The 21 Herbs of Xtra SHARP

Contains the eight essential amino acids. It is also high in chlorophyll, vitamins A, D, B6, and E, and some calcium and phosphorus. Alfalfa is one of the few foods with good levels of vitamin K, the blood-clotting vitamin.

recent research suggests that both the alfalfa plant and powdered alfalfa seed have a cholesterol-lowering and antiatherosclerotic effect. It is thought that the saponins contained in alfalfa help bind cholesterol and bile salts in the gut.

Angelica root

This herb is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza. The leaf can be used as a compress in inflammations of the chest. It's content of carminative essential oil explains its use easing intestinal colic and flatulence. As a digestive agent it stimulates appetite and may be used in anorexia nervosa. It has been shown to help ease rheumatic inflammations. In cystitis it acts as a urinary antiseptic.

Celery seed

Celery Seeds find their main use in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout. They are especially useful in rheumatoid arthritis where there is an associated mental depression. Their diuretic action is obviously involved in rheumatic conditions, but they are also used as a urinary antiseptic, largely because of the volatile oil apiol.

Chamomile flower

A comprehensive list of Chamomiles' medical uses would be very long. Included would be insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, urticaria etc. etc.. This may seem too good to be true, but it reflects the wide range of actions in the body.

It is probably the most widely used relaxing nervine herb in the western world. It relaxes and tones the nervous system, and is especially valuable where anxiety and tension produce digestive symptoms such as gas, colic pains or even ulcers. This ability to focus on physical symptoms as well as underlying psychological tension is one of the great benefits of herbal remedies in stress and anxiety problems. Safe in all types of stress and anxiety related problems, it makes a wonderful late night tea to ensure restful sleep. It is helpful with anxious children or teething infants, where it is used as an addition to the bath.

As an anti-spasmodic herb, it works on the peripheral nerves and muscles, and so it indirectly relaxes the whole body. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the mind and heart follows. It can prevent or ease cramps in the muscles, such as leg or abdomen. As the essential oil added to a bath, it relaxes the body after a hard day whilst easing the cares and weight of a troubled heart and mind.

Being rich in essential oil, it acts on the digestive system, promoting proper function. This usually involves soothing the walls of the intestines, easing gripping pains and helping the removal of gas. It is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy internally for the digestive and respiratory system as well as externally on the skin. A cup of hot Chamomile tea is a simple, effective way of relieving indigestion, calming inflammations such as gastritis and helping prevent ulcer formation. Using the essential oil as a steam inhalation will allow the same oils to reach inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs.

Chamomile is a mild anti-microbial, helping the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. Azulene, one of the components of the essential oil, is bacteriocidal to Staphylococcus and Streptoccusinfections. The oil from 0.10g of flowers is enough to destroy in 2 hours three times the amount of Staphylococcal toxins.

As an anti-catarrhal it helps the body remove excess mucus buildup in the sinus area. It may be used in head colds and allergy reactions such as hay fever. Mucous is not a problem in itself. It is an essential body product, but when too much is produced it is usually in response to an infection, helping the body remove the problematic organism, or as a way of the body removing excess carbohydrate from the body.

Damiana leaf

Damiana is an excellent strengthening remedy for the nervous system. It has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac. Whilst this may or may not be true, it has a definite tonic action on the central nervous and the hormonal system.

As a useful anti-depressant, Damiana is considered to be a specific in cases of anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor. It may be used to strengthen the male sexual system.

Ellingwood describes this herb thus: (please note that the language is that of Ellingwood, reflecting the time it was written) "A mild nerve tonic claimed to be valuable in the treatment of sexual impotence. Some of our physicians praise it highly for its influence in sexual neurasthenia, and it is said to correct frigidity in the female. It had long enjoyed a local reputation as a stimulant tonic of the sexual apparatus among the natives of Mexico, before it attracted the attention of the profession.

Besides its peculiar action on the sexual appetite and function, it is a general tonic, somewhat cathartic and is slightly cholagogue. The midwives and women of loose morals of western Mexico also attribute emmenagogue properties to it.

"Dr. Reid uses Damiana in all conditions where a general tonic is needed, especially if there be enfeeblement of the central nervous system. He esteems it most highly, prescribing it constantly for this purpose. It is valuable in renal and cystic catarrh and in general irritation of the urinary passages, through its influence in soothing irritation of mucous membranes. This latter property renders it valuable in the treatment of respiratory disorders, especially those accompanied with profuse secretion.

"In terms of the action of this remedy in its influence upon the reproductive organs, Dr. Reid mentions dysmenorrheal, headache, at the menstrual epoch, bad complexion, rough or discolored patches on the skin with acne, especially of a severe type, depending upon uterine irritation. Eruption resembling eczema, from insufficient menstruation.

Dr. Watkins gives as its further indications, delayed or suppressed menstruation in young girls, irregularity at the beginning of menstruation, amenorrhea in very young girls. It will certainly allay sensitiveness of the sympathetic nervous system to irritations caused by disorders of the womb and ovaries. The remedy must be given in full doses, to accomplish these results.

Dandelion root

Dandelion leaf is a very powerful diuretic, its action comparable to that of the drug `Frusemide'. The usual effect of a drug stimulating the kidney function is a loss of vital potassium from the body, which aggravates any cardio-vascular problem present. With Dandelion, however, we have one of the best natural sources of potassium. It thus makes an ideally balanced diuretic that may be used safely wherever such an action is needed, including in cases of water retention due to heart problems.

As a hepatic & cholagogue, Dandelion root may be used in inflammation and congestion of liver and gall-bladder. It is specific in cases of congestive jaundice. As part of a wider treatment for muscular rheumatism it can be most effective. This herb is a most valuable general tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable diuretic and liver tonic.

Echinacea

Can increase the white blood count and thus our ability to handle bacteria and viruses, stimulate the important T lymphocytes’ activity, and generally stimulate the lymphatic system to clear wastes. The immune-supporting aspects of this valuable herb makes it effective in the treatment of mild infections, such as vaginitis and prostatitis, poison oak and ivy, acne and boils, and respiratory infections. Although more research is needed to verify its effectiveness, many people describe a very good response to taking echinacea root products, either singularly or in combination with other purifying anti-infectious herbs and vitamins.

Gentian root

Gentian is an excellent bitter which stimulates appetite and digestion through a general stimulation of the digestive juices, increasing the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It also accelerates the emptying of the stomach. It is indicated wherever there is a lack of appetite, dyspepsia or flatulence. The general toning effect of bitters give this herb a role to play in treating debility, anorexia and exhaustion.

Ginkgo Biloba leaf

An extract of the Ginkgo Biloba leaves has been tested and reported to be effective at reducing ischemic symptoms—vascular insufficiency associated with aging and atherosclerosis. Ginkgo Biloba appears to increase cerebral blood flow and thus help oxygenation; it also may inhibit platelet aggregation. In a study of geriatric patients, ginkgo was shown to reduce symptoms of vertigo, memory loss, tinnitus, and headache.

In another study of lower limb claudication symptoms, ginkgo helped reduce pain and improve walking tolerance over the placebo group. Thus, the use of Gingko Biloba extracts, which have been marketed in Europe for years, appears to help in both cerebral and peripheral arterial insufficiency.

Ginseng root

Is used by women for fatigue and sexually related symptoms. It is often part of formulas used to balance the menstrual cycle, reduce premenstrual symptoms or hot flashes of menopause, or to improve the sex drive or enhance fertility. Probably the most common use of ginseng is to increase energy.

Research is showing that it also reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raises HDL, and stimulates the immune system. Its "rejuvenating" qualities may come from its stimulus to protein synthesis. Ginseng is used most commonly as a tonic and herb for longevity. It seems to contribute to general well-being and improved physical endurance. It is a stimulant but not an excitant like caffeine, and it is particularly useful for men with fatigue or sexual impotency.

Grape seed

Grape seed is typically an extract from red grapes and is known for its high flavonoid content. Flavonoids are strong antioxidants that protect healthy DNA from damaging free radicals. Antioxidants are shown to protect against the formation of age-related macular degeneration, cancer, and heart disease.

The French, despite their high fat intake, surprisingly have a low occurrence of heart disease. Researchers have linked this “French Paradox” to a high consumption of red wine, which is processed from red grapes. There are similar flavonoid contents in red wine as there are in grape seed extract. Researchers have also discovered that grape seed is a more potent antioxidant than vitamins C and E. Pycnogenol is similar in function to grape seed extract, but it is derived from the bark of the French Maritime Pine tree. It has the same powerful flavonoid antioxidant protection and can also protect against age-related macular degeneration, cancer, and heart disease.

Guarana seed

Guarana herb is native to Brazil, where it is prized for various uses, and often used in drinks as a health tonic. Nowadays, guarana is an ingredient that is also used in some of the most popular weight loss/fat burning supplements on the market today. For example, it is a key ingredient in the new hydroxycut fat burner, as well as stacker 3 fat burner. The guarana seed extract is what is used in many of these formulas, and it has properties that are almost identical to caffeine.

The compound in guarana herb that is similar to caffeine is called tetra methylxanthine. However, what is interesting (and different) is that this caffeine-like substance is released slowly, over the course of many hours. The result is that it produces a lasting energy boost, which increases over that time period. By contrast, anyone who drinks caffeinated coffee knows that the stimulating effects tend to last briefly and then when it ends, you often feel lethargic and tired. Why explain this phenomenon?

Experts say that guarana seed extract is not water-soluble...this means the body does not absorb it quickly, but slowly. The end result is a long-lasting boost in energy as opposed to that which one experiences with caffeine. In any case, because of its ability to produce an enduring energy boost, guarana seed extract in these fat burning/weight loss supplements may actually boost the body's metabolic rate(it has thermogenic properties), as well as act as an appetite suppressant. Other uses for guarana seed extract include: fighting fatigue, boosting endurance and stamina, helping to alleviate headaches.

Horehound herb

Horehound is a valuable plant in the treatment of bronchitis where there is a non-productive cough. It combines the action of relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchus whilst promoting mucus production and thus expectoration. It is used with benefit in the treatment of whooping cough. The bitter action stimulates the flow and secretion of bile from the gall-bladder, aiding digestion. Horehound is used externally to promote the healing of wounds.

Priest & Priest: "gently diffusive tonic expectorant: relieves hyperemia, congestion, decreases discharge where secretion is too free." They give the following indications: Colds, bronchitis, catarrh; asthma with moist expectoration, aphonia and dyspnoea Catarrhal dyspepsia.

King's Dispensatory describes this valuable remedy in the following terms: "Horehound is a stimulant tonic, expectorant, and diuretic. Its stimulant action upon the laryngeal and bronchial mucous membranes is pronounced and it, undoubtedly, also influences the respiratory function.

It is used in the form of a syrup, in coughs, colds, chronic catarrh, asthma and all pulmonary affections. The warm infusion will produce diaphoresis, and sometimes dieresis, and has been used with benefit in jaundice, asthma, hoarseness, amenorrhea, and hysteria; the cold infusion is an excellent tonic in some forms of dyspepsia, acts as a vermifuge."

Licorice root

Historically, it was used for colds and coughs, and it has become popular as a laxative and for use in children, who tolerate its sweet flavor more readily than bitter herbs, with problems such as fevers, colds, and constipation.

Licorice root has many apparent actions. It is an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic, antitoxic (through liver support and protection) and antibiotic, possibly anticancer (recent research has shown licorice’s inhibitory effect in some tumor growth), and a laxative. It also acts as a demulcent and emollient, meaning it softens and soothes tissues and mucous membranes. Licorice further offers adrenal support with its mineral corticoid like substances and contains estrogenic chemicals such as beta-sit sterol and stigma sterol.

Its adrenal stimulation allows it to be an anti stress herb and to be helpful in inflammatory problems, such as arthritis, and in hypoglycemia, which is a problem related to weak adrenals. The estrogenic support allows its use in women as a sexual and uterine tonic and for problems of infertility.

Licorice root has been used as a stomach and intestinal remedy for problems such as indigestion, nausea, and constipation; for infections of the respiratory tract, including colds and flus, and for hoarseness, sore throat, and wheezing; in hepatitis, ulcers, and hemorrhoids; for skin problems; for muscle spasms and fevers associated with sweating; and for general weakness. Licorice has also been suggested for people with high blood pressure, yet there is concern here since excessive intake can elevate blood pressure.

Milk-Thistle fruit

Milk Thistle can be used to increase the secretion and flow of bile from the liver and gall-bladder.

Its traditional use as a liver tonic has been supported by research showing that it contains constituents which protect liver cells from chemical damage. It is used in a whole range of liver and gall bladder conditions including hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Historically this herb has been used in Europe as a liver tonic and current phototherapy indicates its use in a whole range of liver and gallbladder conditions including hepatitis and cirrhosis. It may also have value in the treatment of chronic uterine problems. A wealth of research done in Germany is revealing exciting data about reversal of toxic liver damage as well as protection from potential hepatotoxic agents.A number of chemical components of herbs are now being shown to have this protective effect on liver cells. They are all flavones and flavo-lignins, the best studied being silymarin.

Silymarin has been shown to reverse the effects of highly toxic alkaloids, such phalloidine and alpha-amanitine from the Avenging Angel mushroom (Amanita phalloides) as well as protect liver cells from their impact As its name implies, it promotes milk secretion and is perfectly safe to be used by all breast feeding mothers.

Passion Flower herb

Passiflora has a depressant effect on C.N.S. activity and is hypertensive; they are used for their sedative and soothing properties, to lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia and for insomnia. The alkaloids and flavonoids have both been reported to have sedative activity in animals. Many of the flavonoids, such as apigenin, are well-known for pharmacological activity, particularly anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory activities.

It is the herb of choice for treating intransigent insomnia. It aids the transition into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hang over. It may be used wherever an anti-spasmodic is required, e.g. in Parkinson's disease, seizures and hysteria.

It can be very effective in nerve pain such as neuralgia and the viral infection of nerves called shingles. It may be used in asthma where there is much spasmodic activity, especially when there is associated tension.

Ellingwood considered it specific for "wakefulness, disturbed sleep from mental worry, and exhaustion from cerebral fullness and from excitement, especially with feebleness. Anemic patients are relieved by it, also the wakefulness of infants and the aged.

It is not usually efficient if the wakefulness is caused by pain, nor when the patient is in full strength. Nervous excitement, and irritation with muscular twitching, evidences of approaching convulsions in childhood, with marked cerebral fullness are indications, and it is given at any time preceding or during convulsive paroxysms if it can be swallowed. It is indicated in convulsions of any character." In addition he recommends it for the following conditions: convulsions of childhood, severe spasms, epilepsy, chorea, tetanus, hysteria, persistent hiccough, sleeplessness of tuberculosis.

Polygala root

Polygala root is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is effective mainly as an expectorant (releaser of mucous) and a stimulant for bronchial asthma. But it's also capable of treating boils and carbuncles (similar to boils but larger and with more pustules), and the herb is even thought to have many will-strengthening properties, such as helping a person to stop smoking, prevention of overeating, and even helping to fight drug addiction.

Other claims made for the herb are that it helps with kidney ailments, relieves insomnia, fights breast pain and breast swelling, improves vision, enhances auditory senses and also strengthens the body. Polygala has even been used to treat epilepsy.

The herb's hypnotic and tranquilizing effects are thought to help control heart palpitations, prevent mood swings, relieve anxiety, fight depression, eliminate forgetfulness, and enhance overall mental processes, thus making it a mild nootropic. Certain nasal inhaler products are currently being marketed with polygala root acting as the main ingredient to allow a person to stop smoking. The person inhales the aroma of the herb and it changes the way their brain processes the taste of a cigarette, making it unpleasant to the user; the aroma also acts on the brain in other ways to eliminate the initial craving for tobacco. Studies in China showed that people who used these nasal inhaler's with polygala root as the main ingredient have a success rate of over 90% for quitting smoking.

Sarsaparilla root

Sarsaparilla is a widely applicable alterative. It may be used to aid proper functioning of the body as a whole and in the correction of such diffuse systemic problems as skin and rheumatic conditions. It is particularly useful in scaling skin conditions such as psoriasis, especially where there is much irritation. As part of a wider treatment for chronic rheumatism it should be considered and is especially useful for rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown that Sarsaparilla contains constituents with properties that aid testosterone activity in the body.

Ellingwood recommends it for the following pathologies: scrophula, secondary syphillis, contagious disease, rheumatic and gouty conditions. King's Dispensatory suggests it for these conditions: Syphilis, herpes, rheumatic affections, dropsy, gonorrhoeal rheumatism, syphilitic sore throats, chronic hepatic disorders.

Saw Palmetto fruit

Saw Palmetto is a herb that acts to tone and strengthen the male reproductive system. It may be used with safety where a boost to the male sex hormones is required. It is specific in cases of enlarged prostate glands. It will be of value in infections of the genito-urinary tract.

Ellingwood gives the following specific symptomatology: "The direct influence of this agent is exerted upon the entire reproductive apparatus, especially upon the prostate gland of the male. It is demanded in enlarged prostate, with throbbing, aching, dull pain, discharge of prostatic fluid, at times discharge of mucus, also of a yellowish, watery fluid, with weakened sexual power, orchalgia, epididymitis and orchitis, when associated with enlarged prostate.

In women, ovarian enlargement, with tenderness and dull aching pains, weakened sexual activity, and small undeveloped mammary glands, are much benefited by its continued use. It is a sedative to all irritable conditions of these organs and is a profound nutritive tonic, operating much like phosphorus. It increases the size and secreting power of the mammary glands where they are abnormally small and inactive. It improves the tone and overcomes irritability of the ovaries, relieving dysmenorrhoea when due to a tonicity.

It may be given with confidence in wasting of the testes in the early stages and the development of varicocele retarded with the growth and nutrition of the testes developed materially by its use. To this agent is ascribed considerable power in reducing the size of hypertrophied prostate in older men and in quickly relieving cystic and other disorders incident to this condition.

It relieves irritation of the bladder to a satisfactory extent, correcting the irritable character of the urine, increases the muscular power of the patient to expel the urine and produces a sense of relief, that is in every way gratifying and satisfactory. In its influence upon the nasal and bronchial mucous membranes this agent has been given with excellent advantage in the treatment of acute catarrh, chronic bronchial coughs of all characters, including whooping cough and laryngitis.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae that exists as a single celled organism turning sunlight into life energy. It is one of the first life forms designed by nature more than 3.6 billion years ago. Spirulina contains billions of years of evolutionary wisdom in its DNA and is an offspring of earth’s first photosynthetic life forms. Spirulina is full of nutrients and very easily digested. There are many forms of valuable algae and in the last 40 years Spirulina has been singled out for its nutritional properties.

Long before it became a favorite of the health food industry, Spirulina was eaten regularly by North Africans and Mexicans centuries ago. Now many people around the globe realize that Spirulina is a powerful food with huge potential as a whole food source, medicine and biochemical resource. A great deal of research has concentrated on the cultivation and harvesting of what is affectionately referred to as ‘the green’. It has been described as ‘probiotic’ and a ‘superfood’.

As a plant, Spirulina is incredibly rich containing a balance of nutrients that make it virtually a ‘whole food’ capable of sustaining life without the need for other foods. Spirulina provides vitamins, many minerals, essential amino acids, carbohydrates and enzymes. Spirulina is at least 60% vegetable protein, which is predigested by the algae, making it a highly digestible food. Its outstanding nutritional profile also includes the essential fatty acids, GLA fatty acid, lipids, the nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), B complex, vitamin C and E and phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, chlorophyll (blood purifier), and phycocyanin (a blue pigment), which is a protein that is known to inhibit cancer.

Thyme leaf

With its high content of volatile oil, Thyme makes a good carminative for use in dyspepsia and sluggish digestion. This oil is also a strongly antiseptic substance, which explains many of Thyme's uses. It can be used externally as a lotion for infected wounds, but also internally for respiratory and digestive infections. It may be used as a gargle in laryngitis and tonsillitis, easing sore throats and soothing irritable coughs. It is an excellent cough remedy, producing expectoration and reducing unnecessary spasm. It may be used in bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma. As a gentle astringent it has found use in childhood diarrhea and bed wetting.

Kings' Dispensatory describes it thus: "Thyme is tonic, carminative emmenagogue and anti-spasmodic. The cold infusion is useful in dyspepsia, with weak and irritable stomach and as a stimulating tonic in convalescence from exhausting diseases. The warm infusion is beneficial in hysteria, dysmenorrhea, flatulence, colic, headache, and to promote perspiration. Occasionally the leaves have been used externally, in fomentation.

FDA Disclaimer

The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) and are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.

If a condition persists, please contact your physician. The information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with your physician, and should not be construed as individual medical advice. The testimonials on this website are individual cases and do not guarantee that you will get the same results