ginger hultin Archives - Page 14 of 15

May 9, 2017

Valerian Root Is Natural Sleep Aid and More

If you have heard of the herb valerian, it has likely been in the context of improved sleep or relaxation. Used in traditional and folk medicine in many cultures for insomnia and anxiety-ridden sleep, there is evidence to support that it works. In fact, valerian root remains the most commonly used herbal product for sleep support in both the United States and Europe. Recent research suggests valerian root’s possible effectiveness in fighting inflammation to support cognitive function after surgery. Valerian root, an herbal product made from the root of Valeriana officinalis L., a perennial flowering plant, is widely available over […]

April 25, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Constipated? What To Eat & What To Avoid

Constipation is an unspoken discomfort most people will experience at some point in their lives. It is a symptom, in fact, that appears for many different reasons but is not a disease on its own. Slow transit of stool can be caused by medications, health conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, hydration status, hormonal shifts and certain foods. Constipation strikes women more often than men; they are at 2.5 times more likely to report this symptom. Constipation can be cured or lessened with natural remedies including food and certain types of activity. Constipation can be different for each person but generally means […]

March 28, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Maca Is Hormone Balancer and Energy Booster

You may have seen maca popping up in trendy restaurants and wondering if this South American vegetable root may benefit your health. Maca grows wild at high elevations in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina and has recently gained popularity in U.S. cuisine. A relative of the radish, maca and often appears a brilliant yellow color with an odor similar to butterscotch though it does come in a range of colors from white to black. A member of the Brassica family, maca contains similar health benefits to other cruciferous veggies but is best known for its potential for boosting libido and […]

March 21, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Gingko Biloba Boosts Memory & Longevity

The herb Gingko biloba, or gingko for short, has been used medicinally both in Europe and the U.S. since the 1700s though it is native to China, Japan and Korea. Though it is one of the most frequently prescribed herbal remedies in Germany currently, there is evidence of ancient Chinese healers describing this herbs medicinal properties. Used to treat many health conditions, gingko is especially used for cognitive function including for memory improvement and even for longevity, possibly because of its link to cardiovascular health support. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits as well as the risks […]

March 7, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Passionflower Eases Anxiety & May Help Sleep

Purple passion flower is an indigenous herb used both in food as well as medicinally also called Passionflower or Passiflora incarnata. You may also recognize it as Wild Passionflower, apricot Vine, Holy-Trinity flower, or Maypop. Dried aerial parts of this flower have been used as both a sedative and hypnotic for sleep and relaxation. This herb has also been used to help with gastrointestinal distress caused by nerves. There is evidence that Native American tribes including the Houma and Cherokee used it both in their diets as well as medicinally. Purple Passionflower is a perennial vine that blooms in the […]

January 3, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Is Alipotec a Safe Weight Loss Supplement?

Weight loss supplements and herbs abound in drugstores, health stores, and online. There are some plant extracts that may aid in weight reduction though most research suggests a very small added increase in weight loss when used in conjunction with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Tejocote or its root form, Alipotec, is an herb showing up in supplements on shelves in the U.S. but is it safe or effective? A medicinal hawthorn plant, Crataegus Mexicana, is a species native to Mexico and commonly called Tejocote. It produces a fruit similar to a crabapple and is used in the […]

August 27, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Ashitaba: The ‘Longevity Herb’ Is a Plant with Real Promise

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN Known as the ‘longevity herb,’ Ashitaba is used medicinally for many conditions and shows evidence of exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This herb is native to Japan and though used primarily in Asia both in the diet and as a dietary supplement, is gaining popularity in the U.S. because of its promising health effects. There are many other names for Ashitaba including Japanese Ashitaba, Angelica keiskei, Kenso or Leaves of Tomorrow. Ashitaba leaves are consumed within the diet as food or juiced in some cultures but can also be used in powdered form or topically. The […]

August 5, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Immunity Boosting Heroes!

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN After a 2012 clinical study on the medicinal turkey tail mushroom showed that this functional food does improve the immune system of patients treated for cancer, research continues to grow in support of this healthful fungi. The National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study found that turkey tail mushrooms increased natural killer cells in women with breast cancer before they ended radiation therapy. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as adjunct therapy to traditional cancer treatments in Japan for years for a variety of types of cancer including breast, head and neck, gastric, colon […]

May 19, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Weight Loss Products Part 6: Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold™ by NutriGold® is a combination of Super Citrimax® Garcinia Cambogia extract at 1500mg (60% Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA) in two caps combined with a proprietary blend of Meratrim® 400mg Sphaeranthus indicus extract and garcinia mangostana extract aiming to help with weight reduction and promote a healthy body weight. A low dose of calcium (100mg) and potassium (210mg) accompany the ingredients. Based on research surrounding these compounds, the product could potentially aid in weight loss for some individuals when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity but consumers should also […]