Monday, December 23, 2013

The Many Health Benefits of Triphala, a Traditional Herbal Remedy and Weight Loss Aid

Triphala Capsules
Triphala is a traditional herbal remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.  It is the mixture of three dried and powdered fruits - amla, myrobalan and belleric myrobalan which are medicinal plants. Triphala has been taken for centuries in India for a wide range of health benefits:

  • Digestion - Triphala helps in digestion by stimulating the mucosal lining of the stomach and the intestinal tract.Due to this it effectively relieves constipation and can be used to regulate the proper functioning of the stomach and colon.It also helps in the cleansing of the bowels and is one of the best body detoxifiers.
  • Acts as an appetizer - This is due to the ability to help in the proper digestion of food.
  • Flatulence - It helps in dissolving toxic acids in the stomach and is therefore given to people with acidity, hyper acidity or acid influx.
  • Gout - Has anti-inflammatory properties which help in curing or lessening the effects of gout.
  • Assists in weight loss -This is due to the component amla which is known to break up the accumulation of fat in the body.
  • Boosts the immune system - Triphala contains antioxidants which boost immunity and help fight bacteria that cause diseases.
  • Reduction of blood pressure - Triphala has spasm releasing properties that helps in the reduction of high blood pressure and as a result aids easy flow of blood through arteries.It reduces plaque formation in the arteries and therefore reduces the risk of heart related problems.
  • Cholesterol - Maintains the right cholesterol balance by promoting good cholesterol and inhibiting bad cholesterol in the body.
  • Alleviates anemia - It helps in the production of red blood cells and aids in anemic situations.
  • Rejuvenates tissue - Helps rejuvenate tissue as well as nourish tissue in the body.
  • Respiratory system benefits - It increases immunity in the body and as a result helps to counter allergies.Has mucolytic actions and assists in expelling excess mucus that can accumulate and cause infections.
  • Benefits to the eyes - Increases vision and is a powerful eye tonic for curing eye related problems.
  • Headache relief - Recommended in chronic and acute headaches and even migraine due to the anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Fights fatigue - Triphala fights fatigue by eradicating the lactic acid that is formed in the body.
  • Urinary tract benefits - It helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections including dysuria where there is painful urination.
  • Skin benefits - It can be used as a skin tonic and for various skin ailments due to it's antioxidant properties. It also prevents signs of aging like wrinkles and premature graying of the hair.
  • Benefits on the liver - Stimulates the liver to function optimally and helps in the secretion of bile juices.It is also a blood purifier.
Triphala is typically taken in a powdered form, frequently in a tea.  It does however, have a very strong taste which many in the West find objectionable.  For those wanting the health benefits of this ancient remedy but want to avoid the taste, Triphala is available in capsule form which can be swallowed easily with water.  It is a very inexpensive dietary supplement which is widely available from online retailers like Amazon.

If you are interested in giving Triphala a try for yourself, be sure to find a product manufactured and tested in the USA in an FDA inspected facility.  Some foreign forms of the herbal mixture have been found to contain additional harmful elements due to poor quality control.

Friday, December 20, 2013

The Health Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a natural herb mostly found in China, India and North America. Its active ingredients are: tribulosin, harmine, kaempferol 3-glucoside and kaemoferol.  Its major active compounds are known as steroidal saponins; which are of two distinct types: spirostanol glycosides and furostanol glycosides which are found in the plant’s leaves.  In different regions of the world, the leaves are used as a dietary supplement for a variety of health benefits:
  • Erectile Dysfunction - Tribulus Terrestris  is used to heighten sexual behavior as well as increasing intracavernous pressure due to its effect in increasing testosterone hormone. It has the ability to relax the smooth muscles and this increases the rate at which blood flows to the genitals. It is also used in the treatment of impotence and low libido in men. 
  • Increased Exercise Performance - Due to its effect on testosterone levels, Tribulus Terrestris  is very efficient for increasing endurance and strengthening body muscles. It works against fatigue and lack of energy and hence it’s highly recommended for athletes and those involved in high amounts of physical activity.
  • Liver Tonic Functions - Tribulus Terrestris has an efficient effect on liver as it aids in the regulation of hormones and accelerates the rate of conversion of fats into energy.
  • Boosting Luteinizing Hormone - By increasing levels of this hormone, Tribulus Terrestris provides the body with the materials to produce testosterone, which in turn increases libido and natural fertility.
  • Antioxidant - Due to its ability to show anti-tumor and anti-microbial properties, Tribulus Terrestris is taken to lower cholesterol levels in the body.
  • Angina Pectoris - A recent study has shown that Tribulus Terrestris  can minimize the attacks of Angina pectoris.
  • Boosting the circulation system - By helping to lower cholesterol levels, Tribulus Terrestris is believed to increase the ability of the heart to pump blood to other body parts and hence nutrients and oxygen are supplied efficiently. 
  • Increasing Body Mass -  Because of its potential capability to trigger increased production of testosterone hormone, the testosterone produced increases the body mass as well as promoting nitrogen balance.
  • Improving Sperm Motility - Sperm motility is the sperm’s ability to penetrate an ovum. Tribulus terrestris is very effective in the restoration of acrosome reactions and motility.
  • Reduce Stress, Nervousness and Insomnia -  Tribulus terrestris promotes: good mood, balances the nervous system especially when combined with other related supplements, combats stress, and promotes deeper sleep as well as improving recovery from sports during sleep.
People from all over the world take Tribulus Terrestris primarily for hormonal balancing or sex drive enhancement.  Furthermore, body builders frequently take it to maintain testosterone and estrogen levels and for increasing their body mass.

Given the potential health benefits it may be time for you to give Tribulus Terrestris a try.  The supplement is fairly inexpensive and readily available from online retailers like Amazon.