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Uva ursi
Uva ursi is also referred to as bearberry, kinnickinick, whortleberry,
bear's grape, mountain cranberry and mealberry. The leaves of
this small shrub have been used as an herbal folk medicine for
centuries as a mild diuretic and astringent, and in the treatment
of urinary tract infections such as cystitis, urethritis and
nephritis.
Vaccine
A preparation administered to achieve immunity against a specific
agent by inducing the body to make antibodies to that agent.
A vaccine may be a suspension of living or dead organisms, or
a solution of an allergen, viral, or bacterial fungus.
Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) of the family Valerianaceae,
is a tall perennial herb with hollow stems that bear white or
reddish flowers. The vertical rhizome and attached rootlets are
harvested in the autumn of the second year's growth. Valerian
extract, derived from the dried rhizomes and roots of the plant,
has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy, tranquilizer
and calmative for several disorders such as restlessness, nervousness,
insomnia, hysteria, menstrual problems, and as a sedative for
"nervous" stomach. Valerian extracts are currently
used in scores of compounds and teas in Europe. See: Valerian with Lemon Balm
Virus
Any of a vast group of minute, often disease causing structures
composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA. Because
they are incapable of reproducing on their own, viruses are not
technically living organisms. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not
affected by antibiotics.
Vitamin A
Beta carotene, the naturally occurring orange pigment found in
abundance in such plants as carrots, squash, and pumpkins, is
an exciting and powerful fat-soluble antioxidant with tremendous
ability to neutralize free radicals, prevent cancer, and fight
infectious diseases. Beta carotene is also referred to as provitamin
A because in its natural form it is not readily available for
use in our bodies. When we need extra vitamin A, beta carotene
undergoes a transformation as powerful liver enzymes split each
molecule of beta carotene to form two molecules of vitamin A.
This unique feature enables beta carotene to be non-toxic at
doses ranging as high as 500,000 IU whereas vitamin A retinol
can produce toxic effects in relatively low doses. Adequate intake
of beta carotene will prevent Xerophthalmia or night blindness.
In addition to promoting good vision, beta carotene also protects
the heart and cardiovascular system, boosts immune functions,
speeds recovery from respiratory infections such as colds and
flu, and promotes wound healing. See:
D. Salina Beta Carotene
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)
A vitamin which maintains energy levels, supports brain function
(memory). Aids in digestion. Necessary for metabolism of sugar
and starch to provide energy. Maintains a healthy nervous system.
Alcohol can cause deficiencies of this vitamin and all the B-complex
vitamins. See: Ultra B-Complex
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin)
Necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Important
to amino acid and fatty acid synthesis; essential for hemoglobin
and nerve cell growth and maintenance. The anti-stress vitamin,
sometimes prescribed for stress reduction See: Energy-Plus B-12; Ultra B-Complex
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)
A vitamin which helps with energy production and amino acid production.
Helps body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Helps maintain good vision and healthy skin. See:
Ultra B-Complex
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
A vitamin important in carbohydrate metabolism, formation of
testosterone and other hormones, formation of red blood cells
and maintaining the integrity of all cells. Helps body utilize
protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Necessary for a healthy nervous
system and digestive system. It also lowers elevated blood cholesterol
levels when taken in large amounts of more than 1,000 milligrams
a day. See: Ultra B-Complex
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)
A vitamin which supports hemoglobin synthesis, carbohydrate,
protein, and fat metabolism. Helps release energy from protein,
carbohydrates, and fat. Needed to support a variety of body functions,
including the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. See:
Ultra B-Complex
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
A vitamin which supports glycogen and nitrogen metabolism, production
and transport of amino acids, and production and maintenance
of red blood cells (hemoglobin. Essential for the body's utilization
of protein. Needed for the production of red blood cells, nerve
tissues, and antibodies. Women taking oral contraceptives have
lower levels of B-6. See: Vitamin B-6;
Ultra B-Complex
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
This vitamin is used for collagen production, bone and tooth
formation, healing, digestion, red blood cell formation, infection
and shock resistance, iodine conservation, and protection against
vitamin oxidation. See: Vitamin C w/ Rose Hips;
Ester-C 675mg;
Ester-C 1370mg
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Supports calcium absorption and deposition into bones. Must be
present for your body to use calcium and phosphorus. Essential
for growing children to insure that teeth and bones develop properly.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is used as an antioxidant, for increased oxygen
availability, aging retardation, blood cholesterol reduction
strengthens capillary walls, lung protection.
See: Vitamin E;
Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols 400 IU;
Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols 1000 IU
Vitamin K
Supports blood clotting, bone mineralization.
Vitamins
Complex organic molecules essential for biochemical transformations
necessary for proper metabolism and disease protection.
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