5HT(Hydroxytryptophan):
        A precurser to Serotonin, it can be used as a remedy to insomnia. Suggested dose is 100-300 mg 30-45 minutes
before bedtime. It may take 3-5 days before optimal effect is obtained. It prolongs REM phase, as well as phase 3 & 4.

Butterbur for hayfever:

        This herbal product was recently( Mar 2002) tested head to head against Zyrtec, and found to be equally effective
in treating the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis, and with less sedation.

Green Tea:

      Polyphenols, are powerful anti-oxidants, found in green tea. Villagers in Japan and China,
with regular consumption of green tea, have one of the lowest prostate cancer rates in the world.
These villagers consume in excess of 20 cups of green tea per day. To obtain the polyphenol
equivalent of 20 cups, without caffiene, is possible. Concentrated extracts of green tea polyphenols
are sold commercially by a number of manufacturers. Constipation may be a side effect, which can
be remedied by a decrease in dosage.

Flax seed Oil:

     Flax seed oil contains, high concentration of the beneficial omega 3,6,9 fatty acids, and may
be used as a source of fat in daily protein shakes, for nutritional supplementation. This fat is
healthier and superior to the fat derived from dairy sources.

Chondroitin Sulfate, and Glucosamine Sulfate:

       A recent study, published in the new England Journal of Medicine, found that Chondroitin
Sulfate ( a cartilage extract ), was useful in reducing joint pain of arthritis. A previous study had
found similar benefits from glucosamine. Commercial preparations of the combination are
available at drug stores. It takes up to 2 months, to realize the benefits.

Phyto-Estrogens:

            Plant derived estrogens have anti-estrogenic effects in the breast tissue, making them
beneficial in breast cancer prevention. Soy products such as soy milk and tofu are rich in
phyto-estrogens. Flax seed in the form of oil and flour are also rich in phyto-estrogens. Women
of all ages, but especially those with family history of breast cancer, are encouraged to use
soy products and flax seed on regular basis.

St. John's Wort:

        This is a mild antidepressant. It consists of roughly 24 chemicals. Some of those chemicals
have been studied for their safety and effectiveness. Others remain a mystery. Recent head to head
comparison with Immipramine found that St.John's wort was equally effective in treating depression
without the side effects of Immipramine.

Valerian:

       A mild sedative. Helps in anxiety and insomnia. Side effects include halucination. Prolonged
use may precipitate depression.

Kava Kava:

      A mild sedative, for anxiety. Widely used in some cultures as an alcohol substitute. Unlike
alcohol, it does not cause impairment of reflexes. Avoid use in Parkinson's disease patients.

Ginko Biloba:

      Modest benefit in Alzheimer's and other dementias. May benefit erectile dysfunction, and
PreMenstrual bloating.

Echinacea:

      Immune system booster, during the flu season.  Immunosupression(impairment of the immune
system) may result from prolonged use of high doses..

Coenzyme Q:

      Powerful antioxidant. Claimed to benefit a wide range of conditions, such as cancer,diabetes,
obesity,periodontal disease, arrhythmias, etc. No serious toxicity is reported.
 

Weight Loss remedies:

      Products containing ephedra alkaloids are claimed to give energy boost as well as appetite suppression. Caution should be exercised with these drugs especially if one is taking other prescribed drugs. Blood pressure has to be periodically monitored and dosage kept at the lower end. Brand Names ( Metabolife, Hydroxycut and Xenedrine ).