Plants for Strength, Vitality & Power

 People who exercise strenuously often suffer from lowered immune systems that transform into colds and flu's. To help boost your immune system, build and repair damaged muscle tissue, build and oxygenate your blood, and increase your energy, include several or all of the following plants every day. Plants can be consumed fresh or dried as teas, tinctures, powder or pills.

Alfalfa - known as The Father of All Foods alfalfa is an immune system stimulant; promotes normal blood clotting; aids in the assimilation of protein, fats, and carbohydrates; alkalizes and detoxifies the body; contains eight essential amino acids, vitamins A, E, K, B, D, phosphorus, iron, potassium, chlorine, sodium, silicon, magnesium, and beta carotene; NOTE: not recommended for people with autoimmune disorders. 

Astragalus - balances body fluids, which helps healthy cell production and toxin elimination; invigorates immune system; restores adrenal function; increases metabolic activity; normalizes the functions of the kidneys and heart; provides antiviral resistance; good source of amino acids, polysaccharides, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, betain and choline.

Bee Pollen Powder - increases energy & stamina; increases muscle growth & definition; builds immune system; stimulates metabolic process; rich in protein, vitamins including B-complex; complete food that provides all of the 22 essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, etc.; contains more free amino acids than beef, eggs or cheese of equal weight; amino acids present include: cystine, lysine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, glutamine, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan; is 15% natural lecithin; NOTE: a small amount of people who initially ingest pollen may occasionally experience minor gastro-intestinal irritation and a laxative effect, due to the richness of the substance. Another potential, yet rare, allergic reaction can involve swelling, heart palpitations, and minor to moderate difficulty in breathing. For those who are new to enjoying this pollen, it is recommended that an initial small dosage (about 1/4 teaspoon) of pollen be taken; buy in small quantities and consume quickly; store in dark, cool place.

Bromelain - digestive aid; anti-inflammatory; helps the digestion of proteins; promotes healing. NOTE: do not take bromelain if you are taking warfarin or any other medication to thin the blood. People with allergies to pineapple should not take bromelain.

Burdock - good source of protein; stimulates sweat glands to remove toxins from skin; cleanses the hypothalamus, pituitary, lymph, and sebaceous glands and helps to stabilize their function, including hormone balance by the pituitary.

Butcher’s Broom - strengthens muscles and blood vessels; detoxifies kidneys and liver; energizer and anti-inflammatory; contains vitamins B1, B3, C, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc.

Chlorophyll - anit-oxidant, anit-inflammatory; inhibits the metabolic action of carcinogens; delivers magnesium and helps blood carry much needed oxygen to cells and tissues; normalizes blood sugar levels; reduces intestinal gas; neutralizes free radicals that damage healthy cells; deodorizes bad breath, urine, fecal waste and body odor; contains vitamin K, nucleic acids, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidant carotenes, vitamins and minerals. NOTE: taken before and during exercise results in enhanced energy, longer and better workout sessions, and faster recovery.

Cleavers - cleanses the lymph glands which is essential for immunity against infectious diseases.

Damiana - stimulates testosterone in men and balances hormones in women; soothes and strengthens the brain and nervous system which calms the nerves, eases tension headaches, fights exhaustion and improves muscular tone and energy. 

Dandelion - high in iron and vitamin C, combats anemia; natural bitters activate the digestive system, stimulate the flow of natural digestive juices and prevents indigestion; restores potassium levels; leaves contain potassium, carotenoids, bitter glycosides, vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, choline, terpenoids; roots contain volatile oil, bitter glycosides, tannins, triterpenese, inulin, sterols, choline, asparagin.

Dong quai - blood tonic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and fights bacteria; digestive tonic, circulatory stimulant; high in vitamin E, iron, vitamins A, B2, B12, B-Complex, C, calcium, sodium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, silicon; NOTE: avoid dong quai if you have diabetes.

Echinacea - cleans the blood, kidneys, lymph system, and liver; protects healthy cells against decay; fights invading bacteria, viruses, fungus and microbes; silica for tissue repair; rich in iron; good source of vitamins A, B-Complex, B3, C, E, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, essential oil, polyacetylenes, polysaccharide, glycoside, resin, betaine, inulin, sesquiterpene; NOTE: take one cup of echinacea every day for one month maxium then do not take for another full month.

Ginseng - taken in small steady doses ginseng acts on pituitary and adrenal glans and stimulates the nervous system to decrease fatigue contains antioxidants; raises HDL, deep cleans the tissues and stimulates red and white blood cell production; NOTE: avoid if you suffer inflammatory conditions, bronchitis, high blood pressure, or if you take other stimulants.

Hawthorn - produces natural adrenalin; relaxes blood vessels, opens the arteries and enhances blood circulation; improves uptake of oxygen; helps to regulate heart rate and stabilize blood pressure; relieves stress on the nervous system; contains vitamins C, A, B-Complex, sodium, silicon, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, selenium.

Horsetail - high concentration of silica helps repair skin, muscle and organ tissues; rich source of silica and calcium; contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, E, selenium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, sodium, chlorine, zinc, cobalt, gold, silver, platinum, rhodium. NOTE: people with cardiac disease or high blood pressure should consult with a physician before taking horsetail.

Marshmallow - excellent anti-inflammatory inside and out; has easy to assimilate proteins good for vegans, vegetarians and body builders.

Mate - also known as Yerba Mate, mate is a stimulant; tones the nervous system; promotes balanced immune function; cleanses the blood; curbs the appetite; rich in minerals magnesium, manganese, potassium, which help maintain electrolyte balance caused by high protein diet. NOTE: most beneficial when consumed only one cup per day.

Oatstraw - full body tonic that strengthens the immunity; stabilizes thyroid function, regulates blood sugar, reduces cholesterol; antioxidant; antibiotic properties; contains vitamins A,D, B1, B2, E, calcium, iron, selenium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc.

Papaya (also called Paw Paw) - cleanses the lymph system and fights infections; contains alkaloid carpain which is good for the health of the heart; contains enzymes including papain to digest proteins, pepsin to digest vegetables, an enzyme to digest milk proteins, and one for starches.

Pau d’arco - antibiotic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor; immune system stimulant; contains flavonoids, alkaloids, quniones, saponins, vitamins A, B-Complex, C, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosporous, potassium, sodium.

Rosehips - anti-aging, strengthens immune system; adrenal supporter; digestive aid; hormone regulator; antioxidant; blood tonic; contains vitamins A, D, B-Complex, C, E, K, citric, malic and ascorbic acid, bioflavonoid, rutin, calcium, iron, silicon, selenium, naturally occurring sodium for cells, magnesium, manganese, pectic, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, zinc.

Sarsaparilla - blood cleansing; metabolic stimulant which enhances the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and nutrients; contains testosterone, progesterone, cortin; adrenal stimulant; contains mucilage, saponin, glucosides, fatty acids, vtiamins A, B-Complex, C, D, calcium, copper, good source of iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium chloride, silicon, sodium, sulfur; NOTE: not recommended if you have kidney or liver weakness.

Saw Palmetto - cleanses and strengthens glandular tissues and helps regulate hormones in both sexes; calms the nervous system; improves digestion and vitality; contains enzyme lipase that breaks down fats; contains vitamin A, carotenes, alkaloids, glucosides, resins, steroidal saponins.

Slippery Elm - relieves inflammatory conditions; aids in digestion,; fights acidity in the body; draws out toxins from deep within the body; soothes and protects cells; has as much nutrition as oatmeal; contains high levels of protein for vegans, vegetarians, and muscle builders, vitamins A, B-Complex, C, E, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, selenium, sodium, zinc.

Spirulina -  highest level of antioxidants; protects the immune system; lowers cholesterol; stabilizes blood sugars; excellent source of protein 60%, one of the richest natural sources of B12; high in iron; contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; has 26 times the calcium of milk; contains phosphorous, RNA and DNA.

Stevia Leaf Powder - natural sweetener with zero calories, no fat, no carbohydrates; regulates blood sugar; improves digestion and gastrointestinal function; contains proteins, fiber, iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, vtiamins A, C.

Thyme - strengthens respiratory tract and fights infections that might linger there; opens bronchial tubes for cleansing, expectorates phlegm, and decongests chest; anitseptic, antiviral, antimicrobial, antibiotic; NOTE: brew and consume mild tea once a day upon feeling congested.

Wheat Grass or Wheat Grass Juice - cleanses the body, neutralizes toxins; high in chlorophyll, contains every known vitamin, high in enzymes and over 100 elements have been identified in it.

Yerba Mate - physical and mental tonic; delays lactic acid buildup in strenuous exercise and improves motor response; contains pantothenic acid which boosts metabolism and utilizes carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins; builds resistance to stress; regulates hormones including adrenaline and cortisone; contains vitamins A, B-Complex, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, E, biotin, choline, inositol, calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphoric acid, potassium, silica, sodium, sulphur, chlorophyll, fiber, resins, volatile oils, tannins, xanthine, mateine, bitters.

References:

Zak, Victoria, 20,000 Secrets of Tea, The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature’s Healing Herbs, New York 1999

Keith, Velma J., and Gordon, Monteen, The How To Herb Book, Utah 1996

Tenney, Louise M.H., Today’s Herbal Health, Utah 2000.

Balch, Phyllis A. CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing, New York 2002

The Raw Food World, http://www.therawfoodworld.com