetto.

Introduction: Saw Palmetto is a small palm tree that is native to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Its berries contain the powerful compound beta sitosterol and, in supplement form, is thought to aid treatment of prostate enlargement, bladder inflammation and proper urinary flow.

General discussion of health benefits of saw palmetto.

Additional discussion of health benefits of saw palmetto.

Additional discussion of health benefits of saw palmetto.

9: St. John's Wort.

Introduction: St. John's wort is a common shrub-like perennial, bears bright yellow flowers that contain numerous therapeutic substances when dried. It is thought to be a useful remedy for depression.

General discussion of health benefits and risks of St. John's wort.

NIH study underway relative to St. John's wort.

Discussion of past studies of St. John's wort.

FDA warning that St. John's wort has a significant drug interaction with indinavir, a protease inhibitor used to treat HIV infection.

10: Other articles.

Vitamin E. "Vitamin E pills, once hailed for their supposed ability to ward off a wide range of diseases, did not reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or cancer in a 12-year study of more than 39,000 women." Miami Herald, 7-6-2005.

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