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Turmeric is a wonderful spice that should be used everyday. It is a very useful remedy to help maintain healthy joints, circulation and skin. It directly inhibits the enzymes that cause inflammation in the body and can be used wherever there is pain in the joints, shoulders and back. It specifically increases circulation and is therefore used when there are stiff or tense muscles. Human clinical trials have shown that Turmeric reduces cholesterol. It is also a useful anti-oxidant and is considered to be beneficial as part of a healthy heart regime.

Dosage: Take 2 capsules 3 times a day. Use long term.

Don’t use: If you are pregnant or taking anticoagulant medication such as warfarin. Seek the advice of a professional Ayurvedic practitioner or herbalist.

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Over the past year, it has become apparent that a price war has been going on with regard to Solgar Nutritional Supplements and their sale on the UK internet, with many less reputable UK sites offering this exceptional premium brand with discounts of as much as 30%-35% off the manufacturers RRP.

To protect the quality and premium status of their brand, Solgar have stepped in to legislate and control the sale of its supplements via the internet in the UK before the whole market spirals out of control. It is Solgar’s view that excessively low prices will make it difficult for retailers to provide a good service to customers. We agree.

From September 2007 there will be no new Solgar re-sellers via the internet alone, and all existing Internet retailers will have to adhere to a strict code of practice and price control in order to stock this prestigious brand. The first part does not affect us directly, since we have a bricks-and-mortar shop as well as an Internet site, but the price controls do apply. Solgar will no longer permit any retailer to sell their products on the Internet at below RRP. This applies to short-term offers as well as permanent reductions.

We have always believed that fair pricing was the way forward and so have, yesterday, taken the step to be one of the first companies to revert all our Solgar prices back to their manufacturer RRP. We know this will not suit everyone and there will always be those online shoppers who are not happy unless they get the absolute rock bottom price, but we are afraid that as of now those kinds of deals will no longer be available from us.

Solgar are in the process of giving its key UK Internet retailers an ‘Approved Re-Seller’ award. This will be given to sites that best support the brand in terms of correct pricing, product knowledge and exceptional customer support. We fully intend to be amongst the handful of UK sites gaining this prestigious marque and thus guaranteeing the availability of the Solgar brand on our site for many years to come.

We know our regular and loyal customers will understand this move, and we want everyone to understand that we will do all we can to maintain our good service for the foreseeable future.

Thanks for your time.

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Common name: Nim, nimmi, vepa, tamarkha, kohomba, margosa tree, Indian lilac

Botanical names: Azadirachta indica, Melia azadirachta

Parts used and where grown: The neem tree, a member of the Meliaceae family, appears to have originated in India and Southeast Asia and been spread throughout drier lowland tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Australia, and South Pacific islands. The leaves, used as medicine, are generally available year-round as the tree is evergreen except during severe droughts or if exposed to frost.

Neem has been used in connection with the following conditions: Gingivitis (periodontal disease), Peptic ulcer, Tooth decay, Vaginitis

Neem has a long history of use in the traditional medical systems of India (Ayurvedic, Unani-Tibb). Neem leaf and bark extracts are most consistently recommended in ancient medical texts and by herbal practitioners for gastrointestinal upsets, diarrhoea and intestinal infections, skin ulcers and infections, and malaria. Neem twigs are the most regularly used toothbrush for a large portion of the population of India and other countries where the tree is common. The effectiveness of many of these uses has been confirmed in modern research studies, showing, for example, that neem bark extracts are effective for people with stomach ulcers, that leaf gel can effectively fight periodontal disease, and that leaf extracts can combat scabies infections. The claimed contraceptive effects of neem have been confirmed in some animal studies showing that seed extracts of neem are spermicidal.

Active constituents:

The major active constituents in neem are terpenoids such as azadirachtin, which are considered to be antimicrobial and insect repellant among many other actions, and fatty acids and possibly other compounds in neem oil.

How much is usually taken?

Traditionally, neem has been administered as roughly 10 to 20 ml (2 to 4 teaspoons) of leaf juice or 2 to 4 grams (1/7 to 1/10 of an ounce) of powdered leaf two or three times per day. Leaf extract gel or toothpaste, 1 gram (1/5 of a teaspoon) in the morning and at bedtime brushed all over the mouth, has been used effectively for dental plaque. Freeze-dried neem bark extract (30 to 60 mg twice a day) has been shown helpful for people with stomach ulcers. Creams containing 5% or more of neem oil or neem extracts are typically applied at least twice per day for skin or vaginal infections. Neem oil (in a concentration of 1 to 4%) mixed in coconut, mustard, or other oil bases is used for repelling insects.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Neem leaf extracts and teas appear to be very safe at recommended intake levels with no significant reports of problems. Neem seed oil is more problematic and should be kept out of reach of children because of a report of Reye’s syndrome-like symptoms in a few infants who consumed 5 ml of the oil and ultimately died. No deaths have been reported in adults, but because of the potential for severe adverse effects, the amount of neem used should not exceed the amount that has been safely used in research studies. Adults may sometimes have diarrhoea, nausea, or stomach upset when taking neem oil. Neem should be avoided in pregnancy until its safety is demonstrated. Water extracts of neem leaf have been shown to decrease blood levels of chloroquine in rabbits, so these should not be combined until their safety can be demonstrated in humans.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with neem.

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Gymnema

Common names: Gurmarbooti, Gurmar Botanical name: Gymnema sylvestre

Parts used and where grown: Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The leaves are used in herbal medicine preparations. G. sylvestre is known as “periploca of the woods” in English and meshasringi (meaning ram’s horn) in Sanskrit. The leaves, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which explains the Hindi name gurmar - destroyer of sugar.

Gymnema has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes

Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes for over 2,000 years. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease.

Active constituents:

The hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is attributed to members of a family of substances called gymnemic acids. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers. Based on animal studies, this may be due to regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin, or by increasing the flow of insulin from these cells. Other animal research shows that gymnema can also reduce glucose absorption from the intestine, improve uptake of glucose into cells, and prevent adrenal hormones from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.

Other animal studies have shown that extracts of gymnema leaves can lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent weight gain, but these effects have not been tested in humans. When placed directly on the tongue, gurmarin, another constituent of the leaves, and gymnemic acid have been shown to block the ability in humans to taste sweets.

How much is usually taken?

Clinical trials with diabetics in India have used 400 mg per day of a water-soluble acidic fraction of the gymnema leaves. The gymnemic acid content of this extract is not clear. A recent preliminary trial in the United States reported promising results in a group of type 1 and type 2 diabetics who took 800 mg per day of an extract standardized for 25% gymnemic acids. Traditionally, 2 to 4 grams per day of the leaf powder is used.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Used at the amounts suggested, gymnema is generally safe and devoid of side effects. The safety of gymnema during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not yet been determined. People with diabetes should only use gymnema to lower blood sugar under the clinical supervision of a healthcare professional. Gymnema cannot be used in place of insulin to control blood sugar by people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

This herb may interact with drugs (chiefly sulphonylureas) used for blood sugar lowering in diabetics, and also with insulin. The most likely outcome is lowering of the drug doses necessary.

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Common names: Gugulipid, Gum guggulu

Botanical name: Commiphora mukul

The mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree is a small, thorny plant distributed throughout India. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names given to a yellowish resin produced by the stem of the plant. This resin has been used historically and is also the source of modern extracts of guggul.

Guggul has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): High triglycerides, Acne vulgaris, Atherosclerosis, High cholesterol, Osteoarthritis, Obesity

The classical treatise on Ayurvedic medicine, Sushrita Samhita, describes the use of guggul for a wide variety of conditions, including rheumatism and obesity. One of its primary indications was a condition known as medoroga. This ancient diagnosis is similar to the modern description of atherosclerosis. Standardized guggul extracts are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Active constituents:

Guggul contains resin, volatile oils, and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions noted for guggul. Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols). At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). As antioxidants, guggulsterones keep LDL cholesterol from oxidising, an action which protects against atherosclerosis. Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets - another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug clofibrate for lowering cholesterol levels. Other clinical trials in India (using 1,500 mg of extract per day) have confirmed guggul extracts improve lipid levels in humans.

A combination of guggul, phosphate salts, hydroxycitrate, and tyrosine coupled with exercise has been shown in a double-blind trial to improve mood with a slight tendency to improve weight loss in overweight adults.

One small clinical trial found that guggul (Commiphora mukul) compared favourably to tetracycline in the treatment of cystic acne. The amount of guggul extract taken in the trial was 500 mg twice per day.

How much is usually taken?

Daily recommendations for the purified guggul extract are typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. A common intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 2.5-5% guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Early studies with the crude oleoresin reported numerous side effects, including diarrhoea, anorexia, abdominal pain and skin rash. Modern extracts are more purified, and fewer side effects (e.g., mild abdominal discomfort) have been reported with long-term use. Rash was reported, however, as a fairly common side effect in one recent study. Guggul should be used with caution by people with liver disease and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhoea. A physician should be consulted before treating elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with guggul.

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Botanical name: Centella asiatica

This plant grows in a widespread distribution in tropical, swampy areas, including parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and South Africa. It also grows in Eastern Europe. The roots and leaves are used medicinally.

Gotu kola has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): Chronic venous insufficiency, Skin ulcers (topical and by intramuscular injection), Wound healing, Burns (minor), Scars, Scleroderma, Varicose veins.

Gotu kola has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was purported to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by elephants. Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to leprosy, have been treated with gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a variety of illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders. Some of its common applications in Ayurvedic medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin conditions.

Active constituents:

The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. These saponins may prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue) at the wound site. These constituents are also associated with promoting wound healing. One preliminary trial in humans found that a gotu kola extract improved healing of infected wounds (unless the infection had reached bone). Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing of burns and wounds. Clinical trials have also shown it can help those with chronic venous insufficiency Another trial found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids).

How much is usually taken?

Dried gotu kola leaf can be made into a tea by adding 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams) to about 2/3 cup (150 ml) of boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups (750 ml) are usually suggested per day. Fluid extract (1/2-1 teaspoon (3-5 ml) per day) or a tincture (2-4 teaspoons (10-20 ml) per day) are sometimes recommended. Standardized extracts containing up to 100% total saponins (triterpenoids), 60 mg once or twice per day, are frequently used in modern herbal medicine.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Except for the rare person who is allergic to gotu kola, no significant adverse effects are experienced with internal or topical use of this herb.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with gotu kola.

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Its common names (in India!) are: Chiretta, Chuan xin lian, Kalmegh, Kirata

Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis originated in the plains of India, and it also grows in China. The leaves and flowers are used medicinally.

Andrographis has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Common cold, Immune function, Infection, Dysentery, HIV infection, Indigestion, Viral hepatitis

Andrographis has long been used in traditional Indian and Chinese herbal medicine. The most common reported uses were for digestive problems (as is the case with most non-toxic bitter herbs such as andrographis), snakebite, and infections ranging from malaria to dysentery. Interestingly, some of these uses have been validated by modern scientific research. Although the roots were sometimes used in traditional medicine, the leaves and flowers are now more commonly used.

Active constituents:

The major constituents in andrographis are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. These bitter constituents are believed to have immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, fertility-decreasing, liver-protective, and bile secretion-stimulating actions. Though some older studies suggested andrographis was antibacterial, modern research has been unable to confirm this finding.

Several double-blind clinical trials have found that andrographis can help reduce symptom severity in people with common colds. Though the earliest clinical trial among these showed modest benefits, later studies have tended to be more supportive. Standardized andrographis extract combined with eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), known as Kan jang, has also been shown in a double-blind clinical trial to reduce symptoms of the common cold.

A preliminary uncontrolled study using isolated andrographolide found that while it tended to decrease viral load and increase CD4 lymphocyte levels in people with HIV infection, at the amount used, the preparation led to side effects, including headache, fatigue, a bitter/metallic taste in the mouth, and elevated liver enzymes (which returned to normal after the medication was stopped). It is unknown whether the andrographolides used in this study directly killed HIV or had an immune-strengthening effect.

Andrographis has proven helpful in combination with antibiotics for people with dysentery, a severe form of diarrhoea. It has also shown preliminary benefit for people with chronic viral hepatitis.

How much is usually taken?

Andrographis is generally available as capsules with dried herb or as standardized extracts (containing 11.2 mg andrographolides per 200 mg of extract). For dried herb, 500-3,000 mg are taken three times per day. In clinical trials, 100 mg of a standardized extract were taken two times per day to treat the common cold. For indigestion, andrographis may be taken as a tea. Use 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of the herb for each cup (250 ml) of hot water. Allow the mixture to stand for 10-15 minutes before drinking (sip before meals).

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Some people develop intestinal upset when taking andrographis. If this occurs, reduce the amount taken or take it with meals. Headache, fatigue, a bitter/metallic taste, and elevated liver enzymes were reported in one trial with HIV-infected people taking high doses of isolated andrographolides. This has not been reported in people using whole andrographis or standardized extracts at the amounts recommended above. As with all bitter herbs, andrographis may aggravate ulcers and heartburn. The safety of andrographis during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions.

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Ayurveda is the ancient Indian philosophy of health and wellbeing. It means the ‘art of living wisely.’ In simple terms, Ayurveda is a holistic system which guides us so that we can live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. It recognises that we are all unique and focuses on food, lifestyle, massage, yoga and herbal remedies to suit our individual make-up.

Ayurveda is timeless - it has existed for over 4000 years but yet it still applies to modern day life. The key to its longevity is because Ayurveda is logical. An early description given in the Charaka Samhita (the earliest Ayurvedic literature) written circa 150BCE-100CE says:

“It is called ayurveda because it tells us which substances, qualities and actions are life enhancing, and which are not.”

The wisdom of Ayurveda encourages us to take responsibility for our own health according to the different stages of our lives, the seasons, and the environment we live, work and play in. These factors all have a big impact on our health and it makes sense to adapt our lifestyle accordingly so we can continue to live in harmony with our body and stay at optimum health.

Ayurveda is all about living life to the full and keeping yourself on top form - whatever life throws at you!

The doshas:

In Ayurveda we are said to have body-mind types, these are known as dosha and consist of vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha has certain attributes and describes our individual characteristics, inherited traits, our likes and dislikes and our tendencies.

Generally we are a combination of dosha but one will usually dominate. If a dosha becomes out of balance, which can happen for a number of reasons, it can effect how we behave and even our health.

Typical characteristics of each dosha type:

Vata types tend to be visionary, imaginative and full of creative energy but when they are out of balance they can be forgetful, spaced out, anxious and uptight. Typical vata problems are erratic digestion, bloating, anxiety or joint disorders.

Pitta types are confident, passionate leaders, organised and perfectionists but excess pitta can make them fiery, snappy and irritable. Pitta people have a tendency to suffer from skin irritations, overheating, heartburn and ulcers.

Kapha types tend to be loyal, kind-hearted, calm and full of love, but a kapha overload can make them lethargic, lacking in energy and a little overindulgent. Kapha types are prone to congestion, excess weight and sluggish digestion.

It’s important to try and keep our doshas in balance in order to stay on top form. It’s not always easy with the hectic lives we lead, but if we can learn what our body needs and adjust our lifestyle accordingly, it’s a big step closer to staying healthy and happy!

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Ashwagandha has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. It has many applications, and has been used by Native Americans and Africans to treat inflammation, fevers, and to protect against infection or illness. It has also been used to boost the immune system, improve memory, and to promote overall wellness.

Ashwagandha is a shrub that flourishes in India and North America. The roots of the ashwagandha plant have been employed for millennia by Ayurvedic healers. Ashwagandha has many beneficial elements, including flavonoids and members of the withanolide class. Numerous modern studies have found that ashwagandha is very effective in reducing inflammation, treating tumors, decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, invigorating the body, and as an antioxidant.

Scholars at Banaras Hindu University, located in Varanasi, India, have conducted research that has shown that many of the elements of ashwagandha are antioxidants. The researchers looked at the effects these elements have on the brains of test animals and found that ashwagandha led to larger amounts of three different natural antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The scholars conclude, “These findings are consistent with the therapeutic use of W. somnifera as an Ayurvedic rasayana (health promoter). The antioxidant effect of active principles of W. somnifera may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations.”

For years, Indians have prescribed ashwagandha as a treatment for cerebral disorders in the elderly, including memory loss. Scholars from the University of Leipzig looked at the effects of ashwagandha on the brain. They dosed rats with ashwagandha and then looked at their brains to see if ashwagandha affected neurotransmitters. The research showed that ashwagandha led to more acetylcholine receptor activity. The scholars concluded that the increase of activity in that particular neurotransmitter could account for the increase in cognitive ability and memory that is attributed to ashwagandha.

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center also looked at the effects of ashwagandha. They found that extracts of the shrub had activity that was similar to GABA, which could explain why the plant is effective in reducing anxiety.

Another study, conducted in 2002, found that ashwagandha leads to increased growth of axons and dendrites. Another study in 2001 found that the plant can enhance memory. A 2000 project indicated that ashwagandha reduced anxiety and depression in animals.

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Bioflavonoids, also called Vitamin P, are not strictly speaking a vitamin. The term bioflavonoids refers to many different ingredients and include hesperin, hesperidin, eriodictyol, quercetin, quercetin, rutin etc. This nutrient can not be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet.

Bioflavonoids enhance the action of Vitamin C and for this reason they should be taken together. Bioflavonoids are effectively used in the treatment of sport injuries as they are pain relieving. They may also be used in relieving pain in the legs, across the back and can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding, a low serum calcium as well as oral herpes.

Bioflavonoids may also be active in preserving the structures of capillaries, have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation. They may be indicated in the production of bile, lowering blood cholesterol levels and in the prevention and treatment of cataracts.

Bioflavonoids are thought to enhance the absorption of Vitamin C, and possibly to prolong the effectiveness of it as well. These are super active substances, and can add a great deal to your nutritional needs in health and disease.

Bioflavonoids act together with Vitamin C to help maintain the thin walls of the capillaries, therefore preventing bleeding or bruising. Bioflavonoids have been linked to having an antibacterial effect, stimulating bile production, promoting circulation and even assisting with fighting allergies, asthma etc.

If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables, bioflavonoids should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising. Where antioxidants are indicated and none present bioflavonoids could be of help, as well as iron deficiency, since it helps with the absorption of iron.

Dosage: In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

No dosage has been determined but 500 mg per day is indicated for supplementation.

Very high dosages of bioflavonoids may cause diarrhoea. Some people are allergic to citrus bioflavonoids in particular.

Bioflavonoids should be taken with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium.

Absorption of the bioflavonoids can be a bit slow, but small amounts can be stored in the body.

If you are suffering from cold sores, consider taking a supplement of 1,000-mg Vitamin C and 1,000 mg Bioflavonoids, and then 500 mg of each, three times a day.

A daily intake of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids may make you less susceptible to cold sores.

Bioflavonoids are found in the white material just beneath citrus peel, as well as in peppers, grapes, pine bark, onions, garlic, blue and red berries, green tea as well as buckwheat.

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