Glandulars

Glandulars & Their Benefits

Glandulars are extract supplements derived from tissues of various animal glands and used in all sorts of medicinal applications. They are part of a therapeutic category known as “organotherapy” and have been used extensively in traditional medicine since ancient times. In fact, ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian medical texts all mentioned the use of animal glands taken internally and applied topically to support the corresponding human organs or tissues. 

Indeed, in the 16th century, the Swiss physician Paracelsus proposed the Doctrine of Signatures, which hypothesized that plants and animals with certain physical characteristics could be used to stimulate, support, and revitalize human organs, based on the principle of "like treats like." This idea laid the foundation for what we are today known as "glandular extracts." These supplements are typically obtained from selected tissues of young calves, most notably the endocrine glands of pigs, sheep, or cows. 

To provide a little context, the endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate our bodily functions. Endocrine glands include the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland, though they may also feature the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and testicles. The resulting extracts contain a mixture of naturally-occurring peptides, enzymes, hormones, and other powerful biological substances that are naturally present in the glands. 

Health Benefits of Glandulars

• Adrenal Support – Adrenal extracts support adrenal function and may help manage/relieve stress, fatigue, and adrenal fatigue syndrome (burnout) symptoms. They are often taken to improve the body's response to stress and bolster energy levels.
• Intestinal Health – Glandular supplements derived from animal intestines can support gastrointestinal health. Among other things, they promote the healing of the intestinal lining and support optimal digestive function.
• Liver Health – Liver extracts support liver health and promote the body’s natural detoxification processes. They can effectively assist liver function and enhance the body's ability to eliminate toxins.
• Pancreatic Support – Pancreas extracts support pancreatic health and aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. They may be used to assist with conditions such as diabetes and pancreatic insufficiency, among others.
• Prostate Health – Prostate extracts are commonly used to support prostate health in men. They provide nutrients and bioactive substances that promote prostate function and help alleviate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms.
• Reproductive Health – Certain glandular supplements, such as testicular or ovarian glandular, can significantly support reproductive health. They may address hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, or symptoms associated with menopause or andropause.
• Thyroid Support – Thyroid extracts support thyroid health and optimize thyroid hormone production. They may address symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), such as fatigue, weight gain, and sluggishness, and can help restore proper thyroid function.

Glandular Extract Supplements

Glandular extracts typically come in capsules or tablets, though they can also occasionally be found in liquid and powder forms. These supplements are also frequently available in combination blends alongside other vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, and other nutrients, in an organ-specific manner. Always follow label instructions carefully to fully reap the benefits of your supplement.

Final Thoughts

Despite increased scrutiny and restricted sales in many countries, there has been an increase in the popularity of glandular extract supplements in North America in recent years. 

If you’re looking for a quality glandular extract, look for one derived from animals free from diseases, raised in healthy environments, and not exposed to harmful chemicals or toxins. The animals must be ethically raised and comply with applicable regulations. Also, look for an extract produced under strict manufacturing guidelines, including adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP). This helps ensure the product is free from contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful substances. Third-party testing and certification are also important and provide additional assurance of safety and purity. A quality glandular extract should also mention standardization on the label, indicating that the product contains specific levels of active ingredients. Last but not least, a quality glandular supplement should be made via a gentle extraction method, such as freeze-drying or low-temperature processing, which helps preserve the integrity and bioactivity of the glandular components.

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