5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia) Seed Extract

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an extract of Griffonia simplicifolia seeds from coastal West Africa. It has been used clinically for more than 30 years for its ability to increase production of serotonin, which is very important to all of the body’s systems. Serotonin deficiency has been implicated in mood disorders, appetite control, premenstrual syndrome, autism, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, appetite control, the pain phase of migraine, and other conditions and disorders.

Some serotonin is converted by our pineal gland into melatonin, the hormone that controls our sleep cycle. Thus, serotonin deficiency is also linked to insomnia and other sleep disorders. According to medical journals and reviews it is proven that 5-HTP helps improve moods of depressed patients and may aid in weight loss, improve sleep patterns and help panic attacks.

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Bitter orange is used in herbal medicine as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. Bitter orange contains synephrine, a substance similar to ephedrine, which acts on the α1 adrenergic receptor to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure and heart rate. This ingredient is known to raise energy levels, promote weight loss and increase metabolism. Until more studies are conducted on the safety, pharmacology and efficacy of Citrus aurantium as a thermogenic supplement, it should be treated as an ingredient with mild stimulant properties and should be avoided by individuals with cardiovascular concerns such as hypertension.

Damiana can be found throughout Mexico and Central America. Since ancient times the indigenous peoples of this region have used the bittersweet leaves of Damiana as an aphrodisiac. Mexican women found that a cup of Damiana tea taken one or two hours before intercourse helped to immerse them in the act. It is also used to relieve women’s headaches and menstrual problems.

Echinacea is a medicinal herb, used for stimulating the body's immune system and warding off colds, flu, and other infections. Echinacea is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat sore throats due to colds. Echinacea purpurea provides enhanced nutritional support for healthy immune system functioning as well as antibiotic and anti-fungal action. It prevents and relieves symptoms of the cold and flu, as well as limits the duration and severity of sore throats and eye and ear infections. Echinacea purpurea also helps reduce the symptoms of some allergies and promotes the healing of skin wounds and inflammatory conditions, such as canker sores, cuts, scrapes, boils, abscesses and eczema. The medicinal properties of this popular herb were originally discovered by the Native American Indians many years ago. The two most potent species of this plant include Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea Purpurea. More info

Kava Kava has been widely used for over 3,000 years by native South Pacific Islanders. The roots are made into a beverage that the Polynesians drink ritually over the course of several hours, typically in the evening together with friends. They enjoy its sedative and euphoric qualities and feel warm emotions toward those involved in the ritual.

Kava Kava is becoming increasingly popular in the western world as an antianxiety and antidepressant drug and sleep aid. Further it can help to treat back pain, menstrual conditions, muscle cramps and tension headache. After using Kava Kava you may feel a relaxing and calming feeling, less irritable, less tense and less nervous.
Caution: Avoid excessive dosage since narcotic effects can occur. Kava Kava should not be taken simultaneously with central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or anti-psychotics. It should not be used in patients with depression or during pregnancy or lactation. Additionally, it should not be used for more than three months continuously without medical advice. More info

Noni, the fruit from the Indian mulberry plant, has been used for centuries in folk remedies by Polynesians. Due to its content of various nutrients, Noni is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, to increase energy health and wellness and to allow greater physical performance levels. It is said to support the immune system’s natural ability to fight disease and infection, and to contain superior antioxidants that help rid the body of harmful free radicals.

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Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is indigenous to many tropical and semi-tropical areas - from South America to North America. It is a native American folk remedy and natural sedative used to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Passion fruit is enjoyed by all rainforest inhabitants - humans and animals alike. Indigenous tribes throughout the Amazon have long used passionflower leaves for its sedative and pain-relieving properties.

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Salvia divinorum is a sacred plant of the Mazateca Indians of Mexico. They chew the fresh leaves or smoke the dried leaves to induce divinatory visions. More info

Native Americans used the fruit for food, but also as a general tonic and in the treatment of a variety of urinary and genital problems. For at least 200 years the European colonists learned of the use of Saw Palmetto for various conditions including asthenia (weakness) and recovery from major illness.

In modern times, much research has been done on extract made from the fruits, which are highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols. Many men above the age of 50 may find supplementing with Saw Palmetto can be beneficial for prostate health. It is reported that Saw Palmetto acts to tone and strengthen the male reproductive system and may be used with safety where a boost to the male sex hormones is required. More info

Stevia is the sweetest herb on earth, 10 times sweeter tasting than sugar, For centuries, the Guaraní tribes of Paraguay and Brazil used Stevia as a sweetener in their national drink Yerba Mate and in medicinal teas for treating heartburn, type II diabetes and other ailments. Stevia has no calories and is widely used in food products, soft drinks and teas. Stevia sweeteners have been produced commercially in Japan for over thirty years with no reported or known harmful effects. Japan currently consumes more Stevia than any other country; it accounts for 40% of the sweetener market.

Tongkat ali is one of the most expensive herbals around, for a good reason. Tongkat ali roots take some 20 years to reach a stage of full potency. Research has shown that Eurycoma Longifolia contains several phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that increase the level of testosterone the sex hormone required for male sexual functions, It is also required in the development of the sexual organ and the brain. Testosterone is not just a sexual stimulant for men. Women also produce testosterone, though in much smaller amount. This vital hormone also fans sexual desire in women. Thus, women can also consume Tongkat Ali root.

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Wild Dagga is a medicinal plant from South Africa, where Bushmen and Hottentots tribes used it for a wide range of complaints. A tea of the dried leaves is said to be calming and taken to treat headache, bronchitis, high blood pressure and the common cold. The resinous flowering tops and leaves from this plant are smoked for euphoric effects.

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Yerba Santa is an aromatic, sticky evergreen shrub, found in the western USA in dry, rocky, mountainous areas. It has antispasmodic, expectorant, febrifuge and tonic properties. It is regarded valuable for colds, bronchitis and other lung problems. American Indians smoked or chewed the leaves as a cure for asthma, as a tea for colds and for a mouthwash preparation. It is also used for reducing fever.