Despite continued efforts in the field of modern medicine, the results for the stretch mark treatment are comparatively very less. No doubt, the modern technologies and understandings about the medicine have drastically improved. We can say even skyrocketing. But unfortunately for treating the stretch marks in spite of repeated attempts the modern medicine can not cure it permanently. In the sense, cosmetically they have made it all possible but when you look at the anatomy of the skin, the stretch marks still reside on various layers of the skin protracting the risk of re-emergence of them at a later stage of life.

Stretch marks hold a better place for marring the skin appearance for pregnant women and the new moms who have delivered recently. During the pregnancy, the stomach expands irresistibly owing to the growth of the foetus inside the uterus. The skin unable to resist the change tends to break up leaving the stretch mark scars over the skin. The colour of the stretch mark might vary from different hues of white, ash or cream colours. The stretch marks also appear at a young stage for girls aho have under gone puberty. Obesity is also a major cause of stretch marks. Contrarily, loosing excessive weight also leads to marks over the skin. Body building and dieting is also a major reason to have stretch marks.

These striae distensae , the medical term for stretch marks are primarily only a cosmetic problem only and does not pose any kind of physical disturbances. There are remarkably many wonder drugs in the field of naturopathy to cure stretch marks. Under naturopathy that is treating with the natural herbs, ayurvedic treatments are in a better position to cure the problem. Many ayurvedic treatments have been followed world wide to treat the ailment.

Some of the herbs that are used to help the stretch mark removal are tulsi in Sanskrit also known as Holy Basil or the Ocimum sanctum scientifically. They are greatly of help to cure the marks. When these are applied after grounding with purified water over the area, it effectively cures the marks. But of course, understandably all the treatments need time for showing results. Tulsi is also an antibiotic and can also clear away any other skin infections as well.

Not to forget Gotu Kola a potent herb in treating the stretch mark. These are used in the formulation of many other pharmaceutical products which are marketed for stretch mark treatments.

Rubia cordifolia is the scientific name for Indian madder also is a very powerful herb for treating skin stretch marks and any other kinds of skin problems like skin allergies. In addition, the neem leaves also known as Azadoracta indica is an active drug to produce ground breaking results for stretch mark removal. Sandal wood has a cooling effect on the skin and protects the skin from drying too much that can result in cracking of the skin.

In addition, oils rich in vitamin A and E are of great help to treat the skin stretch marks. Water consumption also plays a key role to prevent stretch marks.

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”If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than anything else.” Dr. Richard Shulze.

Cayenne is a medicinal and nutritional herb. Many herbalists believe Cayenne is the most useful and valuable herb in the herb kingdom. Cayenne has been used for centuries as a medicine.

1. Cayenne supplies nutrients and is considered a Superfood. It is a very high source of vitamin A, C and B-Complexes.It is also rich in calcium and potassium.

2. Cayenne helps the entire digestive system. It has been used for cramping pains and gas. It is great for constipation and helps with elimination. Cayenne can help rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines. It aids assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation, especially of proteins. All this becomes very significant when we realize that the digestive system plays the most important role in mental, emotional and physical health, as it is through the digestive system that the brain, glands, muscles and every other part of the body are fed and cleansed. Chili peppers like cayenne have a bad–and undeserved–reputation for contributing to stomach ulcers. Not only do they not cause ulcers, these hot peppers may help prevent them by killing bacteria you may have ingested, while powerfully stimulating the cells lining the stomach to secrete protective buffering juices that prevent ulcer formation. The use of cayenne pepper is actually associated with a reduced risk of stomach ulcers.

3. Pain. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in Cayenne. Capsaicin dulls pain sensations by interrupting the chemical messages sent to pain-sensing nerves. Over-the-counter topical creams, such as Zostrix and Dolorac, contain capsaicin as an active ingredient. These applications are used to relieve pain caused by muscle spasms, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and even phantom pain caused by amputation. Capsaicin cream is well established as a modestly helpful pain-relieving treatment for post-herpetic neuropathy (the pain that lingers after an attack of shingles) peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain that occurs most commonly as a side effect of diabetes, but may occur with HIV as well as other conditions), nerve pain after cancer surgery and arthritis pain.

4. Improved circulation. There is no other herb which increases your blood flow faster than cayenne. Cayenne moves blood. It is a circulatory tonic and helps improve circulation. It is thought that cayenne helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, thus promoting a healthy vascular system. Cayenne and other red chili peppers have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation, while increasing the body’s ability to dissolve fibrin, a substance integral to the formation of blood clots. Cultures where hot peppers like cayenne are used liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism. Capsaicin is also a natural expectorant, and helps thin mucus, allowing you to expel it more easily. For this reason capsaicin is often included in home remedies for cough, and can be helpful when combined with other medicines as a treatment for pneumonia. If you suffer from cold feet, try cayenne.

5. Metabolism booster. More blood means more oxygen racing through your body. This means more energy! Lose Weight!

All that heat you feel after eating hot chili peppers takes energy–and calories to produce. Even sweet red peppers have been found to contain substances that significantly increase thermogenesis (heat production) and oxygen consumption for more than 20 minutes after they are eaten. It is no wonder cayenne is included in many diet and weight loss products!

6. It makes other herbs work better! When people ask Dr. Schulze, “What are the 10 most important herbs to have in the home?” He tells them, “At the top of the list is cayenne pepper, because it will make the other 9 work better.” Cayenne works to improve all the other herbs and nutrients you are taking in.

It is recommended that the cayenne powder be used, as opposed to capsules. It is believed that you are only getting a small part of the potential effect of cayenne pepper by taking it in capsules. When you put cayenne in your mouth, your stomach secretes digestive juices before the cayenne ever gets there. So when the cayenne gets down there, your stomach is ready for it.

But if you swallow a capsule, your tongue tastes nothing. A capsule goes down in your stomach, and your stomach notices nothing, at first. Then, 5 minutes later the gelatin bursts, and you have a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in your stomach and your body is shocked. You surprised it.

What is going on is that some of cayenne’s healing action occurs right in your mouth. As cayenne touches your tongue, the cayenne absorbs in seconds and nerve endings send signals throughout the body – sending waves of fresh blood throughout your body.

I advise clients to start their day with a half teaspoon of cayenne in 8-10 ounces of luke warm water. (Not water from the hot faucet because that contains sediment from the bottom of your hot water heater. Heat water on the stove in a pan or tea pot.) Drink 10-20 ounces of water the first twenty minutes you are awake. This will do more for your body than that cup of coffee!

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Erythroxylum Coca

The coca leaf is, of course, hard to find outside the Andean countries where it is easily bought in markets or shaped in infusions (coca mate). The sheet is more effective when consumed in the traditional manner. It is a very good appetite suppressant, furthermore it is anti-diabetic and probably, also a “fat burning “.

Catharanthus Roseus

It is a small ornamental plant with a tropical origin, it is widespread in hot countries and is annual in countries with cold winters. The Madagascar, Catharantus roseus is best known for curing cancer because it contains alkaloids (vinblastin, vincristin). The infusion of Madagascar periwinkle is a classic cure for “bold” diabetes (type 2) in the entire Caribbean region.

The anti-diabetic and slimming action is probably the result of the anorexic power of this infusion that contains a lot of alkaloids. It is consumed by putting 15 to 20 g of leaves (a handful) in a liter of very hot water, let them infuse for 10 minutes, filter the infusion and drink it for 1 to 2 days. The infusion must be stored in cold place. Pace of therapy should be: one week of treatment and one week of rest. One must stop in case of enemy: digestive or urinary tract.

Phyllantus niruri, Orthosiphon Stamineus

Both plants are diuretics. We know that a diuretic plant is not used to lose weight, it can even lead to electrolyte imbalance if taken randomly and in a prolonged way. However, these two plants act as diuretics on appetite (phyllantus) and perhaps on thermogenesis (Orthosiphon). Experience shows that they can help consolidate a weight loss in combination with a low calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Phyllantus niruri (“low green seed” in the French West Indies) is a common tropical plant, especially used in traditional medicine to treat lithiasis (calculus) of urine (diuretic, anti-infectives. This plant can be consumed in the same way as Catharanthus Roseus.

The Ortosiphon stamineus of java or tea, an ornamental plant from the Indo-Malay region, is a traditional medicine in Asia: used to cure diabetes and obesity, urinary disorders, Gout and hypertension. It is slightly anti-inflammatory; put 10 to 15 g of leaves in a liter of water to consume in a day or two. There is a possibility to use the mother tincture (50 to 100 drops per day), dry extract or total extract.

Seaweed, the Gum Caroubier, Konjac

Algae contain polysaccharides (carbohydrates) that are not assimilated by the body. It is therefore tempting to use algae or extracts to induce an effect of satiety (appetite suppressing) without caloric intake. The consumption of algae provides, in addition, trace minerals (including iodine, which supports thyroid activity (fat burning)).

Now, we can easily find in Europe dried algae that can be incorporated in the diet. It is also possible to harvest and dry seaweed Coastal, however, polluted areas by industrial waste or nuclear power plants should be definitely avoided. Some polysaccharides of red algae are often incorporated into food. The most interesting, in my opinion, are carrageenan, partially extracted from Chondrus crispus (easy to find on the coast) for their appetite suppressant effects.

The carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua, is a typical tree of the Mediterranean. The fruit is a pod with an edible pulp. We extract flour, which is not assimilable (not dietary calories), from the seeds fruit, whose weight corresponds to the regular “carat” of jewelers.  It is possible to incorporate the “thickening” and mucilaginous flour to food, it is a very good appetite suppressant.

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Unfortunately many of them are now experiencing skin problems like dry cracked itchy skin, the onset of small white age spots and warts, redness, eczema and lack of elasticity. Many men who suffer from these conditions today are still reluctant to adopt any type of skin care remedial treatment because they believe applying facial and body creams is feminine and not something a real man does.

Come on guys, it’s not really a sissy thing to do, its never too late to change your attitude and start slapping some good herbal skin care products on your face. Once you get used to the idea, you will love it, and won’t be able to leave the gooey stuff alone especially when you start seeing some positive results with an improvement to your skin.

Often a lot of men over the age of fifty just think it’s not worth the effort because they are getting old and their skin is too damaged to bother to try and repair and improve the texture of their skin and look after it in the coming years.

Now ladies this is where you come to the rescue, and need to do a little prompting and encouraging, you know how to do it! you’ve already got him wrapped around your little finger so he does things he really doesn’t want to do. Imagine how good he will feel when you help him get a nice clear, itch free more youthful looking skin. With the right products even some of those lines and cracks nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon can be vastly improved.

Men who have never tried skin care treatments probably have no idea what herbal skin care products actually contain. Herbal ingredients such as witch hazel can be helpful and have soothing effects for men because of its ability to reduce inflammation and redness on the skin, it is also an anti-oxidant and astringent. It has been shown to help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and cracked blistered skin and is also effective for helping sunburn. Witch-hazel is also traditionally known as being good for razor cuts and abrasions.

Babassu is a light natural wax, which softens and soothes your skin and creates an invisible barrier to retain moisture and keep out dirt. It grows in the Amazon region of Brazil and has been used for centuries to soothe and moisturize the skin without making it oily and is particularly beneficial for eczema, itchy dry and inflamed skin.

Gentlemen, the time has come for you to take the plunge and start a skin regime, you should look for herbal skin care products made from naturally occurring plants, oils and herbs. Remember It’s never too late to start looking after your skin even if it has been damaged by years of exposure to the elements.

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Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a commonly used herb that has miraculous healing properties and is widely used in number of ailments. The parts used are bulb, fresh cloves and juice. Some of the medicinal properties of garlic are antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-allergy, aphrodisiac, anti-amoebic, anti-coagulant, detoxifier, carminative, diaphoretic, and stimulant; may protect the heart and nervous system, enhance the body’s immune system, decrease the side effects of drug therapies for cancer. The therapeutically active ingredient in garlic is the allicin.

Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna is an essential component of many herbal cosmetic products. The parts used are powdered leaves and flowers. Some of the properties of henna are natural hair conditioner, tinting the hair anti-fungal and antiseptic.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemon grass is another useful herb. The parts used are grass and essential oil. Its important medicinal properties are refreshing, lemon-like tonic; antiseptic, antidepressant and astringent.

Olive (Olea europaea)

The parts used are oil of the fruit and leaves. Some of the medicinal properties are emollient, demulcent, laxative, source of linoleic acid; cold-pressed oil is used in salves for muscle pains; leaves in tea are astringent and antiseptic; may lower blood sugar in diabetes and dilate coronary arteries to improve blood circulation.

Onion (Allium cepa)

The part used is bulb. Some of the medicinal properties of onion are antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic; rich in vitamin B1, B2, and C; stimulates the heart and reduces blood sugar.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is another useful herb that is well known for its effectiveness in cough, cold and viral fevers. The parts used are dried rhizome, oil and powder. Some of the medicinal properties are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, circulatory stimulant, antiseptic, control nausea; drinking ginger tea will bring blood to the surface and warm cold hands and feet.

Papaya (Carica papaya)

The parts used are fruit, juice and leaves. Some of the medicinal properties of papaya are – Juice and fruit of the fresh plant can be used for wounds that refuse to heal and to remove freckles; improve digestion of proteins; leaves may be used as a substitute for soap.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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are looking for a treatment that’s completely natural and strengthens your body, then you might want to try Chinese medicinal herbs.
More and more people around the world are becoming interested in Chinese traditional medicine, an ancient healing practice that is still very common in China.

Herbology plays a very important part in Chinese medicine and is becoming increasingly popular in the West. And this is because the cures Chinese medicine provides for

various diseases very often prove to be effective, sometimes even when Western medicine fails. But usually Chinese medicine focuses more on prevention and general

well-being – it uses a holistic approach that separates it from other healing systems.Some of the most commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs are ginseng, wolfberry

(gou qi zi), angelica root (dang gui), ginger and rhubarb, but there are many others, each with their specific uses. Nowadays they come in the shape of pills, capsules

and powders and aren’t very hard to find. Sometimes, they’re even more affordable than conventional medicine. The centuries of experience have refined Chinese

traditional medicine practices and have made them more complex and effective.

Chinese medicinal herbs can help treat various health conditions from the common flu to heart disease and diabetes. They’re great for infections and inflammations,

back pain, skin care, detoxification, allergies, headaches, heartburn etc. There are also herbs that improve your sexual performance, help you lose weight, fight

depression or avoid getting the flu. Actually, Chinese medicine can probably provide a cure for most diseases on this planet. But you can also use them for prevention

purposes or to increase the general health of your organism. So, whatever your trouble might be, you’ll probably be able to find some Chinese medicinal herbs to help

you. And the good news is that usually there are no or only minor side effects. Your health will quickly improve and you’ll feel better and stronger with the help of

these great Chinese medicinal herbs.

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With these bleak statistics it is no wonder that people everywhere are seeking help with weight loss and weight control. The important point to remember is that there is no product, pharmaceutical or otherwise, that will make fat melt off the body without some effort on the part of the person using it. Exercise and sensible eating is the best long-term course of action for permanent weight loss. The use of herbal products may help boost metabolism and support weight loss efforts without many of the damaging side effects of drug treatments or surgical procedures.

Increasing metabolism, converting fat to energy, and increasing overall energy expenditure is the mechanism employed by thermogenic and stimulant herbs to aid in weight loss. Cayenne is a hot pepper with capsaicin that stimulates the body’s digestive process and boosts metabolic rates. It raises the core body temperature and helps improve circulation as well. Citrus Aurantium is another herb that may improve thermogenesis (the conversion of fat to energy.) Kola nut may also help mobilize fats for energy and acts as a stimulant as well. Cardamom is another thermogenic herb that may aid digestion too. Ginseng has long been touted for its stimulating effects and this may lead to an increase in metabolic rate. Green tea is another supplement that falls in this category. It serves as a stimulant, boosting the metabolic rate and overall energy expenditure. The caffeine in green tea acts as a stimulant, but the supporting minerals help to counter some of caffeine’s negative effects. And finally, kelp, or seaweed, helps to regulate thyroid function which increases metabolism.

Appetite control is another area important for weight loss. “Hoodia”, Hoodia gordonii, is an African herb that has been used by bushmen there for hundreds of years. It is gaining popularity worldwide as science catches up with the bush-medicine. It acts as an appetite suppressant by acting on the brain centers that control hunger. Nettles also work to suppress hunger by feeding the cells at a deeper level and reducing cravings. Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitrate which not only reduces hunger but has thermogenic effects as well. Flax seed also serves to reduce appetite by expanding upon consumption and the essential fats found in their oils have been found to have many beneficial properties. Fiber supplements are also helpful in controlling appetite as they add bulk to foods.

Blood sugar control is another significant area in weight loss. Cinnamon is an important supplement in the control of blood sugar. Gymnema sylvestre also supports the body through blood sugar control, which helps lower cravings for sugar and reduces insulin insensitivity.

The supplements mentioned above are generally safe in reasonable doses. Supplements to be avoided include ephedra (and supplements containing ephedra), herbal diuretics and laxatives. These herbal treatments are dangerous and the side effects include dehydration, malnutrition, dangerous arrythmias and even death. It is important to start with one or two herbs and evaluate their effectiveness before adding others. This also helps determine the culprit for any side effects. When using any herbal supplement for weight loss it is wise to consult your physician before beginning.

If you are looking for great information on herbal supplements for weight loss and how to use medicinal herbs to lose weight please visit these links.

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After the development for many years, a group of enterprises reputed as “China’s time-honored brands” have appeared in the field of traditional Chinese medicine in China, such as Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd., Beijing Tongrentang Group Co., Ltd., Tianjin Zhong Xin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., etc., which have gradually become the important parts of the developing traditional Chinese medicine industry. According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, large-scale enterprises in China’s medicine manufacturing industry achieve a gross industrial output value of RMB 565.902 billion Yuan, a product sales revenue of RMB 520.723 billion Yuan and total profit of RMB 49.921 billion Yuan from January to November in 2007, up by 24.87%, 24.56% and 51.07% over the same period of the previous year respectively. From January to November in 2007, the traditional Chinese medicine industry achieves a gross industrial output value of RMB 158.453 billion Yuan and sales revenue of RMB 142.448 billion Yuan, which respectively take 28% and 27.36% in the gross industrial output value and sales revenue of medicine manufacturing industry. Besides, the concentration ratios of enterprise sales revenue and regional sales revenue of the large-scale enterprises have reached 40.58% and 63.16% respectively.

For more information please visit:

http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/Research-Report-On-Entry-Into-China-s-Medicinal-Herb-Market-40421.html

PH.NO. 919272852585

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Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica (L.) or Hydrocotyle asiatica is a plant that has been long used in Indian ayurvedic tradition, as well as in folk remedies in other indigenous traditions. Recently gotu kola, has been noticed by western doctors and herbalists as a drug with different medicinal healing properties. Though it is used somewhat differently now then it was in the times of the Rg Veda there are some places where the uses cross over and thus give some substantiality to ancient civilizations knowledge of medicine. Today you can find Gotu kola at most health food stores and it is even being used occasionally in various commercial products.
Gotu Kola’s various names include water pennywort, Indian pennywort, thick-leafed pennywort and gota kola. The original literature written on Gotu Kola comes from India, most discussing gotu kola’s use in medicine. In Indian literature it is used for improving brain function, and creating a sense of alert relaxation. There is some research supporting this in America. Gotu kola hailing from the east and being used little in America was used mostly for healing the urinary tract in western herbalism, until it was picked up by the health food industry more recently. Since then, more western research has been done into the effects of the herb. Some medicinal uses on gotu kola as folk remedies include producing longevity, regenerating the mind, as well as producing a state of calm. In Sri Lanka it was observed that elephants, renowned for long life, fed heavily on the plant. Giving rise to belief in the locals of its effect on longevity. It is said in India that the leafs of the gotu kola plant look like the two hemisphere of the brain. In Sanskrit, it is called brahmi (Brahma meaning cosmic consciousness). It is believed to help the flow of energy in the brain between the right and left hemispheres. In India it is also used as a decongestant and to alleviate sinus problems. (Lad) Taken before bedtime it is believed to promote a sound sleep and alert awakening. A Sinhalese proverb states “two leaves a day will keep old age away”, suggesting its effects that are being researched today on senility.
Within the last 15 years or so since the interest in herbalism has gained more of a foothold in the commercial market (or has the commercial market gained a foothold in herbalism), there has been modern scientific research into gotu kola and its effects on both the brain and its wound healing qualities. Chemicals associated with its sedative effect are triterpenes, and the saponins bramoside, and brahminoside (Crellin and Phillpot) (the last two seeming to come from the Sanskrit word Brahma). Other chemicals associated with its medicinal qualities include flavonols, amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, saccharides, and certain mineral salts. As well as essential oil, polysaccharides, and in particular the glycoside asiaticoside as a wound-healing agent.
An extract of gotu kola known as TECA is currently being used to treat varicose veins, as certain lab results show an effect on stimulating the synthesis of collagen in the walls of the veins which helps them hold their tone and function better. (Graedon and Graedon). This is a remedy approved by the commission E monograph. Clinical settings also are noticing gotu kola’s effects on healing surgical incisions and skin ulcers. In one trial TECA was administered to patients with parasitic infections that damage the bladder. Three fourths of these patients recovered well, with little or no bladder scarring using gotu kola. Many other reports are hailing gotu kola as a powerful wound-healing drug, it seems to inhibit scab formation and thus help with the overall healing process. Doses of gotu kola inlcude .5 to 1 gram three times a day. Tea is made by pouring water over half a teaspoon of dried leaves and steeping for ten minutes. Most standardized extract should be taken in 60 to 120 mg per day, fluid extract (1:1) 2 to 4 ml a day.
There is research that states various possible side effects of the drug that suggest caution in it being used daily for more then around six weeks. Alleged allergic reactions from gotu kola have been attributed to the presence of propylene glycol. (Crellin and Philpott) And thus should be used cautiously. It is also noted that high doses of the extract have a sedative effect on small animals. Animal research also indicates that some gotu kola constituents can reduce fertility. Few side effects are documented, these include contact rash, others receiving an injection of the drug developed a pain and discoloration of the site. One case involving ingestion the drug included someone getting a rash over the entire body; there is slight concern for photosensitivity as well. Also one component of c. asiatica, asiaticoside, may be a carcinogen. (Graedon and Graedon) . There is also a report that gotu kola should not be used with medications for diabetes or high blood pressure (Castleman).
Today you can find gotu kola on the shelves of almost any health food store, it is gaining popularity as are many other herbs, simply because they work. I have noticed appearing in supplements on the market today that incorporate a mixture of herbs and phytochemicals (polypharmacy), that gotu kola is used in some mixtures used for depression. These also usually incorporate a combination of GABA, L-dopamine, passionflower and St. Johnswort as well. This is possibly due to gotu kola’s calming yet slightly stimulating quality. If I were to market gotu kola perhaps I would make a study pill meant to be taken a couple of weeks before and during finals. This pill would include Ginko to increase blood flow to the brain. Calamus root as an age old remedy on memory and the nervous system. Perhaps some rosemary for reputed effects on nervous system. Gotu kola as well as basil, for its uses in ayurvedic literature for positive effects on the brain. Also I would throw in some vitamin B12 and perhaps riboflavin. This I am almost quite sure would work very well, in making one more mentally alert and capable. This is due to personal experience and research. I use these supplements during times of test taking and notice slightly less fatigue which I attribute to gotu kola though I do not feel overly stimulated or an increase in heart rate, I also notice more of an ability to concentrate. Another idea for an herbal remedy that I believe would do very well is a tincture marketed for scar and wound healing. Since gotu kola is not advertised as a wound-healing agent I believe this has a lot of potential on the market. I’m sure once people got the results, it would become a huge seller. I myself have given it to different friends who wanted cuts to heal and have found it very helpful. One girl I gave it to that had a horrible accident on a bike cut her face completely. She found it to be a miracle drug, perhaps with vitamin e it would be a better product. Many of the medicinal claims here made in this paper have come from my research as well as my own personal experience. This is why I chose it as a plant to write about as I see much potential to create a sense of alert relaxation, ease of depression, concentration, and wound healing.
Medicinal uses of plants have been gaining more and more popularity, which is why they are gaining more respect and recognition in western culture. Herbalism is also gaining increased attention from governmental organizations seeking to regulate and restrict access to such herbs. Though there would be benefits of this it would drive out the independent herbalist producer, and hand over much authority to the pharmaceutical companies. This can be looked at as a double-edged sword, a curse and a blessing. Gotu kola in particular is one herb with much medicinal promise that has much to be researched of in the west. Its just a nugget of value waiting to be exploited by western pharmaceutical company’s, supplement industry workers, and entrepreneurs of all sorts! A member of the ubelliiferae family, gotu kola is related to carrot, parsley, dill and fennel. But it has neither the feathery leaves nor the umbel arangment of tiny umbrella like flowers, goto kolas creeping stem grows in marshy areas and produces fan shaped leaves about the size of a brittish penny hence the name pennywort. A cup lke clutch of inconspicuous flowers develops near the ground

Graedon, Joe, M.S., and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
1999 The People’s Pharmacy New York: St Martin’s Paperbacks.

Crellin, John, and Jane Philpott.
1989 Herbal Medicine past and present. London: Duke university press.

Lad, Vasant M.D.
1984 Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing. WI: lotus press.

Castleman, Michael.
1989 Blended Medicine. New York: Rodale.

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