Did you visit this site today, considering a new buy? Or, have you thought about taking a new natural supplement which you’ve not yet tried? If so, then take a glance at the uniquely named supplements listed here, as you may find one that is fitting for your present needs.
The purpose of this blog, which is Part 11 informing our readers about “unsung” supplements, we want to introduce you to something new and helpful. Each supplement discussed here has natural origins, but with unique circumstances, and unique names in which an animal term is incorporated:
Cat's claw is a long vine plant native to South America, where it has a long history of medicinal use for various ailments. The most common form of cat’s claw is Uncaria tomentosa, usually available in the form of an oral supplement. The vine is named for its hooked thorns, which resemble the claws of a cat. Research supports the use of cat’s claw for a few distinct purposes, including immune system support. Studies in adult men show that consistent ingestion of a cat’s claw supplement increases their white blood cell count; Corresponding research shows that cat’s claw also reduces inflammation, which can support proper immune response. By reducing inflammation, a cat’s claw supplement has been shown to have potential to relieve symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Horny goat weed is the name for a plant of the Epimedium family, which is native to parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Like cat’s claw, horny goat weed has a long history of use as a folk remedy, most notably in Asia. Over 200 natural, healthful chemicals have been identified in horny goat weed, which have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. Clinical studies have shown supplementing with horny goat weed to be potentially beneficial in multiple ways. One beneficial chemical contained therein is icariin. Studies have linked icariin to the prevention of atherosclerosis or arterial plaque build-up. Separately, research supports the use of horny goat weed for improving sexual function in men who need it. Conversely, horny goat weed can aid postmenopausal women by reducing triglycerides in the blood and by supporting bone health.
Horse chestnut: Horse chestnut is the name of a tree native to parts of Europe, and it contains a natural active ingredient known as aescin. It is historically utilized for treating multiple things, but it is now recognized for its real potential to treat some blood-circulation issues. Studies show that the active ingredient in horse chestnut can help those with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) by improving blood circulation. Taking horse chestnut can reduce CVI symptoms such as edema, leg pain, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and weakness in the legs. Research suggests that taking horse chestnut could be as effective as compression therapy for mitigating symptoms of CVI. Horse chestnut has effective antioxidant properties to reduce oxidative stress, as well as properties which could reduce hemorrhoids.
Shark cartilage is one of the most unique “unsung” supplements around, merely because of what it is. Shark cartilage is exactly what it sounds like – cartilage that is harvested from sharks and made into a supplement. The origins of this usage of shark cartilage have to do with former health applications of shark cartilage, which are not supported by modern science. However, shark cartilage has been found to inhibit chemicals called matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), which affect the matrix between cells in the human body. This means shark cartilage could potentially reduce the risk of a wide variety of diseases. Its potential to prevent disease is also due to shark cartilage’s benefits to the immune system.
Though not often featured, the animal-associated names of these supplements make them memorable, as do their potential benefits. Do any of these seem applicable to you? If so, speak with your healthcare provider before taking any of these, or any supplement for that matter, for the first time.