OnFitness Magazine - July/August 2017 - 29

has been shown to be ineffective.
Ginger is originally from China
and is now used throughout
the world. It has an amazing
anti-inflammatory properties.
Starches often break down and
form prostaglandins, which are
the chemical that forms joint
irritation and can lead to arthritis; ginger
prevents this chemical production. Used prior
to physical activity, it can prevent muscle and
joint irritation better than simple aspirin. It is
also noted that ginger gets its qualities from 2
phenylpropanoids: gingerol and zingerone.
Some people are allergic to ginger and will
burp or show flatulence.
Lavender is originally from
the Mediterranean. This
flowering plant makes its way
to an extracted oil. Lavender
oil is used as an antiseptic, but
more so topically as a
painkiller. It can stop a
migraine if applied to the head and neck. It
has been shown to cause breast growth in
young boys if used as a lotion, and pregnant
mothers are warned about eating it.
St. John's wort is originally from Europe and
has a distinct characteristic of oil glands in the
leaves, which look like tiny windows when
held up to the light. This plant actually grows

as a weed and can be harmful
if ingested by livestock. The
use of this plant dates back to
ancient Greece, and the
literature shows it to have antiinflammatory, astringent and
antiseptic qualities. Its primary
use, however, is with the treatment of
depression.
Turmeric was originally
harvested in tropical South
Asia and belongs to the ginger
family. The primary feature of
this herb has been linked to its
treatment capability associated
with breast cancer. The
qualities of this herb appear to actually dry up
blood vessels that supply tumors. Turmeric
also enhances the effect of toxol, a drug used
in reducing a metastasis of breast cancer.
Another outstanding quality of this herb is
that it works as a natural COX-2 enzyme.
As with most of these herbs, consideration
must be taken regarding the form that they are
used in and which variety of species that you
have obtained. Each herb has an ability to
provide some corrective benefit, yet also has
the ability to harm if ingested in excessive
quantities. Hopefully, this article will
encourage you to learn more and begin to add
more herbs to your diet. Z

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when you have a cold, flu or other
infection.
Several studies are linked to
people using this product with the
fight against cancer. There are 2
active phenols, called cichoric and
caftaric, mostly found in the flower
of the plant. The findings from a
University of Maryland study show
that although usage of the herb
doesn't prevent the common cold, it
does shorten the duration of the
illness. Controversy exists over how
to take this product, and the dosage
is a huge point of contention. The
timing of the taking of this herb is
noted to be every 2 hours, even if
you are sleeping. Needless to say, the
lack of benefits of this herb are often
blamed on the noncompliant
sleeping patient.
Eucalyptus is mostly
native to Australia.
There are hundreds of
species of eucalyptus,
and although the oil is
mostly used for
improved breathing,
the oil is also very impressive as a
mild burn treatment.
Garlic is part of the
onion family. It has
been obviously used
more for its culinary
abilities, but it has a
medicinal quality as
well. Care must be
taken since garlic oil can harbor
botulism, which is the most deadly
of all neurotoxins. It has been used
to treat smallpox and tuberculosis
(phthisis). Garlic is a source of
calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc,
selenium, folate, manganese,
magnesium, and vitamins B1, B2 and
B3. This herb is noted mostly for the
value of vitamin C and the natural
sulfates, which help form the
benefits of stronger tendons and
ligaments.
Medically, it has been used in the
treatment of atherosclerosis, high
blood pressure, and improve weak
immune systems. Garlic has also
been proven to help prevent several
forms of cancer. Garlic also has some
controversy with the possible
reduction of cholesterol. While it
may not alter blood levels of
cholesterol, it does appear to prevent
the binding of that chemical (plaque)
to the blood vessel walls. Garlic also
is used to treat the common cold and
to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Naturopathic physicians use this
herb to fight intestinal parasites, and
it has been shown to boost
testosterone levels in rats with high
protein diets. The pill form of garlic
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