Yerba mate can be considered a fountain of nutrients as this traditional South American beverage contains practically all the vitamins necessary to sustain a healthy life. Yerba mate has become a popular choice in health food stores as it is a good source of not only vitamins but also minerals, and nutrients. Yerba mate contains vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B5, niacin (B3) as well as important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus.

The interesting fact about yerba mate is that it’s often considered a tea and an herbal product but, technically, yerba mate is neither a tea nor an herb. Though the plant is called yerba in Spanish and erva in Portuguese, (both mean herb in English), it is a tree and not an herbaceous plant. It is native to subtropical South America in northeastern Argentina, Bolivia, southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.It was first used and cultivated by the Guaraní people, and also in Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to the European colonization. The mate plant leaves contain caffeine and yerba mate beverages can promote a boost of energy. However, yerba mate is much more than an energy enhancer. Studies have shown that yerba mate can help regulate cholesterol levels, increasing HDL and reducing LDL. Researchers believe that drinking yerba mate infusions may also reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Yerba mate can be considered one of the healthiest plants as researchers have concluded that it’s difficult to find a plant which can match mate’s nutritional value. Mate is more nutritious than green tea and studies have shown that mate can edge all the commonly used stimulants such as coffee,green tea, kola nut, cocoa and guarana, as it delivers more energy and nutrition.

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	Mate Factor – Organic Yerba Mate Energizing Herb Tea Chai – 20 Tea Bags
	Wisdom of the Ancients – Instant Plain Yerba Mate Tea – 2.82 oz.
	Wisdom of the Ancients – Yerba Mate Royale Tea Bags – 25 Tea Bags

Maitake mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for many years and recent research continues to unveil and confirm its health benefits. Maitake mushrooms, (Grifola frondosa), is an edible mushroom consumed widely in Asia and originally used to treat diabetes and hypertension.

Today, a variety of supplements use Maitake mushrooms as an ingredient due to its ability to enhance the immune system, but the list of potential benefits continues to grow. Studies have shown that Maitake supplements may help to prevent and treat cancer and aid in HIV treatment. Beta 1.6-glucan, a protein bound polysaccharide, has been identified as the active constituent. Polysaccharides 1,3 and alpha glucan are also present. A large number of studies have been investigating Maitake’s anticancer potential with promising results.

In addition, Maitake extracts exhibited hypoglycemic effects in a few studies and preliminary data suggest that maitake may be useful in inducing ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Maitake demonstrated antitumor effects, enhanced bone marrow colony formation, reduced doxorubicin toxicity, and inhibited tumor metastasis in vitro. Maitake also enhanced interferon activity against bladder cancer cells and alleviated inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Maitake supplements can also help to regulate cholesterol and aid in weight loss.

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	Fungi Perfecti – Host Defense Maitake Cellular Support – 60 Vegetarian Capsules
	Eclectic Institute – Mycetobotanicals Maitake Fresh Mycelia – 1 oz. CLEARANCE PRICED
	Mushroom Wisdom – Grifron Maitake Mushroom Extract SX Fraction – 270 Tablets
	Planetary Herbals – Maitake Beta-Factor Dr. Nanba 163 mg. – 60 Tablets

A recent study shows promising results that turmeric may help prevent or treat cancer. Posted by Cancer Research UK, the findings show that turmeric’s main active ingredient, curcumin, could have anticancer properties.

A root from the ginger family, turmeric grows in many Asian countries and it has been used for many years in some herbal remedies. Also known as Indian saffron, jiang huang, haridra, and haldi, the turmeric spice is often used in Asian dishes and is the major ingredient of curry powder, and as a bright yellow food coloring agent.

In this particular study, a phase I clinical trial looked at giving curcumin to 25 patients with pre-cancerous changes in different organs. Research has also shown that there are low rates of certain types of cancer in countries where people eat curcumin at levels of about 100 to 200 mg a day over long periods of time.

A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells. A 2007 American study that combined curcumin with chemotherapy to treat bowel cancer cells in a laboratory showed that the combined treatment killed more cancer cells than the chemotherapy alone.

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	Source Naturals – Turmeric 1000 1000 mg. – 60 Tablets
	Kroeger Herbs – Turmeric 900 mg. – 100 Vegetarian Capsules
	NOW Foods – Curcumin 665 mg. – 60 Vegetarian Capsules
	Solaray – Turmeric Special Formula With Bromelain & Boswellia – 60 Capsules

Lucky Vitamin is happy to introduce a top quality brand of aloe vera products to our customers. Aloe Life.

Aloe Life is a pioneer in aloe vera juice products that has been creating supplements from this ancient herb in conjunction with other natural herbs, nutrients and emollients for many years. Aloe Life’ s extensive research, special processing, laboratory testing and a modern facility bring to the market products filled with essential life nutrients which increase energy and optimize health.

A family owned company, Aloe Life, began fourteen years ago. It’s well known that aloe vera can help improve health conditions naturally without major side effects. Aloe Life health products may help to treat your skin, hair, digestive system, solve constipation and gas, reduce heartburn, and build stamina and recovery. No other aloe vera product worldwide contain the quality, potency and freshness of Aloe Life aloe vera juice extract, tableted aloe vera or personal skin care products.

The secret is simple. Aloe Life uses the entire whole leaf of the plant, cold processed concentration 3:1, along with fresh juice not powdered reconstituted, with no water added, creating the strongest certified organic aloe vera product.

The Aloe Life juices contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides and much more. Research has shown that when aloe vera juice is taken with other nutrients the absorption increases even up to ten times greater. So, it is possible to not only optimize your own digestion of foods yet also any other vitamins or herbs you may take. All Aloe Life products are certified organic and pesticide and herbicide free, with no harmful chemicals sprayed on the aloe vera.

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	Aloe Life – Healthy & Slim Daily Greens Formula Powder – 10 oz.
	Aloe Life – Herbal Aloe Stomach Plus Formula – 32 oz.
	Aloe Life – Skin Gel Unscented – 4 oz.

Some people would like to try sexual enhancement products but the ingredients used in the majority of the most popular products can be a good reason to avoid them. Trying a natural sex enhancer can be a safe alternative choice. Avena sativa is a botanical extract that has traditionally been used to increase strength, mind, spirit and body. Avena sativa supplements have been known to provide sexual stimulating effect in men and women.

Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality have shown that avena sativa aids sexual arousal. The research subject was sexual dysfunction or dissatisfaction, ranging from impotence to a female lack of desire and inability to respond sexually. Participants took a 300mg capsule of Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, three days a week for six weeks, and men experienced increased sex drive, enhanced erections and more pleasure during sex when taking Avena sativa. Another study showed that men experienced a 22% increase in sexual response and women a 15% increase. Men experienced a 36% increase in frequency of orgasm and women a 29% increase. No adverse effects have been reported when avena sativa supplements are used.

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	Planetary Herbals – Avena Sativa Oat Complex for Men with Oat Straw Extract 480 mg. – 100 Tablets Formerly Planetary Formulas
	Action Labs – Avena Sativa Wild Oats Extract 1000 mg. – 2 oz. wtih Oat Straw Extract
	Futurebiotics – Hi Energy Multivitamin For Men – 60 Tablets with Oat Straw Extract
	Nature’s Answer – Oats (Avena Sativa) Fresh Green Milky Seed Organic Alcohol Extract – 1 oz. with Oat Straw Extract

If you are having problems falling asleep or getting a good night of sleep, drinking a cup of passion flower tea before going to bed may be helpful.

A recent study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy shows that passion flower tea can boost overall quality of sleep due to its possible sedative effects. Passion flower has been used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia for many years but more studies are needed to fully prove its benefits.

Participants were given a cup of passion flower tea for seven days and were subjected to sleep studies. All volunteers completed anxiety and sleep surveys and some participants underwent overnight PSG, a diagnostic test that record biophysiological changes that occur during sleep.

Researchers reported that sleep quality showed a significant better ratio for the passion flower users and were confident the tea can provide short term sleep benefits in healthy adults. Passion flower supplements and teas are generally safe to be taken and can promote overall relaxation as well.

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	Herb Pharm – Passionflower Extract – 1 oz.
	Nature’s Answer – Passion Flower Herb Alcohol Free – 1 oz.
	Solaray – Passion Flower 350 mg. – 100 Capsules

Triphala is a very popular herb worldwide but some people are still discovering the amazing benefits of this Ayurvedic herbal formulation. Triphala is a combination consisting of equal parts of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). This incredible herb has been used medicinally for hundreds of years in India as well as some other countries in South Asia.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is used for immune system stimulation, improvement of digestion, relief of constipation, gastrointestinal tract cleansing, and relief of gas, as well as treatment of diabetes and treatment of eye disease.

Studies performed since 2000 suggest that Triphala may be antioxidant, antimutagenic, antineoplastic, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and chemopreventive. Furthermore, a recent report reviews the evidence of Triphala for treating and preventing cancer.

Triphala’s historical use as a digestive cleanser has been backed up with numerous modern scientific studies. The components of this herb have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and its potent antioxidant capacity can protect cells against damaging effects of free radicals. Internal cleansing is important for overall health because it helps to improve digestion, reducing conditions of stagnation and excess, as well as increasing assimilation of nutrients.

Triphala supplements represent the perfect balance of Ayurvedic tradition and modern science. It used to take days, sometimes weeks, for herbalists to come up with the same formula now available inside the capsules of most Triphala supplements. In addition, regular supplementation of Triphala is generally more efficient due to the combined activity of the individual components in the human system.

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	NOW Foods – Triphala 500 mg. – 120 Tablets
	Solaray – Ayurvedic Herbs Triphala 500 mg. – 90 Capsules

If you are looking for an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment to battle cold and flu, elderberry supplements can be an excellent choice this winter. Studies have shown that elderberry extract has been efficiently used to prevent and treat influenza A and B virus infections.

Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and it has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. Many elderberry supplements have been top selling items in health food stores, particularly oral black elderberry syrup, highly rated for its efficacy and safety. However, beware of eating elderberries raw. Raw elderberries contain a chemical similar to cyanide.

Sambucol, a formulation of black elderberry syrup, has the ability to help people get through cold and flu. Many users have reported that elderberry was able to minimize flu severity and shorten illness when taken as soon as flu symptoms appeared. Elderberry contains antioxidants called flavonoids which can stimulate the immune system, as well as a compound called anthocyanins which contain an anti-inflammatory effect. A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research shows that the majority of flu patients given Sambucol were completely symptom-free after just two days of taking the supplement. Moreover, elderberry syrup products can be given to children with no side effects or negative interactions.

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	Nature’s Answer – Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract Spray – 2 oz.
	Nature’s Way – Sambucus Immune System Bio-Certified Elderberry, Echinacea, Zinc, Propolis & Vitamin C Lozenges – 30 Lozenges
	Nature’s Way – Sambucus For Kids Bio-Certified Elderberry, Echinacea, & Propolis Syrup Berry Flavored – 4 oz.
	Nature’s Answer – Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract Immune Support – 4 oz.

Marshmallow root has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. The botanical name of marshmallow root is althea officinalis. This perennial plant has pink flowers, which generally blooms in the fall months and are used to make expectorant syrups.

Also known as common marshmallow, mallow, and white mallow, marshmallow root is native to Europe but has been brought to America recently as a plant for medicinal uses. Marshmallow root has a long history as an herbal remedy for cough, sore throat and other respiratory problems such as bronchitis and whooping cough, due to the large amounts of mucilage found in the flower as well as the root.

Medicinal used has also been recommended for diarrhea, indigestion, along with chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastro esophageal reflux disease. This herb has shown to be helpful in almost all problems related to inflammation of the digestive tract, including peptic ulcers, hiatus hernias, mouth ulcers, enteritis and colitis.

Additionally, weight loss has been promoted when taking marshmallow root supplements because it swells when mixed with fluid, prompting the stomach to have a feeling of more fullness.

Lastly, external uses have shown to be very effective as well as marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory activity on the human tissue. Personal care products containing this herb could be helpful in treating cuts, scrapes, and other wounds, as well as a remedy for eczema, psoriasis and pinkeye.

Supplements are the best way to take marshmallow root, available in tablets, capsules and in liquid extract form.

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	Herb Pharm – Marshmallow Extract – 1 oz.
	Nature’s Answer – Marshmallow Root Organic Alcohol – 1 oz.

Echinacea supplements can prevent colds and is of most benefit to people who are prone to them, according to the largest ever clinical study of the herbal medicine. Researchers of the Cardiff University found that taking three daily doses of the common herbal remedy for four months reduced the number of colds. The duration of the illness suffered by patients also went down by an average of 26 per cent. According to the results of tests on 750 people, the treatment also cut the number of recurrent colds suffered by those with weak immune systems or a history of catching several bouts each year by 60 per cent.

Echinacea is extracted from the Eastern Purple Coneflower, which is found in North America, and has long been used as an herbal remedy for the common cold. Several previous studies, including an overview of evidence by the highly respected Cochrane Library, had suggested that Echinacea could soothe symptoms and cut colds short, but there was only limited evidence it could prevent the illness from ever taking hold. However, this new study suggests that taking Echinaforce, a common form of the herb extract, could not only reduce the risk of colds but reduce the amount of paracetamol patients took while ill.

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	Bioforce USA A.Vogel – Echinaforce Tabs – 120 Tablets
	Gaia Herbs – Gaia Kids Echinacea Supreme 30ml – 1 oz. Formerly Kids-Echinacea For Children
	Good ‘N Natural – Echinacea & Goldenseal 450 mg. – 100 Capsules Formerly Plus

A recent study shows that treatment from kudzu root may be helpful in reducing alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers. The study by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School researchers found that an extract of the Chinese herb kudzu can dramatically reduce drinking and may be useful in the treatment of alcoholism and curbing binge drinking.

“Our study is further evidence that components found in kudzu root can reduce alcohol consumption and do so without adverse side effects,” said David Penetar, PhD, of the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McLean Hospital.

Other studies have shown that kudzu root (pueraria lobata) also leads to significantly reduced alcohol consumption. Since kudzu root reduces the amount of alcohol consumed it may be effective as hangover prevention. However, kudzu root is not effective as a hangover cure when taken the morning after drinking. The traditional Chinese cure for hangover is kudzu flower (pueraria flos).

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	Good ‘N Natural – Kudzu Extract 1000 mg. – 60 Tablets
	Nature’s Herbs – Kudzu Extract 100 mg. – 60 Capsules

A recent study indicates that rhodiola extract may provide rapid and progressive relief of stress symptoms. The purpose of this open-label, multicenter study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the rhodiola extract in individuals with life-stress symptoms. Symptoms of stress, such as irritability, anxiety, impaired concentration, fatigue, or exhaustion, are common in modern society.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a botanical that has been used as an adaptogen, apparently increasing mental and bodily resistance to stress, depression, exhaustion, and fatigue. For this study, ambulatory subjects aged 30-60 years with life-stress symptoms were recruited at 13 centers in the United Kingdom. All subjects were treated with 200 mg of rhodiola extract twice daily for four weeks. There were significant improvements after 3 days of treatment, which continued to improve after one week of treatment and continued further after 4 weeks of treatment. The authors conclude that the tested dose of rhodiola extract was efficacious, safe, showed a consistent and steady improvement, and generally well tolerated in subjects with life-stress symptoms.

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	NOW Foods – Rhodiola 3% Extract 500 mg. – 60 Vegetarian Capsules
	Nature’s Answer – Rhodiola Root Alcohol Free – 1 oz.

A recent clinical study shows that turkey tail mushroom extract may enhance immune response in women with breast cancer. The multiyear study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in the ISRN Oncology Journal, tracked whether or not turkey tails could positively affect the immune system of patients rebound after they ended their radiation therapy.

The results suggest that turkey tail mushrooms are an effective adjunct to conventional chemotherapeutic medicines and radiation therapy. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Bastyr University Research Institute hypothesized that breast cancer patients’ health can be improved after radiation treatment if natural killer cells, which protect us from tumors and viruses, counts increased quickly to attack remaining cancerous cells.

Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a colorful mushroom which grows on dead trees and logs around the world. These wild mushrooms have been used to treat various maladies for hundreds of years in Asia, and Europe and have been studied by many researchers to enhance the immune system.

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A recent 12-month study shows that curcuminoid extract may help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The research was conducted at the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center of Srinakharinwirot University in Nakornnayok, Thailand. Persons aged 35 years and older with prediabetes, as defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, were included. Standard lifestyle recommendations were provided, and all subjects were counseled on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Used as a supplement for many years, curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric and has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. For this study, the curcuminoid extract was prepared by extracting dried, powdered turmeric with ethanol and removing the oleoresin. Each curcumin capsule contained 250 mg curcuminoids. These authors report that the ethanol-extracted curcuminoids used in this study substantially and significantly prevented T2DM development in subjects with prediabetes.

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	Thorne Research – Meriva-500 Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg. – 120 Vegetarian Capsules
	Jarrow Formulas – Curcumin 95 500 mg. – 120 Capsules
	Vibrant Health – Maximized Turmeric Curcuminoids 1000 mg. – 60 Tablets

Many people are starting to go back to the old roots (pun intended) in search of a more natural way of life. They cannot be helped, since the medications and treatment modalities of today are largely based on the artificial. Herbal medicine, of course, forms a huge part of the alternate choices that are available to us. Mullein is one of the herbs that has a myriad of benefits. What’s good to know is that the herb grows almost anywhere during this current season. Its benefits include astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, to name a few. Learn more on its preparation and what conditions can be helped with the herb from GloryLennon’snaturalremediesarticle.

Source: http://www.self-reliance-works.com/2012/08/benefits-of-herbal-medicine-mullein/

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	Planetary Herbals – Mullein Lung Complex 850 mg. – 15 Tablets
	Flower Essence Services – Mullein Flower Essence – 0.25 oz. CLEARANCE PRICED
	Herb Pharm – Mullein Extract – 1 oz.
	Gaia Herbs – Ear Oil with Mullein and Saint John’s Wort – 1 oz. CLEARANCE PRICED