Starting as a small family business in the 1970s, Nature Sunshine is now a thriving direct market health supplement business. With distributors in more than 30 countries, it has a full line of herbs and minerals marketed to the medicinal plant consumer. There are more than 600 supplement products on the website for purchase.
Dandelion
Dandelion is related to the chicory plant and is a perennial herb commonly used by Native Americans. It was used for kidney disease, heartburn, liver disease and upper respiratory ailments. Today it is a salad ingredient, a coffee substitute and an anti-inflammatory. Medline Plus shows it with some allergy potential, especially for people allergic to daisies and honey. Side effects include eczema, sun sensitivity, diarrhea and heartburn.
Ginger
Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, has been a Chinese herb remedy since the 1500s. It is an antacid, laxative and a digestive aid. Studies show that it may relieve motion sickness and nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. According to Medline Plus, allergies have been reported, and side effects include bad taste in mouth, nausea, gas, bloating, heartburn and belching. There is the rare and uncommon side effect of pink eye as well.
Kava
Kava, or Piper methysticum, is a South Pacific remedy and a European treatment since the 18th century. Kava has been well-received through studies for use as an anti-anxiety treatment. Medline Plus states that several studies show effectiveness for anxiety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns kava users that there is a possibility of liver toxicity and that the dosage of kava or duration of use has not been determined. Allergies have been reported under kava use, and side effects can be liver failure, blood in urine, seizures, headache, drowsiness, fatigue and twisting of mouth and neck.
Licorice Root
Licorice root, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra or Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has a history of use medicinally as a sore throat treatment, stomach ulcer remedy and infections like bronchitis and hepatitis. It is in dried form, powder and in liquid extracts, typically in capsules. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) some studies show promise for its use in hepatitis C remedies. The supplement should not be taken by pregnant women or those on water pills.
Member Comments