Estafiate is common throughout the continental United States and Canada and is a member of the same plant family as sunflowers and dandelions (Asteraceae) although it has very small inconspicuous flowers and somewhat fuzzy gray-white leaves and stems. It is also known as sacred sage, South Dakota sage, man sage, silver wormwood and prairie sage (English).
Plants of this genus (Artemisia) are often mistakenly referred to as “sages,” but members of the genus are not actually sage; they just look gray and fuzzy like true sage, which is in the family of Laminaceae and the genus of Salvia. At this point, the name “sage” is so commonly given to many plants in this genus that almost everyone uses it to describe this plant. Native people of the American plains know it as sacred sage, and it is a very important plant used in many ceremonies.
Like most of the Artemisia genus, estafiate is intensely bitter, which makes it an excellent bitter tonic. Bitter herbs stimulate the digestive system by improving appetite, increasing the production of digestive enzymes and bile, and strengthening the muscular response of the intestine called peristalsis. Bitters are used around the world for tummy aches and indigestion; in fact, you will find a bottle of herbal bitters on the tables of many European restaurants.
Like its cousin chamiso (Artemisia tridentata), estafiate is rich in aromatic volatile compounds that increase the secretion of moisture in the lungs to effectively address thick mucus in lung infections. Thick mucus makes coughing difficult and increases the risk of bacterial infections. The volatile oils in estafiate also alleviate menstrual cramping and stimulate a tardy menstrual period. Estafiate contains artemisin and santonin, which irritate and cause small intestinal parasitic worms such as pinworms and other roundworms to be expelled.
Collect estafiate by cutting with a scissors or pinching the plant near the base and leaving a pair of healthy leaves so the plant can continue to support the root system. Bundle them with a rubber band. Allow them to hang and dry in a cool shady place with good airflow. When dry, use 1 teaspoon of the leaves per cup of water and steep for 15 minutes.
For digestion, slowly sip ¼ cup 15 minutes before meals. For a cough, drink three to five cups a day. For menstrual cramps or a tardy period, drink two cups a day.
Consult your health care practitioner about the use of herbs or supplements, especially if you are pregnant, taking prescription medication or administering herbs to children.
The health benefits of vitamins include their ability to prevent and treat various diseases including heart problems, high cholesterol levels, eye disorders, and skin disorders. Most vitamins also facilitate many of the body’s mechanisms and perform functions which are not performed by any other nutrients. Click on any of the vitamins below to find out more about its health benefits.
Vitamins can be consumed in a variety of ways. Most common vitamins are acquired through the foods we eat, but depending on your cultural or cuisine traditions, it is possible to be low in some natural vitamin intake. Therefore, the nutrition industry has made supplements available that can boost the vitamin content in your body. A multivitamin is often considered one of the best options for improving the overall balance of your body, particularly if you have a job or a lifestyle that frequently causes you to miss meals, eat at strange times, or eat the same food very often.
Vitamin A or Retinol is useful in treating eye disorders, acne, skin disorders, and infections, as well as speeding up the healing process of wounds. It is also good for preventing macular degeneration and cataracts, and as a carotenoid, it also helps improve the health of your hair.
Vegetables4
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine can prevent beriberi, heart diseases, and indigestion, while boosting the body’s metabolism, blood circulation, and brain development. Positive connections with B1, as well as with B2 and B3, have made these essential for elderly patients who need extra nourishment or those who are at a high risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin helps to treat cataracts, skin disorders, and anemia, while also improving the body’s metabolic activity, immunity, and nervous system.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin can reduce weakness, indigestion, skin disorders, migraines, heart disorders, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and diarrhea.
Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid can relieve stress, arthritis, various infections, skin disorders, greying of the hair, and high cholesterol.
Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxamine is useful in the treatment of diabetes, piles, convulsions, excessive menstrual bleeding, stress, insomnia, morning sickness, and travel sickness. It is also associated with reducing homocysteine levels in the body.
Vitamin B7 or Biotin can treat skin disorders, improve the body’s metabolism, and boost hair care.
Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid is a very powerful too against anemia, indigestion, sprue, abnormal brain growth, skin disorders, and gout, while increasing red blood cell formation. It is mainly associated with neural tube defects, and is increasingly studied in relation to inhibiting homocysteine levels and thereby protecting against coronary heart disease.
Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin can reduce symptoms and side effects of anemia, smoking, pregnancy, liver disorders, kidney disorders, and mouth ulcers. When combined with adequate amounts of B6 and folic acid, B12 is essential in defending against various heart conditions, including strokes.
vitaminsinfoVitamin C or Ascorbic Acid works to treat various eye disorders, cancer, scurvy, the common cold, infections, diabetes, stress, high blood cholesterol, heart diseases, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, internal bleeding, piles, corneal ulcers, inflammations, and lead poisoning,
while also boosting the immune system. In recent years, it has also been associated with a prevention of cognitive decline and cerebrovascular disease. It is one of the most powerful and essential antioxidants that we have in our body.
Vitamin D treats rickets, arthritis, tooth decay, and diabetes. It is also very beneficial for bone repair, immunity, and blood pressure. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis and has been positively linked to preventing a variety of different cancers and multiple sclerosis in patients already suffering from osteoarthritis.
Vitamin E or Tocopherol is often used for its anti-aging properties, and as a way to boost skin care, and protect against heart diseases, sterility, brain malfunction, menopause, painful menstrual cycles, and eye disorders, as well as improving blood circulation,
Vitamin K is a very important vitamin to prevent internal bleeding, biliary obstruction, osteoporosis, excessive menstrual flow, and menstrual pain, including an ability to improve blood clotting. It is also linked to bone metabolism, preventing of atherosclerosis, improved nerve signalling, and kidney stones.
Saw palmetto, glucosamine, co-enzyme Q10 these are the Brad and Jen and Angelina of the natural health world, adored by millions, hounded by the press, and nearly ubiquitous. But for every supplement that makes it big, there are others waiting in the wings that are just as talented and worthy of attention. We turned some of the country's top experts into our talent scouts, getting a sneak peek at the products they're recommending to their patients or using themselves. Heres their hot list of six impressive performers that may help you prevent disease and maintain a healthy, energetic lifestyle. You'll give two thumbs-up to all six of these rising stars.
DETOXIFIER — SELENIUM
POWER BENEFIT: Essential for proper immune function; may reduce the risk of certain cancers; helps rid the body of free radicals.
THE SCIENCE: While some people have already crossed paths with selenium, few know how critical it is to overall health, or how agricultural and processing practices degrade food sources of this essential trace mineral. A powerful antioxidant, selenium works especially well with vitamin E to fight damaging free radicals. Its vital for the immune system, boosting the body's defenses against bacteria and viruses, and it may reduce cancer risk, particularly in the prostate, colon, and lungs. The National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring a study on whether supplementing with selenium and vitamin E can help prevent or delay prostate cancer.
Selenium is found in meat, wheat germ, nuts (particularly Brazil nuts), eggs, oats, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice. But modern farming practices have depleted the soil, so many people don't get sufficient selenium from their diets anymore, says Tanya Edwards, M.D., medical director for the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Refining and processing also reduce selenium levels, which is why eating whole, unprocessed, organic food is the best way to obtain the nutrient.
Since this isn't always possible, Edwards recommends supplementing with selenium, which can be found by itself or in multivitamins. Taking selenium is particularly recommended for people with certain digestive conditions, such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.
There are many questions when it comes to supplementing iron. It is important to know what the options are, how much is necessary, and how to take it. There are many benefits to taking iron, but there are also many side effects. Interesting discoveries are being made every day on more ways that iron supplements can be used and ways to lessen the side effects.
Iron in the Body
There have been many studies on the use of iron supplements for a variety of health issues. Many of the uses are still debated and the studies are contradictory. However, recent clinical studies are promising in regards to the effects of iron aiding with issues like learning problems, ADHD, heart failure, cough caused by ACE inhibitors, and fatigue. Studies are also still pending on the effects of supplementing iron to help with athletic performance, canker sores, Chrone's disease, depression, female infertility, heavy periods and restless leg syndrome, but the results have been inconclusive at best.
Iron is essential to the proper function of the human body. As with any supplement, it must be used with care and kept safely away from children. It is best to consult with a physician to find the proper amount needed, the best form for supplementing and the most efficient way of taking it for the individual.
How Much Iron Is Enough?
Iron is a mineral that is necessary to form red blood cells that carry oxygen through our bodies. Low iron levels can make you feel tired, forgetful and even cause shortness of breath. Many people, especially vegetarians, vegans and menstruating women, can struggle to get enough iron through the foods that they eat. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) varies depending on age, gender, and situation.
Reasons for Iron Deficiency
There are many different reasons that a person might have an iron deficiency. They include anemia, pregnancy, heavy menstrual cycles, kidney disease, chemotherapy and frequent blood donations. Diet is also an important factor in the amount of iron that a person has. Strict vegetarians may need to take supplements more often than non-vegetarians since they do not consume the best source of iron- red meat.
The Various Forms Of Iron Supplements
There are two ways to take iron supplements- orally and receiving injections. Injections are given either intravenously or intramuscularly. Iron taken orally comes in pill or liquid form. Liquid iron (ferrous) is the most commonly prescribed and is the form that is best absorbed by the body. There are three types of liquid iron- ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulphate, and ferrous fumarate. The most notable difference in the three is the amount of consumable iron (elemental iron). Ferrous gluconate has the least amount of actual iron and is the easiest to take due to the decreased likelihood of side effects. Ferrous sulfate is next, with ferrous fumarate having the most. Pills or tablets have a wide variety of options. Most multi-vitamins contain enough iron for the average person. Iron pills also are available various doses as well as being time released or coated.
What To Take And What To Avoid
Foods high in vitamin c help in the absorption of iron supplements. It is highly recommended to take a 75mg supplement of vitamin c with the iron. It is also best to avoid calcium supplements, antacids, anti inflammatory pain killers, antibiotics, dairy products, coffee, tea, whole grains, eggs and spinach at least an hour before and two hours after taking iron. These interfere with the absorption of iron supplements and can increase the severity of any side effects.
References
All referenced material can be found through WebMD, The Mayo Clinic, The U.S. National Library of Medicine, and the National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. A comprehensive listing of open clinical trials can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov.
People interested in Iron also read about these herbs
Calcium - 8.7% Zinc - 4% Chromium - 3.8% Copper - 3.7% Silicon - 3.2% Magnesium - 3%
Iron Herb Notes / Side Effects
Iron is not an easily absorbed mineral. Most of the side effects involve the digestive tract. They include stomach irritation, cramping, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and heart burn. Liquid iron may also blacken the teeth. The form and dosage of the supplement effects the severity of the symptoms. It is extremely important not to take more than the recommended amount as taking too much iron can not only be painful, but it can also cause death. The body store excess iron which can lead to toxicity and will damage the liver, kidneys, and the heart. The most common substance that children overdose on is iron.
Does vitamin A do anything to help eyes and vision? Can a vitamin A deficiency cause blindness? Is it dangerous to consume too much vitamin A?
Read on for answers to these questions and other useful facts about this important antioxidant vitamin, including information about eye benefits of vitamin A and beta carotene, top vitamin A foods, and possible benefits of vitamin A eye drops.
What Is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A actually is a group of antioxidant compounds that play an important role in vision, bone growth and health of the immune system. Vitamin A also helps the surface of the eye, mucous membranes and skin be effective barriers to bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of eye infections, respiratory problems and other infectious diseases.
In general, there are two types of vitamin A, depending on the type of food source it comes from:
Sweet potatoes and carrots are excellent sources or provitamin A carotenoids that are good for your eyes.
Vitamin A from animal-derived foods is called retinol. This "pre-formed" vitamin A can be used directly by the body. Good food sources of retinol vitamin A include beef and chicken liver, whole milk and cheese.
Vitamin A obtained from colorful fruits and vegetables is in the form of "provitamin A" carotenoids, which are converted to retinol by the body after the food is ingested. Good food sources of provitamin A carotenoids include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and cantaloupes.
Beta carotene is one of the most prevalent and effective provitamin A carotenoids.
Eye Benefits of Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
Because vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye (cornea), it is essential for good vision.
Studies show vitamin A eye drops are effective for the treatment of dry eyes. In fact, one study found that over-the-counter lubricating eye drops containing vitamin A were as effective for the treatment of dry eye syndrome as more expensive prescription eye drops formulated for dry eye relief.
Vitamin A eye drops also have been shown effective for the treatment of a specific type of eye inflammation called superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis.
Vitamin A, at least when in combination with other antioxidant vitamins, also appears to play a role in decreasing the risk of macular degeneration (AMD). In the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Eye Institute, people at high risk for the disease who took a daily multiple vitamin that included vitamin A (as beta carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper had a 25 percent reduced risk of advanced AMD during a six-year period.
It also appears that a combination of vitamin A and lutein may prolong vision in people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A recent four-year study conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School and other prominent universities found that individuals with retinitis pigmentosa who took daily supplements of vitamin A (15,000 IU) and lutein (12 mg) had a slower loss of peripheral vision than those who did not take the combined supplements.
Because beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, it's likely beta carotene (provitamin A) offers similar eye benefits as the pre-formed retinol type of vitamin A, though more research is needed to confirm this.
In early 2011, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (New York) found that a synthetic, altered form of vitamin A might be able to slow the progression of Stargardt's disease, an inherited eye disease that causes severe vision loss in young people.
When given to mice with the same genetic defect as humans with Stargardt's disease (also called juvenile macular degeneration), the modified vitamin A inhibited the growth of clump-like deposits in the retina called "vitamin A dimers" that are associated with degenerative changes and vision loss.
The National Eye Institute has awarded the researchers a $1.25 million grant to further investigate the link between vitamin A dimers and various retinal degenerations, which could lead to new approaches to treat these diseases.
Also, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals (Cambridge, Mass.) has licensed certain patents from Columbia University related to the research and is planning to launch clinical trials for the treatment of Stargardt's disease and macular degeneration with modified vitamin A in the near future.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, but it is common among the poor in developing countries. It's estimated that approximately 250,000 to 500,000 malnourished children worldwide become blind each year due to vitamin A deficiency that could have been prevented with a proper diet.
One of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. In ancient Egypt, it was discovered that night blindness could be cured by eating liver, which later was found to be a rich source of vitamin A.
A lack of vitamin A causes the cornea to become very dry, leading to clouding of the front of the eye, corneal ulcers and vision loss. Vitamin A deficiency also causes damage to the retina, which also contributes to blindness.
Because vitamin A also is important for resistance to infection and a healthy immune system, vitamin A deficiency can lead to death from respiratory and other infections.