Herbal

Turmeric

Cardiovascular Research - Curcumin - 60 £19.95
Reports from laboratory and clinical research indicate that turmeric and its phenolics have unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcuminoids reportedly inhibit enzymes, which participate in the synthesis of inflammatory substances (leukotrienes and prostaglandins) derived from arachidonic acid. It is claimed that they are comparable in activity to the NSAIDs. In a double-blind study of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin produced significant improvement in all subjects studied. Turmeric has been reported to be anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

Astragalus

Solgar - Astragalus 520mg - 100 £15.45
The Chinese have valued astragalus for centuries for its immune-enhancing and adaptogenic properties. As an adaptogen, it may modify and improve the body's response to stress through action on the adrenal cortex. The triterpenoids and saponins are structures similar to steroid hormones and precursors that act on the adrenal cortex. The polysaccharides contained in astragalus relate to the improvement in natural killer (NK) cells and T-cell function, as well as interferon production by the immune system. Studies have reported that administration of astragalus for one month increased phagocytosis by spleen cells, decreased T-suppressor cell function, and improved T-killer cell function. Astragalus enhances the effects of interferon, and may increase cellular oxygenation of the heart and cerebrovascular tissue and improve stamina and endurance.

Cordyceps

Stewart Distribution - Cordyceps - 90 £21.50
Cordyceps is a unique black mushroom that extracts nutrients from and grows only on a caterpillar found in the high altitudes of Tibet and China. Cordyceps has been used in humans for centuries as a tonic for improving performance and vitality, with the proposed mechanism of action being improved oxygen consumption by the cardiopulmonary system under stress and increased tissue "steady state" energy levels. Cordyceps may modulate immune function and optimize endocrine systems, increasing physical strength and endurance. Cordyceps has traditionally been used for its improvement in respiration and in individuals with decreased lung function, such as asthma and bronchitis, by increasing oxygenation (improving VO2 max by 9-15 percent). Cordyceps has been reported to have anticancer effects by decreasing proliferation and differentiation of cancerous cells and has immunomodulatory effects. Cordyceps has been used for decreasing the renal toxicity of various toxins, and in individuals with chronic renal failure. Cordyceps is an antioxidant that increases serum levels of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), thereby increasing free radical scavenging ability. It has also been reported to positively affect blood lipid metabolism, making it potentially useful in atherosclerosis.

St. John's Wort

Solgar – St. John’s Wort 300mg – 50 £11.79 - 150 £30.25
St. John's wort has gained a great deal of attention for its use in minor depression. Its popularity has stemmed from its extensive use by physicians in Europe as the first agent of choice in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. There are a variety of studies which are claimed to support the use of St. John's wort in treating depression. St. John's wort may amplify and improve the signal produced by serotonin once it binds to its receptor sites in the brain, thereby making it potentially beneficial in fibromyalgia. Additionally, hypericum in higher dosages has been used as an antiviral agent, including HIV.

Kava

Not available.
Kava preparations are approved medicines in several European countries for the treatment of nervous anxiety and restlessness. Studies have reported that kava preparations compare favorably to benzodiazepines in controlling symptoms of anxiety and minor depression, while increasing vigilance, sociability, memory, and reaction time. Several other studies have reported positive effects of kava when anxiety is present, including in PMS and menopausal complaints, and drug addiction and withdrawal. Kavalactones appear to act on the limbic system, in particular the amygdala complex, the primitive part of the brain that is the center of the emotional being and basic survival functions. It is thought that kava may promote relaxation, sleep, and rest by altering the way in which the limbic system modulates emotional processes. Kava preparations have also been reported to produce skeletal muscle relaxation (comparable to mephenesin), a benefit in fibromyalgia. Tolerance does not seem to develop with kava use.