Happy Green Week, Frank!
Welcome to DAY 4 of Green Week!
Today, we have not one, but TWO products on special.
Both are herbs.
Both are unique to South Africa.
And both are extremely potent.
Let’s start with Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia).
It is hard to overstate the benefits of Sutherlandia. It is one of South Africa’s most ancient and best-known medicinal plants, used by all people groups, since whenever, for a huge variety of health issues. And it works for all of them. Like ginseng in Asia, Sutherlandia is an adaptogen, meaning it rallies the body’s own resources to repair itself from stress damage.
Here are some benefits, based on traditional and folk use, anecdotes and case reports:
Brain, Mind and Mood
Sutherlandia has been used to support mental and emotional stress, including irritability, anxiety and depression. Widows of slain Zulu warriors used Sutherlandia as a gentle tranquilliser during the mourning period.
The plant is a traditional treatment for emotional shock and stress. Agitated warriors returning from battle would drink an infusion of Sutherlandia ‘to take the war out’ – i.e., as a calming herb.
The ancient Zulu name Insiswa means ‘the one which dispels darkness’ alluding to its anti-depressant effect. The present Zulu name Unwele means ‘hair’ – alluding to the fact that the plant stops people ‘pulling out their hair’ with distress.
Lungs
Sutherlandia was traditionally used to good effect to combat the symptoms of ‘flu during the 1918 influenza pandemic, and is still used to treat ‘flu to this day (hint hint). Sutherlandia is traditionally believed to shorten the duration and severity of the illness and it can also be taken as a tonic for post-‘flu symptoms.
Sutherlandia has traditionally been used in the treatment of asthma symptoms.
Sutherlandia has been traditionally used for centuries to treat the symptoms of TB and bronchitis.
Immunity
Sutherlandia is often used to treat unspecified wasting diseases.
It has a profound immune boosting effect.
Stomach and Gut
Sutherlandia has been used to treat symptoms of ‘heartburn’, reflux oesophagitis, gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Sutherlandia is used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, and it was used as a supportive remedy for people with liver conditions. It is slightly purgative and has therefore been used as a gentle remedy for constipation.
Kidneys
Sutherlandia is widely used to treat urinary tract infections, including gonorrhoea, and cystitis, particularly what would nowadays be termed ‘interstitial cystitis’.
Diabetes
Sutherlandia is widely used to this day by herbalists to treat diabetes. Various case reports show that it lowers blood glucose profoundly within about a month of use.
Muscles and Bones
Sutherlandia has been used to treat gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It is also used to gain muscle mass and strength.
Cancer
To this day Sutherlandia is used as a traditional treatment to improve quality of life in patients with malignant tumours. It is said to help increase appetite and muscle mass. This is where the popular name “Cancer Bush” comes from. Roughly half of cancer victims die from eating too little, mainly due to loss of appetite. It is reportedly very effective in ‘bouncing back’ the immune system after chemotherapy.
Note: Folks who have normal weight, or are overweight do not experience this boost in appetite.
Romance
Sutherlandia’s potency-enhancing effects are celebrated by many of southern Africa’s tribes.
It is the apparent ability of Sutherlandia to adapt its effects to the needs of the user which has made it so popular among so many different people groups. It is likely that Sutherlandia acts by boosting the production of a few key hormones in the brain, but relatively little research has been done on this remarkable plant.
Who can benefit from Sutherlandia?
* The chronically ill (cancer, infections, heart failure, kidney failure, etc)
* The elderly (in fact, anyone over the age of 45, not just the elderly)
* Anyone battling an infection (whether virus or bacteria)
* The incontinent (it boosts bladder muscle strength)
Note: An interesting recent popular use is for short stature teenagers to drink Sutherlandia to initiate a growth spurt. It seems safe and effective for this indication.
Who should NOT take Sutherlandia?
It is not recommended in pregnancy.
What is the dosage?
The recommended dosage is 2 x 500 mg tablets daily. Effects normally become visible after two weeks of daily use at this dose. Do not increase the dosage unless directed to do so by a qualified health practitioner.
And our special is…
Today only, buy 2 and get 1 free!
Click here to order Cancer Bush 500 mg x 60 tablets
Our next herb is Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum).
Kanna is a small, succulent herb that grows in the arid parts of the Western Cape. It has a documented history of use dating back at least 250 years. The Khoi tribes of South Africa used it as a recreational item since time immemorial. This is where it’s other popular name of “Kougoed” (“chewing stuff”) comes from. The advent of European recreational products quickly displaced the use of Kanna, which hints at the fact that Kanna is not addictive at all.
The botanical name “Sceletium” derives from the tiny leaf-skeletons the plant produces as leaves dry out during the dry season.
Mind and Mood
Kanna elevates mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension, according to those who have used it. The effects are usually felt within minutes, which means it makes an excellent “rescue remedy”. It does not alter reality perception, which makes it an ideal calming agent for people writing exams or needing to give focused attention for a period of time. It has the ability to take the “edge” off stress and anxiety, without reducing the mind’s problem solving capacity. Perfect if you need to cope with a deadline rush. A lot of anecdotal evidence points to the amazing help Sceletium can give to insomniacs who struggle to fall asleep.
Pain
The plant was used by Khoi hunter-gatherers to decrease thirst and hunger, and as a local anaesthetic and analgesic for extracting teeth.
Anti-addiction
Sceletium has been used effectively by traditional healers to wean alcoholics off their vice. Anecdotes exist of the efficacy of Sceletium in smoking cessation. It is one of the few substances reported to help in curbing tic addiction / cravings. Since it is not addictive itself, it is easy to wean yourself off Sceletium later, once the first vice no longer holds a grip on your life.
Who can benefit from Kanna / Sceletium?
* Those struggling to fall asleep
* Those wishing to rid themselves of addiction
* Those struggling to focus
* Those struggling with low mood, stress or anxiety
Who should not take Kanna / Sceletium?
* Do not take Sceletium together with mood-altering substances, whether recreational or prescription.
What is the dosage?
Typical dosage is 100 to 150 mg dried plant matter once or twice daily. It can safely be used in higher doses, but only on recommendation of a qualified health practitioner.
And our special is…
Today only, buy 2 and get 1 free!
To your health!
The Team at Integrow Health
PS1: If you struggle placing your order, don’t panic. Just email sales@integrow.co.za , explain your problem, and a staff member will assist. We’re here to help you. You can also phone 087-135 1042 and leave a message.
PS2: None of the above should be regarded as medical advice. Always consult a qualified health practitioner before making decisions potentially affecting your health.
PS3: Tomorrow is our BIG DAY! Can’t wait!
