Chondroitin Sulfate Chondroitin sulfate is an important element in the creation of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough yet flexible connective tissue found in the joints, where it acts as a cushion, and in other parts of the body, such as the tip of the nose and the outer ear. Chemically, chondroitins belong to a group […]

Aloe Vera This plant is known for its healing effect and is used in many cosmetic and hair care products. There are over two hundred different species of aloe that grow in dry regions around the world. Aloe vera is commonly known as a skin healer, moisturizer, and softener. It is dramatically effective on burns […]

Asparagine Asparagine, created from another amino acid, aspartic acid, is needed to maintain balance in the central nervous system; it prevents you from being either overly nervous or overly calm. As it is converted back into aspartic acid, asparagine releases energy that brain and nervous system cells use for metabolism. It promotes the process by […]

Glucosamine is an amino polysaccharide (a combination of an amino acid glutamine and sugar glucose). Glucosamine is concentrated in joint cartilage where it is incorporated into longer chains known as glycosaminoglycans and finally into very large structures known as proteoglycans. The proteoglycans function to attract water into the joint space for lubrication of the cartilage […]

This herb’s name definitely stimulates the imagination, but imagination may not be far from reality: devil’s claw produces a hard fruit with large claw like appendages that lie waiting for a passerby on which to grip and hitch a ride for dispersal, only to eventually work its way into or tear out of the skin […]

To calm the storms of emotional overeating, try a temporary regimen of St. John’s wort or kava kava. Sometimes these herbs are combined in a single product. There’s not much information on whether they are compatible with other natural weight-loss supplements, so it is prudent to take these herbs alone while you attempt to destress […]

With hundreds of natural weight-loss supplements lining the shelves of health food stores and pharmacies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As you survey the throng of pills and potions, you might begin to wonder: Which one should I buy? The first step is to give some thought to your personal weight-loss situation. Analyze your goals: […]

Chickweed Chickweed is an herb high in vitamin C, and various parts of the plant are used in herbal preparations. Chickweed gets its reputation as a slimming agent from folk medicine; there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The herb has diuretic properties, however, and may produce a temporary loss of water weight. […]

St. John’s wort seems best used temporarily to improve mood, and thus prevent depression-related overeating. The usual dosage is two capsules daily (200 mg to 300 mg) of a capsulized product standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin. Teas and tincture usually don’t deliver reliable doses. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the herb to […]

I housands of herbs are available worldwide for a dizzying array of diseases and disorders. And consumers are sold on them: A recent survey found that one in three people spends an average of $54 a year on herbal remedies. Without question, herbs do work wonders in treating many illnesses and improving health. But herbal […]