Blazing Star Herbal School

Archive for August, 2009

The term “impotence” has traditionally been used to signify the inability of the male to attain and maintain erection of the penis sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Impotence, in most circumstances, is more precisely referred to as erectile dysfunction as this term differentiates itself from loss of libido, premature ejaculation, or inability to achieve orgasm.

Muira puama is a bush / small tree up to 5 meters in height and produces pungent flowers with a jasmine like fragrance.

The indigenous tribes in Brazil have used the roots and bark internally in a tea as an aphrodisiac, for treating sexual debility and erectile dysfunction, nervous system disorders, neuralgia, baldness, impotency, gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular problems and rheumatism.

Murapuama has been used as a herb in Europe for some time and is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a source on herbal medicine from the British Herbal Medicine Association, and is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.

Preliminary research indicates one of the best herbs to use for erectile dysfunction or lack of libido may be Muira puama (also known as potency wood). This shrub is native to Brazil and has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant i n South American folk medicine. A recent study has validated its safety and effectiveness in improving libido and sexual function in some patients.

For example, Muira Puama has been extensively studied by the Sexology Institute of Paris, France. A high percentage of participants in scientifically controlled case studies reported that taking Muira Puama extract was highly effective in increasing erectile efficiency and libido.

At a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of the extract (4:1), 62% of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had dynamic effect while 5 1% of patients with “erection failures” felt that Muira puama was of benefit. These results are extremely promising and seem to indicate that Muira puama may provide better results than yohimbine without side effects.

Muira puama contains: The active constituents are free long-chain fatty acids, sterols, coumarin, alkaloids and essential oils. Chemically, it contains .05% muirapuamine, .4% fat, .5% alkaloids, .6% pholbaphene, .6% alpha-resinic acid, .7% beta resinic acid, .5% of a mixture of esters including behenic acid, lupeol and beta-sitosterol, as well as tannin, volatile oils and fatty acids.

Erythroxylum catuaba is a vigorous-growing, small tree that produces yellow and orange flowers and small, dark yellow, oval-shaped, inedible fruit. It grows in the northern part of Brazil in Amazonas, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas.

This catuaba tree belongs to the family Erythroxylaceae, whose principal genus, Erythroxylum, contains several species that are sources of cocaine. Catuaba, however, contains none of the active cocaine alkaloids.

Catuaba has a long history of use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the aphrodisiac qualities of the plant and over the last few centuries they have composed many songs praising its wonders and abilities.

The catuaba tree does not contain any of the active cocaine alkaloids. There is some confusion over which species of tree is harvested in Brazil and sold as catuaba. There are generally two species of tree referred to, including the small catuaba previously mentioned and a big catuaba tree which belongs to the mahogany family.

The Tupi Indians are credited with the discovery of catuaba as an aphrodisiac. Indigenous people have used the herb for many generations and attest to its effectiveness. Although catuaba bark is an effective aphrodisiac increasing sexual desire in both male and female, it is primarily used to enhance erection in males.

Catuapa bark contains alkaloids, tannins, resins, aromatic oils, falconoid and other constituents. Researchers in Japan discovered that catuapa contains powerful antiviral and antibacterial compounds. Rain-Tree.com states that a 1992 study indicated that catuaba extract was effective in protecting mice against E. coli and staph infection as well as significantly inhibiting HIV.

In European herbal medicine catuaba is considered an aphrodisiac and a brain and nerve stimulant. A bark tea is used for sexual weakness, impotence, nervous debility, and exhaustion. Herbalists and health practitioners in the United States use catuaba in much the same way: as a tonic for genital function, as a central nervous system stimulant, for sexual impotence, general exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia related to hypertension, agitation, and poor memory.

According to Michael van Straten, noted British author and researcher of medicinal plants, catuaba is beneficial to men and women as an aphrodisiac, but “it is in the area of male impotence that the most striking results have been reported” and “there is no evidence of side effects, even after long-term use.

It has been said that if you have got your health, you have everything. While this may not be totally true, it is true that good health is a key to success in life.

Losing your health may bring about financial ruin. People with health problems often have trouble remaining employed. If you miss too many days at one job, it may jeopardize your search for a new job. Persons who constantly call into the job sick are the first to go when the economy begins to tighten up. Even in a strong economy, employers do not want to keep these people on the payroll as it can cost the company a substantial amount of money in benefits.

Here are some tips to avoid illness and to preserve your opportunity to improve your life situation.

Eat correctly. Every person needs a healthy diet. Choose a diet that is balanced in nutrients. Carbohydrates provide quick energy for the body. Protein supplies the building materials needed to heal tissue. Fruits and vegetables provide necessary minerals and vitamins for a healthy body.

You got to move it, move it… That is right, exercise is good for your health. You may feel that you are so out of shape that you cannot exercise. Begin somewhere, even if you must sit in a chair to exercise, toning those muscles helps your body to be a more efficient machine. In the long run, you will be a healthier human.

Take time for friends. A human touch is of great benefit to you. By the way, you do not always have to be on the receiving end. Turn off the computer and television, go out and meet with friends. These relationships encourage us to take care of ourselves. At times we need to see our situation from a differing point of view in order to continue to have hope and health.

Protecting your health is an investment in your future. As long as you remain healthy, you can change your own destiny.

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In Europe and America, “mushrooms” in a recipe usually refers to button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), which were first cultivated in France in the 1600′s. In Far East Asia, the equivalent is Shiitake, which has long been the cultivated “food mushroom” of choice. Only in the past few decades has Shiitake become a household name in western cuisine.

Also known as Chinese Mushroom or Black Mushroom, wild Shiitake is strictly an Asian species. It derives its name from one of its hosts, the Shii Tree, but can also be found growing on Asian oaks and beeches. Cultivating Shiitake is a tradition that stretches back approximately 1000 years in China.

Increasingly recognized in the West as a culinary mushroom, few westerners are yet aware of the medical applications of Shiitake. In Asia, it has a long tradition as a medicinal mushroom going back to the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644) and the Chinese physician Wu Juei, who recommended it for conditions of the liver, respiratory and circulatory systems. Shiitake is also the most commonly studied mushroom in modern medical research, with special focus on its anti-tumor [94] and anti-viral properties. [93]

The benefit of using Shiitake mycelium extract as opposed to the mushroom fruit body is that there are compounds in the mycelium that don’t exist in the fruiting body or that may be in much higher concentration in the mycelium.

The most common extract is known as LEM, a protein extract from Lentinula Edodes Mycelia. (Lentinula edodes is Latin for Shiitake.) LEM has been shown to have powerful immune boosting properties, [95, 96, 97] particularly anti-bacterial. [98, 99] LEM has also been found to exhibit anti-cancer properties. [100] One study found it to kill melanoma cells while causing no harm to healthy cells. [101]

Lentinan is the name of another much researched compound isolated from Shiitake, named after the Latin genus name Lentinula. Lentinan is a polysaccharide that has been found to stimulate the human immune system to combat cancer. [102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110] It is currently used in Asia as an intravenous cancer drug.

Arabinoxylanes of Shiitake extract derived from rice cultivated mycelium have been shown to have powerful anti-viral properties. [111, 112, 113]

Two viruses in particular that have been studied with promising results are herpes simplex type 1 [114] and HIV [115, 116, 117]. It should be mentioned, however, that the previously mentioned Lentinan as an isolated compound does not appear to affect HIV replication. [25]

Other studies worth a brief mention have reported positive findings in the use of Shiitake extract to prevent septic shock, [120] and to treat Candida [118] and chronic fatigue syndrome. [119]

Foremost American medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, in his book Mycelium Running, lists several additional areas where research has indicated that Shiitake may be useful: Cholesterol; blood sugar, blood pressure; sexual dysfunction; kidney health; stress; liver support; prostate cancer; liver cancer; breast cancer. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.

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From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world’s mushroom species still undiscovered, it’s a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.

The highly improbable likelihood of fame from such humble origins may in and of itself indicate that, “surely there must be something to it.”

In China, Cordyceps sinensis has been treasured for 2,000 years as a vitalizing tonic and aphrodisiac. The oldest preserved written record of it stems from 200 A.D. and the book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Contemporary research is beginning to reaffirm the traditional Chinese knowledge about this medicinal fungus.

Modern day Chinese and Japanese research indicates that Cordyceps sinensis contains important immune-boosting and anti-tumor compounds. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]

Several studies suggest its usefulness in the treatment of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002 began the initial Phase I screening of cordycepin by the U.S. National Institute of Health as a possible treatment of leukemia.

In keeping with the use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a recent study reported a 64% improvement of erectile dysfunction. [17] Underlying these results may be the effect Cordyceps appears to have on blood vessel dilation and blood-flow. [18, 19]

Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]

But Cordyceps’ main claim to fame lies in its enhancement of physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned earlier, a contributing factor may be the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood-flow, but also the dilation of respiratory passageways, as demonstrated in two studies on asthma and bronchitis. [3, 26]

Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]

Additionally, Cordyceps extract is rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and many more recently discovered potentially therapeutic compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus undoubtedly a host of others yet to be discovered.

Last but not least, in his book Mycelium Running, foremost U.S. medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following additional areas of potential usefulness for Cordyceps extract as indicated by scientific research: Anti-bacterial; anti-viral; blood pressure; nerve support (stress); lymphoma; lung cancer. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.

Individuals that have high cholesterol levels of LDL will be much better off with natural cholesterol cures than Statin drugs. Natural cures are focused on important lifestyle changes, very important for lowering cholesterol and personal health.

There are still many that prefer to use cholesterol medication like statin drugs to treat high cholesterol. However many of these drugs, and in particular statin drugs have been linked to some very serious side effects. It is important to turn to natural cholesterol cures first when trying to find a cholesterol solution.

Natural Medicine

Natural cholesterol cures can take the form of alternative medicine and therapy if the individual is willing to try a natural method of treating high LDL level. There are several herbs and botanicals which promote reduction of bad cholesterol presence in the blood stream as well as help and individual in losing weight to combat the fatty deposits and presence in the body.

Another very effective way to reduce LDL cholesterol is to increase fiber in your diet. The fiber binds to cholesterol in the intestines and in doing so prevents it from absorbing into the blood stream. LDL cholesterol is excreted as human waste, a very fast and effective way to get rid of cholesterol.

Garlic is also a natural cholesterol cure, a powerful herb that have been found to lower LDL levels by simply including into your diet on a regular basis.

Your Diet and Exercise

One of the best possible natural cholesterol cures is diet and exercise. Cutting bad oils and fats from your diet is simply the best way to deal with high cholesterol, although not always entirely possible.

Exercising can also reduce LDL levels by burning up the accumulated fats in the body as well as improving. Exercise also helps to improve blood circulation which can mean that there is a reduced possibility of accumulation of plaque in certain areas prone to deposits. Both of these natural cholesterol cures options are easy to do and can be less costly than a prescription of drugs and medicines.

If your cholesterol is high it is very important to stop smoking (if you smoke) and drastically reduce your alcohol consumption. Both smoking and alcohol will increase the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries.

There are simple no better natural cholesterol cures than lifestyle changes.

The unique flavor of the gourmet mushroom Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is often compared to either lobster or shrimp. And modern science is now discovering that not only is it a culinary delicacy but it may also possess some unique medicinal properties, with its ability to stimulate nerve and myelin regeneration. [150, 151] In the book Mycelium Running, foremost American medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets suggests this may make Hericium erinaceus useful in a large number of neurological conditions, from multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy to Alzheimer’s and dementia. [134]

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) is known to grow in Europe, North America, Japan and China. It can be found on many broad leaf trees, from oaks, maples and sycamores to beeches and walnuts.

The specific medicinal compounds under scientific scrutiny are called erinacines, which are relatively small organic molecules that can pass through the blood brain barrier. Of course, passing through the blood brain barrier is essential in order to effect healing on nerve tissue or myelin sheaths. [152, 153, 154]

There are currently two Japanese patents on different extracts of Hericium erinaceus. One was filed in the 1990′s for an extract named “Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor.” [150, 151] The other, filed in 2004, is for a water extraction process, yielding a product that is likewise used for nerve and myelin healing. [155]

In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.

Modern science has provided some support for this traditional use of Hericium erinaceus extract. One study conducted in 1985 reported positive results for treating atrophic gastritis. Another, published in 1995, presented findings that Hericium erinaceus helped extend the average life expectancy for patients with hepatoma. [156]

To conclude, some additional areas where modern medical research has indicated that Hericium erinaceus extract may have a therapeutic effect include: Immune support [157]; inflammation [134]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida [158]; anti-tumoral [159]; stomach cancer. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.

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