Energy drinks are popular among gamers, students, athletes, professionals, and anyone who has to drive overnight from Milwaukee to St. Louis. They’re big business, too. Americans spent $12.5 billion on energy drinks in 2012. Market experts predict that number to climb to $21.5 billion in 2017.[1] It’s clear that these drinks are only growing in popularity. With so many people guzzling them down every day, can energy drinks really be that bad? The short answer is yes. (more…)
In China, jiaogulan, or Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is referred to as the “immortality” herb. Elsewhere, jiaogulan is called southern ginseng (despite not being related to the ginsengs of the Panax family). It gets its name, however, because it shares similar adaptogenic and antioxidant properties as ginseng. Some research even suggests jiaogulan may be more powerful. (more…)
Many people associate ginseng with regions in Asia, but there are actually several types of ginseng and a few of them grow in other areas of the world. One of my favorites, Panax quinquefolius, also known as American ginseng, has actually been enjoyed by Native Americans for centuries as a way to support energy, fertility, and digestion. The long, solid track record has prompted many people to add a ginseng supplement to their diet. (more…)
If you’re familiar with natural health, chances are you’ve heard about ginseng. Bud do you know that there are different types of ginseng? Also called Panax notoginseng, Tienchi ginseng is just one type and it promotes health and energy in a similar fashion as American ginseng, Eleuthero, and Jiaogulan. It should be noted, however, that it works very differently from the others, and that's just one reason why it’s so highly valued. (more…)
Chinese healers have prized eleuthero — or Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng — for thousands of years. Though it’s not exactly “true” ginseng, it possesses adaptogenic properties and has a well-established reputation as an energy enhancer and brain booster. Recent research reveals it does a lot more. Let’s take a closer look at this powerful herb. (more…)
