Extraordinary Health Magazine EH Magazine VOl 34 | Page 41

L-THEANINE BURDOCK
Theanine supports serotonin, dopamine, gamma
aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine levels in various
areas of the brain, as well as BDNF and NGF in certain brain areas.
L-theanine promotes a calming effect because it supports maintenance
of healthy levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. This root has long been prized in Chinese medicine
for its ability to promote healthy digestion, detoxify the liver, balance
hormones and promote overall skin health. Burdock encourages healthy
digestion and appetite and also supports healthy, clear skin.
Country of Origin: China
VALERIAN
Countries of Origin: Multiple regions
of Europe, including Netherlands,
France and Germany
Traditionally, Valerian is one of the better-used relaxants for both nerves
and muscles. It was used as a sedative and was a go-to folk remedy for
occasional insomnia.
PASSIONFLOWER
Countries of Origin: USA, France
Countries of Origin: Multiple regions
of Asia, including China, Russia
ANGELICA ROOT
Country of Origin: USA
Angelica root, also known as dong quai, has been
used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years,
primarily to help balance hormones, detoxify the liver
and support healthy, clear skin complexion.
FENNEL SEED
Country of Origin: Multiple regions
of Asia, including China
The passionflower (Passiflora incarnate) has been
widely used in both Native American and European folk
medicine for its relaxing, calming effect. Modern studies to have shown
passionflower may provide support for mood and occasional insomnia
by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid
(GABA) in the brain. Fennel seeds contain numerous flavonoid antioxidants
like kaempferol and quercetin. These compounds
function as powerful antioxidants. Fennel seeds have been used for
centuries as a folk medicine to help relax the intestines, relieve gas and
alleviate general discomfort in the digestive tract.
CHAMOMILE FLOWER Country of Origin: Multiple regions
of Asia, including China
Countries of Origin: Croatia, Egypt
BITTER ORANGE
Prized by ancient cultures for its healing properties,
chamomile has been consumed in many parts of the
world for centuries to aid with sleep problems, anxiety,
relief of occasional pain, includ ing headaches and menstrual
cramps, and irritability. In traditional medicine, bitter orange and its
extracts are used to treat digestive problems such as
nausea, constipation and indigestion. Bitter orange oils, extracts and
supplements are used for heartburn, congestion and weight loss.
OIL OF OREGANO Country of Origin: Egypt
Countries of Origin: Argentina, France
Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural
phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant
effects. The two most abundant phenols in oregano oil include thymol
and carvacrol. Thymol helps boost your immune system while Carvacrol
is effective against various bacterial infections.
ARTICHOKE
Countries of Origin: Chile, Europe
(including France and Germany)
Long viewed as an epicurean delight, European
folk medicine has long used extracts of the artichoke leaf, stem
and root to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, in order to
help reduce the symptoms of indigestion and promote healthy
detoxification and elimination.
DANDELION
Country of Origin: India
Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to
support liver detoxification. Native Americans used it to
support a healthy urinary tract, skin health, and to treat upset stomach.
In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion is used to to promote
digestion and to support the detoxification process.
ANISE SEED
Anise seeds have a very sweet and aromatic flavor.
Anise has been added to tonics for flavor to aid
digestion by multiple cultures. The seeds are described as being a
carminative, which means they either prevent formation of gas in the
gastrointestinal tract or facilitate its passing.
MACA ROOT
Country of Origin: Peru
Maca root enhances and strengthens the function of the
endocrine system, which includes all the body’s glands
as well as the hormones they secrete. These glands and hormones
control many vital processes, including sexual function, fertility,
digestion, brain and nervous system functioning, and energy. Maca root
acts as an adaptogen, which helps the body to cope with stress.
HIBISCUS FLOWER EXTRACT
Country of Origin: Egypt
Hibiscus is a pleasant-tasting herb that’s traditionally
used for supporting normal blood pressure maintenance,
and this benefit has been clinically studied in modern
science. For generations, North Africans have used hibiscus internally to
support upper respiratory health and topically for skin health.
Vol 34 • Extraordinary Health ™ 39