Candida-X White Paper

Candida-X White Paper

By Eric Bjarnson, Ph.D., Sunstone, Inc. October, 2015

Candida-X is an herbal supplement formulated by Dianne Bjarnson, Master Herbalist (Dr. Christopher’s School of Natural Healing) and CEO of Sunstone, Inc., Pleasant Grove, Utah, for supporting the restoration of a healthy balance between the fungus/yeast Candida albicans and beneficial bacteria making up the digestive flora in our gut. Before detailing Candida-X, I will provide some context by briefly summarizing the nature of Candida albicans infestation, the need for controlling it, what causes it, and how to control it.

What Is Candida albicans?

“Candida albicans is a diploid fungus that grows both as yeast and filamentous cells and a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans, and candidal onychomycosis, an infection of the nail plate.” Wikipedia

As pointed out in candidasupport.org, there are two levels of Candida albicans infestation or overgrowth that can develop in our bodies: “The first is called Mucocutaneous Candidiasis and describes infections of the mucous membranes; i.e.: Infections of the mouth and tongue known as Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis), vagina, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. Mucocutaneous infections are more common and thought of as being more “surface” or on the outer parts of the body, ie; not as deeply entrenched.

The second and stronger level of infestation is known as Disseminated Candidiasis (also called systemic candidiasis) and involves Candida in the bloodstream and infecting the organs of the body. This second type can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially the non C Albicans types like C glabrata and C tropicalis.“[1]

The Need for Treating Candida Overgrowth

Left unchecked for months and years, excessive Candida works its way into increasingly deeper levels of our bodies, becoming a devastating systemic invasion that directly and indirectly contribute to pathological dysfunctioning both physiologically and psychologically, and which can, potentially, be life-threatening. For the record, there is evidence of significant comorbidity and correlation between prolonged systemic candidiasis and a number of inflammatory medical pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, atherosclerosis, etc. Logically, early detection and treatment of excess Candida growth in our bodies both obviate the myriad annoying and damaging symptoms of Candida infestation (listed below), as well as, according to our and many other researchers’ evaluation, reduce the opportunistic development of even more deadly pathologies.

Symptoms of Candida albicans Overgrowth

While presentation varies considerably from one individual to the next, we find that most everyone suffering from excessive Candida in their bodies exhibits many of the following symptoms[2]:

• Fungal skin infections like Jock Itch, ring worm or athletes foot
• White coated tongue / Oral thrush
• Food and chemical sensitivities
• Feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, feeling “blue”
• Hyperactivity, attention problems (Candida is not the cause of ADHD – but it can certainly make things worse. )
• Brain fog, poor concentration, feeling ‘spacey’
• Poor memory
• Irregular bowels; diarrhea or constipation
• Chronic flatulence
• Abdominal cramps alleviated by bowel movements
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( Note: some have had amazing results with IBS after dealing with Candida / Yeast Issues )
• Heart burn / Indigestion
• Dry mouth, bad breath
• Extreme lethargy, fatigue
• Eye fatigue, spots in front of eyes, burning or tearing eyes
• Frequent ear infections, pressure, swelling or tingling or ears
• Irritability, mood swings
• Headaches
• Dandruff, dry, itchy skin
• Acne or other skin problems

• Frequent urination
• Frequent vaginal yeast infections, persistent vaginal itching
• Irregular menstruation, endometriosis, PMS
• Poor libido
• Rectal itching
• Symptoms worse after high sugar foods
• Numb, burning or tingling sensations
• Fungal Sinusitis
• Inflammation of the hair follicles (candidiasis folliculitis) of various parts of the body (feet, legs, arms)
• Muscle weakness and pain
• Joint swelling and aches
• Obsessive behavior
• Sinus problems, post nasal drip
• Swollen lips/face
• Symptoms worse after waking
• Allergy symptoms

Causes of Candida Yeast Proliferation

We estimate that from 80% to 90% of the population in modern societies around the world suffer from various levels of Candida overgrowth in their intestines, mouths or on their skin.  This alarming proliferation of Candida in epidemic proportions is due to a number of factors inherent in our increasingly more stress-filled, polluted, and denatured environment and lifestyles.

The heavily processed, additive-laden, and genetically-modified foods we eat, the excessive sugar we ingest, the inordinate array of toxic contaminants and poisons in the air and spread ever-increasingly over the Earth’s land and in its waters, the good-bacteria-killing medicinal and “recreational” drugs that sabotage our ability to digest our food and weaken our immune systems, the overly-provocative, stress-filled, hurried, harried, and chaotic lifestyles that are thrust upon us, and a myriad other factors detrimental to our health and welfare team up to overwhelm our body, mind, and spirit and put us in an almost constant state of vigilance and fight or flight. This disturbed, unbalanced, and compromised state of heart, mind, and spirit is an open invitation to the undaunting and ever-present fungi to take us over!

Candida Overgrowth Treatment

The foregoing discussion plainly manifests a multidimensional genesis and promotion of Candida albicans infestation and infection. Its successful, long-term treatment should also be multi-dimensional and holistic, reflecting all the aspects delineated above, as well as other relevant elements not mentioned in this document.

Very briefly, a successful treatment of excessive Candida should include at least the following:

• Take herbs and herbal combinations specifically formulated to kill Candida and other fungi/yeast while sparing beneficial digestive bacteria in your gut. Such is Sunstone’s Candida-X Tablets.
• Add to your diet enzyme- and probiotic-rich foods to augment and strengthen the gut’s ability to properly digest food and eliminate Candida. Properly-fermented and -soured vegetables are an excellent and delicious source of naturally-occurring enzymes, probiotics, and other nutrients. The GAPS diet offers an array of foods for enriching the gut’s digestive flora and strengthening the immune system. Check it out online.
• Add pico-ionic magnesium supplement to your daily diet. Magnesium is needed by the body to break down Acetaldehyde in the blood stream, which is one of the powerful toxic by-products of yeast.[1]
• As necessary, supplement with additional probiotics and enzymes. You can take both digestive enzymes with your food and proteolytic enzymes between meals for destroying toxic fungi and inflammatory free radicals systemically throughout your body. Search for the best sources, and be wise in your supplementation.
• Eliminate from your diet all sugar and sugar-producing foods, including all highly-processed foods. Also, eliminate from your diet all foods to which you have an allergic reaction. Later on, as your body gets healthier, some of these foods might be able to be introduced back into your diet, cautiously. Whenever possible, utilize organically-grown foods in your meals. Stay away from GMO products altogether. Eat out of your own garden as much as you can!
• De-stress your life by eliminating activities that stimulate at the expense of your psychological/emotional/spiritual equilibrium. Remove yourself from toxic environments as best you can. Practice mindfulness meditation to train your subconscious mind (which includes your body) to release fears and worries, accept things you can’t change, and empower you to take charge of things over which you should have control. Enriching your spiritual inclinations through contemplation, prayer, and worship, and recognizing and choosing the good in your life and being grateful for it goes a long way toward calming and empowering your soul, paving the way for your body’s resources to naturally intervene and restore balance and health to itself. 

Sunstone’s Candida-X Tablets

At Sunstone, Inc., we have long recognized the devastating consequences of prolonged Candida poisoning in our customers’ bodies. For years, we have planned on researching and arriving at a powerful, safe herbal-based formula for assisting the body in reducing the threatening fungus/yeast to a manageable, normalized amount, balanced by the beneficial bacterial digestive flora in the gut.

In the spring of 2015, we stepped up our ongoing investigation and, within several months, came up with a formulation that our research suggested is powerfully-effective, yet very safe. Our investigation led us to the rain forests of South America, where there are tens of thousands of herbs used for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples and adopted to some extent by the surrounding majority Anglo population. We were drawn to a number of herbs that are commonly used by local shamans and other medicine men to treat many disorders, including cancer. We were excited to discover that some of these same herbs, under clinical analysis and testing, proved not only to be cancer-fighting, but also fungus-fighting.

We decided to incorporate three of the rain forest herbs into our formula, firstly, on the merits of their anti-Candida properties, and, secondly, because of their myriad other healing properties: Jatobá, Pau d’Arco, and Anamu. To this composition we added a couple of commonly-known and widely–used herbs, Dulse and Chaparral, along with apple cider vinegar powder. We are introducing Candida-X to the market at the end of October, 2015.

Medicinal Properties and Uses of Candida-X Herbs 

(unless otherwise noted, most of the information below is taken from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs, http://www.rain-tree.com© Copyrighted 1996 to present by Leslie Taylor, Milam County, TX 77857. All rights reserved. Last updated 12-29-2012.) 

JATOBÁ (Hymenaea courbaril) – parts used: Bark

Main Uses:

1. for Candida and yeast infections
2. for fungal infections (athlete’s foot, nail fungus, etc)
3. for prostatitis
4. for cystitis and urinary tract infections
5. as a natural stimulant and energy tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions)

Properties/Actions Documented by Research: 

1. anti-inflammatory,
2. antibacterial,
3. anticandidal,
4. antifungal,
5. hepatoprotective (liver protector),
6. molluscicidal (kills snails)

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

1. antidysenteric,
2. antispasmodic,
3. astringent,
4. carminative (expels gas),
5. cough suppressant,
6. digestive stimulant,
7. diuretic,
8. purgative (strong laxative),
9. stimulant,
10. tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions),
11. vermifuge (expels worms),
12. wound healer

Plant Chemicals

Chemical analysis of jatobá shows that it is rich in biologically active compounds including diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and oligosaccharides. The phytochemical makeup of jatobá is very similar to another resin-producing rainforest tree, copaiba. Some of these same chemicals occuring in both plants (such as copalic acid, delta-cadinene, caryophyllene and alpha-humulene) have shown to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activities in clinical studies. In other research, another of jatobá’s phytochemicals, astilbin, was shown in a 1997 clinical study to provide antioxidant and liver protective properties.

Jatobá also contains terpene and phenolic chemicals, which are responsible for protecting the tree from fungi in the rainforest. In fact, the jatobá tree is one of the few trees in the rainforest that sports a completely clean trunk bark, without any of the usual mold and fungus found on many other trees in this wet and humid environment. These antifungal terpenes and phenolics have been documented in several studies over the years and the antifungal activity of jatobá is attributed to these chemicals.

Biological Activities and Clinical Research

In addition to its antifungal properties, jatobá also has been documented to have anti-yeast activity against a wide range of organisms including Candida. Other clinical studies have been performed on jatobá since the early 1970s which have shown that it has antimicrobial, molluscicidal (kills/controls snails & slugs), and antibacterial activities, including in vitro actions against such organisms as E. coli, Psuedomonas, Staphylococcus and Bacillus. In addition, a water extract of jatobá leaves has demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activity, producing a significant reduction in blood sugar levels (which validates another traditional use).

Cautions:Jatobá has a natural stimulant effect. Therefore, we suggest that you take Candida-X before 6 PM to avoid potential interference with sleep.

Contraindications: None with Jatobá bark.

Drug Interactions: None reported.

PAU D’ARCO (Tabebuia impetiginosa) – parts used: Bark, Heartwood

Main Uses:

1. for Candida, yeast, and other fungal infections (taken internally and used as a douche or topically).
2. for leukemia and cancer
3. for colds, flu, and other upper-respiratory bacterial and viral infections
4. for sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.)
5. for psoriasis and dermatitis

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:

1. analgesic (pain-reliever),
2. antibacterial,
3. anticancerous,
4. anticandidal,
5. antifungal,
6. anti-inflammatory,
7. antileukemic,
8. antimalarial,
9. antiparasitic,
10. antitumorous,
11. antiviral,
12. insecticidal

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

1. anti-allergy,
2. antiulcerous,
3. anticoagulant (blood thinner),
4. antidysenteric,
5. antioxidant,
6. anti-rheumatic,
7. antivenin,
8. astringent,
9. cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart),
10. hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver),
11. immunostimulant,
12. laxative

Plant Chemicals

The chemical constituents and active ingredients of pau d’arco have been well documented. Its use with (and reported cures for) various types of cancers fueled much of the early research in the early 1960s. The plant contains a large amount of chemicals known as quinoids, and a small quantity of benzenoids and flavonoids. These quinoids (and, chiefly, anthraquinones, furanonaphthoquinones, lapachones, and naphthoquinones) have shown the most documented biological activity and are seen to be the center of the plant’s efficacy as an herbal remedy.

Biological Activities And Clinical Research

In addition to its reported antitumor and antileukemic activities, pau d’arco clearly has demonstrated broad spectrum actions against a number of disease-causing microorganisms, which supports its wide array of uses in herbal medicine. Antimicrobial properties of many of pau d’arco’s active phytochemicals were demonstrated in several clinical studies, in which they exhibited strong in vitro activity against bacteria, fungi, and yeast (including Candida, Aspergillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Helicobacter pylori, Brucella, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and dysentery). In addition to its isolated chemicals, a hot water extract of pau d’arco demonstrated antibacterial actions against Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria that commonly causes stomach ulcers), and Brucella. A water extract of pau d’arco was reported (in other in vitro clinical research) to have strong activity against 11 fungus and yeast strains. Pau d’arco and its chemicals also have demonstrated in vitro antiviral properties against various viruses, including Herpes I and II, influenza, polio virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus. Its antiparasitic actions against various parasites (including malaria, schistosoma, and trypanosoma) have been confirmed as well. Finally, bark extracts of pau d’arco have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity and have shown success against a wide range of induced inflammation in mice and rats.

Current Practical Uses:

Increasingly, since Pau d’Arco has become popular in the U.S., there has been a great deal of controversy over the varying results obtained with the use of the herb in our country. This is largely due to a lack of quality control with commercially-available Pau d’Arco products. Much of the product being sold is either not the true medicinal species of the tree, or it is completely unrelated tree species exported under the guise of “Pau d’Arco!”

Sunstone, Inc. obtains their Pau d’Arco from Stryka Botanics, which company conducts regular testing of their imported herbs to check their proper identification and chemical efficacy. Sunstone’s manufacturing partner, MBI (Lindon, Utah) tests the Identity of each material that they source using IR Spectroscopy. This allows them to verify that the botanical is not adulterated. They also run their QC Microbiology tests to verify it meets product specifications. 

To assist in successfully releasing the stubbornly-held healing constituents of Pau d’Arco in our Candida-X Tablets, we have added apple cider vinegar powder to the formula. Apple cider vinegar’s naturally-occurring digestive enzymes effectively potentiate the bio-availability of the desired properties.

Contraindications:There have been no reports in the literature of contraindications when a whole-bark decoction or tincture is used. However, at least one isolated phytochemical in pau d’arco (lapachol) has demonstrated abortifacient properties in animal studies. As there are no studies confirming the safety of traditional bark decoctions used by pregnant women (nor is there indication in traditional medicine systems using this plant during pregnancy), the use of pau d’arco during pregnancy is not recommended. On the Candida-X label, we also include the statement: “Not recommended during pregnancy.”

Drug Interactions: None reported.

ANAMU (Petiveriaalliacea) – parts used: Whole Herb

Main Uses: 

1. for cancer and leukemia
2. for immune disorders (to stimulate immune function and immune cell production)
3. for colds, flu, and viruses
4. for Candida and other yeast infections
5. for urinary tract infections

Properties/Actions Documented by Research: 

1. abortive,
2. analgesic (pain-reliever),
3. anti-inflammatory,
4. antileukemic,
5. antibacterial,
6. anticancerous,
7. anticandidal,
8. antifungal,
9. antiprotozoal,
10. antitumorous,
11. antiviral,
12. COX-inhibitor (linked to inflammation),
13. hypoglycemic,
14. immune stimulant,
15. uterine stimulant

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

1. anti-anxiety,
2. antioxidant,
3. anti-rheumatic,
4. antispasmodic,
5. diaphoretic (promotes sweating),
6. diuretic, febrifuge (reduces fever),
7. insecticide,
8. menstrual stimulant,
9. sedative,
10. vermifuge (expels worms)

Plant Chemicals

Many biologically active compounds have been discovered in anamu, including flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, and sulfur compounds. Anamu contains a specific sulfur compound named dibenzyl trisulfide. In a plant-screening program at the University of Illinois at Chicago that evaluated more than 1400 plant extracts as novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of cancer, anamu was one of 34 plants identified with active properties against cancer. The researchers reported that dibenzyl trisulfide was one of two of the active compounds in anamu with anticancerous actions. Anamu also contains the phytochemicals astilbin, benzaldehyde, and coumarin, all three of which have been documented with antitumorous and/or anticancerous properties as well.

Biological Activities And Clinical Research

Antimicrobial (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast) Properties: Many clinical reports and studies document that anamu shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against numerous strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast. In a 2002 study, anamu extracts inhibited the replication of the bovine diarrhea virus; this is a test model for hepatitis C virus. A Cuban research group documented anamu’s antimicrobial properties in vitro against numerous pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Shigella and, interestingly enough, their crude water extracts performed better than any of the alcohol extracts. A German group documented good activity against several bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, several strains of fungi, and Candida. Anamu’s antifungal properties were documented by one research group in 1991, and again by a separate research group in 2001. Its antimicrobial activity was further demonstrated by researchers from Guatemala and Austria who, in separate studies in 1998, confirmed its activity in vitro and in vivo against several strains of protozoa, bacteria, and fungi.

Anti-Cancer/Leukemia/Tumor Properties: The research published on anamu (and the plant chemicals described above) reveals that it has a broad range of therapeutic properties, including antileukemic, antitumorous, and anticancerous activities against several types of cancer cells. In an in vitro study by Italian researchers in 1990, water extracts and ethanol extracts of anamu retarded the growth of leukemia cells and several other strains of cancerous tumor cells. Three years later, the researchers followed up with another study, which showed that the same extracts had a cytotoxic effect, actually killing some of these cancer cells, rather than just retarding their growth. This study indicated that whole herb water extracts of anamu were toxic to leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells but only inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells. More recently, a study published in 2002 documented an in vitro toxic effect against a liver cancer cell line; another in vitro study in 2001 reported that anamu retarded the growth of brain cancer cells. A German study documenting anamu’s activity against brain cancer cells related its actions to the sulfur compounds found in the plant.

Immunostimulant Properties: In addition to its documented anticancerous properties, anamu has also been found in both in vivo and in vitro studies to be an immunostimulant. In a 1993 study with mice, a water extract stimulated immune cell production (lymphocytes and Interleukin II). In the same year, another study with mice demonstrated that an anamu extract increased natural killer cell activity by 100% and stimulated the production of even more types of immune cells (Interferon, Interleukin II, and Interleukin 4). Additional research from 1997 to 2001 further substantiated anamu’s immunostimulant actions in humans and animals.

Pain-Relieving and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Anamu’s traditional use as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism has been validated by clinical research confirming its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. One research group in Sweden reported that anamu possesses cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitory actions. COX-1 inhibitors are a new (and highly profitable) class of arthritis drugs being sold today by pharmaceutical companies. Another research group in Brazil documented significant anti-inflammatory effects in rats using various models, and researchers in 2002 noted a significant pain-relieving effect in rats. The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects were even verified when an ethanol extract was applied topically in rats, again validating traditional use.

Hypoglycemic Actions: While anamu has not been used widely for diabetes, it has been clinically documented to have hypoglycemic actions. Researchers in 1990 demonstrated the in vivo hypoglycemic effect of anamu, showing that anamu decreased blood sugar levels by more than 60% one hour after administration to mice. This finding reflects herbal medicine practice in Cuba where anamu has been used as an herbal aid for diabetes for many years.  See the Advisory below.

Contraindications:  Methanol extracts of anamu cause uterine contractions, which can lead to abortion. As such, anamu is contraindicated for pregnant women. We have a recommendation on the Candida-X label that pregnant women should not take the tablets. We also include a warning to this effect in all our printed and online Candida-X literature, advertising, as well as on our Candida-X product page.

Drug Interactions: None published. However, due to anamu’s natural coumarin content, it is conceivable that it may potentiate the effects of coumadin (Warfarin®).  We will be including an advisory to this effect in our printed and online Candida-X literature, advertising, as well as on our Candida-X product page.

Advisory:  Because anamu has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects in mice, we suggest that people with hypoglycemia and diabetes, or who have tendencies toward the same, should be under the care of a healthcare practitioner to monitor their blood sugar levels when taking Candida-X Tablets.

Dulse (Palmaria palmate) – parts used: Fronds

“Kelp, and other seaweeds like dulse are great foods because of their great anti fungal property. They contain both iodine and selenium in high levels. These two minerals are very effective against fungi. In fact iodine was the main medicine before the discovery of other antifungal medications and treatments especially against candida.” (herbs200.com/disorders/candidiasis.htm)

(The following information on dulse is taken from: http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_dulse.htm)

“Dulse is a sea plant having leathery or membranous, flattened reddish brown fronds that grow up to a length of anything between 50 mm and 300 mm. This herb, often used as a vegetable, emerges from a discoid or disc-shaped base, generally having a petite stipe (fern-like stalk) that keeps growing slowly to develop into a simple or branches in two parts (dichotomous) or palm-shaped (palmately) fronds. Quite often, these plants also have typical insignificant leaflets. The leaves or blades of this sea plant differ greatly in shape and they may generally be egg-shaped or barely straight segments.

“Dulse grows by attaching itself to its disc-shaped holdfast to rocks or the Laminaria stipes. In fact, the stipe of this plant is short, while its fronds are uneven and differ in color ranging from dark rose hues to reddish purple. The texture of the fronds is generally leathery or rubber-like. The plant’s foliose blade is flat and it expands gradually and branches them into wide segments varying in size to about 50 cm in length and roughly between 3 cm and 8 cm in thickness and are able to put up with proliferations that are plane and wedge-shaped from their edges.

“People in the north-eastern region of the United States, Atlantic Canada, Ireland and Iceland commonly use dulse in the form of food as well as for therapeutic purposes. In these places, dulse is available in several stores selling health foods as well as in fish markets. It is also possible to directly order dulse from the distributors in these neighborhoods. In Northern Ireland’s Ballycastle, dulse has been sold traditionally at the Ould Lammas Fair. In fact, this sea plant is especially well liked by people residing by the side of the Causeway Coast.

“There are numerous people who continue to collect dulse themselves for their personal use. However, this practice is rapidly dying. People who inhabit the Ulster coastline between Country Antrim and Country Donegal consume dried out and uncooked dulse in the same way as others would like to eat their snacks at any drinks party. In addition, dulse is also consumed after cooking. This sea plant has the same properties as any other substance that enhances flavour of foods. In the western coast of Ireland people generally call this sea plant dillisk. Usually, people selling periwinkle dry up dillisk or dulse and sell it in the form of a snack item from stalls located in towns by the sea.

“You can directly eat the freshly gathered dulse from the rocks without drying them in the sun. Even dulse that has been dried in the sun can be consumed raw. Alternatively, it can be pounded into a powder form or flakes. In Iceland, people traditionally consume this sea plant along with butter. You may also fry this plant in a pan in the same manner as chips; bake them for a while in a microwave oven; cover them with cheese and bake them in an oven or just eat the sun-dried dulse with salsa. Dulse can also be eaten by including it in salads, sandwiches, chowders and soups. You may also add it to the dough for making pizza bread. Dulse can also be chopped finely and used in the form of a flavour enhancer in meat preparations, much like chili, or as a substitute for monosodium glutamate (MSG) to make the meat tender.

Uses:

“Dulse is extensively used in the form of a food. It is known by other names in France, Norway and Iceland and the sailors of these countries as well as those from Ireland and Scotland consume the dried, uncooked plants. In the western regions of Ireland, this plant is sold even in present times as Creathnach or Dillisk. Although dulse in not very palatable in its fresh state, it is among the few sea weeds that have a pleasing flavor as well as mouth-feel when it is dried cautiously and fast. This sea weed goes very well with stouts of dark ales (a local beer). In Germany, people have been successfully cultivating this plant in tanks, whereas in Ireland it is even grown on ropes!

“This herb has a number of therapeutic uses. As it encloses iodine, it is said to be beneficial for people suffering from goiter. In fact, consuming this plant can even prevent goiter. Dulse is an excellent source of many phytochemicals required by our body to produce thyroid hormones that influence our weight as well as the pace of metabolism.

“Traditional herbal medicine in Europe used this herb to get rid of parasites from the body, alleviate constipation and also to treat scurvy. In addition, this herb can also be used as a mild substitute for senna or psyllium for treating constipation. Dulse also contains high levels of dietary fiber.

“Dulse can be used in various forms – tea, tincture or decoction. However, if the preparation is rather strong it will taste somewhat fishy. In case the taste of the dulse tea or tincture is not pleasing to you, add some honey and cinnamon to make the flavor smooth.

“Dulse is also rich in B-vitamin content. Dulse supplies us with over 100 per cent of our vitamin B6 RDA (recommended daily use). There are other varieties of this sea plant that provide approximately 66 per cent of our vitamin B12 RDA.

“This sea vegetable contains about 16 to 28 per cent protein. In addition, it usually contains a properly balanced amino acid composition, enclosing entire or nearly all the essential amino acids, especially those that our body is unable to produce by itself. Hence, this sea vegetable supplies us with additional as well as superior quality protein. However, the amount of protein provided by dulse per serving is comparatively less. For instance one serving of this sea vegetable provides roughly 1.5 grams of superior quality protein.

“Majority of the sea plants, which are often used as vegetables, enclose a very important amino acid called glutamic acid, which forms the base for producing synthetic MSG or monosodium glutamate. By nature, this amino acid augments the flavours of foods containing elevated amounts of protein like beans, besides making them softer for consumption. In addition, glutamic acid also helps the body in digesting high protein foods more easily. Glutamic acid offers us several other health benefits, including supplying energy and improving the activities of our mental as well as nervous systems. It is also believed that glutamic acid helps to restrict alcoholism, yearning for sugar and schizophrenia.

Constituents

“Chemical analysis of dulse has shown that this seaweed contains several valuable minerals and vitamins essential for our health. Compared to other different vegetables, dulse encloses the entire trace elements required by the human body and its protein content is also very high.”

(The following information on chaparral is mostly obtained from http://herbup.com, and http://www.naturalalternativeremedy.com)

Chaparral (Larrea tridentate) parts used: aerial parts

The beneficial properties of Chaparral include:

• antifungal,
• antibacterial,
• antioxidant,
• antiseptic,
• antiparasitic,
• alterative,
• bitter tonic,
• diuretic,
• expectorant,
• immune stimulant, and
• laxative.

Larrea Tridentata is the botanical designation of the creosote bush or chaparral. It is a plant that is indigenous to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has been a common health aid among native Americans of the southwest for thousands of years.

Scientific analysis has revealed beneficial phytochemicals in the larrea tridentata herb. These compounds include powerful antioxidants that enhance the body’s natural defenses and a substance that assists in combating invaders of the body.

The fact this waxy-leaved bush can thrive in the harsh desert and dominate it’s neighbors without being eaten or infected is testimonial to the potency of its chemical arsenal.

This desert chaparral plant indeed has something that we can use for better health. Research has identified dozens of special antioxidant lignans and flavonoids in chaparral, which act as cellular enhancers, with antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial qualities. They also discovered a powerful antioxidant called NDGA. More on NDGA below.

Chaparral is sometimes referred to as a natural antibiotic and is frequently used to treat colds, flu and diarrhea. It has powerful antifungal and antimicrobial properties, and is very effective in quickly eliminating systemic Candida albicans fungus/yeast infection. The herb is also used as a treatment to kill parasites in our bodies. Topical treatment using chaparral is excellent for fungal infections including those of the skin, scalp, diaper rash, and nails. It’s also highly beneficial in the treatment of cold cores, herpes, eczema, and psoriasis.

The Native Americans used chaparral Larrea for a variety of ailments from arthritis to the common cold. It is said to have analgesic, expectorant, as well as strong anti-inflammatory properties. And it has a high antioxidant content, which can protect against the cell damage that leads to cancer.

Chaparral Larrea has been used by people with such conditions as:

1. cancer,
2. arthritis,
3. diarrhea,
4. tuberculosis,
5. colds,
6. bronchitis,
7. venereal disease, and
8. bowel cramps.

Here are some of the benefits for which the Larrea tridentata herb is historically known:

• supports natural defenses      
• supports a healthy nervous system
• sustains joint health               
• preserves skin health
• helps the body’s immune system to recover from stress
• highly effective anti-inflammatory
• helps the body to fight virus replication

What Is NDGA?

“Chaparral contains an ingredient called nor-dihihydroguairetic (NDGA), a potent antitumor agent. NDGA inhibits aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis (the energy-producing ability) of cancer cells. The flavonoids present in chaparral have strong antiviral and antifungal properties.”

– Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment, by Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine

NDGA is a powerful antioxidant that has been widely used in the food industry as a preservative for lard and animal shortenings. Early studies raised hopes that NDGA might prove to be an effective agent for some forms of cancer, when it was revealed that NDGA was able to inhibit the growth of some cancer cells in animals.

In the Merck Manual, a highly regarded medical book, this chemical is listed as an anti-oxidant, and its therapeutic category is an anti-neoplastic. Broadly, an anti-neoplastic is defined as an agent that prevents the development, growth and proliferation of malignant cells.

How Chaparral Larrea Works

The compounds in Larrea tridentata work together in reducing viral, bacterial and yeast problems in three ways:

1) Anti-replication — The replication of viruses is interrupted so new generations are blocked from production. Also negative effects of viruses and other invaders are reduced by certain flavonoids naturally in Larrea.

 2) Cellular improvement — Antioxidants from the Larrea plant help cells function better and make them less susceptible to viral takeover or to the toxic byproducts of bacteria and yeast.  (Other antioxidant sources are helpful as well.)

 3) Immune strength — Other compounds in Larrea are stimulants to the immune system functions, improving resistance to invaders. Further, some Larrea compounds are antiseptic, helping eliminate bacteria and yeast.

Larrea may have an advantage over drug therapy for treatment of viruses by inhibiting the viral genes without damaging your living cells. Drugs work by interfering with the reproduction of viral DNA, but also inhibit synthesis of your own DNA, which suppresses your immune system. Chaparral seems to attack the virus and enforce the immune system with antioxidant flavonoids.

Larrea also reduces inflammation and pain. Athletes have been known to use it for this quality.

Cautions, Contraindications, and Drug Interactions:

The drug industry, FDA, and the American medical community have joined forces for decades in vehement rejection of chaparral, citing cases of this, that, and the other dangerous outcome from the use of the herb. At best, their arguments come across as vague and contrived. Thousands of years of traditional medicinal use by the native Americans and hundreds of years of medicinal use by the invading white men who took over this continent refute all the so-called “evidence” so poorly fabricated against this miracle herb.

The fact of the matter is that chaparral actually works and is completely safe for both children and adults.  Moreover, we have included only a minute portion of chaparral in our Candida-X Tablets, which is all that is needed to make the formula more effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar Powder

The following is a repeat of what I stated previously in the section on Pau d’Arco: To assist in successfully releasing the stubbornly-held healing constituents of Pau d’Arco in our Candida-X Tablets, we have added apple cider vinegar powder to the formula. Apple cider vinegar’s naturally-occurring digestive enzymes effectively potentiate the bio-availability of the desired properties.

[1] Dean, Carolyn, M.D., N.D., The Magnesium Miracle, Ballantine Books, New York, 2014, p. xxviii.

[1] http://www.candidasupport.org/about/about-candida-albicans/candida-technical-terms/

[2] Obviously, possessing any one or even several of the listed symptoms does not necessarily indicate an overgrowth of Candida. There could be other factors involved. Consult with your health care practitioner, if in doubt. This list is extracted from http://www.return2health.net/articles/candida-overgrowth-candidiasis-overview/.