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The term “musculoskeletal system”(MS) might sound like a less than exciting topic, but without a healthy MS system you cannot breathe, walk, move, or easily function without pain or paralysis. The musculoskeletal system gives your body its structure and support, and enables us to move, breathe, return blood from our periphery, cough, chew, and other essential bodily functions . It is made up of bones, muscles, and joints, along with cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue (fascia).
For bones, many people immediately think of calcium. But taking calcium alone without the essential co-factors (vitamins D, K2 and C, Magnesium, Potassium, Boron, Silicic Acid, Phosphorus, essential fatty acids), or having adequate gastric HCl, can do more harm than good. People have received poor and incomplete nutritional information for many years. Excess calcium intake without it being accompanied by other needed factors for effective absorption and utilization of calcium can lead to increased calcification of arteries and heart valves, kidney stones, arthritis, and other significant health issues. While herbs do not have as much calcium or vitamin K as supplements, I prefer them for a healthy bone formula because the calcium is more readily absorbed and already in a matrix of essential co-factors.
OsteoHerb supports healthy bone structure*. This formula helps to strengthen bones. It is a useful supportive supplement, and strengthens the hair, nails, teeth and skin. The herbs in this formula are sources of absorbable minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica, plus numerous trace elements including boron. Silica has been shown to be a co-factor in calcium absorption, increasing bone density and strength. Horsetail contains silica and has long been used for strengthening bones, hair, skin, and nails; it also stimulates the maturation of osteoblasts. The minerals in Oat straw and Stinging Nettle are also traditionally used for strengthening the bones, skin, and fingernails. Alfalfa and Dandelion leaf contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which is essential for healthy bones. Black pepper enhances digestion and absorption of the herbs in this formula.
Fit Adapt formula is designed to be used along with a training program, a healthy diet and dietary supplements to enhance physical performance and improve recovery from strenuous workouts and training regimens. The formula combines adaptogens, agents that affect normal inflammation after strenuous exercise and nutritive tonics to strengthen cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system and immune system function. Hawthorn contains flavonoids which strengthen the heart and circulatory system, thus increasing endurance and blood flow. Reishi, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Ashwagandha, and Cordyceps are adaptogens which help to support the HPA axis and SAS (sympatho-adrenal system). Recent research on adaptogens shows that they balance the stress hormone cortisol supporting healthy mitochondrial function (Panossian et al., 2009). By stimulating heat shock proteins, as well as forkhead proteins, adaptogens prime the body’s ability to cope with physical or emotional stressors. In human studies both Ashwagandha and Schisandra have been shown to improve physical performance and endurance (Sandhu, et al., 2010, Panossian & Wikman, 2009). Sarsaparilla and Turmeric support a healthy inflammation response after strenuous exercise as do Ashwagandha, Hawthorn, and Cordyceps, all of which help to support healthy tissue and the body’s natural tissue repair processes. Many of these herbs (Reishi, Ashwagandha, Schisandra and Hawthorn) also relieve occasional mild anxiety and promote improved focus and concentration.
Muscle / Joint Tonic promotes healthy joint function*. The traditional Ayurvedic combination of Turmeric and Ginger has been used for millennia to support healthy joints. Both herbs move “blood” (enhance circulation). Bupleurum (Chai Hu) and Sichuan Teasel root have been used in TCM for thousands of years as well. Chai hu has immune system-regulatory activity. Sichuan Teasel (Xu Duan) is a kidney yang tonic used for weak knees or ankles. Sarsaparilla is an alterative used for musculoskeletal tissue. Willow bark and Devil’s Claw balance discomfort.
J. Kloss Anti-Spasmodic Compound: Black Cohosh, Skullcap, Skunk Cabbage, and Lobelia are active antispasmodics, with a long history of use by the Thomsonians, Eclectics and Physiomedicalists. Black Cohosh relieves muscle spasms, minor back pain, and minor testicular cramps due to overexertion. Skullcap is indicated for stress-induced tics or spasms. Skunk Cabbage is used for minor back or neck pain. Lobelia has a long history of similar use. Myrrh and Cayenne are used to increase absorption of the other herbs in the formula and promote circulation. Myrrh, Black Cohosh, Skunk Cabbage, and Lobelia also have minor analgesic activity.
Herb-Cal can be used as a daily calcium and mineral supplement and to support healthy bones*. This special formula combines a vinegar extract of organic eggshells (calcium acetate) with herbs that contain calcium and other minerals. The quantities of calcium are smaller than a typical calcium supplement, but the calcium in it is highly assimilable. Horsetail is a source of silicic acid, an important co-factor for calcium absorption. Horsetail also enhances the maturation of osteoblasts in the bones. Nettles and Alfalfa contain calcium, iron, boron, magnesium, potassium, and other trace minerals, as well as Vitamin K-2 - all of which are essential for calcium absorption. Chamomile flowers and fresh Oats also contain minerals, and Chamomile has been found in laboratory studies to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and mineralization of bone (Kassi, et al., 2004). The vinegar in the eggshell extract helps increase gastric acidity, which aids in absorption of all nutrients.
Topical Oils
Herbalist & Alchemist’s Dragon’s Dream Oil is a penetrating, warming topical oil. I designed this formula with a martial arts practitioner who developed an earlier version to create this special blend of botanicals and essential oils. It is based on Chinese Dit da tradition.
Compound Arnica Oil: Each botanical in this incredible penetrating blend of topical herbs is infused separately into certified organic olive oil for maximum quality. The oils are then blended with essential oils to make this soothing formula: certified Organic Olive Oil, Arnica flowering tops (Arnica montana or Arnica cordifolia), Lobelia seed (Lobelia inflata), St. John's wort flowering tops (Hypericum perforatum), Wintergreen Essential Oil. White Sage and Vitamin E
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
This blog is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, not be a substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.
