Take an Herbal Journey

by Mike Gillette

Herb Pharm is very excited about the latest additions to our product line. These products exemplify the global diversity of botanical medicine: they originate in disparate old world and new world traditions from the Amazon to China; nurture and heal the mind and emotions; mend and relieve physical wounds; and mitigate and correct internal disorders. Even the plant parts are diverse. They consist of a bark, a whole herb, a resinous exudate and a liquid sap.

BACOPA
Our Bacopa consists of the certified organically grown (COG) aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri, a low-growing plant native to India. Highly esteemed in the traditional medicine of India, known as Ayurveda, Bacopa has been in use for over a millennium. Bacopa is traditionally used as a brain and nerve tonic and to reduce anxiety. It is in the category of medicines known as "nootropics." These are medicinal agents that increase cognitive function and cerebral circulation, improve memory and slow aging of the brain. Like all tonic herbs, results from Bacopa will be greater over time with continued use.

GUGGUL
Guggul is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy derived from oleo- gum-resin of Commiphora mukul, a small tree indigenous to India. To gather the herb, the tree bark is first slit and then the exudate, an oleo-gum-resin, is collected and dried. The crude material is then selectively extracted in pure certified organic alcohol to capture the oleo-gum-resin portion and leave the inactive gum behind.

The result is an aromatic and strongly resinous liquid extract. Guggul has wide-ranging effects on the circulation and blood, respiration, digestion and the nervous system. Traditional Ayurvedic applications include reducing fat, disinfecting secretions such as mucus and urine, and clearing the skin. Its cleansing and pain relieving properties make it a primary Ayurvedic remedy for arthritis and nerve pain. It is most popularly known in the West for its ability to reduce serum (blood) cholesterol, as shown by recent clinical research.

ALBIZIA
Albizia consists of the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin and comes to us from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Albizia is known by a number of other names including Silk Tree, Mimosa and Happiness Bark. In the Chinese Materia Medica it is incorporated in the class of herbs that "nourish the heart and calm the spirit."

Albizia assists in alleviating nervous system disorders such as mental stress and anxiety, irritability, depression, anger, mood swings, grief, sadness and heartache.

DRAGON'S BLOOD
Dragon's Blood is the red sap derived from the South American tree, Croton lechleri. Our Dragon's Blood product consists of the pure, self-preserving sap without any additives. Found in medicine cabinets and herb markets throughout much of South America, Dragon's Blood is as important as it is common in South American folk medicine.

Internally, Dragon's Blood is an important remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, particularly ulcers and diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea. Externally, it is renowned for its wound healing capability and is commonly applied as a liquid bandage. Drops are applied to a well-cleaned wound, covering the affected area and allowed to dry with or without a bandage. A popular treatment for insect bites and stings, the sap can be rubbed on to accelerate the relief of itching and irritation.

All of these new products are now available, either at your favorite natural products store or online at www.herb-pharm.com. Herb Pharm is very proud to participate in bringing the Earth's botanical diversity to North America's medicine cabinets, and continues to travel the world in search of great natural healing solutions.