Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema is a woody climbing shrub native to India and Africa. The leaves are used to make medicine. Gymnema has a long history of use in India’s Ayurvedic medicine. The Hindi name, gurmar, means "destroyer of sugar."

Today, gymnema is used for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, and cough. It is also used for malaria and as a snake bite antidote, digestive stimulant, laxative, appetite suppressant, and diuretic.

How does it work?
Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

In Ayurvedic medicine, Indian gooseberry, also called Amla, is used as a rasayana (rejuvenative tonic). Modern science has confirmed the medicinal value of this ancient fruit, which is credited with cholesterol-balancing, anticancer, antioxidant, liver-protective and immunomodulating properties. However, its impact on heart health, especially its role in helping prevent coronary heart disease (CHD), stands out.

Sapthachakra

This herb is with seven whorls in its stem with a dark yellow colored bark- it gives the name Saptarangi- Saptachakra means seven whorls- to this. Saptachakra, Caseariaessculanta is a drug of choice for diabetes. It works on the root cause of the diabetes and gives relief to the condition of diabetes by regulating the functions of liver and pancreas. Along with the relieving from the symptoms of the Diabetes and regulating the blood sugar Saptarangi also reduces the risk of side effects of the Diabetes. Because it work on the liver so gives good results in hepatomegaly and other liver related disorders like- jaundice, constipation and bad digestion.

Especially for females- it relieves the painful menstrual periods- dysmenorrhea and regulates the female hormones.

Also useful for Blood disorders, Urinary tract infection and Piles.

Tinospora cordifolia - Guduchi(immunomodulator)

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) or Giloyis one of history's most famous adaptogens. An adaptogen supports normal immune function and the body's natural response to daily stress. Traditional herbalists would say that adaptogens are plants that "bring the body back into balance."

Guduchi is beneficial in treating fever, gout and jaundice, skin diseases, secondary syphilis, rheumatism, constipation, tuberculosis and leprosy. It is a powerful blood purifier. It is an antihelminthic, anti-periodic, anti-arthritic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory. It acts as a tonic and aphrodisiac. This is a herb which was recommended by Swami Ramdev of PatanjaliYog for treatment of Swine Flu. It is also recommended in the case of bird flu and chikengunia.

Guduchi roots are high in antioxidants. It is used in cancer prevention and treatment. It helps to lower the high cholesterol level, maintain sugar level and protects liver as well. It is used as an anti-aging treatment as well. It has been used to treat severe illnesses, arthritis, food allergies and anemia. Giloy helps the body to adopt to stress. It is also reported to provide relief in piles and dysentery. The stem is used in conditions like generalized weakness , dyspepsia, pyrexias of unknown origin (fevers) and many urinary tract infections. Some of the health experts and Ayurvedic doctors also prescribe Tinospora or Giloy for some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. The herb is useful in treating various skin diseases and in some cases, hyperacidity too. It is considered the best herb for clearing microcirculatory system. Its juice is very effective in removing both exogenous toxins. It clears out the brain toxin that inhibits mental function. The root and bark is used for the treatment of respiratory problems such as asthma.

Stevia

The natural sweetener, called stevia, is made from the leaves of the stevia plant. These little leaves are extremely sweet and contain no calories or sugar. Plus, stevia is a safer option to other artificial sweeteners. Webmd.com states, "Stevioside has been safely used in research in doses of up to 1500 mg per day for 2 years." Due to the fact that stevia can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, most people would not even be able to consume 1500 mg in a whole week.

Here are some fantastic benefits of Stevia:
Lose Weight
Safe for Teeth Save your teeth by replacing sugar with Stevia
Lower High Blood Pressure
Decrease Blood Sugars

Jambul

The fruit and seeds of the Jambul tree have long been used in Eastern traditional medicine, and are gaining more interest here in the West for the treatment of diabetes. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India value Jambul for lowering blood sugar and researchers are investigating its potential as a male contraceptive. Jambul is used in Unani and Chinese medicine for digestive ailments. The leaves and bark are used for controlling blood pressure and gingivitis. Wine and vinegar are also made from the fruit. It has a high source in vitamin A and vitamin C. 1,3.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries. Although people mainly associate the herb with India, Africans and even Native Americans have used it for infections and for warding off illness.

Ashwagandha in particular is known for its ability to calm, and some research indicates this herb can be used to promote sleep. In Texas, researchers noted the similarities in the sleep-inducing properties of ashwagandha and the calming effects of the well-known amino acid GABA. Likewise, ashwagandha has also been shown to ease anxiety or restlessness, as well as to reduce the symptoms of drug withdrawal. Its ability to stabilize moods and encourage adrenal recovery is highly valued by many herbalists.

But the benefits of ashwagandha extend far beyond mood. In India it is also used to help older patients with mental agility, cognitive ability, and memory. It is also known for its ability to fight off cold and cough symptoms. Preliminary studies give researchers reason to feel that ashwagandha also has the potential ability to decrease cancer cells without adversely affecting healthy cells.

Ashwagandha is also considered by many to be an anti-aging supplement, and it traditionally was known for its ability to provide nourishment to bones and muscles. Studies have also shown that the orange berries from the ashwagandha can be used topically to aid carbuncles, skin ulcers, and tumors. to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for bone cancer, diabetes, bipolar disorder, constipation, impotency, rheumatism, nerve problems, memory loss, arthritis, and many other physical ailments. Its effectiveness is thought to be similar to the herb ginseng used by the Chinese.

Brahmi

The cerebral herb

Used in Ayurveda for centuries, Brahmi (Bacopa/Bacopamonnieri) supports normal mental function, intellect, consciousness and spirit. According to the Alternative Medicine Review (March 2004), ‘Recent research has focused primarily on Bacopa's cognitive effects, specifically memory learning and concentration, and results support the traditional Ayurvedic claims.’

Brahmi is a nervine tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and is used in several mental disorders. It also calms restlessness in children. It is used as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability.

What is Garcinia cambogia?

Garcinia cambogia is a type of fruit that is indigenous to Indonesia. This plant is also found in Asia, Africa, and India. The people of these cultures discovered the secrets of this super fruit long ago. When added to various recipes, Garcinia cambogia has been found to make a person feel full. When it comes to losing weight, eating a dish with this fruit tends to suppress the appetite. In times of famine, natives could better endure their hunger by eating from the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia plant. Today, it is used in an extract form as a dietary supplement. Dr. Oz raved about this as a natural method to achieve and maintain an ideal body weight.

Pure Garcinia cambogiaSuperFruit

Garcinia cambogia, also known as the Malabar tamarind, is a small fleshy fruit that looks like a tiny pumpkin growing on a tree. Its color ranges anywhere between green, yellow, and orange. While the fruit is native to Indonesia, it can also be found in parts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia where the weather is warm and tropical. Natives of these regions have used Garcinia cambogia for centuries as a dietary staple because of its ability to reduce their appetite at meal time. It was traditional to add both the fruit's rind and flesh to soups and other food to make small portions seem more filling and satisfying.

Garcinia cambogia HCA – Hydroxycitric Acid

Garcinia cambogia contains a derivative of a citric acid known as hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The most potent source of hydroxycitric acid is found in the rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit. This type of acid is known to stop the pancreas from producing alpha-amylase enzymes and prevent the body from breaking down starch into dextrin and maltose.

It also inhibits the production of alpha-glucosidase in the intestines so that the body cannot convert starches and disaccharides into glucose. In addition, HCA prevents carbohydrates and sugars from turning into fat by inhibiting the production of citrate lyase. When these enzymes are not present, the carbohydrates, starches, and sugars that have not been broken down in the intestine will be discarded as waste material through the colon.

Garcinia cambogia Weight Loss

Studies have repeatedly shown that Garcinia cambogia is a potent weight loss supplement for people that were suffering with obesity. One of the studies that required a restricted diet of 1,200 calories per day examined the effects of HCA on 60 individuals that were suffering from obesity.

During the entire 8 week study, some of the participants were given placebo instead of the Garcinia cambogia extract. The participants that received the placebo and adhered to a strict 1,200 diet lost an average of 6 pounds, while the participants that were given the HCA extract has lost an average of 14 pounds.

Garcinia cambogia Extract Stress Relief

Besides being a great appetite suppressant and weight loss aid, Garcinia cambogia has been able to help treat other health problems such as high LDL cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. It is also said to be helpful in treating depression by creating more of the "feel good" brain chemicals known as serotonin.

Serotonin is responsible for enhancing the mood, relieving stress, and helping you get better sleep. Without a sufficient amount of serotonin, the body is more susceptible to experiencing chronic fatigue, loss of sleep, stress, anxiety, emotional overeating, and depression.

What are the Benefits of Garcinia cambogia?

One of the greatest advantages to using this particular extract in a supplement is the fact that it is completely natural. There are no harmful toxins, chemicals, or additives that are dangerous for the body. However, there are many other benefits as well.
• It contains Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA), an effective fat blocker!
• It curbs the appetite. No more overeating!
• It cuts back on cravings for sugar!
• It boosts serotonin levels, meaning a good night's rest!
• It means a positive frame of mind!
• It will balance stress hormones to avoid emotional bingeing!

Garcinia indica: Health Benefits of Kokum

Kokum (botanical name: Garcinia indica), is a deep purple fruit that is very similar to Mangosteen. The tree is native to the Western Ghats and Konkan regions of India and the fruit is commonly used in west-Indian cuisines. Various parts of the tree such as the seeds and bark of the root are used in Ayurvedic preparations since they offer a myriad of health benefits.

Dried Kokum fruit rinds are widely used in cooking as they impart a sweetish-tangy flavor to the food. The fruits contain citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxycitric acid and garcinol.

Medicinal Properties and Application:

• Kokum fruits contain rich amounts of anti-oxidants that bind with free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to body cells. They also promote cell regeneration and repair.
• The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss.
• Kokum juice is especially popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke. It also helps in bringing down fever and allergic reactions.
• Kokum seeds contain a high percentage of oil that freezes to form Kokum butter. Kokum butter is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as it works wonders on dry, chapped, sensitive, irritated or burnt skin.
• Kokum butter is rapidly gaining popularity over cocoa butter as an intensive skin moisturizer.
• Due to its soothing and healing properties, it is also applied directly to wounds and infected areas on the skin.
• Kokum butter is rich in healthy fats like stearic and oleic acids and can also be used as edible oil.
• Extracts from the Kokum fruit are traditionally used to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation and indigestion.
• Kokum juice is a healthier and far more refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks. It acts as an appetite stimulant and also has anti-helmintic properties.
• Ayurvedic medicine also uses Kokum infusions to treat piles, dysentery and infections. Kokum is known to strengthen the cardio-vascular system and stabilize liver function.

References

1. Balch, Phyllis A. . "Prescription for Herbal Healing", Avery (2002)
2. Grieve, Maud Mrs. "A Modern Herbal" (1931)
3. Wikipedia