Herbs and Supplements Starting With The Letter
~ C ~
C, Vitamin
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums. It aids in the reproduction of anti-stress hormones and interferon. It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity.
Calamus
Acorus calamus
Calamus has been historically used for lack of mental focus, stomach problems, acidity, and as an aid to quit tobacco smoking. Externally, it is added to the bath to quiet the nerves and induce a state of tranquillity. Calamus has emmanagogic properties and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for clotting of the blood, for the functioning of nerve tissue and muscles (including the heart), for enzymatic processes, and for controlling the movement of fluids through cell walls. It also acts to balance the amounts of other minerals and promotes better use of iron by the body. Current research suggests calcium reduces the incidence of colon cancer and reduces blood cholesterol levels. Deficiency symptoms may result in arm and leg muscle spasms, softening of bones, back and leg cramps, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis, tooth decay and depression.
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Calendula tinctures, ointments, and washes are commonly used to speed the healing of burns, bruises, and cuts – as well as the minor infections they cause. Infusions, extracts, and ointments prepared with calendula petals have been used to induce menstruation, produce sweat during fevers, and cure jaundice. Calendula preparations were also used in the United States during the 19 th century to treat stomach ulcers, liver complaints, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and wounds. Researchers discovered that compounds in calendula petals help reduce inflammation and control bleeding as well.
Caprylic Acid
Caprylic acid is a fatty acid which helps to destroy Candida albicans fungus.
Capsicum
Capsicum Annum, Capsicum frutescens
Capsicum is the fruit of peppers. It is an important catalyst herb in most herbal formulas except nervines. Its stimulant effect speeds the circulation and aids the absorption and effectiveness of the formulas. Capsicum is surprisingly good for ulcers because it stimulates the protective mucus-forming membranes of the stomach. It is also high in vitamins and minerals needed for healing. Capsicum can be applied directly to a wound, or swallowed to stop unnatural bleeding or a heart attack in progress. It is one of the most versatile stimulant herbs known.
Cascara Sagrada
Rhamnus purshiana
"Sacred Bark" root is a popular remedy for chronic constipation because it is not habit-forming. It is used to increase the secretion of digestive fluids, create large soft bowel movements, and stimulate the peristaltic action of the colon. Most people use it at night to promote an elimination in the morning. It can sometimes cause the discomfort of griping, but "this too will pass." It is well suited for the elderly. Cascara sagrada can be used to correct habitual use of other laxatives while gradually restoring natural colon activity.
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
This plant is similar to other mints such as peppermint or spearmint. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and stomach that helps improve digestion and reduce cramps and gas. It calms upset stomachs (including colic, hiccups, and nausea), and helps nervous headaches. Although it might seem a contradiction, catnip stimulates the central nervous system while relaxing and calming to the body, relieving tension. It is used as a harmless tranquilizer for hyperactive children. Catnip will cause sweating and can be used in enemas to bring down a fever, relax the colon and ease cramping.
Cat's Claw
See Una de Gato
Cayenne
See Capsicum
Celery Seed
Apium graveolens
Historically, celery seed has been known to assist the process of digestion. Many believe it lowers blood pressure. Celery produces perspiration and therefore is good in helping those who are seeking to lose weight. Celery seeds contain vitamins A, C and B-complex.
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile flowers combine the best characteristics of refreshing, relaxing and cleansing. Chamomile is the most popular herbal tea flavor in the world. Its oils are also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and contain beneficial flavonoid. People who depend on chemical stimulants (including caffeine and sugar) will find that chamomile is a relaxing tonic for jangled nerves. By relaxing smooth muscle contractions, chamomile can ease GI irritations, as well as stomach and menstrual cramps. By soothing inflamed tissues, it can also cool canker sores and skin irritations. Chamomile may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to ragweek or daisies.
Chaparral Leaf
Larrea Tridenta
Chaparral is an effective herbal antibiotic and can be used as a treatment for intestinal parasites. Chaparral has also been historically employed as a remedy for the treatment of colds, flu, and diarrhea. Avoid use during pregnancy.
Charcoal, Activated
Activated charcoal has an amazing ability to "attract" and absorb. This makes it ideal for removing poisons from the body. Charcoal absorbs intestinal gas, providing relief from bloating and can help to remove the intestinal coating that prevents normal absorption. It is also used internally for hangover, high cholesterol, food poisoning and to remove wastes from underactive kidneys or liver. It is used externally for insect bites/stings and surface infections. Don't use for more than a few days at a time, because it absorbs other nutrients as well.
Chasteberry – See Vitex
Cherry Juice
Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants that can help fight cancer and heart disease. In addition, they contain compounds that help relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and even headaches .
Chickweed
Stellaria media
Chickweed is a mild, soothing, cooling, nutritious herb. Externally, chickweed can be employed for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, boils, ulcers, and a variety of rashes. Internally, chickweed can be used to treat blood disorders, gout, fevers, asthma, arthritis, constipation, lung disease, and aid in weight control, where it has been called an appetite depressant. Mildly diuretic, many herbalists believe that this activity helps dissolve body fat deposits and fatty tumors.
Chitosan
Chitosan provides a natural source of fiber and acts like other dietary fibers by benefiting the circulatory system. It also helps the body maintain normal functions of digestion and elimination.
Chlorohyll
Chlorophyll builds blood, rapidly improves blood oxygenation and helps cleanse the body. It can be mixed with water to make a light green drink or swallowed plain. It has a minty green taste. Some have rubbed it directly onto the skin of invalid friends to improve their energy. You can put liquid chlorophyll in your pet's water to stop body odor and can take it yourself for the same purpose. Liquid chlorophyll is an alfalfa extract and is stabilized by replacing the magnesium in the chlorophyll with copper and sodium.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate is found in joints and connective tissues. Supplementation of chondroitin can help the body to rebuild damaged, inflamed and painful joints such as those found in osteoarthritis. Chondroitin also inhibits the enzymes that destroy cartilage and improves the ability of nutrients circulating in the blood to reach cartilage tissue.
Chromium
Chromium is the central atom of GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor). Insulin works with the GTF molecule to regulate blood sugar levels by transporting glucose into the body's cells. The liver also needs chromium to manufacture and control fatty acids, lecithin, cholesterol and lipoproteins.
Cleavers
Balium Aparine
Cleavers may be used safely in a wide range of problems where the lymphatic system is involved. These include swollen glands anywhere in the body, especially in tonsillitis and adenoid trouble. Cleavers is also helpful in skin conditions, especially the dry kind such as psoriasis. It is helpful in the treatment of cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain, and may be combined with urinary demulcents for this purpose. There is also a long tradition for the use of cleavers in the effective treatment of ulcers and tumors.
Cloves
Caryophyllus Aromatices
Clove oil is highly antiseptic and is a time-honored remedy for toothaches. It is also used to stop vomiting. It also has a history of relieving indigestion, controlling diarrhea, and healing cuts and bites.
Co-enzyme Q10
Studies that have been conducted on this co-enzyme in the past 40 years demonstrate that it can help maintain healthy immune and cardiovascular systems, tissues and organs, and oral health (especially the gums). It also assists the body to maintain proper weight balance.
Colloidal Minerals
Trace minerals are needed by the body in small amounts for very important functions such as building enzymes and hormones. They are required for daily energy and nightly repair processes. Even when we eat fresh fruits and vegetables, they are often grown in mineral-depleted soil. Trace mineral supplementation often gives remarkable, unexpected health benefits and, along with a good multiple vitamin supplement, should be in most health programs.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal Silver is an effective anti-microbial substance. The very minute ionized particles of silver suspended in pure water appear to inhibit the function and metabolism of bacteria, fungi, protazoa and viruses. It works quickly on contact. Colloidal Silver can be taken orally or applied directly to skin, including open wounds. It can safely be atomized and inhaled or used as eye drops.
Colostrum
Lactating mammals produce colostrum during the first few days after giving birth. It contains many nutrients not otherwise found in milk, including immune-system components and growth factors. Immune factors in colostrum improve immune system responses to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Some act directly against pathogens, others stimulate or train the immune system, while others regulate immune system reactions and are important for autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases. Colostrum also supplies growth factors which promote cellular activity, including T-cell production, improved healing and replacement of aging cells, bone growth, cellular energy production, fat burning and blood sugar regulation.
Coltsfoot
Tussilago Farfara
Coltsfoot is a traditional remedy employed in the treatment of coughs and respiratory problems such as the persistent cough associated with bronchitis, silicosis and emphysema.
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey nourishes the pituitary gland (the master gland of the body), as well as the bones and skin. It also strengthens the respiratory system and is considered to be one of nature's great healers.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps has the reputation of restoring energy and slowing the aging process. It improves the function of and protects the kidneys from toxic damage. It simulates a variety of immune cell functions including natural killer cells and CD4 lymphocites. It lowers blood pressure, platelet aggregation, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while raising HDL and blood supply to the heart and brain. It improves regulation of blood sugar and insulin production. People using immune-suppressing drugs, antiocoagulant drugs, or bronchiodilators should consult their health care practitioners before using this product. Pregnant or lactating women should also consult their practitioners before using.
Cornsilk
Zea mays
Cornsilk is nourishing to the urinary system. It is a soothing diuretic that reduces inflammation and helps kidney, bladder and prostate dysfunctions including painful urination. It is claimed to dissolve kidney stones and sediment. By helping the kidneys, cornsilk is also recommended for the regulation of fluids in the body and has been used for high blood pressure and water retention. Although cornsilk is rich in many nutrients such as iron and silicon, its vitamin K content is important to control bleeding such as during childbirth.
Cramp Bark
Viburnum Opulus
Cramp Bark is most notable as a muscle and nervous relaxant for cramping pains. It is especially helpful with the cramping of PMS and the menstrual period. Avoid Crampbark in cases of blood clotting impairment.
Cranberry
Cranberry contains a compound that prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder and rest of the urinary tract. This prevents the bacteria from spreading and eventually results in the halt of infection. Using cranberry on a regular basis may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Creatine
Creatine is an important normal part of the energy-production cycle in each cell. It helps to recycle ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used up by muscle contraction. It is often used by athletes to build muscle mass, increase strength, and reduce recovery time after a strenuous workout. Creatine also helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels. Do not become dehydrated. Drink at least 64 ounces of pure water daily while supplementing with Creatine.
Cyani Flowers
Cyani flowers soothe the nervous system and exert a positive influence on tissues of the eyes. Cyani flowers are an excellent heart and nerve tonic, where it helps to normalize heart rhythm and strengthen contractile force. It is also used for cardiac weakness (esp. with feeble irregular pulse), nervous disorders with weak heart beat, poor circulation, mental depression and fear. It can also be used to support poor memory, erectile dysfunction due to inadequate circulation, hot flashes, melancholy during menopause, and hypochondria.
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This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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