Botanical Agents
Anti-Aging Desk Reference
Aloe
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Aloe Vera plant is native to North Africa. Aloes have been used all over the world throughout the ages for their various medicinal properties. Manufacturers sell the transparent gel from the plant ... Continue Reading
Arabinogalactan
Arabinogalactan GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Arabinogalactan (AG) is a phytochemical extracted from the timber of the larch tree. The immune-enhancing herb echinacea also contains AG, as do leeks, carrots, radishes, pears, wheat, red wine, and tomatoes. ROLE IN ANTI-AGING: AG is an important source of dietary fiber. ... Continue Reading
Astralagus (Astralagus Membranaceous)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The astralagus or Huang Qi plant hails from China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two thousand years. The root of the plant is commonly used in herbal remedies as a base ingredient to help with various ailments. ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: The astralagus root is used to promote wound healing and stimulate the immune system by boosting white blood cell production and coaxing them to work harder. ... Continue Reading
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Bilberry plant is closely related to blueberries and currants, all of which belong to the genus Vaccinium. The specific activity of Bilberry comes from concentrated fruit pigments called ... Continue Reading
Black Currant Seed Oil (Ribes nigrum)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This thorn less shrub belongs to the red currant family. The leaves and berries are used medicinally. In European folk medicine, black currant once had a considerable reputation for controlling diarrhea, promoting urine output (as a diuretic) and reducing arthritic and rheumatic pains. ... Continue Reading
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Calendula was enormously popular in medieval Europe for treating blemishes, bedsores, and skin infections. Present day herbalists continue to use the plant extract in topical form for nflamed or damaged skin:poorly healing wounds and ulcers, bites, stings, burns (including sunburn), infectious sores such as herpes zoster (shingles), and varicose veins. ... Continue Reading
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The hot fruit of the cayenne plant has been used as medicine for centuries. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system and is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic. The active ingredient in cayenne is a pungent substance known as capsaicin. ... Continue Reading
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chamomile is a member of the daisy family native to Europe and western Asia. Chamomile can promote relaxation and it is a reliable remedy for skin irritation. ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: Chamomile improves tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the immune-boosting activity of white blood cells, thanks to the action of chemical flavonoids. ... Continue Reading
Chrysin
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chrysin is a naturally occurring isoflavone chemically extracted from the plant Passiflora coerulea. Chrysin has many actions on the body, including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties. In addition, studies carried out in Europe found that chrysin can increase testosterone levels by 30% or more. ... Continue Reading
Coleus Forskohlii (Makandi)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Coleus Forskohlii is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family native to India. The root is used medicinally. Ancient Sanskrit texts show that coleus was commonly used to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions. Today it is employed in the treatment of glaucoma. ... Continue Reading
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