saw palmetto : an herbal extract that typically contains 95% free fatty acids as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic and for prostate disorders.

schisandra : an herbal extract that typically contains 9% schisandrins as active components; historically used as an antioxidant.

senna : an herbal extract that typically contains 5% sennosides as active components; historically used as a potent cathartic.

Shiitake mushroom : a mushroom or extract that typically contains 3.2% KS-2 polysaccharides as active components; historically used as an immunostimulant.

Siberian ginseng : this herb is a member of the ginseng family, Araliaceae, like Panax ginseng, but has a different action than Panax. Panax is considered a digestive and "chi" tonic, and Siberian ginseng is considered the "best of the adaptogens". Panax is also warmer and more stimulating than Eleuthero. Panax is not traditionally recommended to be taken by young people (under 40) for long periods (more than a week or two), because it may be too stimulating, but it is a wonderful warming tonic for older people and can be taken on a regular basis. Eleuthero, on the other hand, can be taken regularly by both men and women of all ages. It is by far the best studied in this class of herbs, with the Russians leading the way in research. Twenty million Russian workers take "Eleuthero" (as it is also called) every day : the treatments are sponsored by the government. In studies with thousands of people, eleuthero preparations, when taken consistently, decrease sick days, increase productivity and learning, and combat fatigue. It modulates stress hormones through the 'pituitary-adrenal' axis, helping the body to adapt to non-specific stress and supporting adrenal function. It is good for blood-sugar regulation, jet-lag, chronic tiredness, increased endurance, and whenever a person is under stress. An herbal extract that typically contains 0.8% eleutherosides as active components; historically used as an adaptogen. See ginseng.

St. John's wort : this common European and American weedy plant shows great promise as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent. It has long been used as a remedy for mild depression. St. John's wort is excellent for repairing nerve damage and reducing pain and inflammation. An herbal extract that typically contains 0.3-0.5% hypericin as active components; historically used as an antidepressant.

suma root : an herbal extract that typically contains 5% beta-ecdysterone as active components; historically used as an adaptogen.

turmeric : an spice and herbal extract that typically contains 95% curcumin as active components; historically used as an anti-inflammatory.

usnea : known as the herbal antibiotic. In the laboratory, this common lichen has shown powerful inhibitory activity against strep, staph, and pneumonia infections. It is also good for urinary tract infections, respiratory ailments, and colds.

uva ursi : an herbal extract that typically contains 20-25% arbutin as active components; historically used as an astringent and urinary antiseptic.

valerian : the root is used primarily for sleeplessness, restlessness, anxiety, or tension : especially in the body (as opposed to passion flower, which relaxes the mental and emotional processes). There are scientific studies which show it helps one fall asleep faster, by lessening the time spent trying to get comfortable and tossing and turning. It was long used for hysteria and any emotional upsets. Valerian is best when fresh or freshly-dried. Useful for horses by relieving nervous tension on a short term basis and to relieve nervousness during an episode of colic. An herbal extract that typically contains 1% valerenic acid as active components; historically used as a sedative.

vitex : one of the best known women's herbs, it was recommended by Hippocrates (450 B.C.) for the same purposes as today: menstrual imbalances, hormonal difficulties (PMS, menopause), and to bring on mother's milk. Also used in larger amounts to remove uterine fibroids.

wild Mexican yam : an herbal extract that typically contains 10% diosgenin as active components; historically used as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and is a natural precursor to DHEA. It is commonly incorrectly thought that estrogen can be obtained from wild Mexican yam.

wild oats : a tonifying nervine and sedative herb that is well-known for its anti-addictive effects. It strengthens the nerves and is good for insomnia due to mental exhaustion.

willow bark : an herbal extract that typically contains 7-9% salicin as active components; historically used as an analgesic and antiseptic.

yucca : an herb recommended for it's anti-inflammatory abilities. It is useful in horses suffering from stiffness and swelling.

zhi shi : the dark green immature fruit of the bitter orange plant. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used as a digestive aid helping to break up stagnant qi (vital energy) and move it downward in the body. It works through the spleen/stomach meridian to relieve nausea, indigestion with gas, and intestinal sluggishness. Key active constituents include synephrine and N-methyltyramine that have been shown in pharmacological studies to have some adrenergic activity. These compounds, structurally similar to ephedrine, have the ability to stimulate some of the body's adrenoreceptors. Somewhat calming though, zhi shi does not have the negative central nervous effects of ma huang.