A-Z herbal supplements Articles

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Ayurvedic herb found in warm climates. It is an adaptogen that helps bring balance to the body and support adrenal health. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenation) herb, which can promote physical and mental health, rejuvenate the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity.

Current research has implicated this herb in supporting various health conditions, which is why thousands of people turn to adaptogenic herbs to help ward off fatigue, stress and anxiety without the negative side effects associated with prescription drugs. 

Continue reading to learn the plant history of Ashwagandha, how it can benefit your health, and how to take it as a supplement to promote well-being. 

What Is Ashwagandha? 

Ashwagandha is close to 5,000 years old, which is as old as Ayurveda itself. While the origins of this adaptogenic herb aren't totally confirmed, ancient texts believe this evergreen shrub originates from Indian and Asian regions. 

It contains many active compounds, including withanolides, which have been known to support inflammation and possess antioxidant effects. These chemicals resemble human steroid (stress and sex) hormones. This gives them the potential to supplement these hormones in the body in cases of insufficient production or to compete with excess levels produced. This means that supplementation may help normalize hormone levels, whether high or low. 

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

Ashwagandha helps balance and support the adrenal glands through times of stress. It also acts as a nervous system tonic and an immune modulator. It can also help support:

• Feelings of Anxiety
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Neurologically Degenerative Conditions 
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Arthritis 
• Healthy Cell Growth

Hormone Support

Ashwagandha supplements also prevent the depletion of vitamin C in the body. This is important because your adrenal glands need vitamin C to produce hormones such as cortisol and sex hormones. Ashwagandha has also been studied for its ability to increase sexual functioning and physical endurance by stimulating the production of testosterone. Testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands and is responsible for libido and muscle growth. This herb can also help to improve semen quality, and it has been able to reduce the expression of a certain estrogen receptor in human tissues and act as a male aphrodisiac. 

Immune System Modulation

Ashwagandha root also modulates the immune system. It does this by helping to promote underactive immune responses and reduce overactive immune responses like those in autoimmune diseases. Because of these effects, it has also been studied for its ability to protect joint cartilage in cases of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. 

Neuroprotective Benefits

The herb also benefits neurological issues and protects against age-related degenerative diseases. 

In addition, this herb can be used to help lessen feelings of anxiety, which has been verified by several studies in the last few years.

Taking Ashwagandha As A Supplement

You can find it as a raw herb, liquid extract, tincture, and encapsulated herb. Most supplements use the root of the plant, however, there is some research involving leaf extract. You can find this herb isolated or in combination with other herbs. 

Wondering how much Ashwagandha to take per day? Dosing varies depending on the situation, form and particular study:

• Root extract: 1-2g daily
• Tea: You can take up to 3 cups a day of the herb's tea (using 1-6g of the whole herb)
• Liquid and tincture preparations: between 2 and 4ml three times daily
• Leaf extract: there is no current dosing as the research is still relatively new

Important Information & Potential Side Effects

Pregnant women should not use Ashwagandha because it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Do not use it if you suffer from hypertension. It may also increase the effect of the sedative and anti-anxiety medication. Do not use it if you take digoxin, as there is a potential for interaction.

Ashwagandha FAQs

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an herb that helps adrenal and nervous system health.

What does it do?

The herb can support physical and mental health and rejuvenate the body.

How much Ashwagandha root should I take?

Although there is no standard dose, generally consider using between one and two grams daily. Drink 3 cups of tea daily, or take 2-4 millilitres of tincture three times daily as your practitioner recommends. (Higher doses may be appropriate for specific conditions.)

Where can I buy Ashwagandha supplements in Canada?

You can find ashwagandha supplements at most health food stores.

Is Ashwagandha safe?

Yes, ashwagandha is widely known to be safe. However, you should avoid taking ashwagandha supplements if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or take sedative medications.

Bacopa Monniera is a small creeping herb with light purple flowers and numerous branches. It grows naturally in the wet soil and marshes of India and the tropics, and has been used for centuries in Aryuvedic medicine as a brain tonic. It was known to support memory, learning and concentration. Today, you can often bind bacopa supplements at health food stores and their Aryuvedic uses are well supported.

How Does Bacopa Support Health?

A specific constituent of Bacopa, triterpenoid saponins, contain bacosides which are responsible for Bacopa's ability to enhance nerve impulses in the brain. These bacosides aid in the repair of damage to neurons and therefore in restoration of synaptic activity. They are also said to increase neuronal synthesis. These effects have only been demonstrated with long term use of 3 months or more.

Bacopa has also been found to be effective in relieving anxiety and reducing seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Studies have shown it to be effective in relieving symptoms of IBS and gastric ulcers, as well as bronchitis and asthma.

How To Take Bacopa Supplements: Forms, Formats & Dosages

The average dosage ranges from 200-400 mg/day standardized to 20% bacosides. Children are recommended to consume 50-100 mg/day. Bacopa is available in capsule and liquid or tincture form and is often included in combinations aimed at memory or cognitive improvement.

Side Effects & Cautions

There are no toxicity issues with Bacopa, although they have been reports of minor GI discomfort. Individuals taking benzodiazepines, SSRI's and SNRI's along with Bacopa, may notice excessive drowsiness.

Coleus forskohlii (Plectranthus barbatus) is a tropical plant in the mint family that has been used around the world for a variety of reasons, the most common being for cardiovascular ailments. More currently, this herb has been touted by Dr. Oz on his self-titled TV show as one of his favourite “belly blaster” supplements. This activity is due to the main constituent of Coleus forskohlii, known as forskolin, with its highest concentrations being in the root of the herb.

Forskolin and Cyclic AMP

The major action of forskolin is to rapidly activate a cellular enzyme called adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which is a messenger molecule in our cells that helps to control their response to signals from the body. Some of these signals involve the regulation of glycogen, sugar, and lipid (fat) metabolism in the cell. Thus, through increasing the cellular production of cAMP, forskolin can help to boost the amount of fat and sugar used by the cells of the body. In a test tube, the application of forskolin has been shown to directly reduce the size of fat cells. This is promising for the ability of forskolin to help increase metabolism.

Key Health Benefits of Coleus Forskohlii

Weight Loss & Bone Health in Men

When tested in a group of overweight and obese men, supplementation of forskolin over a 12-week period was found to favourably alter their body composition. It reduced body fat percentages, and actually helped to improve bone mass. These results may be limited to men, but may be particularly useful in overweight men suffering from bone loss due to andropause.

Benefits For Asthma

One preliminary study found that forskolin was equally as effective as beclomethasone for the prevention of asthma attacks after two months of treatment in mild and moderate asthma sufferers. Further research is needed to be sure of the results, but daily supplementation with low dose forskolin may help to prevent some asthma attacks.

Shopping For & Taking Coleus Forskohlii Supplements

Coleus forskohlii can be found in tablets or in combination weight loss formulas. Research has established the dose in overweight men as 250mg of extract standardized to 10% forskolin, supplemented for at least 12 weeks. Dr. Oz recommends 125mg of extract standardized to 20% forskolin taken in the morning. Asthma research examined a dose of only 10mg daily.

Several plants are commonly referred to as "ginseng". In the strict sense of the word "ginseng" refers to the Panax genus of plants, which includes Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Korean Ginseng (Panax schinsen) and American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). The active constituents of the Panax family are ginsenosides. The name Panax derives from the Greek word for "all healing," and it has been claimed to treat a very wide variety of conditions. Let's explore the different ginseng varieties and their benefits on your health. 

Exploring Ginseng Varieties & The Benefits of Each

Siberian Ginseng (Elutherococcus senticosus), Indian ginseng (Ashwagandha), Brazilian ginseng (Suma), and Peruvian ginseng (Maca) are not members of this genus but share similar medicinal effects to the true ginsengs and thus, they share the same general name. 

Ginseng, as a category of plants, is renowned for its healing benefits, with some types having been used for more than 2,000 years. Ginseng was traditionally one of the most widely used plants across the globe and is still used all over the world today for its many health benefits. 

Key Health Benefits of Ginseng Supplements

The ginsengs are adaptogenic herbs, meaning they help your body adapt and cope during stressful mental times and recovery from illness and fatigue. Studies show that the active constituents of ginseng have structures similar to those of human steroid hormones and that they can directly affect your brain. This action in the brain results in stimulation of the adrenal gland and activation of your body's energy reserves. This response keeps you safe, allowing you to fight for survival, or to flee from dangerous situations. 

Ginseng also increases heart rate; blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, muscles, lungs and heart. Thus leading to increased energy, mental performance and performance in physical tasks like athletics. Stimulation such as this can deplete the body over time (yang depleting yin – see below) so ginseng also contains substances that stimulate cell replication, protein synthesis, immune functioning and blood sugar regulation. 

All of these properties nourish the body and aid in recovery from times of high activity, illness and stress. The ginsengs are recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of needs including athletic performance, energy, recovery from illness or surgery, stress, support during cancer treatment, impotence, low libido and frequent colds and infections.

Hormonal Effects

Ginseng members of the Panax family (North American, Chinese and Korean) have been shown to enhance libido and sexual performance. It is not known whether these effects are due to changes in hormone secretion or due to the direct effects of the ginsenoside constituents on the nervous system and gonadal (sexual organ) tissues. It is known that in males, ginsenosides can stimulate penile erection. Certain ginsenosides have also been shown to have weakly phytoestrogenic effects, meaning that they can weakly act in the human body as estrogen. This allows them to either directly stimulate estrogen receptors in people with insufficient estrogen, or to compete for binding sites with natural estrogen in those with excessive levels. In addition to their direct hormonal actions, ginsengs are great examples of adaptogens. Because of their effect on the adrenal gland, they can both directly and indirectly affect many different hormones in the human body. The most obvious examples of these are aldosterone, cortisol, adrenaline, and sex hormones.

Understanding Yin and Yang

Traditional Chinese Medicine acknowledges that there is a delicate balance in the entire universe and everything in it between two forces known as yin and yang, woman and man. Yin represents females, rest and regeneration while yang represents males, action and energy. 

The same universal balance exists within each of our bodies that can be disturbed by excess or deficiency on either side (yin or yang), resulting in illness. The ginsengs are renowned in Chinese culture for their energizing (yang) properties, complemented by their nutritive (yin) properties. This is the case in most ginsengs, except Korean Ginseng, which is far more yang, and thus cannot be taken for extended periods. For more information on the properties of each ginseng, please see the chart below.

Comparing The Differences of Each Ginseng Subtype

Cooling vs Warming

Another means of viewing the properties of herbs is traditional to most societies on Earth with roots in Indian, Chinese, American (North and South), and European cultures. This categorizes the herbs on a scale between cooling and warming. Some obvious examples familiar to most are mint as a cooling herb and cayenne pepper as a warming. The various ginsengs are also in different positions on this scale. This is important information for treatment, based on the inherent nature of the condition for which each particular ginseng is being used. For example, warming herbs are better used for cold, stagnant conditions such as a head cold with stuffiness and chills. On the other hand, cooling herbs are better used for hot conditions such as excessive fevers, and anxiety. The requirement for heating or cooling may also be determined by the seasons for those in climates where the weather changes with the seasons. Warming herbs are better used in the winter and cooling herbs in the summer.

White vs Red

There are many different preparations of the various ginsengs, two popular types are called white and red. The preparation called white ginseng consists of fresh ginseng that is grown for 4-6 years, peeled and dried. White ginseng is air dried in the sun and thus, becomes a yellowish-white colour and may contain less of the therapeutic constituents. The preparation called red ginseng is grown for 6 years before it is harvested and immediately boiled to steam-cure it, and then the root is dried. This process causes it to have a reddish-brown colour and is thought to change its biochemical composition and also prevent the breakdown of the active constituents. Red ginseng is used more commonly for herbal preparations and is generally the form studied when examining the pharmacological activities of ginsenosides.

Obtaining The Benefits of Ginseng: Selecting The Right One

The difference in the ginsengs is the strength of their activity and the ratio of stimulation to nourishment of the body. This can also be seen as their yin/yang and/or warming/cooling natures in more traditional herbal understanding.

Nutritional Information

Choosing the right ginseng for you can depend on several factors including your underlying condition and the season where you live. If you suffer from a condition that is hot/cold or yin/yang excess, then you want to choose an herb that is the opposite of your current condition to help balance your health. If your condition does not have a particular hot/cold or yin/yang component, or if you are generally healthy and only dealing with a period of stress, then the time of year may be the most important factor in your choice as noted above. No matter what, it is very important not to take the more stimulating ginsengs if you are already depleted as they may further deplete your reserves and result in exhaustion. If you are at all unsure, it is often beneficial to consult with a healthcare practitioner when choosing the right herbs for you.

Shopping For Quality Ginseng Supplements

Ginseng can be found in a variety of different forms. Raw herbs, teas, single-serving liquid vials, tinctures, encapsulated herbs or capsules are all widely available. Ginseng products may also be found in combination products for energy, sexual function and memory, as well as many traditional Chinese formulas. Use caution when purchasing these formulas because their quality varies widely and they may contain toxic contaminants, as manufacturing practices in China are not well regulated. Purchase whichever type of ginseng suits your needs but be sure to buy a standardized product as an assurance of the quality of the ginseng you are ingesting.

The dose and duration of use of each ginseng is unique to its particular species and preparation. Korean ginseng is not usually recommended for long-term use due to its more stimulatory nature, which drains yin. Siberian, Peruvian, and American ginseng are less stimulating and more nourishing, and thus are useful for everyone and can be used for longer periods.

Important Information & Potential Side Effects of Ginseng

Ginseng contains components that have blood thinning, blood pressure altering and blood sugar-altering properties. Ginseng supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes and hypoglycemia. For the same reason, ginseng supplements should be discontinued before surgery or dental work. Ginseng can alter the effects of caffeine, stimulants, decongestants, blood thinners (including aspirin), anti-hypertensives, sedatives, insulin and oral hypoglycemics. Ginseng should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Panax ginsengs containing ginsenosides may have estrogenic effects and should be avoided in people with estrogen-sensitive conditions and cancers. Each type of ginseng may have contraindications specific to its use, please click on the links provided for more information on each herb.

Horsetail benefits were traditionally used as a diuretic in spring tonics. Spring tonic herbal combinations provide a gentle cleanse of the body as it changes from the winter mode of storage and hibernation to the vital and energetic warm seasons. 

Main Constituents & Benefits Found In Horsetail

Horsetail also contains a significant amount of silica, which is considered an essential trace mineral for human health. It forms structural components of bone and connective tissue, such as collagen. It is especially needed during the early phase of bone mineralization and is found in high concentrations in the bony growth plates.

It also forms elastin, a connective tissue that is responsible for the elasticity of connective tissue found in the skin, lungs and blood vessels. Silica levels decline with age and a deficiency of silica may lead to degeneration of the vessels, bones and connective tissue that is commonly seen in the elderly. Horsetail is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for:

• Support of bone and connective tissue
• Osteoporosis
• Helps poor hair growth
• Strengthens skin and nails
• Lowers swelling

Horsetail Supplement Varieties

Horsetail can be used as a dried herb, encapsulated herb, tincture or tea. The silica content may be found on the product label. This is an assurance of the quality of the herb. Horsetail can be found as a component of formulas for vein health and urinary infections. Silica is also commonly used as a gel that is sourced from mineral deposits as opposed to horsetail. These supplements do not have the diuretic properties of horsetail products.

Important Considerations of Herbal Supplements

There are possible interactions between horsetail and heart medication, anti-seizure medications, diuretics and lithium because of horsetail’s diuretic properties. Horsetail inhibits the absorption of vitamin B1 and supplementation is advisable if you use horsetail for long periods.

Herb Capsules, Teas, Liquids, and Loose

Herbal medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on the body as a whole and uses medicinal herbs rather than synthetic drugs, but what's best: liquid herbs, bulk herbs, or capsules? It has been part of traditional health care systems in many countries for centuries.

However, when it comes to taking your herbs, there are a lot of options. When you shop our in person or online shelves, you can find a plethora of tinctures, loose teas, capsules, and so much more. But the leading question still lingers: which one is best?

We've put together a list of the different types of capsules, teas, and liquids available on our website and how they compare. Read on for an introduction to herbal medicine, including what exactly makes herbs so unique and how they can support your health.

An Introduction to Medicinal Herbs

Herbs contain active ingredients as well as a wide array of beneficial compounds called phytonutrients. They will also contain some inactive components. The amount of active ingredients varies from plant to plant and depends on growing conditions.

Most gardeners know that a crop won't grow as well in a year with less rainfall and sunshine. This can result in differences in the flavour, colour and consistency of the plant. The time of year that an herb or plant is harvested can also impact the plant's nutrient profile.

Additionally, some herbs and plants are more absorbable than others. For example, curcumin (one of the active compounds in turmeric) can be difficult for the body to absorb and is generally absorbed at low levels.

Herbalists have long understood the medicinal value of plants, which is why you often see herbs in tincture format or listed as a percentage when sold as a capsule or powder.

This means that the active ingredients in an herb are standardized, or guaranteed to be present at a clinically effective dose. This is what is tested in research studies to determine whether an herb is beneficial. Simply put, standardized herbs ensure you are getting a consistent dose of the active ingredient found in the herb—every single time.

Whole Plant vs Standardized Extracts

Standardized extracts are concentrated forms of specific active ingredients from a medicinal herb. For example, we could extract all of the caffeine from coffee beans and create a pill that contains a high dose of caffeine.

Whole plant extracts offer some advantages and disadvantages over standardized extracts because they contain all parts of the plant, not just one compound. These are usually found in teas.

The problem with whole plant extracts is that they can be hard to dose since there’s no standardization. This means that the amount of active ingredients in a serving varies depending on the bottle.

This is why, when it comes to therapeutic benefits, standardized extracts deliver the active ingredients in precise amounts.

Medicinal Herb Formats

As you can see, there are advantages to buying an herbal preparation with a standardized dose. Now read on to learn about the different formats of herbs and when you would want to choose one over the other.

Herbal Capsules

Capsules contain whole plant extracts that are usually standardized to ensure consistent potency. They are easy to swallow and effective when taken on an empty stomach. Capsules are best suited for short-term use due to their high concentration level. Many people prefer to take capsules because of their convenience; they're easy to travel with and easy to take.

Nature's Way has a reputation for being one of Canada's most trusted brands for natural health products. That's because they use pure, high-quality ingredients in all their formulas. The company's team of professionals performs thorough testing on raw materials and every batch of product. The company approaches quality from all angles, carefully implementing chemical testing, identity testing, and microbiological testing. At National Nutrition, we carry a wide variety of Nature's Way herbal capsules.

Medicinal Herb Teas

Medicinal herb teas are made from specific parts of plants (flowers, roots, or berries) and contain many active compounds and polyphenols found in the whole herb. They are steeped in hot water and consumed. Tea can be used for a long time. However, if you are using herbs for an acute condition or need a specific dose of active ingredients, teas may not be the ideal choice, as you would need to drink a lot of tea every day to get therapeutic benefits. 

That said, tea can be a great way to incorporate beneficial herbs into your routine. Try unwinding after a long day with a relaxing and sleep-inducing tea blend or soothing menstrual cramps with a warm cup of tea.

Celebration Herbals are passionate formulators who make herbal teas that are all made from organically grown herbs.

Herbal Liquids

Liquids (also called tinctures) are usually made by soaking herbs in alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin. They can be taken on their own, or, if you don't like the taste of herbs, you can mix them with juice.

Teas and capsules rely on the digestive process to be fully absorbed. Liquids, on the other hand, are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and may take effect within 15 to 30 minutes.

Plus, tinctures and liquids are easy to measure, so you know that you are getting a consistent dose every single time.

The tinctures produced by St. Francis Herb Farm are well known. Their herbalists know that each herb has its own energy, and the right extraction method—temperature and length of time—for the particular herb's medicine depends on a number of factors. St. Francis is well-known for their Holistic Herb Approach™, which treats each herb in its own distinct manner. They customize their extraction approach based on studying decades of herbal texts. St. Francis Herb Farm makes both individual and blended formulas that are effective and easy to take.

Loose Medicinal Herbs

Bulk herbs are the leaves or flowers of a plant. Compared to liquid herbs, They can be dried and ground into powder, which is then used in herbal preparations or made into teas. This form of herb is great for the budding herbalist because it can be used to make teas, tinctures, or salves. Loose herbs are also very cost-effective.

When buying dried or loose herbs, make sure they’re labelled "organic" to ensure they were grown without pesticides. At National Nutrition, we carry Organic Connections, which is a family-owned Canadian company. Since its inception, the company has been distributing the highest-quality organic herbs and seeds available. The company works directly with herbal farmers and wild crafters to ensure that their products meet high standards.

If you still have questions, we're here to help. Stop by our store (or visit us online) and chat with one of our experts to be further guided to the right format of herb for you.

Many call Muira puama, “Viagra of the Amazon” and locals call it, “potency wood” because it can improve erectile function and prevent sexual disorders in both men and women. Let's explore the advantages of muira puama supplements and how to use them. 

What is Muira Puama?

Muira puama, also known as ptychopetalum, is a small Amazonian tree native to Brazil.

Traditionally, Brazilian natives made a decoction (strong boiled tea) out of the root and bark to use as an energy tonic, andaphrodisiac and to increase sexual vitality.

Key Benefits & Uses of Muira Puama Supplements

While there have only been a handful of studies done on muira puama, it does have a long history of use by natives of the Amazon rainforest to improve sexual function. Many alternative doctors and herbalists prescribe it to strengthen erections, to improve orgasm in women and to improve libido. It's also an energy tonic with calming action, which enhances the ability to cope with stress and exhaustion. Stress and exhaustion are often one of the underlying causes of low libido.

Muira puama has also been used to treat menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), arthritis, joint pain and paralysis. It has also been used to enhance athletic performance because it is thought to have testosterone-like effects, however, this has not been proven.

Understand How It Works

While the exact mechanism of action for muira puama is unknown, researchers believe that it increases blood flow to the pelvic area, which aids in erections in men and increases sensation and orgasm in women. Studies on rabbits show relaxation of erectile tissue, which allows increased blood flow into the penis. Other studies on rats showed muira puama improved memory retrieval and protected brain tissue. It also improves alertness and high doses can cause insomnia.

Selecting Quality Muira Puama Supplements: Varieties & Formats

Like most herbs, you will find muira puama available as dried bulk herb, encapsulated dried herb, tincture and liquid extract. The traditional way to use it is to use 1 tsp of dried herb for each cup of water, bring it to a boil and then simmerfor 15-30 minutes and drink 1-2 cups daily. You can also take 2-4ml of the tincture daily or 1-2ml of the liquid extract 2 times a day. Tincture or liquid extract is the most effective way to take muira puama. Take herbs on an empty stomach for better absorption.

New Roots Herbal is a highly respected Quebec-based supplement formulator and manufacturer that makes innovative, evidence-based natural health supplements that combine the best that science and nature have to offer.

Whether you already take a New Roots product or are looking to discover something new, there is a New Roots Herbal product for you.

History of New Roots

For the last 40 years, New Roots has been formulating and manufacturing innovative natural health supplements in Quebec.

The "roots" of New Roots Herbal began in Calgary, Alberta, when Peter Wilkes became a co-founder of an innovative health food store in the late 1970s. In 1985, the New Roots brand was born, with probiotics being among the flagship products that were launched at that time. Wilkes had helped educate shoppers on the benefits of probiotics while he owned his health food stores.

In 2004, New Roots launched NHP Laboratories, their in-house lab, which verifies the identity and potency of all ingredients in the company's products.

Today, New Roots products are still developed and manufactured in Quebec, and the products are sold exclusively to health food stores in 16 different countries.

The New Roots Herbal Way

New Roots Herbal formulates and manufactures its supplements at its in-house facility in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada. All New Roots products are made with the safest and most potent ingredients.

New Roots’ in-house lab, NHP Laboratories, assures the quality, identity, and potency of every single product in New Roots’ lineup.

They test all of their ingredients three times for identity and contaminants such as mycotoxins (aflatoxin), PCBs, over 80 different pesticides, heavy metals, microbiology (bacteria), mould, and fungus.

NHP Laboratories employs 3 PhDs, 7 MScs, and 12 BScs, who devote over 880 hours of testing and research weekly.

Additionally, New Roots Herbal loves to give back to communities and, since its inception, has given $1.5 million to various charities.

New Roots Herbal Products

New Roots Herbal has over 400 products, including daily-use vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, and other nutraceuticals, as well as condition-specific formulas.

New Roots Herbal makes products for many health concerns, including: New Roots digestive enzymes for digestive health, New Roots Strong Bones for bone health, and supplements for blood sugar management, detoxification, energy, hair, skin, and nail support, immune health, muscle, and joint health, stress management, sleep support, weight management, and if that's not enough, supplements for women, men, and children.

Just this year, National Nutrition began carrying the entire New Roots Herbal product line.

Here are some of our favourite New Roots products that our customers love (and we know you will, too).

• New Roots Prostate Perform: New Roots is best known for Prostate Perform, a top-selling clinical potency prostate support supplement geared to men over 40, with results in 7 days. The formula contains saw palmetto, selenium, zinc, beta-sitosterol, lycopene, and more. The ingredients work in synergy to support prostate health and urinary flow. Prostate Perform has also been shown to help with nighttime urination, which is often a symptom of an enlarged prostate or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

• Plant Sterols: This powder is an effective and safe way to manage cholesterol levels and can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 10 to 14%. This is thanks to plant sterols, which have a similar molecular shape to cholesterol molecules and can prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. Plant sterols are available in powder form, which can be added to smoothies and other recipes. Best of all, plant sterols can be combined with other cholesterol-lowering products.

• Vitamin E8: Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin needed for cellular health and function, and it’s also responsible for the integrity of cell membranes. Vitamin E8 is a high-quality source of vitamin E that provides a potent dose of this essential nutrient by combining alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols, sterols, and beta-sitosterols. National Nutrition customers love to use E8 daily as an antioxidant, and some use the contents of the capsule to help treat wounds and reduce scarring.

• Wild Omega: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils are important for our health because they help to combat the effects of an inflammatory diet. Fish oil contains two essential fatty acids that are vital to your health: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which can be found in varying ratios depending on your health goal. Generally, high-EPA formulas can support heart health, a healthy mood, and a positive mental outlook, as well as provide anti-inflammatory support. High-DHA formulas are beneficial for cognition, nervous system support, and developing brains, while balanced formulas are helpful for general health maintenance. New Roots' Wild Omega line of fish oils is molecularly distilled and pharmaceutical grade, using only small fish: anchovies and sardines.

New Roots' founder, Peter Wilkes, was one of the pioneers of probiotics when he owned his health food stores; therefore, it's no surprise that New Roots Herbal makes probiotics. New Roots is also well-known for its line of quality, researched probiotics. Having worked to pioneer this supplement category, naturally their first product launch was Acidophilus Ultra. All of New Roots probiotics are encapsulated in a patented GPS™ enteric-coating system to resist stomach acid and deliver the probiotics to where they are needed. How do they know? New Roots can simulate the release time of the capsules in their lab.

Shopping For Quality Supplements

New Roots makes excellent products. We hope this article has inspired you to check out the full New Roots lineup on our shelves. Simply visit us online or stop by in person to discover all that New Roots has to offer.

For more than 30 years, the Rivet-Carnac family has been producing herbal medicine on their farm, the St. Francis Herb Farm. These multigenerational herbalists work with nature and use traditional methods of herbalism in order to make products that help you "feel the difference of well-made plant medicine."

What is Herbal Medicine?

The Rivet-Carnac family are second-generation herbalists Paul and Caitlin Rivet-Carnac. Herbalists are trained in the use of herbs for healing and maintain a deep knowledge of botanical medicine. Herbal medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness that uses plants as medicine. Herbalists use herbs to help restore balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Herbal medicine may be used for a wide variety of ailments, from colds, flu, and infections to chronic conditions like arthritis or depression.

St. Francis Herb Farm Values

St. Francis Herbs firmly believes that the foundation for an herb’s benefits begins with how it is grown. The family owns and tends to herbs on their 52-acre organic herb farm, which is located in Madawaska Highlands, in Ontario’s beautiful cottage country. The farm is organic, which goes beyond being pesticide-free. The Rivet-Carnacs are passionate farmers who put an emphasis on soil health, crop rotation, and planning the farm in order to simulate growing in nature.

St. Francis Herb Farm's Unique Approach to Herbal Medicine

Herbalists know that each herb has its own energy, and the right extraction method (for example, temperature and length of time) for the particular herb’s medicine will depend on a number of factors, including the type of herb and its physical and medicinal qualities. St. Francis is well-known for their Holistic Herb Approach™, which treats each herb in its own distinct manner. St. Francis customizes their extraction approach to the specific herb based on studying decades of herbal texts.

In November of 2021, St. Francis Herb Farm opened Canada's largest dedicated plant medicine facility in the Ottawa Valley. This new building will provide space for operations such as product research and development, production, distribution, and warehousing. The new facility also allows for expanded manufacturing capabilities.

Quality and Purity

St. Francis Herb Farm's commitment to quality doesn't stop at their growing and extracting of herbs. St. Francis has a partnership with the Biopharmaceutical Department of the University of Ottawa to ensure that the extracts are pure and potent. Additionally, the company also works closely with Health Canada to help define regulatory considerations for quality and efficacy.

St. Francis Herb Farm Products

St. Francis Herb Farm makes more than 100 complex herbal formulas and individual herbs. At National Nutrition, we carry more than 350 St. Francis products in varying sizes. While St. Francis is known for their individual herbs, they also make very popular, unique herbal blends that our customers love. Here are some of them:

• Deep Immune - St. Francis Herb Farm Deep Immune is exactly what its name implies. It's your best friend if you often catch a bug when you are feeling run down. Deep Immune combines its restorative qualities to help positively affect the adrenal cortex, restore stamina and improve endurance, overcome fatigue and exhaustion, and help the body deal with stress, overwork, and chronic illness.

• Strest - Strest is an adrenal tonic that combines six of the most effective adaptogens known to herbalists. An adaptogen is a substance that helps the body adapt to stress and support normal function. Adaptogens, like St. Francis Herb Farm Ashwagandha, help to increase resistance to stress, enhance energy levels and stamina, improve mental clarity, promote longevity, and improve overall health. Strest is an affordable way for people to deal with the stress of daily life. By taking Strest, you will feel more physical and mental energy while experiencing a calmer mind. Furthermore, Strest can aid in the recovery of healthy sleep patterns, resulting in deeper and longer sleep as a result of adrenal support.

• Canadian Bitters is an herbal formula that can help improve digestion. Canadian Bitters combines herbs like globe artichoke, dandelion, and ginger to naturally increase the digestive secretions of the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. You will not only feel better after you eat, but you will also absorb more nutrients. As St. Francis Herb Farm staff say, "you aren't just what you eat; you are what you digest and absorb."

St. Francis is well-known among herbalists and herb enthusiasts for their single-herb formulas. If you are looking for an individual herb, like ashwagandha, milk thistle, echinacea like their echinaseal product, or ginseng, that is of high quality, you will surely love St. Francis Herb Farm's individual herbal tinctures.

Shopping For Quality Herbal Supplements

The next time you are looking for a well-priced herbal formula or your natural health practitioner recommends that you take a singular herb, St. Francis Herb Farm likely has the perfect product for you.

St. John’s wort is one of the top-selling natural health products. It is also one of the most well-studied plants, with many scientific trials attesting to its efficacy as an infection fighter, anti-inflammatory, wound healer and anti-depressant. Its medicinal value has been attributed to a chemical called hypericin. Hypericin has shown to have anti-viral activity, including anti-HIV activity, by stimulating killer T cells.

How Does St. John's Wort Work in The Body?

T cells are immune cells that respond to viral infections. It inhibits the hormone cascade that results in inflammation, heals tissue and improves nerve conduction. As an antidepressant, hypericin increases the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. Serotonin is involved in the brain’s response to well-being, hunger, and many other sensations. Trials of St. John’s Wort versus prescription antidepressants have given clinical backing to the use of this herb for mild to moderate depression. This herb is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of other conditions including, internally, for viral infections and anxiety, and externally for wound healing, skin infections, nerve pain, bruises and muscle soreness.

St. John's Wort Supplement Options

This herb can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, oil, extract or tincture. Internal preparations should be standardized to assure the consumer that the preparation will yield medicinal effects. St. John’s Wort's red coloured oil is used topically, although it stains so use it carefully. It can be rubbed into the affected area at full strength or diluted in a carrier oil (any food grade oil will do). This herb is found in formulas for infections, inflammation, stress, and depression.

Important Information

Do not use St. John’s wort in pregnancy. Internally, supplementation for 4-6 weeks is necessary to see results. May cause drowsiness or sun sensitivity. Not for use in severe depression. May cause increases in liver enzymes and should be used with caution by individuals with liver disease. Due to its activity in the liver, St. John’s wort can affect the levels of these medications: sedatives, photosensitizing drugs, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, narcotics, analgesics, digoxin, HIV medication, anti-rejection medication and oral contraceptives. If you are taking medication, it is always best to consult a practitioner before taking this herb.

Valerian has been used traditionally for many years as a sedative and alleviator of anxiety. It has many benefits over the use of pharmaceutical sedatives and sleep aids. This herb does not alter the brain waves that occur as part of normal sleep patterns. Therefore, the sleep that you get after taking valerian is just as restful as normal sleep.

Traditional Uses of Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, known for its distinctive sweet smell. Historically, it has been used since ancient times by Greek and Roman physicians as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Botanically, the plant can grow up to five feet tall, with clusters of small pink or white flowers. Traditionally, the root was harvested and dried, then used in teas or tinctures to calm the mind and promote relaxation. 

Modern-Day Benefits of Valerian

Today, valerian root is known for its ability to support healthy sleep patterns. Unlike commercial sleep aids, it doesn't produce grogginess the next morning. Instead, valerian’s chemical components, the valepotriates, valerianic acids and pungent oils, relax the central nervous system (CNS) by binding to the same receptors that are used by sedative medications. This calms the CNS, easing tension and reducing stress, and making it easier to fall asleep naturally. 

It also relaxes the gastrointestinal tract and skeletal muscles; therefore, this herb can be used for restless leg syndrome and muscle spasms. It can also be used for stress and tension associated with PMS.

This gentle, non-habit-forming herb relaxes the body and mind without disrupting next-day focus or energy. 

Valerian Supplement Varieties

You can find valerian in a few different forms to suit your individual preference. Dried valerian root can be made into a tea, and is a classic way to unwind before bed. 

This herb can also be purchased in capsules or as a tincture. Tinctures are more concentrated formulas and can be taken directly or added to water. It's important to note that water-soluble extracts of valerian contain more active ingredients than dried or alcohol-based formulas. Capsules and tablets provide a convenient, measured dose for those on the go. 

This herb may be found as a standalone supplement or in formulas for relaxing the mind and body. When choosing supplements, look for standardized extracts and follow dosage instructions carefully for best results. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're combining valerian with other medications or supplements. 

Cautions & Considerations

Due to valerian’s sedating action, it may increase the effect of some anti-anxiety, anti-depression, anti-histamine, and sleep-inducing medications. Do not use valerian when performing activities that require alertness. Children can be harmed by some components of this herb, including the valepotriates and baldrinal. Never give valerian to children under the age of three.