Herbs and Supplements Starting With The Letter
~ M ~
Ma Huang / Ephedra
Ephedra equisetina
Ma Huang is a popular Chinese herb that has been promoted as a decongestant and anti-asthmatic. It is also a cardiac and central nervous system stimulant. The circulatory stimulation diverts blood flow from the digestive tract and forces more blood to the brain and limbs, thus reducing fatigue and hunger. Caution is recommended for those who have high blood pressure or weak internal organs.
Maca
Maca has been used in Peru for thousands of years as both a food and an herbal medicine. It is recommended for fertility problems, sterility, and other sexual disorders. In Peru, maca has long been used as a potent aphrodisiac. Maca is thought to act on certain areas of the body that produce hormones and energizing substances, which enhance libido and increase virility. Due to this hormone balancing effect, maca can also used before, during and after menopause to alleviate symptoms.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential as an enzyme activator and is involved in the formation and maintenance of body protein. Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart by maintaining normal heart rhythm. Magnesium is also necessary for proper calcium and Vitamin C metabolism. A deficiency of magnesium may result in calcium depletion, heart spasms, nervousness, muscular excitability, mental confusion, and/or the formation of kidney stones.
Male Fern
Male fern helps the body get rid of tapeworm. Externally, male fern is considered excellent for healing wounds and has been known to treat cancerous tumors.
Mandrake
Podophyllum peltatum
Mandrake is a powerful medicine, exercising an influence on every part of the system, stimulating the glands to healthy action. It is a gastro-intestinal irritant, a powerful hepatic and intestinal stimulant. Mandrake works with the liver, gallbladder and all aspects of digestion, especially bowel regulation. It is highly valuable in dropsy, biliousness, dyspepsia, liver and other disorders. Its most beneficial action is obtained by the use of small doses frequently given. In such circumstances, it acts admirably upon all the secretions removing obstructions, and producing a healthy condition of all the organs in the system. In still smaller doses, it is a valuable remedy in skin diseases
Manganese
Manganese is an antioxidant nutrient which is important in the breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy. Manganese is necessary for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1 & Vitamin E. This mineral activates various enzymes which are important for proper digestion and utilization of foods. Manganese is also a catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol, helps nourish the nerves and brain, is necessary for normal skeletal development, and maintains sex hormone production. A deficiency of manganese may result in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, ataxia, loss of hearing, digestive problems, and blindness & deafness in infants.
Marshmallow
Althea officinalis
Marshmallow root is a classic cooling and wetting herb for conditions that are hot and dry. It has been used since ancient Greece for bronchitis, whooping cough, dysentery, cystitis, and incontinence. Other internal uses include inflammatory stomach and bowel problems, lung irritations, urinary tract infections, and swollen joints. It even increases and enriches mother's milk. Like slippery elm, it will absorb poisons and reduce inflammation, including ulcerations and wounds that won't heal. It is used externally on abscesses, boils and even varicose veins.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland when it gets dark. It is produced in decreasing quantities as we get older. Artificial lights, stimulant beverages and stress can disrupt normal body rhythms. Thus, melatonin supplements can be very helpful for jet lag or occasional insomnia. Because it can cause drowsiness, it should only be used shortly before bedtime. If you experience unusually vivid dreams, you can cut back on the amount you use.
Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
Milk Thistle is among the most ancient of all known herbal medicines, having been used as a folk remedy for centuries for liver complaints. Silymarin from milk thistle has been shown to have a protective effect against many types of chemical toxins, as well as alcohol. An extract of milk thistle is used to improve liver function, protect against liver damage, and enhance regeneration of damaged liver cells. Clinical studies have confirmed the usefulness of standardized milk thistle extracts in cases of cirrhosis, toxic liver and other chronic liver conditions.
Morinda/Noni
For thousands of years, natives of the Pacific Basin have made healing preparations from Morinda citrifolia. It is called "Nono" in Tahiti and "Noni" in Hawaii. It strengthens weak sinews and muscles as well as weak and sore backs while reducing pain and swelling. Scientists have documented its ability to relieve minor depression. Morinda benefits the digestive, intestinal, respiratory, nervous, skeletal and immune systems. It is especially good for painful joints and skin health by cleansing the blood of acids. It builds the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count.
Motherwort
Leoncrus Cardiaea
Motherwort is an herb most beneficial to women's health. It can help relieve pain during childbirth and when used for several days after birthing, can help prevent uterine infection. It also helps relax women who tend to 'over-mother'. It is said to make mothers more joyful.
MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane)
MSM is an organic form of sulfur that should be part of our daily nutrition. It is found in fresh animal and vegetable foods but it is easily destroyed by food processing and cooking. MSM is used to reduce asthma reactions, improve wound healing and improve the replacement rate of epithelial cells such as the stomach lining. It is also beneficial for immune problems, arthritis, skin blemishes and some mental functions. It can break up scar tissue and reduce calcium deposits. Its anti-inflammatory effects help with allergies, asthma, rheumatoid- and osteo-arthritis, lupus, and TMJ.
Muira Puama
Liriosma ovata
Muira puama, also called "potency wood," contains a substances that work to enhance the psychological and physical aspects of sexual function. It has a long history as a sexual stimulant and aphrodisiac, where it improves sexual desire and enhances the libido. In men it increases testosterone levels, improves circulation to the prostate and can help to attain and maintain an erection. In women, it can help with menstrual problems such as cramps and PMS. As a central nervous system tonic it can help combat fatigue and exhaustion, and neuromuscular problems. It is also used to treat nerve pain, depression, hookworms, and nervous system disorders.
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Mullein leaf soothes irritated and painful mucous membranes. Its ability to reduce swelling makes it helpful for diarrhea, water retention, bronchitis and arthritis. It can be used externally in poultices. Internally, mullein inhibits the growth of bacteria and is effective against viral infections as well. It is a good respiratory decongestant and expectorant.
Myrrh
Myrrh Gum's three great actions are on digestion, infection, and vaginitis. Myrrh gum is antiseptic to mucous membranes, and, curiously, both inhibits oversecretion as well as dis-inhibits undersecretion of these tissues. Thus, it normalizes mucous membrane activity. For 4,000 years, Myrrh has been known as a powerful natural antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal that combats infections of the lungs, skin, and urinary and intestinal tracts. Since antiquity, Myrrh has been used to relieve pain and alleviate sinusitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease and sore throat, and has long been used to help bolster the body's natural immune defenses. Myrrh is also a natural deodorizer and can help to sweeten the breath. Myrrh Gum acts directly and rapidly on the peptic glands to increase activity, and in this way, increases digestion. In cases of dyspepsia accompanied by excess mucous formation, Myrrh is highly recommended by toady's herbalists.
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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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