Devil’s Claw Side Effects

Devil’s Claw is an ingredient that is found in a number of different detox products. It is important for you to know the potential side effects of the herbs that are in your detox products as well as any potential issues with current health concerns. Herbal Clean does not use Devil’s Claw in our detox formulas. For more information on the herbs included in Herbal Clean detox products, visit our website. http://goo.gl/RecRNV

Potential Problems with Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw is thought to have anti-inflammatory qualities, because of that people use it for treating muscle pain, back pain, arthritis, hardening of the arteries and other disorders where inflammation could be a cause of the person’s disorder.  Unfortunately, it may not be everything that it is cracked up to be and while some detox formulas employ it, for Herbal Clean, it is a problem ingredient.

Blood Pressure

Devil’s Claw is said to affect a person’s heart rate and thus could interfere and affect a person’s blood pressure.   As such, those with heart or circulatory system problems should speak to their doctor before taking it.

Blood Sugar

It is also believed that Devil’s Claw could have an effect on a person’s blood sugar and might lower their blood sugar.  So people who have diabetes should probably avoid using devil’s claw or at least consult their physician prior to taking the herb since taking devil’s claw along with their diabetes medication might lower their blood sugar to an unsafe level.

Risk of Bleeding

The anti-inflammatory qualities in Devil’s Claw may increase the risk of bleeding for people who take blood thinners such as Coumadin.  Because of this, people who use blood thinners should probably avoid using this herb.

Might be Harmful to People with Gallstones

It is also believed that Devil’s Claw could possibly increase the creation of bile in the liver and since this could be serious issue to those who have gallstones.

Stomach Ulcers

One last potential issue with taking Devil’s Claw is that the herb is thought to increase stomach acids.  If this is true then people with stomach ulcers should avoid using this herb since it might irritate an ulcer.

It is important for you to know the potential side effects of herbs in your detox products. Herbal Clean does not use Devil’s Claw in their formulas due to its multiple potentially harmful side effects. For more information on the herbs included in Herbal Clean detox products, visit our website.

Lepidium Meyeenii – Does it Really have Health Benefits?

The maca root, also known as Lepidium Meyeenii, a relative of the radish, is relatively safe to consume and has been consumed as a root vegetable for centuries by the people in the Andes Mountains.  It has also been used by these people medicinally for its many health benefits for centuries.  In fact, the Incans believed that the maca root had some extraordinary benefits in that it could enhance energy, increase stamina, increase sexual desire and endurance in a person, but are these health benefits a fact or merely wishful thinking?

The Plant

The part of the maca that has its most beneficial nutrients is its root.  The root is high in natural sugars, protein, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, fiber, amino acids as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, E and K.  Unfortunately, not enough studies have been done to conclusively prove anything about  Lepidium Meyeenii.

The Potential Drawbacks

As a plant, Lepidium Meyeenii is often consumed by humans and livestock throughout South America, and while it's considered mostly safe in that form, it does contain glucosinolates. When consumption is high, as is often the case when it is in its supplement form, it can cause goiters. It's also been known to cause problems in those who already have high blood pressure issues, as it does cause a slight rise in blood pressure.

Is It Really An Aphrodisiac?

Many formulas focus on the aphrodisiac power of Lepidium Meyeenii. The simple truth, though, is that the studies to date on this supplement haven't proven anything. All of them have been so small that the scientific evidence standing behind it just isn't there.

Is Lepidium Meyeenii right for you? Herbal Clean does not use this herb in its detox cleanses but it we do think it has its uses.  Learn more about it online.

Natural vs. Supplementary Taurine

Taurine, found naturally in breast milk, meat, and fish, is also made into a supplement to help with electrolyte balance, neurological development, and cardiovascular health.  As an amino acid that also has antioxidants, it helps boost minerals and balance water levels in the blood.  The Japanese eat a lot of this amino acid from fish and research has shown that Taurine increases lifespan longevity.  In its natural form, Taurine has a number of benefits:

• Its positive effect on blood vessels reverses the effect of cardiovascular disease.  
• This amino acid protects vision.
• Not only does Taurine help our hearing sensitivity, it can actually reverse some problems 
• such as tinnitus, chronic ear ringing.
• It can both prevent and treat liver disease.
• It has been known to help with seizures.

Once we start tinkering with this natural amino acid, its potential harms surface.  Taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks because it’s known to help high-energy athletic performances and its negative capabilities have been discovered through looking into Taurine’s role in the energy drink.  Taken in excess or used in powerful detox formulas, Taurine can actually have a drug-like effect on the body rather than providing energy.  Consuming this supplement could offset a natural nitrogen balance and cause kidneys to feel strained. There’s a hole in the research about Taurine, as scientists aren’t exactly sure of its role in the brain or what levels function to activate or sedate.  Our chemists don’t feel comfortable leaving it up to chance, so we leave it out of our detox formulas.  

Until more research is known, it’s best to take in natural amounts of this amino acid through foods, but not necessarily as an ingredient in energy drinks or detoxification.