| LE Magazine February 1999
Continued from A Return to Traditional Roots
Chinese Herbs from
Life Extension
For nearly two decades, the Life Extension Foundation has been at the forefront of integrative medicine. Among the many natural health-inducing products distributed by the Foundation are a number of traditional Chinese remedies. These include:
Angelica (Angelica sinensis). Known in China as dong quai or tang gui, angelica has been used extensively to treat menstrual cycle problems and symptoms of menopause. Each tablet of the Foundation's new Natural Estrogen formula contains 25 mg angelica extract and other pharmaceutical-quality herbs.
Astragalus (Astragali, Huang Qi). Astragalus is renowned in the East and West for its ability to stimulate the immune system and speed healing. Chinese doctors also recommend astragalus to treat weakness and excessive sweating. Astragalus is a component of Life Extension Herbal Mix.
Garlic (Allium sativum). Numerous studies show that garlic prevents cancer, boosts immune function, protects against atherosclerosis, and reduces blood pressure. Because garlic helps to neutralize dietary carcinogens, you should take it with the heaviest meal of the day. One of the best sources of garlic is PureGar's Kyolic-brand supplement.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis). This cardiotonic herb is a component of Life Extension's Herbal Cardiovascular Formula and the new Life Extension Mix. Ginger reduces harmful cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and prevents abnormal clotting. Ginger also increases contractile strength of the heart and enhances the calcium pumping within heart cells required for optimal cardiac output.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). This ancient Chinese herb has been making headlines recently as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo is an excellent remedy for any type of cerebral or circulatory disorder. In a 1975 study, ginkgo extract was given to patients suffering from migraine headaches, with 80 percent reporting improvement or cure. Ginkgolide B, an active constituent, may help to regulate blood pressure, treat kidney disorders, eye diseases and various forms of shock, reduce inflammation, and counteract the harmful effects of several toxins. In addition, ginkgo has been used to treat asthma, dizziness, vertigo, cardiac problems, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and sexual dysfunction. You'll find ginkgo in these Life Extension products: DMAE-Ginkgo Capsules, Ginkgo Capsules and PC-Ginkgo Extract and Life Extension Booster.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Perhaps the best known of Chinese herbs in the United States, ginseng helps the body to correct imbalances, and promotes general vitality and health. Athletes use ginseng to increase strength and endurance. The Life Extension Foundation's Sports Ginseng contains naturally balanced active and coactive constituents, including ginsenosides, panaxosides and eleutherosides.
Green Tea. Epidemiological studies show that people who drink five to 10 cups of green tea a day have a lower incidence of heart attack, stroke and cancer. When the Life Extension Foundation introduced green tea capsules in 1992, the cost was high. Now the Foundation has developed an 83-percent polyphenol extract that costs the same as the standard 23-percent extract. Each capsule contains 233 mg of disease-fighting polyphenols, which exceeds the polyphenol content found in five to 10 cups of freshly brewed green tea. The Foundation also offers Decaffeinated Green Tea 23-Percent Extract for cancer and hepatitis patients who cannot tolerate caffeine in large doses.
Soy. Found in tofu and other foods, soy is a mainstay of the Chinese diet. Now we know that the soy bean also is a healing agent. Several studies show that phytoestrogens in soy ease menopausal symptoms and prevent breast cancer. Soy also prevents other types of cancer, as well as gallstones, protects kidney function, stimulates bone formation, lowers harmful cholesterol levels and inhibits progression of atherosclerosis. Foundation members may order Ecogen Super Soy Extract Powder, Mega Soy capsules and Soy Power Powder..
Back to the Magazine Forum
|