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Caffeine: Caffeine is a mentholated xanthine.
Caffeine is a very effective central nervous system
stimulant, overcoming fatigue and sleepiness as well as increasing alertness.
Prolonged use can lead to chronic insomnia and overdose will cause insomnia,
agitation and tremours. Caffeine also increases
the heart rate and raises metabolism as well as raising blood pressure. Caffeine
is sometimes effective against migraines.
Caffeine is habit forming and in addicts withdrawal can cause severe headaches. |
Tannins: Tannins are the largest group of polyphenols found
widely in bark, wood, leaves and even some fruit. Widely used to tan animal
hides in the leather production industry this constituent is an Astringent,
works against inflammation in mucus membranes and other skin conditions,
prevents bleeding of small wounds as well as uterine bleeding and is effective
against diarrhoea and dysentery. Tannins should be used with care as they
tend to inhibit the absorption of other nutrients and substances therefore
reducing the efficacy of other medicinal compounds in the medication. |
Resins: Brittle, often transparent substances secreted by plants
in response to damage to the plant. Insoluble in water but soluble in
alcohol and non volatile oils, Resins are used in incense because of the high
amount of smoke accompanied when burning them. Unless the resin is broken up
further into various constituents it is difficult to asses the value or
properties of a particular resin. |
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Polyphenols - Flavonoids: Affecting the cardiovascular system
flavonoids protect against environmental stress and pollution. Based on studies
a correlation was found with improved cardiovascular function. A similar study
found the same trend in respect of strokes. general effects of flavenoids:
antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive while specific
actions are membrane strengthening and antioxidant.
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Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. |
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Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. |
Vitamin C:
A water soluble white crystalline vitamin.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is best known
for its infection fighting properties (popular as a remedy for flu's and colds)
but it plays two other vital roles in the body: it is crucial in the formation
of collagen (the protein that is responsible for strong joints and bones as well
as a healthy skin) and it plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that
protects the body from free radicals. It is used by many to improve fertility as
it is believed to protect genetic substances due to its antioxidant properties
and improves sperm health quality and production.
Natural sources of vitamin c is most
berries, tomatoes, citrus fruit and fresh green leafy vegetables.
Collagen: Not a constituent of a plant or
other natural remedy this substance is so essential to the body that it warrants
description.
Collagen is a fibrous protein that forms the fibers of
skin, tendons ligaments and bones. This fibrous "mat" or collage is responsible
for the strength of teeth and bones, strength of cell walls and the underlying
structural make-up of the skin. Collagen makes up almost a third of all protein
in the body.
With age (assisted by sun-damage) the collagen fibers in
the skin become rigid and the body gradually loses its ability to repair or
rejuvenate these collagen fibers (as a result of a weakening, hardening or even
breakdown of the very fine capillaries that feed the skin). |
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