Natural Relief for Women with Dong Quai Root & Black Cohosh

Read on to learn more about the essential ingredients of Natural Relief for Women Nutritional Support System and their known effects on the common complaints of premenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women.

VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues. Preliminary research has led to a widely held belief that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. Over many years clinical studies have shown its effect on reducing hot flashes. Vitamin E is also helpful for vaginal dryness and one study showed that just 400IU taken daily for between 1 and 4 months helped 50 percent of the women given supplemental vitamin E. It can also be used internally inside the vagina every night for about six weeks to help relieve dryness.

Although most women fear breast cancer, their biggest killer is heart disease. There is now such a wealth of information on the effects of nutrition on heart disease that taking HRT to prevent this condition is illogical and, in fact, its effectiveness has not been proved. In 1996 a study published in the Lancet showed that 2000 patients with arteriosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries) had a 75 percent reduction in their risk of heart attack when given vitamin E. At the time, researchers claimed that vitamin E was even more effective than aspirin in reducing heart attacks.
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B Vitamins are called the 'stress' vitamins because they are enormously beneficial when you are under a great deal of pressure. Symptoms of B-vitamin deficiency include anxiety, tension, irritability and poor concentration. Therefore, supplementing them in the form of a good B-complex supplement can be useful if you have any of these symptoms of stress. During menopause it is extremely important that you give your adrenal glands (which will be called into action to produce estrogen) a break. B vitamins will help to do this. They can also be useful if you are suffering from reduced energy levels.

VITAMIN B-6
Vitamin B-6 is required in the diet because we cannot synthesize it and the coenzyme PLP plays a vital role in the function of approximately 100 enzymes that catalyze essential chemical reactions in the human body.
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FOLATE (FOLIC ACID)
Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, helps the body form red blood cells and aids in the formation of genetic material within every body cell.
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VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells, and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
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CALCIUM
Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. About 99% of the calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth, while the other 1% is found in the blood and soft tissue. Calcium is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skeleton. Osteoporosis is most commonly diagnosed in white postmenopausal women. Other factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include, but are not limited to, increased age, female gender, estrogen deficiency and smoking.
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IODINE
Iodine is crucial for the health of the thyroid gland and is essential for the production of two key hormones that help regulate a host of body processes including resting metabolic rate, heart rate, heat production and energy levels. It helps burn excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism. Mentality, speech and the condition of the hair, skin and teeth are also dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland.
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MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is a mineral used in building bones, manufacturing proteins, releasing energy from muscle storage, and regulating body temperature. Evidence suggests that magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure. Magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This may be due to the fact that magnesium deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormone that regulates calcium. This is an important mineral for your bones at menopause so it is important that you have enough in your body. Magnesium is also known as 'nature's tranquilizer', so it will help with symptoms such as anxiety, irritability and other mood changes.
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SELENIUM
Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral element that is distributed widely in nature and is a part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which metabolizes hydroperoxides formed from polyunsaturated fatty acids. Low doses of selenium are needed to maintain good health. In fact, studies in humans suggest that lower-than-normal selenium levels in the diet might increase the risk of cancer.
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LACTOSPORE®
Lactospore is clinically proven beneficial in the gastrointestinal tract. It also restores normal intestinal flora and supports healthy cholesterol levels. These spores, on activation in the environment of the stomach, germinate and proliferate in the intestine, producing lactic acid. The unique advantages of Lactospore® include room temperature stability, compatibility with other ingredients and proven effectiveness.
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CRANBERRY JUICE
Cranberries have properties that protect our bodies against certain kinds of bacteria, including E. coli, associated with urinary tract infections, and other bacteria which can cause gum disease and stomach ulcers. In addition, cranberries contain potent plant chemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids that have been shown to ward off cancers and prevent heart disease.
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HORSE CHESNUT SEED
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is used for its seed and bark as an herbal remedy. It has long been used as a general tonic, and can be taken internally or applied topically. The active ingredients in horse chestnut appear to be escin, one of a group of chemicals called saponins. Escin appears to have the capacity to reduce swelling and inflammation, probably by slowing down the rate at which fluid leaks from irritated capillaries. It increases blood circulation, which can help ease sudden muscle cramping, especially during sleep. Horse Chestnut may also improve the elastic strength of veins, preventing the release of enzymes that break down collagen and create holes in capillary walls, causing vein damage. Several studies with varicose veins have shown that Horse Chestnut produces significant improvement in leg edema, pain, and sensation of heaviness. Another study showed benefit when compared to compression stockings, a well proven treatment.

The word phytoestrogen comes from "phyto," meaning plant, and "estrogen," signifying their ability to affect estrogenic activity in the body. Although phytoestrogens may have some similar actions to estrogens, they are not the true estrogens that a woman's body produces. Phytoestrogens are a group of compounds found in plants that influence estrogen activity. They can bind to receptor sites in the body and have either "pro-estrogenic" or "anti-estrogenic" effects, depending on how much estrogen is already being produced. If estrogen level is low, as it is in menopause, empty receptor sites can be filled with phytoestrogens which can produce a weak pro-estrogenic effect. If estrogen levels are high, as in some women who suffer from menstrual irregularities and endometriosis, then phytoestrogens can compete with a woman's own estrogens for binding to receptors. In this case, when the phytoestrogens are successful they decrease overall estrogenic activity because their effect on target tissues is less than if the stronger estrogens had been allowed to bind.

Hundreds of plants contain phytoestrogens. Some of the more well known include Red Clover, Licorice, and Soy. Historically, these plants have been used to balance hormones and control fertility. Recently, there has been a resurgence of phytoestrogen research as women demand options to conventional hormone replacement therapy. Some studies report positive findings on bone loss reduction in women supplementing with soy phytoestrogens, while other research points to reduction of cardiovascular disease.
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The Herbal Support Blend in Natural Relief for Women consists of these Phytoestrogens: Dong Quai root, Atractylodes Rhizome, Chaste Tree Berry, China Root, Chinese Burpleurum Root, Chinese Licorice Root, Codonopsis Root, Ginger Root, Lovage Root, Rehmannia Root and White Peony Root.

DONG QUAI ROOT
Don Quai is used for almost every gynecological complaint from regulating the menstrual cycle to treating menopausal symptoms caused by hormonal changes. It is also said to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain for blood deficiency, blood stasis, and headaches. Other uses in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for Dong Quai include treatment for bronchial asthma, skin infections, chest pains, abdominal pain, unhealed skin lesions, urticaria, eczema, leukoderma, apoplexy, rheumatism and heart arrhythmia. Its internal moisturizing properties include a mild natural laxative effect for constipation. Modern treatments prescribe the herb to combat PMS and to help women resume normal menstruation after using birth control pills. It relieves menopausal conditions such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
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ATRACTYLODES RHIZOME
Atractylodes Rhizone, also known as Cang Zhu, is a Chinese herb that when combined with other herbs, may be effective in treating vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, chest congestion, diarrhea, swelling and weakness of the lower extremities, skin lesions, cataracts, glaucoma, and night blindness. Atractylodes is an important and great energy (Chi) tonic which is famous for regulating the digestive functions and as a powerful energy booster. Atractylodes may be used by anyone wishing to increase vitality.
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BUPLEURUM ROOT
Bupleurum is a detoxifying and anti-microbial herb used in Chinese herbalism. It can be used to relieve spasms, muscle tension, lumps, bleeding due to heat and menstrual irregularity. The essential oil in Bupleurum is responsible for its ability to relieve surface heat. Bupleurum is the primary herb in dozens of classical formulations which serve a wide variety of harmonizing activities. These activities regulate body energy by allowing it to flow freely in a balanced manner relieving blockages and discharging their toxins safely out of the body.
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CHASTE TREE BERRY
The Chaste Tree has been used for gynecological conditions since the days of Hippocrates over 2500 years ago. Modern research supports historical wisdom, and a rich tradition of use has made Chaste Tree fruit preparations a phytomedicine of choice by European gynecologists for treatment of various menstrual disorders, PMS and other conditions.
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CHINA ROOT
China Root, also known as Wild Yam, Colic Root, Rheumatism Root, yuma or devil's bones is a remedy that can be used to relieve intestinal colic, to soothe diverticulitis, ease dysmenorrhoea and ovarian and uterine pains. It is of great use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the acute phase where there is intense inflammation. Traditional herbalists recommend this herb for intestinal colic, paroxysmal abdominal pain, and sharp abdominal pain.
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CHINESE LICORICE ROOT
Chinese Licorice Root or Glycyrrhiza is a traditional herbal remedy with an ancient history and world wide usage.

Modern research has shown it to have effects upon, amongst other organs, the endocrine system and liver. Licorice is metabolized in the body into molecules that have a structure similar to adrenal cortex hormones. This is possibly the basis of the herb's anti-inflammatory action. As an antihepatotoxic, licorice is effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, for which it has been widely used in Japan.

Much liver orientated research has focused upon licorice root. This inhibits hepatocyte injury caused by carbon tetrachloride, benzene hexachloride and PCB. Antibody production is enhanced by licorice, possibly through the production of interleukin.

Licorice inhibits the growth of several DNA and RNA viruses, inactivating Herpes simplex virus particles irreversibly. It has a variety of uses in bronchial problems such as catarrh, bronchitis and coughs in general. Licorice is used in allopathic medicine as a treatment for peptic ulceration, a similar use to its herbal use in gastritis and ulcers. It can be used in the relief of abdominal colic.
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CODONOPSIS ROOT (CODONOPSIS PILOSULA)
Chinese Codonopsis has been used to promote digestion, absorption, metabolism and to strengthen the stomach and spleen. The herb stimulates the nervous system, increases body resistance and has been shown to increase the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin content. Animal studies have shown that it dilates peripheral blood vessels and inhibits adrenal cortex activity, causing a lowering of blood pressure.
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GINGER ROOT
Traditional Chinese medicine has recommended ginger for over 2,500 years. It is used for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Ginger is commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis.
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LOVAGE ROOT
Lovage is a remedy for kidney and bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. In folk medicine, Lovage is also used as a remedy for indigestion, heartburn, gas, menstrual problems, and respiratory inflammation.
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WHITE PEONY ROOT
In traditional Chinese medicine, White Peony is used for general gynecological health. The herb helps nourish the blood and support normal body temperature. White Peony was used traditionally to help regulate the female hormonal cycle. It is also used as a pain reducing agent and as an emotional stabilizer by women. It is said to relieve cramps and spasms anywhere in the body. In particular, it is considered to be highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps.
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REHMANNIA ROOT
Fresh Rehmannia is used to produce a cooling or antiinflammatory effect. It is effective against hot flashes and is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, cardiotonic, and diuretic. Raw rehmannia is used in cases of heat caused by lack of fluids (yin deficiency) in the body. It is used when there are heat signs with thirst. It is also recommended when there is bleeding in the stomach or uterus. Rehmannia is also effective for relieving irritability, insomnia, and/or chronic low-grade fever.

Many people find it difficult to believe that fat can be essential to your health, but it's true. Fatty acids are the "building blocks" of fat and some of them are called "essential" because your body needs them, yet cannot make them; you must consume them.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) make up the group of fats known as polyunsaturated fats. The two types are omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6. The main omega-3 is alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). The main omega-6 is linoleic acid (LA).
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SOY PHOSPHATIDES
Lecithin is a natural compound derived from soy beans and contains all the phosphatides found naturally in cell membranes. It is known for its benefits in lowering blood cholesterol levels, protecting against heart disease, improving the memory and increasing energy levels. Lecithin, or one of its natural constituents, is often found in weight loss preparations for its fat burning properties.

In research at Ohio State University, laboratory animals fed lecithin were found to have less deterioration of neuronal dendrites than controls. In addition to its value for memory and mental function, studies suggest that lecithin alters the membranes of cells in a manner that inhibits the entry of viruses. Lecithin works by increasing the fluidity of cell membrane, making it harder for viruses to penetrate. Lecithin's ability to reduce cholesterol in cell membranes may also prevent cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis.
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BORAGE SEED
Borage Seed is nature's most potent source of GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid) with a composition of 24%. It works in synergy with Flax Seed Oil. Borage Seed is particularly useful to those people who lack the enzymatic ability to convert linolenic acid to GLA including those with diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and alcoholism. It also contains desirable Omega 6 fatty acids in good amounts.
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FLAX SEED OIL
Flax Seed treats menstrual cramps, female infertility, and endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in Flax Seed oil help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle. Flax Seed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in Flax Seed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis. It is also the world's richest source of Omega 3 at a huge 57% - two times the amount of Omega 3 in fish oil. Omega 3 essential fatty acids assist in the regulation of the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more critical than the body's protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
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Isoflavones are a class of plant phytoestrogens. Isoflavones are found in legumes such as soybeans, Kudzu root, lentils, chickpeas and red clover. They hold great promise in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. They were discovered in the 1930s but only recently have begun to be embraced by the medical community in this country. Isoflavones have been widely studied in humans and found effective for inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation, the net result being an increase in bone density and a decrease in fracture rates in osteoporotic women. While they appear to enhance estrogen's effect, it does not possess intrinsic estrogenic activity, making it an attractive adjunct or alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy.

Just including soy into a non-vegetarian diet can be a very healthful contribution. For post-menopausal women who are considering hormone replacement therapy, data indicates that should you desire a healthful alternative to estrogen /progesterone therapy for postmenopausal symptoms consuming isoflavones may eliminate the need for hormone drug therapy. Check with your doctor first, of course, but a trial may be worthwhile before starting hormone therapies.

ISOFLAVONES FROM SOYBEAN
Soybeans come to us from the Orient. During the Chou Dynasty (1134-246 BC) the soybean was designated one of the five sacred grains, along with barley, wheat, millet and rice. In October 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the use on food labels of health claims associated with soy protein and the reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Several studies have indicated that soy protein paired with a low-fat diet results in clinically important reductions of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
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ISOFLAVONES FROM KUDZU ROOT
Kudzu Vine is a wild plant that grows in many Asiatic countries. From ancient times to the present days, the root of Kudzu has been commonly used in Far Eastern culture as a food, rich source of starch and as an effective remedy in natural medicine. It helps digestion, reduces blood pressure, treats colds, intestinal ailments, and alcoholism with all of its resulting health problems. Kudzu is a long sustaining source of energy in an organism.
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The Active Plant Enzyme Blend in Natural Relief for Women consists of: Lipase, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase and Protease.

LIPASE, AMYLASE, CELLULASE, LACTASE AND PROTEASE
Lipase is an enzyme that is used by the body to break down dietary fats into an absorbable form. Products that contain lipase also usually contain other enzymes that help digest carbohydrates and protein such as Amylase, Cullulase, Lactase and Protease.
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BLACK COHOSH
Black Cohosh is a North American native plant used in formulas for menopause and PMS. It's promoted for menstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and menopausal ailments in an over-the-counter menopausal preparation called "Remifemin". Black Cohosh is fairly well studied in Germany, where it is used to treat hot flashes. The herb has substances that bind to estrogen receptors in animal models and lower luteinizing hormone levels or LH ( a hormone which is elevated in menopause) in both animals and humans.
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BORON
Boron is a major player in calcium and magnesium metabolism, and subsequently bone and joint function. Because of Boron's association with calcium and magnesium, deficiency in this mineral poses risks for osteoporosis. Boron is also needed for converting Vitamin D to its active form, further supporting this connection to alleviating osteoporosis. It's also for the activation of estrogen and is used in the treatment of arthritis.
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TRANS-RESVERATROL
Since the 1920's, it has been known that there are several beneficial substances in grapes (wine also, of course) that assist in lowering cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and have antioxidant abilities.

Trans-Resveratrol is found in the skin of young, unripe red grapes or Polygonum Cuspldatum(some recent evidence suggests the skins of peanuts may be a third source). Polygonum Cuspldatu produce trans-Resveratrol to protect themselves after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, ozone or certain biologic agents. It functions as a natural antibiotic and cancer inhibitor. Clinical studies suggest that high consumption of resveratrol-rich foods may result in reduced cardiovascular disease risk, lowered total cholesterol and lowered LDL cholesterol.
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