Herbs and Supplements Starting With The Letter
~ P ~
PABA
PABA, para-aminobenzoic acid, helps assimilate pantothenic acid and nourishes the skin. PABA aids healthy bacteria in producing folic acid, and supports the formation of red blood cells. PABA is often found in sunscreen products for its ability to protect the skin from UV rays. It is also said to help return hair to its natural color.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic acid is used throughout the body. It is required for glandular balance and production of hormones and enzymes. Thus, it affects energy levels, growth and tissue repair, and our ability to deal well with all types of stress. Deficiency can cause chronic fatigue, hair loss and graying, muscular weakness, digestive disorders, constipation, depression and many other debilitating symptoms. Deficiency can also be a factor in allergies and asthma.
Papaya
Papaya is a safe and natural digestive aid. It contains an enzyme called papain, which helps the body break down protein in the body.
Parsley
Petroselinum sativum
Parsley is a diuretic and is frequently used in formulas to build internal organs including kidney, thyroid, liver and prostate. Parsley is especially known as a digestive aid where it improves digestion and reduces cramping and gas after meals. It also acts as a breath freshener to help cover the odor of garlic. As a diuretic, it helps get rid of excessive water but doesn't deplete potassium like many commercial diuretics. It eases painful urination due to an enlarged prostate. Parsley stimulates the menstrual process, helping delayed, difficult or painful menstruation. It helps dry up mother's milk.
Parthenium
Parthenium integrifolium
Parthenium has been commonly sold as Echinacea purpurea for more than 50 years. They are both in the sunflower family and their roots bear an uncanny resemblance to each other. Many people have used these parthenium products, and received benefits. Some European research on the benefits of echinacea has documented parthenium by mistake. Parthenium does contain compounds that stimulate the immune system. The root is diuretic and helpful for urinary diseases. It appears to be a liver-stimulating bitter that promotes blood detoxification. In fact, the entire sunflower family has an affinity for the liver and other digestive and cleansing organs.
Passion Flower
Passiflora incarnata
Passion flower is a mild sedative nervine. It is more likely to help you sleep than to generate "passion". Passion flower is an effective tranquilizer. It is not narcotic so there is no possibility of addiction. It relaxes digestive and uterine spasms and helps relieve pain. It may also relax blood vessel spasms, which would make it helpful for migraines and coronary health. It kills many molds, fungi and bacteria and has been used as a wound dressing.
Pau d'arco
Tabebuia heptaphylla
Pau d'arco bark is a very effective immune building and antifungal herb. Externally, it is used as a poultice for skin diseases including eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, hemorrhoids and skin cancers. Internally, it is a blood purifier that is used for systemic yeast infections like Candida albicans, and to strengthen the immune system. This is the herb that South American Indians have historically used to fight tumors. Research shows that Pau d'arco contains substances that are highly effective against cancer.
Pennyroyal
Mentha Pulegium
Pennyroyal is often recommended to inducing sweating to aid in eliminating toxins from the body. It also serves to relieve gas, stimulate digestive action and to relieve nausea. It is often used as a treatment for relief of symptoms during the early stages of colds and flu. It can also be consumed before retiring to bed for its mild sedative action. Pennyroyal tea has also been employed to promote menstrual flow, and as an abortifacient to initiate self-abortion.
Peppermint
Mentha piperita
Peppermint is a proven aid to digestion. It is also a mild antispasmodic, which makes it useful for relieving menstrual cramps and nausea. As a mild vasodilator, it creates a warm feeling by stimulating circulation. The oil of peppermint has been shown to be antimicrobial and antiviral as well. Be aware that concentrated peppermint oils may cause skin irritation if used straight out of the bottle.
Periwinkle
Vinca Major
Periwinkle is an excellent all-round astringent that may be used either internally or externally. Its main use is in the treatment of excessive menstrual flow, either during the period itself (menorrhagia), or with blood loss between periods (metrorrhagia).
Pleurisy
Asclepias Tuberosa
Pleurisy Root is effective against respiratory infections where it reduces inflammations and assists expectoration. Pleurisy Root can also be used in the treatment of bronchitis and other chest conditions. Its reputation as an effective diaphoretic and anti-spasmodic is the reason why it is so highly valued in the treatment of pleurisy and pneumonia.
Potassium
Potassium is a critical component of all cells. Excess use of salt and inadequate consumption of potassium foods can contribute to a sodium/potassium imbalance. The result can be any of hundreds of uncomfortable symptoms that reflect hard/dry tissues. These can include: high blood pressure, dry skin, hardened tissues, excessive thirst, nervousness, irregular heart beat and poor reflexes.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is the body's most basic steroid hormone. It is used to make progesterone, DHEA, and cortisol. When the body regains an adequate supply of this control system source material, it seems like everything works better; the senses may seem sharper, and energy and mood improve as well. Levels of pregnenolone in the body tend to decline with age. Supplemental pregnenolone may benefit those concerned about the effects of aging such as declining mental function or sex drive, hot flashes, and the development of degenerative diseases or disorganized tissue such as "age spots". Not for use by individuals under 40 years old, pregnant/lactating women, men with severe prostate inflammation (BPH), or those with hormone responsive cancer. Consult a health care professional if any medical condition is present or you are taking a prescription drug. Do not use more than the recommended dose.
Prickly Ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Prickly Ash nourishes and enhances circulation throughout the entire body. It helps with cramping due to deficient blood and lymphatic circulation. Prickly ash may also help with varicose veins. Warming like capsicum, the action of prickly ash is slower, but longer lasting
Psyllium Hulls
Plantago psyllium
Psyllium hulls are an effective mucilaginous, high fiber, bulk laxative. Psyllium hulls are the outer covering of the psyllium seed and contain much more fiber than the seed germ. They swell in water to 8-14 times their dry volume. They are about 70% soluble fiber compared with only 7% for oat bran. The fiber contributes to a feeling of fullness. It modulates the absorption of cholesterol and simple sugars. Psyllium is an ideal supplement for the generally poor fiber content of our modern processed diet. Filling the bowel stimulates peristaltic action to have a movement. Drink plenty of water with psyllium.
Psyllium Seeds
Plantago psyllium
Psyllium seeds include both the germ and the husk. The husk contains most of the bulking mucilage and are desirable for use as a bulk laxative. The germ is nutritive and contains additional oils and protein binding tannins. The lubricating oils include linoleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids.
Pumpkin seeds
Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, a tissue-building and male tonic nutrient. They have been used for prostate and bladder problems. The seeds are also an effective vermifuge, especially while fasting. They work to expel intestinal parasites like tape-worms and round worms. Pumpkin seeds are also recommended for stomach problems and nausea such as morning sickness.
Pyruvate
Pyruvate (pyruvic acid) is in important chemical in all living cells. Pyruvate increases the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates in the mitochondria of each cell where calories are burned and energy is produced. It also helps to move glucose from the bloodstream into the muscle cells using a process called "glucose extraction."
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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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