A-Z antioxidant properties Articles

Chaparral is an herb that has been used traditionally by Native North Americans for many years. It is a powerful herb that's best used with caution and for short periods. It has powerful anti-viral activities that have been studied for their ability to eliminate difficult-to-treat viruses.

Key Health Benefits of Chaparral

Some manufacturers claim chaparral can decrease the viral load significantly so that no trace of the virus remains in the body. This claim is unique amongst natural health products and most pharmaceutical medications, which usually only claim to reduce viral load or outbreaks.

Chaparral may also support healthy cell growth and division. It inhibits unhealthy cell replication and prevents cells from properly using fats and proteins, thus leading to the death of unhealthy cells. This inhibition effect is also seen in normal cells, which is why this herb can be toxic to the body.

Topically, it has traditionally been used to heal wounds caused by sunburn and radiation treatments.

Chaparral is also an antioxidant which helps diminish free radicals in your body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable, must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Chaparral’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals. It may be recommended to protect healthy cells during heavy metal detoxification.

Types of Chaparral Supplements

Chaparral is most safely purchased as a proprietary extract from various manufacturers, like Virox. Some manufacturers have done extensive clinical studies on the effects of their products and the appropriate dosing regimens, decreasing the risk of side effects.

Dried chaparral leaves can be made into a tea or purchased in tincture form. However, these products are not tested for their chemical constituents, which increases the risk associated with their use.

When using this topically for skin conditions, dilute any alcohol-based formulas to avoid skin irritation or make a tea and apply it to the affected area.

Potential Cautions & Contraindications

Due to chaparral’s long list of cautions and contraindications, it is advisable to use this herb under the guidance of a health professional.

Prolonged use or high doses of chaparral have been noted to cause liver and kidney toxicity in humans. Those with liver or kidney disease should not use this supplement. Chaparral inhibits cell replication and should not be used by pregnant women. The chemical components of this herb are transferred into breast milk, making chaparral contraindicated for nursing mothers.

Allergic reactions to this herb have been noted from both topical and internal use.

Mulberry is the common name for plants in the Morus family. In North America, the most commonly used Mulberry to refer to the species Morus alba (White Mulberry) and Morus rubra (Red Mulberry). The fruit and the leaves have been shown to have very different health benefits. Mulberry fruit has been found to have potential benefits to both cardiovascular health. The leaf of the Mulberry bush, on the other hand, was initially discovered to help regulate blood pressure. Let's explore other ways a mulberry supplement can support health. 

Key Benefits of The Mulberry Plant

Benefits of Mulberry Fruit

The mulberry fruit is tart and sweet and also contains a rich content of phenolic flavonoids called anthocyanins. It also contains resveratrol, a strong antioxidant that can be used to protect against vascular damage. Mulberry fruit is a source of many strong antioxidants and also provides a rich dose of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Benefits of The Mulberry Leaf

Throughout history, Mulberry leaves have been cultivated around the world as food for the silkworm to further the production of silk. Later, it was discovered that the leaves could also have medicinal benefits for humans.

Exploring the Health Advantages of A Mulberry Supplement

Cognitive Health Benefits

Some preliminary research has suggested that Mulberry fruit may help to protect those neurons normally affected in people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Further research is required, but the initial results do look promising.

Cardiovascular & Cholesterol Management

In addition to being full of powerful antioxidants, Mulberry fruit extracts have also been shown to inhibit the oxidation of“bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and to prevent the formation of foam cells by macrophages, one of the major steps involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Thus supplementing with Mulberry fruit extract can help to prevent atherosclerosis.

Healthy Blood Sugar Management of A Mulberry Supplement

Mulberry leaf is particularly useful in helping to regulate healthy blood sugar. Supplementation has been shown to slow the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract, which helps to stabilize and maintain blood sugar levels. Thus it can help diabetes sufferers to better manage their blood sugar when eating foods that normally have quick absorption.

Selecting A Quality Mulberry Supplement

Mulberries can be eaten fresh as a snack or as part of a meal. They can also be eaten dried and used in baking recipes in place of raisins. A mulberry supplement may also contain a powdered form of the fruit. The dosage has not yet been established by research, but doses within the range normally eaten in the diet are considered safe.

The health benefits of Mulberry leaf depend greatly on the quality of the extraction process used. As with most herbal supplements, be sure to use a manufacturer that you trust. Mulberry leaf can be taken as a tea or in powder or capsules. Tea can be taken in a dose of between 4.5 and 15g daily. The recommended dosage for concentrated extracts, like those found in capsules, is 1000mg (1g) three times daily before meals.

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet. It has a long history of use in foods because it stimulates digestion and reduces spasms of the gallbladder, stomach, and intestines. Its chemical components increase the release of digestive juices and it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for muscle and joint injuries like athletic injuries and arthritis.

Rosemary's Benefits

Rosemary stimulates circulation through the heart can improve the symptoms of heart disease. Historically, it was used topically as a wash or gargle, for wounds and sores and, as an inhalation, during respiratory infections. It has the ability to prevent and fight infections. Currently, research is being done on its antioxidant properties for possible use in general wellness and healthy cell growth.

Shopping For Quality Rosemary

Rosemary can be purchased as a dried herb, fresh herb, encapsulated leaf or essential oil. Dried ground herbs that are used as a spice have less medicinal value because the essential oils are lost in the drying process. The essential oil is the most potent form of the herb and must be used cautiously due to possible toxicity. Externally rosemary can be added to a bath or used as a steam inhalation.

When used as a spice, it has very few side effects. Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when supplements are used; however, the essential oil is toxic in high doses.

Cautions & Considerations

Rosemary should not be used during pregnancy because it may lead to miscarriage. Individuals who are at an increased risk of stroke, have active bleeding, blood clotting disorders or those who use blood thinners should use this herb with caution.