Adaptogens

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (also known as winter cherry)is an adaptogenic herb that has been usedin India for centuries to enhance the body'sresistive functions during high-stresssituations.

In a large clinical trial, ashwagandhareduced levels of the hormone cortisol by upto 26% while maintaining already normalblood sugar levels and lipid profiles.Subjects who took the standardizedashwagandha extract reportedimprovements in energy, sleep andwellbeing, as well as diminished fatigue.

Additional research suggests that ashwagandhaconfers neuroprotection by supporting theregeneration of axons and dendrites which arenerve cell components that support brain andnervous system function.

Some of the findings of over 200 ashwagandhastudies are summarized below:

• Confers immune system protection.• Combats the effects of stress.• Improves learning, memory, and reaction time.• Reduces anxiety and depression without

causing drowsiness.• Stabilizes blood sugar.• Lowers cholesterol.• Reduces brain cell degeneration.• Contains anti-malarial properties.• Offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

Some studies have also found that ashwagandhainhibits the growth of cancer cells in smallanimals, but further research is needed todetermine whether the herb prevents thedevelopment of tumors in human beings. The keyto its effectiveness lies in constituents known aswithanolides, which help normalize a wide rangeof biochemical functions.

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Schizandra

Schizandraha (also spelled as schizandra)has been used in Traditional ChineseMedicine for over 2,000 years.

As an adaptogen, schizandra is a potentgeneral tonic, decreasing fatigue, enhancingphysical performance, and promotingendurance. The berry counters stress byreducing the levels of stress hormones in theblood. Additionally, schizandra offers greatbenefits for athletes. In human studies,schizandra berry and its extracts haveimproved performance among long-distancerunners, skiers and gymnasts. For thisreason, schizandra berry is often found on thetraining tables of Chinese athletes.

Schizandra also offers special benefits for themind. Several human studies show thatschizandra extract improves concentration,coordination and endurance. Schizandrahelps to prevent mental fatigue and increasesaccuracy and quality of work. In varioushuman clinical studies with doctors, students,soldiers and other groups, schizandrademonstrated superior mind-sharpeningpowers.

As if all these benefits were insufficient,schizandra also offers first-rate liver-protective benefits. Schizandra helps in thetreatment of hepatitis, as noted in over 500cases. In fact, an antihepatitis drug wasdeveloped from Schisandrin C.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola Roseais, a remarkable herb that hasa wide and varied history of uses. It is thoughtto strengthen the nervous system, fightdepression, enhance immunity, elevate thecapacity for exercise, enhance memory, aidweight reduction, increase sexual function andimprove energy levels.

Rhodiola has a legendary history dating backthousands of years. The Vikings depended onthe herb to enhance their physical strength andendurance, while Chinese emperors sentexpeditions to Siberia to bring back "the goldenroot" for medicinal preparations. The people ofcentral Asia considered a tea brewed fromRhodiola rosea to be the most effectivetreatment for cold and flu.

Research on Rhodiola rosea and othermedicinal herbs was part of the Soviet Union'sgreat push to compete with the West in militarydevelopment, the arms race, spaceexploration, Olympic sports, science, medicine,and industry. It is a popular plant in traditionalmedical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia,with a reputation for stimulating the nervoussystem, decreasing depression, enhancingwork performance, eliminating fatigue, andpreventing high altitude sickness.

In just the past few years, ongoing researchhas revealed even more diverse benefits ofrhodiola. These include protecting the nervoussystem against oxidative stress, enhancinghealthy sleep, lifting depressed mood, relievinganxiety, and maintaining blood sugar within ahealthy range.

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Holy Basil

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) is a member ofthe mint, or Labiatae, family. Also known as“Tulsi” or “The Incomparable One,” holy basil isone of the most sacred plants in India.

Holy basil is a powerful antioxidant withdemonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, andanti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurvedicmedicine, holy basil has been used to treat avariety of conditions - everything from thecommon cold to bronchitis to fever to certaindigestive complaints, including ulcers.

Although many of these treatments are stillunproven by conventional testing, modernscience is now taking a closer look at thisfascinating herb. In the past decade, a numberof scientific studies have focused on the effectsof holy basil. Some investigations have showngreat promise, suggesting holy basil mayindeed prove effective in those customaryuses. But science has even looked beyond thetraditional scope, studying the herb for itstherapeutic potential in cancer, specifically asan adjuvant to radiation therapy, and even forits stabilizing effects in diabetes.

The most compelling data, however, suggeststhat holy basil possesses its greatest potentialin the areas of stress relief and relaxation.Multiple scientific studies examining thisproperty of Holy Basil have found thatsupplementation with various extracts of holybasil decrease stress hormone levels,corticosterone in particular.

Panax Ginseng

Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng) is one of themost highly regarded of herbal medicines inthe Orient, where it has gained an almostmagical reputation for being able to promotehealth, general body vigor, to prolong life andtreat many ailments including depression,diabetes, fatigue, ageing, inflammations,internal degeneration, nausea, tumors,pulmonary problems, dyspepsia, vomiting,nervousness, stress, and ulcers.

Asian Ginseng is one of the most highlyregarded of herbal medicines in the Orient,where it has gained an almost magicalreputation for being able to promote health,general body vigor, to prolong life and treatmany ailments including depression,diabetes, fatigue, ageing, inflammations,internal degeneration, nausea, tumors,pulmonary problems, dyspepsia, vomiting,nervousness, stress, and ulcers..

Ginseng has been used to both stimulate andrelax the nervous system. It increasescapillary circulation in the brain anddecreases the effects of stress. Though thereare many kinds of ginsengs in the world butthey cannot rival Asian Ginseng in ingredientsand medicinal effects. It contains as many as29 different ginsenosides while the otherscontains 8-9..

Asian Ginseng contains anti-agingsubstances such as anti-oxidants and insulin-like substances, which are not found in anyother type of ginseng.

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Maca

Maca is the powdered root of the LepidiumMeyenii plant and is an adaptogenic famous forlongevity, endurance, and fertility. Known for itsability to support healthy energy levels, macahas been used by the Incas as a kind of "Incansuperfood" for thousands of years.

Maca stimulates and nourishes thehypothalamus and pituitary glands which are the"master glands" of the body. These glandsactually regulate the other glands, so when inbalance they can bring balance to the adrenal,thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.

Instead of providing hormones to the body,maca works as an adaptogen which means thatit responds to different bodies' needsindividually. If you're producing too much of aparticular hormone, maca will regulate theproduction downward. However, if you'reproducing too little, it'll regulate the productionupward.

Hormones regulate many things including mood,growth, sexual development, and tissue function.Hormones also play a role in many diseases,like cancer and depression.

Maca has been shown to be beneficial for allsorts of hormonal problems including PMS,menopause, and hot flashes. Maca is also afertility enhancer and is best known forimproving libido and sexual function, especiallyin men. For this reason, it's earned the nickname"nature's Viagra."

Maral Root

Maral Root (Rhaponticum Carthamoides)derives its traditional name, from the maraldeer who feed on it. As a traditional remedy,Rhaponticum has been used to allay fatigue,treat impotence, speed up recovery fromillness, and improve mood in cases of milddepression.

Modern research conducted in Russia andEastern Europe indicates that maral rootmay indeed exert a beneficial effect onimpotence, improve memory and learning,increase working capacity of tired skeletalmuscles, and possess anabolic andadaptogenic properties.

Research conducted in Russia shows thatextracts of Rhaponticum can significantlyincrease muscle mass, while decreasingbody fat in athletes who use it whileexercising. Research also shows thatRhaponticum extract can help to increasework capacity and endurance, whilereducing mental and physical fatigue.

Additional scientific studies performed onRhaponticum have shown this herbimproves overall physical performance, andshortens recovery time after an intenseworkout. Observations of the influence ofRhaponticum on the cardiovascular systemhave shown that its ability to increasephysical work capacity is partially due to itsability to improve food supply to the musclesand brain.

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Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root ofCurcuma longa, a beautiful flowering tropicalplant native to India.

Within the cornucopia of medicinal plants, fewpossess such a wide spectrum of qualities andmedicinal uses as turmeric.

For countless centuries, many different cultureshave used this wonderful, versatile herb to treata myriad of diseases and ailments.

The most well known medicinal action ofturmeric is its use as a powerful anti-inflammatory, the effectiveness of which iscomparable to pharmaceutical medicines.

However, turmeric has also been found tocontain at least 20 compounds that areantibiotic, 14 known cancer preventatives, 12that are anti-tumor, 12 anti-inflammatory, andat least 10 antioxidants.

Modern science is beginning to recognize andunderstand the amazing healing qualities ofturmeric and much research is currently beingconducted.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Long a symbol of longevity in Asia because oftheir health-promoting properties, shiitakemushrooms have been used medicinally bythe Chinese for more than 6,000 years.

Although immune system support has oftenreceived much of the spotlight in shiitakemushroom research, recent studies haveshown the ability of shiitake mushrooms tohelp protect us against cardiovasculardiseases (including atherosclerosis) bypreventing too much immune cell binding tothe lining of our blood vessels.

Studies in animals have found anti-tumor,cholesterol-lowering, and virus-inhibitingeffects in compounds in shiitake mushrooms.

Several potential cancer-fighting substanceshave been found in shiitake mushrooms, andpurified forms of these compounds are beingstudied as treatment for stomach andcolorectal cancer.

A compound found in shiitake mushrooms,called lentinan is believed to stop or slowtumor growth. Another component, anactivated hexose-containing compound (alsoknown as 1,3-beta glucan), is also said toreduce tumor activity and lessen the sideeffects of cancer treatment.

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If chlorella were a pharmaceutical drug,imagine how many billions in profits it wouldgenerate. Chlorella has been shown to reducebody-fat percentage and blood-glucose levelsand help those suffering from Type 2 diabetes,obesity or heart disease. Its other benefitsinclude boosting energy, aiding digestion andfighting depression.

Ionic Trace Minerals

Ionic Trace Minerals, the most bioavailableform of needed trace minerals, provides 70charged trace minerals that are ready forabsorption. Ionic minerals are easily andquickly absorbed and taken into the cells thatline the intestinal tract. These minerals may bereadily employed in the body’s manyphysiologic activities, including nutrienttransport, enzyme reactions, metabolism helpand immune system support. Ionic mineralsalso play an important role in supporting ahealthy pH balance.

Trimethylglycine (TMG)

Trimethylglycine (TMG) is also called glycinebetaine. TMG is a vitamin-like substance and isa methyl donor, chemically speaking, althoughit also has other beneficial effects.

While plenty of TMG is made in a healthy body,many people do not make enough TMG today.The reason appears to be the presence ofcertain toxic metals. In addition, stress,infections, inflammation and other diseaseconditions may use up what the body makes,so more is needed.

Health benefits of TMG include: prevention ofcardiovascular disease, improves athleticperformance by improving the body's energylevels, increases stamina and improves thebody's utilization of oxygen. TMG assists theliver's efficiency in metabolizing fatty acids andhelps to detoxify the liver.

Chlorella

Chlorella... The good news: Chlorella is anastounding package of complete nutrition,which is probably why it is often referred to asnature's multivitamin.

The bad news: Unprocessed chlorella isuseless as it is completely indigestible byhumans, due to the fact that we simply do nothave the enzymes to break down its outer cellwall. This form of chlorella simply passesthrough the body without any beneficial effect.

The GREAT news: There is a manufacturingprocess that produces a form of chlorellaknown as 'Broken Cell Wall chlorella'. Thisprocess makes the chlorella biologicallyavailable to the body.

Naturally, we only use 'Broken Cell Wallchlorella'.

Chlorella is a potent detoxifier, because it isrich in chlorophyll. When chlorella is takeninto your body, it will bind to lingering heavymetals, chemicals and pesticides found inyour digestive tract and move them swiftly outof the body.

A very unusual feature of chlorella is thatwhile it removes toxins, it will not bind to orremove beneficial minerals like calcium,magnesium, or zinc. Think about that for amoment. Nature has provided us with asingle-celled organism that apparently knowswhich metals belong in your body and whichtoxic chemicals need to be removed.

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Taurine and Tyrosine

Taurine is a semi-essential amino acid thatplays a specialized role as an ion and pH bufferin the heart, skeletal muscles and centralnervous system. Commonly found in a varietyof meats, dairy products and eggs, the aminoacid Taurine can be obtained from the diet inminimal amounts. Unfortunately, physicalactivity depletes our Taurine reserves fasterthan most people can produce it. As a result,vegetarians, athletes and individuals lackingmeat in their diets are at the greatest risk fordeficiency.

Tyrosine is an amino acid that your bodyproduces from phenylalanine (another type ofamino acid). Also found in a number of foods(including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, eggs, nuts,legumes, and oats).

Tyrosine is essential to your body's productionof melanin (a type of pigment) and several keybrain chemicals (including dopamine andnorepinephrine). Tyrosine also plays animportant role in the function of the adrenal,thyroid, and pituitary glands, which are involvedin producing and regulating your hormones.

NOTE: We use these two amino acids in ourformula as our own product testing has shownthat in the quantities we use, they increase theeffectiveness of our adaptogenic ingredients

Copper Gluconate

Copper is an essential trace mineral that ispresent in all body tissues. Copper Gluconateis a readily absorbable form of copper.

Copper is one of the most important bloodantioxidants and prevents the rancidity of poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It also helps keep cellmembranes healthy and is active in the storageand release of iron to form hemoglobin for redblood cells. Copper is also considered part of agroup of energy nutrients.

These also include B1, B2, B3, B5, iron, andmagnesium. These nutrients are needed by ourbodies to convert glucose within cells into energy.In addition, copper gluconate is required forproducing the protective myelin sheath around thenerves. It may also act as an immune systembooster, and help keep nerves and bones healthy.

Other potential benefits of copper gluconateinclude: helping with high cholesterol, osteoporosis,wound healing, benign prostatic hyperplasia,cardiac arrhythmia, hypoglycemia, peripheralvascular disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoidarthritis.

Vitamins

Vitamin A: "Vitamin A" is the blanket term for retinoids,biologically-active compounds that occur naturallyin both plant and animal tissues.

Vitamin A does much more than help you see inthe dark. Vitamin A is essential for normal growth,bone development, and reproduction. It is used tohelp maintain healthy skin and mucousmembranes, like the ones that line the nose andmouth. This helps protect against infections in therespiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. Itstimulates the production and activity of whiteblood cells, takes part in remodeling bone, helpsmaintain the health of endothelial cells (those liningthe body’s interior surfaces), and regulates cellgrowth and division.

The vitamin A that comes from animal sources isfat-soluble, and in the form of retinoic acid, retinaland retinol. Because these retinoids are verybioavailable and stored in our tissues, too muchanimal-derived vitamin A can build up in the bodyand become toxic.

The vitamin A in fruits and vegetables is in the formof "provitamin A" -vitamin A precursors also knownas carotenoids.

NOTE: We do NOT use animal sourced Vitamin A,instead we use plant sourced Beta Carotene

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B Complex Vitamins: All B vitamins help thebody convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel(glucose), which is used to produce energy.These B vitamins, often referred to as Bcomplex vitamins, also help the body use fatsand protein. B complex vitamins are neededfor healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. Theyare also critical to the proper functioning ofthe nervous system.

All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning thatthe body does not store them.

B1 (Thiamine): Vitamin B1’s primarypurposes are metabolizing carbohydrates,facilitating the release of energy from food,and assisting cardiac and nervous systemfunctions. It’s also been shown to strengthenthe immune system, reduce stress andneutralize free radicals.

B2 (Riboflavin): Vitamin B2, riboflavin, packsa serious punch in terms of its benefits. Itplays an essential role in energy productionby helping us metabolize proteins, fats, andcarbohydrates, and in the formation of red-blood cells and antibodies. In addition, itensures proper development of ourreproductive organs, tissues, eyes, nervoussystem, and mucous membranes; regulatesthyroid activity; strengthens our antibodies;prevents acne; protects the digestive tract;and helps treat nervous-system conditionssuch as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, andepilepsy

B3 (Niacin): Vitamin B3, is especially helpfulin improving circulation and lowering LDLcholesterol while raising levels of good (HDL)cholesterol. Niacin is necessary for theformation of red blood cells, and helpsmaintain healthy blood pressure and bloodtriglyceride levels. It also supports the centralnervous system, and high doses have beenknown to regulate mood. Finally, it keeps thestomach and intestinal tract working smoothlyand, like its brethren, assists our bodies inmetabolizing carbs, protein, and fat..

B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Vitamin B5 is amaster synthesizer; it facilitates the formationof fats, proteins, amino acids, and antibiotics.Doctors have touted its ability to keep thehuman heart ticking steadily, and to sustainhealthy blood pressure levels. B5 alsoenhances our immune system and ourphysical stamina, spurs DNA reproduction,and keeps the hormones that cause stressand anxiety in check. But perhaps its best-known function of all is its contribution to skinhealth, particularly in warding off signs ofearly aging.

B6 (Pyridoxine): The superstar of the Bcomplex, vitamin B6 supports more bodilyfunctions than any other vitamin. Acting as acoenzyme for a number of systems, it’s whatenables our bodies to metabolize aminoacids, most notably in the intestines. Withoutit, serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline,among other chemicals, could not form. Whentaken in conjunction with vitamins B9 andB12, it reduces levels of the amino acidhomocysteine, which contributes to heartdisease and stroke. It’s also used for thetreatment of sideroblast anemia and evenPMS

Vitamin B9 is essential for human growth anddevelopment, encourages normal nerve andproper brain functioning, and may help reduceblood-levels of the amino acid homocysteine(elevated homocysteine levels have beenimplicated in increased risk of heart diseaseand stroke). Folic acid or folate may also helpprotect against cancers of the lung, colon,and cervix, and may help slow memorydecline associated with aging.

Pregnant women have an increased need forfolic acid: it supports the growth of theplacenta and fetus, and helps to preventseveral types of birth defects, especially thoseof the brain and spine. Pregnant women andwomen of child-bearing age should take extracaution to get enough folic acid .

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B12 (Cobalamin): Cobalamin is an effectivetreatment for high levels of homocysteine,the amino acid whose buildup can causeheart disease. It helps red blood cells formand regenerate, and aids our bodies inmanufacturing DNA and RNA. It’s alsoreputed to combat male infertility, perniciousanemia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, and chronicfatigue syndrome, among other conditions.And on the neurological front, it’s beenshown to fight sleep disorders, memory loss,and depression.

NOTE: Cyanocobalamin andMethylcobalamin are two forms ofCobalamin available for use in nutritionalsupplements. The most common form usedby manufacturers is the inexpensivesynthetic Cyanocobalamin, as it is farcheaper (20 times cheaper) than thenaturally occurring Methylcobalamin.

We do NOT use Cyanocobalamin due tothe fact that as the name implies,cyanocobalamin contains a cyanidemolecule, that the body needs to removeand then eliminate to convert thecyanocobalamin into methylcobalamin.Methylcobalamin is the specific form of B12needed for nervous system health.Indications of a potential deficiency of B12 inthe nervous system might includenumbness, tingling, loss of feelingsensation, burning sensations, musclecramps, nerve pain and slowness ofreflexes.

Because of methylcobalamin's importance innervous system health, it is also animportant nutrient for vision. In fact,continued visual work (like work on acomputer) often leads to a reduction insomething called 'visual accommodation'.

Methylcobalamin can significantly improvevisual accommodation, whilecyanocobalamin appears to be ineffective.

Vitamin C: as 50% Calcium ascorbate and50% Magnesium ascorbate.

We do not use Ascorbic Acid as our source ofVitamin C as it leaves many people with anupset stomach. Instead we use the moreexpensive "Buffered" Vitamin C sourced fromCalcium ascorbate and Magnesiumascorbate.

Vitamin D3: There's overwhelming evidencethat vitamin D is a key player in your overallhealth. This is understandable when youconsider that it is not "just" a vitamin; it'sactually a neuroregulatory steroidal hormonethat influences nearly 3,000 different genes inyour body. Receptors that respond to thevitamin have been found in almost every typeof human cell, from your brain to your bones.

Did you know there are two types of vitaminD, and they are NOT interchangeable?

Drisdol is a synthetic form of vitamin D2,which is made by irradiating fungus and plantmatter.

The natural form is D3, which is found infoods and also the type produced by yourbody in response to exposure to sunlight.

NOTE: We do NOT use vitamin D2.

These statements have not been evaluatedby the Food and Drug Administration.These products are not intended todiagnose, treat, cure or prevent anydisease.

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