Every year, several new supplements are being introduced to the market. The majority of these actually do not last very long because of their obvious ineffectiveness in helping people gain more quality muscle. Bodybuilders are looking for new and natural ways to spur their body to newfound growth without the risk of adverse side effects. Nitric oxide has done just that.

What is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide or NO is a free form gas that is naturally produced in the body which functions to improve communication among cells. The molecular composition of the gas is one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. The amino acid Arginine is broken down by enzymes inside the body. This process produces nitric oxide. The enzyme group is known as NOS or Nitric Oxide Synthase converting L-arginine into L-citruline. Nitric oxide has several other useful functions in the body such as regulating blood circulation, controlling and managing brain activities as well as functions of the liver, lungs, stomach, kidneys and other vital organs.

More nutrients will be delivered via blood flow and absorbed by the muscles in effect making them larger and more conditioned against stress. Nitric oxide also has anti-inflammatory actions that help bodybuilders tolerate pain associated with muscle stress. This means that they can workout longer and recover faster. Hormonal actions are also affected such as regulating the release of gonadotroptin-releasing hormones and adrenaline.

Bodybuilders have become quite interested in nitric oxide because of its blood circulation enhancing effects. Since athletes and gym enthusiasts aim to provide as much nutrients to their muscles for growth and strength as possible, nitric oxide has proven to be a great supplement especially when taken together with muscle-enhancing products like protein supplements and creatine.

Maximizing the Efficacy

A lot of health experts and bodybuilders suggest that you take nitric oxide 30 to 45 minutes before hitting the gym. This will help cause vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels to flush nutrients into your muscles. The effect would be increased endurance and tolerance to heavy weights, fuller pumps and faster recoveries. Some also find that supplementing via a post-workout drink will maximize the benefits provided by nitric oxide. You may consume 25 to 50 grams of protein, 5 to 10 grams of creatine or dextrose and 6 to 12 grams of arginine. On non-training days, bodybuilders also try to maintain maximum nutrient absorption in their muscles to aid recovery and tissue repair and growth by consuming more nitric oxide.

Take note that exercise boosts the effect of nitric oxide output. Whatever muscle you’re working becomes more flushed as it fills up with blood thereby causing nutrients to flow in and be absorbed. Exercise increases ROS or reactive oxygen species and PNS or peroxynitrite species production that can inhibit protein synthesis and impair insulin effectiveness. Ingestion of anti-oxidants will help support nitric oxide and prevent its degradation such as vitamin E and C, selenium, grape seed polyphenols and lipoic acid. Folic acid is also good in supporting the conversion process of transforming arginine into nitric oxide.

Things to Watch For

Before using any nitric oxide product, always seek the advice of a health care practitioner to check for underlying conditions that may interact and cause adverse reactions. Examples of precautions would be high or low blood pressure, history of stroke, liver or thyroid disease, cardiac arrhythmia, anxiety, depression, seizure, diabetes, pernicious anemia, prostate enlargement and psychiatric illness. Some drugs may also interact with the product such as MAOIs. Nitric oxide is contraindicated among pregnant women, nursing mothers, those susceptible to heat or dehydration, under 18 years of age and over 50 years of age. Stop taking the product as soon as you notice any adverse effects.

Overdose is always a possibility for any product containing amino acids. Too much arginine can cause nausea, weakness and diarrhea. Since a lot of protein powder supplements already contain BCAAs or branch chain amino acids like arginine, simultaneous consumption of various products can predispose bodybuilders to overdose. They should make sure to stay within normal levels and avoid associated side effects related to intolerance. It is suggested that users observe their body’s reactions first for 1 week taking into account both the positive and adverse effects before planning to increase the dosage.

Prickly pear is the symbol used in Rio Grande valley. Prickly pear comes from the genus Opuntia which features thorny pads, colorful large flowers and succulent fruits and with the unique image stamped on proudly on the Mexican flag. For a hundreds of years, native peoples who lived in the deserts of Mexico depend on this desert plant for food and healing purposes. These traditional ways were continued by European settlers who transported the plant’s seeds to Europe and all over the world. Consequently, prickly pear cactus is now widely distributed in deserts from South Africa and Australia to Africa and the Mediterranean region.

The parts of prickly pear that are commonly used are pads and fruits. The pads refer to the flattened stem which grows quickly and stick out from the plant. Found clinging in each pad are tiny clusters of stickers. When you trim the stickers and spines, the pad can be peeled and prepared for cooking just like any ordinary vegetable. The usual techniques used in cooking the pad include broiling or sautéing, chopping it raw and adding it to soups or salads. If heated, the pectin-clad pads become gooey just like okra. Spiny red fruits in prickly pear are known as ‘tunas’ which assumes cylindrical shape and as big as the size of a child’s hand. The crimson fruit were once used as red dye. They are often used to make jelly, juice and pickles. The fruits are used as jelly in Mexico, also sweet syrup that is used similar to honey or hardened into taffy. A cactus pear cheese is made by cooking and cooling the fruits. This native species are also used as landscaping plant. The sap from pads is also used to repel mosquitoes in certain parts of Africa.

There are a number of uses for prickly pear that traditional healers implement. These include the following:

- The sap or gooey gel from its pads can be used to spread on minor cuts, sunburns or skin irritations for healing purposes and to soothe the inflammation.
- The pads are also warmed up to be used as ‘heating pads’ and apply them to aching backs and chests.
- Young pads turned into puree are effective laxatives.
- Special extracts of the prickly pear are used for hangovers and to recover for vigorous exercise by speeding up synthesis of natural restorative compounds called Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs). Extracts are usually made from Opuntia ficus indica.
- It treats adult-onset (type 2) diabetes. This kind of treatment was used since 15th centuries. The cooked pads of prickly pear according to research can indeed decrease blood sugar levels.

The recommended dosages for prickly pear cactus are not determined when used to heal. For those with adult-onset diabetes, take 100 to 500 g of broiled prickly pear pad before meal once a day. Or, you can drink 2 to 4 ounces of fresh or frozen prickly pear juice. Food preparations of prickly pear are the safest and most effective way to get the medicinal value of the plant. For extract, take it with a glass of water on an empty stomach before bedtime. Prickly pear extracts may not work effectively with high-fiber foods because fiber prevents absorption of extract by the body. If you develop allergies, stop using prickly pear immediately and see your doctor.

The traditional Indian practice, called Ayurvedic medicine, made great use of the herb Coleus forskohlii. They used the herb to treat asthma, heart disease, and a range of other ailments. This small herb belongs to the mint family and is native to Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal.

Forskolin- Herbal Uses

For centuries, Coleus forskohlii is an important traditional Ayuverdic herb that has been a part of Indian medicine. In the 1970s, researchers were able to isolate an active chemical ingredient in Coleus forskohlii. They believed that this ingredient, called forskolin, is the chief reason why Coleus forskohlii seems to be effective in treating countless ailments.

How Forskolin Works

Forskolin is derived from the roots of the Indian plant, Coleus forskohlii. Forskolin acts by directly activating the adenylate cyclase and rasing cyclic AMP levels in a variety of tissues. Forskolin’s action on cyclic AMP is considered very important since this is the compound that regulates the cells. Once cyclic AMP is formed through action from forskolin, this substance activates many other enzymes as well, creating a pandemonium of actions and reactions within the body. As a result, a diverse number of cellular functions are encouraged.

Under normal situations, cyclic AMP is formed when a stimulatory hormone, such as epihephrine, binds to a receptor site on the cell membrane. The hormone would then stimulate the activation of adenylate cyclase. All cellular membranes contain the enzyme, adenylate cyclase with specific receptors that determines which hormone will activate in particular cell. With the addition of forskolin, you are able to bypass this hormonal activation by adenylate cyclase.

Because forskolin can directly activate adenylate cyclase, intracellular cyclic AMP levels rise. By raising the intracellular cyclic AMP levels, certain beneficial physiological and biochemical effects occur. These include inhibition of platelet activation, inhibition of mast cell degranulation, inhibition of histamine release, increased force of contraction of heart muscle, relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles, increased insulin secretion, and increased thyroid function.

Forskolin: Other Uses

Forskolin is available in supplemental form. Forskolin extract is used and recommended for treatments against thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. This insufficient supply of thyroid sometimes leads to enlargement of the gland, a condition known as goiter.

Forskolin is believed to stimulate the thyroid gland and increase production of the thyroid hormone. Thus, in effect, forskolin helps relieve such symptoms in hypothyroidism as fatigue, depression, weight gain, and dry skin. By activating an enzyme, Forskolin is also thought to specifically increase thyroid function. This enzyme causes levels of cyclic AMP (Adenosine Monophosphate), a key cell-regulating substance.

In addition to hypothyroidism, quite a number of other conditions that are seemingly unrelated have been linked to low levels of cyclic AMP. Therefore, theoretically, these ailments may be treated using forskolin. These ailments that which can be treated through forskolin include asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, eczema, and psoriasis. Studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of forskolin in easing the symptoms of these ailments.

Typically, forskolin is taken over the long term for treatment of hypothyroidism. It should be noted however that using forskolin in addition to thyroid hormone replacement therapy is not recommended.

Artichoke leaf is such a grand perennial plant that has a variety of important functions.  With its purplish flower head, the artichoke leaf is indigenous to southern part of Europe, northern part of Africa, and the Canary Islands.  Artichoke leaf also made its way to popularity in parts of Rome and Greece, when most of the people there began to cultivate the plant.  And it is now grown commercially in North Africa.

It is the flesh of the spike-tipped petals of the artichoke leaf, which is called “bracts”, as well as the heart of its flower head that are particularly eaten by most Europeans as a delicacy.  But outside from such fact, it is greatly artichoke leaf’s large and lobed leaves and their extracts that are widely applied medicinally.

Since the early days, most of the traditional healers used and approved the artichoke leaf as a major treatment for digestive upset, poor liver functioning, and a array of other disorders.  The artichoke leaf is then primarily used as a choleretic, which is a substance that fortifies the liver function by means of enhancing the bile production.  It is as well known as diuretic, and this centuries-old reputation largely remains for the reason that artichoke leaf really increases urination.

The artichoke leaf is widely applied as a form of sweetener as well as favoring agent in some alcoholic drinks.  Its stems, leaves, and roots produce an aromatic and bitter substance which inspires the artichoke leaf’s potential in alcoholic liquors that are intended to enhance a good digestion.  Such extremely bitter properties or taste is thought to rouse the production of digestive juices, which is primarily the foundation to which the traditional aperitif is taken before meals in many countries.  

Other resources and researches about this perennial plant mentioned that the artichoke leaf indeed has great potentials for medicine.  One of the beneficial uses of its supplement appears to have a great impact on the liver.  Particularly, in animals, it is noted that the liquid extracts and the leaves of this plant have shown an ability to protect the liver, and there is a great possibility that it will aid the liver cells to regenerate. 

The artichoke leaf also acquires a certain reputation for being the best solution for digestive and bowel problems, although research for such area is not yet conclusive.  And it also plays a vital role in the process of lowering cholesterol so to help in preventing any disorder.

Although it is only the flower head of such perennial plant is widely made available, there are still some grocery stores that offer the whole artichoke plant for those who wanted to use it for treatment.  You may also find artichoke leaf in multi-ingredient liver remedies which are also composed of another liver supporting herb known as milk thistle.  And due to its widely known uses, a primary active compound of the artichoke leak which is called “cynarin” is now provided by some stores in standardized extracts.  And until now there is still no other known drug or nutrient interactions that are greatly related to artichoke leaf. 

Have you heard something about a particular herb for suppressing the libido of males and females?  Sounds amazing, right?  Well, chasteberry, which is also known for its botanical name “Vitex agnus-castus”, in medieval times, was applied for that purpose.  Many legends have it that monks at that time once chewed on the dried berries of chasteberry plant in an effort to hold on to their vows of celibacy.

However, in the recent times, it is made clear that chasteberry does not affect the sexual drive.  Instead, chasteberry does have a significant role to perform in order to treat women’s reproductive tract disorders and some menstrual-associated problems.  Chasteberry is now recommended, particularly in Europe, more than any other herb for the purpose of providing relief to the symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome. 

The chasteberry is actually a native to the Mediterranean region and it is a small shrub that carries violet colored flowers and reddish black berries.  Today, chasteberry can be found in subtropical climates around the globe since chasteberry is now widely cultivated in many areas. 

Historically, the chasteberry has been suggested by most herbalists since the time of Hippocrates for treating menstrual complaints.  Even though this herb does not contain hormones or hormone-like substances, the herb is said to influence the hormonal actions by means of rousing the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to emit several luteinizing hormone or LH.  Many thought that this action in turn signals the ovaries to produce a number of hormone progesterone.   In relation to that, the chasteberry is also suggested to lessen the enhanced levels of a secondary pituitary hormone known as prolactin, which is included in the production of breast milk.

The berries of the chasteberry herb are usually dried in the fall and it is used medicinally.  Similar to the shape of the peppercorns, chasteberry also has a piquant taste.  The other common addresses for this herb are monk’s pepper, vitex, and chaste tree berry.

As it is mentioned above, chasteberry helps to decrease the PMS symptoms for the reason that this herb aids to neutralize the ration of progesterone to estrogen, therefore giving relief from the monthly discomforts that many women experience.  There are also some findings which demonstrate that chasteberry has the power to lessen the fribrocystic symptoms that many women with fibrocystic breast suffer. 

For further uses, the chasteberry regulates ovulation and it greatly promotes fertility.  It is mainly patterned for the reason that chasteberry helps to lower the levels of prolactin and aids in the normal functioning of the ovaries, thus giving a great possibility for conception.
The herb is also used to treat menopausal difficulties such as hot flashes, mood swings, sweating, vaginal drness, and even mild depression.  It can also give relief to pain caused by endometriosis, as well as it can control the menstrual associated acne. 

Chasteberry now comes in the form of tincture, tablet, liquid, dried herb or tea, and capsule.  These forms are now widely distributed and offered in different health food outlets.  Sometimes, these supplements are sold along with the other hormone regulating herbs.  But before taking it, it is still necessary to check the labels for the proper dosage. 

In the dry hilly areas of India lived a moderate to large branching tree that many people believed it as “the wonder tree” for its inflammatory properties. Such tree is known as boswellia or boswellin, and many called it as the “Indian frankincense”.

For many centuries, the traditional healers of India have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory qualities of the boswellia bark’s gummy resin, which is called salai guggal. Such gummy resin is produced from the boswellia tree when its trunk is tapped. The purified extract of such resin is now prepared for modern healing.

The boswellia supplements now came in a form of pill or tablet, cream, and capsule which basically contain the purified extract of the boswellia resin. Such boswellia supplements are now used for the purpose of reducing inflammation that is associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Most of the modern healers believed that unlike the traditional NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like the ibuprofen, which are agreed treatments for joint inflammation; the boswellia does not seem to cause certain stomach irritation. Aside from that, the boswellia is also effective for back pain as well as for particular chronic intestinal disorders.

As it is mentioned above, the boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties. Such certain active anti-inflammatory ingredients of the boswellia herb are commonly known as boswellic acids. Numerous animal studies are conducted to show the effectiveness of the boswellic acids, and in one of the studies it was shown that such acids in the boswellia herb have potential for reducing inflammation in so many ways. It is then noted that the boswellia acids daunt the inflammatory white cells from sensitive damaged tissue.

For further interest, the boswellia acids are belived to enhance the blood flow to the joints and they greatly hinder the chemical reactions that put the level for inflammation to surface in chronic intestinal disorders like the ulcerative colitis as well as Crohn’s disease.

In terms of the standard for taking the boswellia supplement, it is recommended by most experts that for those who have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, about 150 mg of the boswellic acids must be taken three times a day. It is also believed that the treatment of several disorders with boswellia usually lasts from eight to twelve weeks. And for those who have ulverative colitis, boswellia is taken with 550 mg of its extract three times a day.

In general, the boswellia has the potential to ease osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms since it can be applied internally and topically to affected joints in order to relive the inflammation that is related with such joint disorders. Boswellia also helps to decrease back pain, and it controls the particular inflammatory bowel diseases from spreading.

Many people preferred taking the boswellia extract not only for its anti-inflammatory properties but for the reason that it is generally safe when it is applied as directed. Among the common side effects for taking the extract of this wonder herb are just diarrhea, skin rash, and nausea. But, for those who have any inflammatory joint condition, the guidance of the physician is highly needed. Lastly, for those who want to purchase a boswellia extract, just look for products standardized to 60 percent boswellic acids.

If you have ever stepped into a well-tended garden or grow a garden of your own, then you are probably familiar with the shrub lavender.

For most of us, we know lavender as a scent used in perfumes, a kind of purple dye, a pretty spring flower. But did you know that this sweet-smelling vine that blooms in the spring can also be beneficial for your health? In the past several decades, researchers have studied the lavender flower under the microscope and discovered exciting results. However, before we get into that, let us first get to know this lovely plant.

1. Lavender – The Plant

In olden times, spouses were encouraged to place lavender flowers between their bed sheets as this plant was supposed to keep them from quarreling. Folklore aside, lavender can work magic to any home and any garden. 

The lavender plant has characteristic small, spear-shaped leaves that are green in color when young and turn silvery-gray as it matures. The margins of the leaves are dented with teeth-like shapes in some varieties, making the foliage look even more attractive.

There are actually several species of the lavender plant. Spanish lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, was a popular scent used in Roman baths. Lavandula dentata, or French lavender, was also used in the same manner. The English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has a superb oil quality and mainly used as scent for perfumes. Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia, with its royal purple color and long-stemmed flowers, was mainly used for ornamental purposes.

When speaking about its flowers, the darker the color, the more sought-after the species is going to be. Dark purple flowers of the lavender plant are perfect for drying since their pigments don’t fade quickly.

2. Health Benefits of Lavender

Native to the Mediterranean region, the lavender plant is best recognized around the world for its fresh and heady fragrance. However, aside from its scent, the lavender also has a long history in herbal healing.

Researchers have also studied the extract from crushed lavender flowers. One extract distilled from Lavandula angustifolia and perillyl alcohol is said to have properties that could prevent and treat various cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and prostate. In an animal experiment, researchers at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) discovered that lavender extract could reverse the growth of advanced mammary tumors in rats.

Since the time of the Romans, the lavender plant was used in baths for its sweet scent and soothing effects. In fact, this is where it got its name. The Latin “lavare” means “to wash.” The Tibetans also used an edible variety of lavender as butter which they used as an ingredient in a traditional treatment for nervous disorders. Today, the lavender is valued widely in Europe for its essential oil. The oil, which may be applied topically or internally, is said to cure a host of ills, from anxiety to sunburn.

Other uses of this herb include treatment for sunburn and minor cuts and scrapes. The flower, famous for its aroma, also has antiseptic and astringent properties which folk healers took advantage of hundreds of years ago. Tea made from dried flowers have therapeutic effects that can help people counter insomnia and promote restful sleep. Used in aromatherapy, the herb is said to relieve nervous tension and lift mild depression.

Asparagus root is indigenous to Europe, Western Siberia, the Middle East and Northern Africa and it has grown rapidly to some other places and has become well-known as an elegant vegetable that it is recently cultivated in almost every part of the world.

The asparagus root is known by the names Sparrowgrass, Shatavari, and Tien Men Tong. It is particularly a grand perennial plant that has a sweet edible stalks or shoots that are green with either a white or a reddish-blue tinge. This plant has a short, horizontal rootstock having long, thick roots, and it sends up its young shoots that are commonly taken as vegetables.

The most common parts of the asparagus plant that are used medicinally are specifically the roots, shoots, as well as the seeds. The asparagus root, which is the most commonly used part for medical purposes, is largely consist of the plant’s fresh underground shoots along with the roots and rhizome. These sources are dug up and air dried in autumn. And it is highly considered that the asparagus root and seeds are sometimes applied as flavorings in some alcoholic beverages.

The asparagus root just like the other herbs, has several crucial functions. Historically, the asparagus root has been applied to heal some ailments like toothaches, cancer, parasites and rheumatism. It is in fact noted that some of the traditional Chinese healers used the asparagus root to treat cough, dry mouth and throat, and constipation.

As it is widely known, the asparagus root is a mild diuretic, which largely draws amounts of water from the system and increases the urination. As such, the asparagus root is then believed to give relief to urinary tract infection and kidney malfunctions. In fact, some reports and researches conducted to study the number of health benefits of asparagus root have supported such claim, and found out that it really functions as mild diuretic. With such findings, the Commission E monographs, Germany’s extensive catalog of herbal medicines are greatly noted to have specifically recommended the use of asparagus root for such purposes.

Aside from such facts, the asparagus root is also composed of substances that known as saponins, which are thought to have antibiotic properties. And there are some test tube studies which demonstrate that asparagus root may even contain cancer-fighting properties. Particularly, the asparagus root is thought to aid in easing the urinary tract inflammation, and preventing painful kidney stones, due to its being diuretic.

In terms of its application, many experts recommended some tips for the proper application of this herb. It is mainly suggested that when using the supplement as a diuretic, drinking plenty of water will help literally in flushing the urinary tract. It is just then necessary to understand the proper instructions for taking it in order to get the best result. And today, there is still no related supplement or nutrient interactions to that of the asparagus root.

Perhaps one of the interesting outcomes of taking the supplement could be a distinct smell in the urine, which turns out to be harmless. And most researchers have speculated that those who are able to smell it may have inherited a particular genetic trait. Finally, it is also necessary to know that if you have fluid retention from kidney disorder or heart disease, taking the medicinal strength of asparagus root is not applicable for it may only worsen the condition.

I am sure that many of you are familiar with aloe vera.  And I guess many of you have seen its actual form or structure.  But, did you know that aloe vera has a particular role played in the field of science and medicine?  Are you then aware that aloe vera is one of those well-known medicinal plants that provide certain health benefits?  Well, you should then read on for here are some facts about it.

Historically, there are several names for aloe vera in Africa, where aloe vera is said to have originated.  In the area, aloe vera is known as “lily of the desert”, the “plant of immortality”, and the “medicine plant”.  It is then believed that its name originally came from the Arabic term “alloeh” which means “bitter” for aloe vera’s bitter liquid that is particularly located in the leaves. 

Aloe vera has 500 species growing in climates in the whole cosmos.  For the ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Spaniards, aloe vera is commonly used throughout the millennia, and the African hunters until now still rub the plant’s gel on their bodies for the purpose of lessening perspiration and their scent.

The plant is said to be separated into two main products, and these two include the gel and the latex.  In terms of the plant’s gel, it is interesting to know that it is the leaf pulp and is a thin clear jelly-like substance that is specifically taken from the parenchymal tissue that composes up the inner parts of the aloe leaf.  The gel is composed of carbohydrates polymers, like the glucomannans or pectic acid, and other several organic and inorganic compounds.  On the other hand, the aloe vera latex is commonly known as the “aloe juice” and it is bitter yellow exudates from the pericyclic tubules which are found just beneath the outer skin of the aloe leaves.  It is both the gel and latex that are used by most aloe vera consumers today.

The aloe vera is believed to have given some health benefits to those who have had applied it.   It is considered by some researches that the clear gel has a capability to heal wounds, ulcers, and serious burns by just placing an amount or a protective coating on the affected portions and it speeds up the healing rate. 

The aloe vera plant generally composed 96 percent water and the rest of it is composed of active ingredients which involve essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins.  Due to its effectiveness in healing wounds, ulcers, and burns, many people used it including the contemporary healers since the 1930s.  In fact, from that time until today, several liquid health treatments coming from aloe vera are made and some of them are blends of aloe juice and other plants and herbs.  The aloe vera juice is beneficial for it calms the digestive tract irritations, like the peptic ulcers and colitis.

The aloe vera, being a food supplement, is in fact said to assist in blood and lymphatic circulation, kidney, gall bladder functions and it facilitates digestion. And since it has a moisturizing effect on the skin, the plant is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation.  So if you want to feel the effect of it, just remove the thin outer skin and process the leaves in a blender, then add 500 units of vitamin C powder to every cup and finally store it in the refrigerator.

Motherwort is known in scientific circles as Leonurus cardiaca. This herbal plant is native to many parts of Europe, growing on banks and under hedges where the soil is gravelly or calcareous. Formerly, the motherwort herbal plant was grown for its medicinal purposes and it was most often found in country gardens. Today, it is now regarded by some authorities as a mere garden escape.

Motherwort – The Plant

The motherwort herbal plant is classified as perennial, distinguished from all other British labiates by its leaves. Its foliage, which rises from the square, stout stems, is deeply and palmately cut into five lobes, or three-pointed segments. For the most part, motherwort herbal plant resembles Mugwort but for its flowers which are characterized by their prickly calyx-teeth.

Health Benefits of Motherwort

The mugwort herbal plant is known to have many medicinal properties which account for its use in traditional medicine. It is largely diaphoretic and antispasmodic. It has been used as a tonic for women, especially for female weaknesses and disorders. In fact, it was for this association with female disorders that the plant got its name of “motherwort.”

In herbology, the motherwort herbal plant is classified as a nervine. It is also considered as a powerful emmenagogue, useful in allaying nervous irritability and inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. For this, this herb was used to treat fevers, especially when attended with nervousness and delirium.

From old writers, the motherwort herbal plant is an herb esteemed for its strengthening and gladdening effects on the heart. It is considered good against hysterical complaints and especially for palpitations of the heart during hysteria. When made into syrup, the motherwort herbal plant emits soothing effects, allying inward tremors, fainting, et cetera.

Although it is not entirely clear what the active constituents of the motherwort herbal plant really are, scientists attribute its many benefits to the volatile oils and the alkaloids. In the West, little scientific research has been done on motherwort herbal plant and in Asia, particularly in China, the plant has been used for animal study only.

According to one animal study conducted by Chinese researchers, the alkaloids in motherwort herbal plant are said to calm the central nervous system and stimulate the uterus to contract. Another study reported that the motherwort herbal plant may have a use for stimulating uterine contractions after delivery. This suggestion was based on preliminary human trials. The results led to speculations on the use of motherwort herbal plant to alleviate glomerulonephritis, a disease secondary to infection of the kidney. However, the results were insufficient to warrant serious pursuit of this premise.