In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, Ayur means life and Veda means science or knowledge. Ayurveda thus comes across as science of life. Ayurveda is the healing and wellness knowledge acquired by the ancient people of India. These rural…
Natural Remedies for Reflux and Heartburn
A growing number of people suffer the pain and discomfort of heartburn or reflux on a regular basis. It has been estimated that up to twenty percent of the population are affected at least once a week…
Fade Bruises Fast: Speed Your Skin’s Recovery with these Herbs
by Donna Ress BRUISES OCCUR WHEN BLOOD VESSELS BENEATH YOUR skin are damaged and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. Contrary to popular belief, bruises should not be simply left alone to heal, says Margi Flint, an herbalist in Marblehead,…
Quick Buzz Stimulants
Some nutrients widely believed to make your brain function better do just that–for a few hours. Caffeine is the most popular; people also use amino acids like phenylalanine, and herbs such as ephedra and guarana also provide a quick jolt…
Pregnenolone
A natural precursor to steroid hormones, pregnenolone in the body is converted into hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. A rat study in 1992 indicating its effectiveness as a cognitive enhancer piqued the interest of smart-drug users, but…
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Produced in the adrenal gland, DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the bloodstream. Proponents claim that it preserves youthfulness and prevents brain cell degeneration and that it has cognitive-enhancing effects as well. Sodhi warns agains using DHEA, as…
Pyroglutamate
WHAT IT IS Pyroglutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid found in the brain, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)
WHAT IT IS This substance occurs naturally in the brain, and plays a key role in the synthesis of acetylcholine.
Phosphatidyl Serine
WHAT IT IS Phosphatidyl serine is a phospholipid, a form of fat found in every cell in the body, but especially abundant in the brain. PS is closely related to other phospholipids, such as phosphotidyl choline, and functions in much…
Ginkgo Biloba
WHAT IT IS The ginkgo tree, native to China and now found throughout the world, has been around longer than any other species of tree on the planet, for about 300 million years. You’ve probably seen the ginkgo, with its…