Holistic Health Encyclopedia

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GABA

gamma aminobenzoic acid or gamma aminobutyric acid - A non-essential amino acid which functions as an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter in your brain.. GABA receptors are part of the brain's neuro-inhibitory pathway. When activated, these receptors help hyperpolarize the nerve cell membranes by allowing chloride ions to enter the cell or potassium ions to exit. This hyperpolarization of the cell inhibits nerve activity.

It is found in high concentrations only in your brain & eyes. It can be derived from protein foods or manufactured in your body from glutamic acid.

GABA is usually deficient in both clinical & experimentally induced seizures. Low levels of GABA promote excitatory neurotransmitters. Low GABA levels have been found in the brains of patients with multiple sclerosis, action tremors, tardive dyskinesia, & other disorders of movement. Low GABA levels have been found in panic, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, & bipolar disorders.

Vitamin B6, manganese, taurine, & lysine can increase the synthesis & effects of GABA.

Potential uses of GABA :

May reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
May reduce symptoms of anxiety.
May help some schizophrenics.
May help to reduce high blood pressure.
May increase the effect of insulin so is useful for diabetics but not for hypoglycemia.
May suppress appetite.
May help with premenstrual symptoms.
Helpful for some cases of depression.

Gadolinium

A trace mineral

Gallbladder

Gallbladder Attack

Gallbladder attacks cause extreme pain in the upper-right quarter of the abdomen, often moving to the back. This pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The attacks frequently occur when gallstones block the bile duct.

Gallium

Year discovered: 1875
Atomic No.: 31
Symbol: Ga
Atomic weight: 69.72
Melting point: 29.78º C

Gallium is a bluish metal similar in many ways to aluminum, including the fact that it is frequently derived from bauxite ore. At extremely high levels of purity, the metal takes on a glassy white appearance. Gallium is magnetic, an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and remains in liquid state across a wide range of temperatures--29.7 degrees Celsius to more than 2,200 degrees--making it a good high-temperature lubricant. French chemist Paul Lecoq de Boisbaudran discovered the material in 1875, but it was not widely used until the 1940s with U.S. commercial recovery.

Gallstones

Gallstones form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. The liquid, called bile, is used to help the body digest fats. Bile is made in the liver, then stored in the gallbladder until the body needs to digest fat. At that time, the gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into a tube—called a duct—that carries it to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion.

Bile contains water, cholesterol, fats, bile salts, and bilirubin. Bile salts break up fat, and bilirubin gives bile and stool a brownish color. If the liquid bile contains too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin, it can harden into stones.

The two types of gallstones are cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are usually yellow-green and are made primarily of hardened cholesterol. They account for about 80 percent of gallstones. Pigment stones are small, dark stones made of bilirubin. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder can develop just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or almost any combination.

NOTE: Some holistic researchers assert that some gallstones form in the liver as well as the gallbladder.

Gallstones Flush

One of the Dr. Clark Protocols.

Complete instructions are here

A great testimonial is here.

Gamma aminobenzoic acid

See GABA

Gamma aminobutyric acid

See GABA

Ganglion Cyst

A Synovial cyst that forms on the tendons of the wrist . Also called a 'bible' cyst. Usally a "whack" with a book will break it. Burns just a bit but, other than that, it usually is gone.

Garlic

For thousands of years, garlic has been one of the most popular medicinal herbs, in spite of the legendary myth that garlic will ward off vampires. Garlic is considered to be nature's very own antibiotic. Unlike most antibiotics, garlic will not deplete the body of flora, and is considered to be the cure-all herb because of its effectiveness on the entire body.

Popularly used as a digestive aid , garlic increases bile production while enhancing digestion and reducing stomach gases.

Rich in potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and Vitamin C, garlic is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Garlic has been known to detoxify the body by cleansing the kidneys and increasing urine flow. Furthermore, garlic's healing properties make it an ideal agent for fighting colds and flus, bacteria, and fungi.

Garlic has also been used for lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, and treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic oil may be used internally and externally to relieve ear aches and heal minor skin problems and irritations.

Garlic has been proven in university studies to not only reduce your blood sugar, but it also increases your own insulin production.

Garner, Ph.D., Clifford S.

Author of "Health Musings".

Garsinia (Citrin)

Has been used historically in India for treatment of edema, delayed menstruation, constipation and intestinal parasites. This herb is currently used in the United States as a component of weight loss formulas because of its remarkable weight loss-inducing properties. Garcinia slows down the enzyme process that is responsible for producing fat within the body's cells. As a result, the process of thermogenesis is accelerated.

GAS

General Adaptive Syndrome - the body's mechanism for responding to stress of all different kinds.

Gas

Gas in the bowel is often a symptom of food sensitivty or constipation.

Probiotics sometimes help people who suffer from frequent gas.

See also indigestion.

Gastric Glands

Glands in the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid.

Gastrin

Gastrin is the hormone responsible for gastric secretion. Although not the sole agent eliciting acid secretion it is certainly the most important. It is gastrin which sets off the flow of gastric juice at meal-times

The substance is produced at the base of the mucous glands of the pylorus when the latter is in contact with food. It enters the blood stream and thus arrives at the glands in the stomach's body where hydrochloric acid and protein-splitting enzymes (pepsin, cathepsin) are produced, and where it can directly and indirectly influence the stomach movements, particularly the emptying mechanism.

Too much gastrin is produced in all cases of hyperacidity, in gastric ulcers and particularly duodenal ulcers, and in extreme quantities in the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. But this gastrin arises in the pancreas and not in the stomach.

Gastritis

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux is a physical condition in which acid from the stomach flows backward up into the esophagus. People will experience heartburn symptoms when excessive amounts of acid reflux into the esophagus. Many describe heartburn as a feeling of burning discomfort, localized behind the breastbone, that moves up toward the neck and throat. Some even experience the bitter or sour taste of the acid in the back of the throat. The burning and pressure symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and often worsen after eating food. All of us may have occasional heartburn. However, frequent heartburn (two or more times a week), food sticking, blood or weight loss may be associated with a more severe problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

Read Upper Gastrointestinal Symptom Relief by Walt Stoll, MD here .

Gel-Kam

See fluoride topical

Gel-Kam Dental Therapy Pak

See fluoride topical

Gel-Kam Dentinbloc

See fluoride topical

Gel-Kam Sensitivity Therapy

See fluoride topical

Genamin

See chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine

Genasec

See acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine

Genaspor

See tolnaftate topical

Gencold

See chlorpheniramine and phenylpropanolamine

Gene

A component of the cell that controls the transmission of hereditary characteristics by specifying the construction of a particular protein or enzyme. Genes are composed of long chains of de-oxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contained in the chromosomes of the cell nucleus.

Genes are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Normally, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent.

A 1996 study found that in experiments of human white blood cells (white blood cells are the back-bone of our immune system) that malathion was causing "deletions" in one section of the chromosome. In conclusion the scientists stated,

"This work provides the first evidence of an association between malathion exposure and specific mutations in human T lymphocytes."

A quick biology lesson - Genes are not just involved in passing hereditary traits. You have genes active in you at this moment that control what is happening inside every cell in your body every second of the day. There are 200 genes believed to control liver function and 200 genes believed to control immune system function. Your lymphoctes are a type of immune system cell which is extremely important in removing viruses and cancer cells from the body. The human aging process is simply a result of us losing about one-half to 1% of our genes yearly.(dogs lose over 4%). When we lose too many genes in the cells controlling one part of our health, we become sick - since the cells can't operate at high enough efficiency to do their job. It's a matter of balance - once our cells are so inefficient because of gene loss - then we too can die.. The cycle of life. The lesson to be learned from this is we do not want to expose ourselves to chemicals (such as malathion) that can accelerate gene loss in important cells which are protecting us from bacteria, viruses, etc.

Genistein

An isoflavone found in soy products. Suspected, by recent research, of being a toxicant.

Genital Herpes

Genital Warts

It is now known that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), also the cause of genital warts, is the major cause of cervical dysplasia.

Gentain

Has historically been used for the treatment of sluggish digestion, loss of appetite, and dyspepsia. Gentain promotes the production of gastric juices, saliva, and bile within the body.

GERD

See Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Germanium

Year discovered: 1886
Atomic No.: 32
Symbol: Ge
Atomic weight: 72.59
Melting point: 937.4º C

Germanium was discovered in 1886. It is chiefly a byproduct of zinc ores and is found in germanite, argyrodite, renieride and coal. It is often derived from zinc smelter flue systems. Germanium has a melting point of 937.4 degrees Celsius and an atomic weight of 72.59.

Germanium Sesquioxide

Germanium Sesquioxide improves cellular oxygenation, which helps the body get rid of poisons and toxins, and builds the immune system. This rare trace element has also been found to help with food allergies, arthritis, high cholesterol, chronic viral infections—even cancer and AIDS.

Gerson M.D., Max

Max Gerson, M.D. was born in Wongrowitz, Germany (1881). He attended the universtities of Breslau, Wuerzburg, Berlin, and Freiburg. Suffering from severe migraines, Dr. Gerson focused his initial experimentation with diet on preventing his headaches. One of Dr. Gerson’s patients discovered in the course of his treatment, that the “migraine diet” had cured his skin tuberculosis. This discovery led Gerson to further study the diet, and he went on to successfully treat many tuberculosis patients. His work eventually came to the attention of famed thoracic surgeon, Ferdinand Sauerbruch, M.D.

Under Sauerbruch’s supervision, Dr. Gerson established a special skin tuberculosis treatment program at the Munich University Hospital. In a carefully monitored clinical trial, 446 out of 450 skin tuberculosis patients treated with the Gerson diet recovered completely. Dr. Sauerbruch and Dr. Gerson simultaneously published articles in a dozen of the world’s leading medical journals, establishing the Gerson treatment as the first cure for skin tuberculosis.

At this time, Dr. Gerson attracted the friendship of Nobel prize winner Albert Schweitzer, M.D., by curing Schweitzer’s wife of lung tuberculosis after all conventional treatments had failed. Gerson and Schweitzer remained friends for life, and maintained regular correspondence. Dr. Schweitzer followed Gerson’s progress as the dietary therapy was successfully applied to heart disease, kidney failure, and finally – cancer. Schweitzer’s own Type II diabetes was cured by treatment with Gerson’s therapy.

In 1938, Dr. Gerson passed his boards and was licensed to practice in the state of New York. For twenty years, he treated hundreds of cancer patients who had been given up to die after all conventional treatments had failed.

In 1946, Gerson demonstrated recovered patients before the Pepper-Neely Congressional Subcommittee, during hearings on a bil to fund research into cancer treatment. Although only a few peer-reviewed journals were receptive to Gerson’s then “radical” idea that diet could effect health, he continued to publish articles on his therapy and case histories of healed patients.

In 1958, after thirty years of clinical experimentation, Gerson published A Cancer Therapy: Results of 50 Cases. This medical monograph details the theories, treatment, and results acheived by a great physician. Gerson died in 1959, eulogized by long-time friend, Albert Schweitzer M.D.: “... I see in him one of the most eminent geniuses in the history of medicine. Many of his basic ideas have been adopted without having his name connected with them. Yet, he has achieved more than seemed possible under adverse conditions. He leaves a legacy which commands attention and which will assure him his due place. Those whom he has cured will now attest to the truth of his ideas.”

Giardia

A virulent microscopic protozoa found in the contaminated water of lakes, streams and oceans. A common cause of traveler's diarrea.

Giardia Lamblia

See Giardia

Gilbert's Disease

High Bilirubin

Ginger Root

Is derived from the tuberous rhizome (underground root) of the perennial plant Zingiber officinale. Also referred to as Ginger, African Ginger, Jamaican Ginger, or Cochin Ginger, Ginger Root has been used as a spice, condiment and flavoring agent. Ginger Root has been the subject of intense research for many years, and is the primary active ingredient in several VHS formulations. Ginger has proven to be amazingly effective in treatment of numerous types of nausea, including motion sickness, morning sickness, dizziness & vertigo, and stomach flu. Ginger is derived from the tuberous rhizome (underground root) of the perennial plant Zingiber officinale. For nearly 2,500 years, Ginger has played an important role in Asian medicine as a folk remedy to promote cleansing of the body through perspiration, to calm nausea, and to stimulate the appetite. Ginger tea was also used as a carminative (agent which expels gas from the intestines) and in the symptomatic treatment of colds when given at their onset. It has been used in China and other countries for many years as a tonic. Ginger Root is a time-proven remedy. Ancient Indians used it to treat digestive problems, and as a spiritual and physical cleanser. Circa 3000, B.C., the Chinese used it for colds, fever, chills, tetanus, and leprosy. Chinese sailors chewed on Ginger root to combat seasickness. Chinese women drank ginger tea to alleviate the onset of the menstrual period and other female discomforts. The Chinese also considered Ginger root to be an antidote to shellfish poisoning, explaining why it is found in so many seafood dishes. The Greeks, after a large meal, wrapped bread around a piece of ginger, and ate it to ease indigestion. This gave rise to ginger bread. In England, ginger was added to beer, forerunner to ginger ale, as a remedy for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Ginger is also a circulatory stimulant, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, promotes sweating, eases cold symptoms, stimulates the flow of saliva, soothes a sore throat, and is an expectorant and antiseptic. Ginger contains gingerol, a Ginger oleoresin (combination of volatile oils and resin) that accounts for the characteristic aroma of Ginger, and explain its therapeutic properties. Components of gingerol (zingiberone, bisabolene, camphene, geranial, linalool and borneol) have recently been studied and found to possess beneficial properties for the treatment of poor digestion, heartburn, vomiting and preventing motion sickness. Ginger also contains moderate amounts of protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Gingivae

See Gums

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums (gingivae). Periodontitis is an inflammation of both the gingivae and periodontal tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. These common conditions are often progressive and can eventually result in loss of the underlying bone that supports the teeth. After age thirty, periodontal disease is responsible for more tooth loss than are dental cavities. Severe periodontitis sometimes requires surgery to repair damaged gum tissue.

Ginkgo Biloba

Is one of the oldest living tree species, dating back over 300 million years, and individual trees can live for over 1,000 years. In China, extracts of the fruit and leaves of the ginkgo tree have been used for over 5,000 years to treat lung ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and also as a remedy for various cardiovascular diseases. Recently, western researchers have been studying Ginkgo biloba as a treatment for senility, hardening of the arteries, and as a treatment for oxygen deprivation. Ginkgo increases the body's production of the universal energy molecule adenosine triphosphate, commonly called ATP. This activity has been shown to boost the brains energy metabolism of glucose, thus acting in this formulation as a catalyst for effective weight reduction processes. Scientists have also shown that Ginkgo contains an abundance of useful compounds, including the antioxidants Vitamin C and carotenoids, but it is the flavonoid compounds collectively known as "ginkgolides" that are the most remarkable. The Ginkgo flavonoids act specifically to dilate the smallest segment of the circulatory system, the micro-capillaries, which has a widespread affect on the body's organs, especially the brain. Researchers have also reported that Ginkgo extracts effectively increase blood circulation and increase oxygen levels in brain tissues. Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant that prevents platelet aggregation inside arterial walls, keeping them flexible and decreasing the formation of arteriosclerositic plaque.

Ginkgo Biloba generally comes form the bark of the maidenhair tree and unless extracted with care many toxins will remain in the extract. Current price range of Ginkgo per kilo varies from $300 - $900 per kilo on the world market and one only gets what is paid for. Good quality Ginkgo has anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger properties and is a proven enhancer of memory and mental tests conducted in double blind studies using placebos.

Ginseng

Is the ultimate example of man's almost mystical interaction with nature. Ginseng plays the central role in a good deal of Chinese mythology, medicine, commerce and trade. For Western man, the economic value of Ginseng outweighed its medicinal value until the past 15 years or so, during which time extensive research on the plant has grown explosively, and has tended to verify and extend the various medicinal claims. Ginseng is, of course, the famous Asiatic tonic that has been shown in numerous studies to affect mental and physical behavior. Ginseng has been found to protect the body & nervous system from stress, stimulate & increase metabolic function, increase physical & mental efficiency, lower blood pressure & glucose levels when they are high, and raise them (blood pressure & glucose levels) when they are low, increase gastrointestinal movement & tone, increase iron metabolism, and cause changes in nucleic acid (RNA) biosynthesis. In geriatric use, Ginseng has been proven beneficial in restoring mental abilities. Ginseng also helps by directly affecting the adrenal-pituitary axis, the result of which is manifested by an increased resistance to the effects of stress. This herb also aids mental function by improving circulation. Animal studies have clearly demonstrated Ginseng's ability to help the learning process. Ginseng has also been found to stimulate the central nervous system in small amounts, and depress the central nervous system in large doses.

See Also Panax Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng

GLA

Gamma-linolenic acid - A substance made from the essential linoleic acid (18:2w6) by healthy cells, also found in hemp, borage, and evening primrose oils. GLA may help in conditions in which the body's ability to make it from linoleic acid may be impaired. Its best successes are in arthritis and premenstrual syndrome.

Linoleic Acid, which is found in several oils, can convert to GLA under ideal conditions. However, aging, vitamin B6, zinc or magnesium deficiencies, or excess alcohol or saturated fat consumption can interfere with this conversion to GLA. GLA then converts to prostaglandin E1. PGE1 may be deficient in depression.

Gland

An aggregation of cells, specialized to secrete or excrete materials not related to their ordinary metabolic needs.

Glans

The head of the penis.

Glaucoma

The term glaucoma describes a group of eye conditions involving increased pressure within the eyeball. This pressure can ultimately cause blindness if left untreated. In many cases, the cause is unknown. In some cases, however, glaucoma is caused by an underlying condition that should be treated with conventional medicine. Therefore, it’s important for people with glaucoma to be diagnosed by and under the care of an ophthalmologist; regular eye exams are especially important after age forty.

Allergies and food sensitivities are suspected as a cause of glaucoma.

The Eye Problems archives from the 'Ask Dr. Stoll' website are here .

Glucosamine Sulfates

Are a major building block of the water-loving proteoglycans. Specifically, glucosamine is needed to make glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteins that bind with water in the cartilage matrix. For a person suffering with osteoarthritis, something apparently goes wrong with the body’s natural cartilage matrix, whereby the body doesn’t produce proteoglycans and collagen (the building blocks of cartilage) fast enough to keep the cartilage healthy. At the same time, naturally-occurring cartilage chewing enzymes are destroying the working cartilage that is present. This imbalance creates the deterioration in the joints, hence osteoarthritis. Besides providing raw material for the synthesis of proteoglycans and GAGs, glucosamine’s mere presence acts as a stimulant to the cells that produce these products - the chondrocytes. In fact, glucosamine has been found to be the key factor in determining how many proteoglycans are produced by the chondrocytes. Glucosamine also spurs the chondrocytes to produce more collagen and proteoglycans as it normalizes cartilage metabolism, which helps to keep the cartilage from breaking down. Because glucosamine "jump-starts" the production of these key elements of the cartilage matrix, and then protects them, it actually helps the body to repair damaged or eroded cartilage.

Glutamine

See L-Glutamine

Glutathione

Useful for both maintaining eye health, and providing superior antioxidant protection, glutathione may actually protect cells from damage by alcohol, certain drugs, and environmental toxins.

Gluten

A protein found in grains (wheat, oats, barley, and rye). Many people are sensetive to gluten.

See Celiacs Disease

Glycerol

A molecule that consists of 3 carbon atoms, hydrogen and oxygen. It is the backbone of the fat or oil molecule and of the membranes' fatty components. Two glycerol molecules can be hooked together to make a sugar molecule.

Glycine

See L-Glycine

Glycine max

The modern day species that has been cultivated to breed much more protein than the traditional soybean.

Glycine soja

the species of soybeans that was consumed traditionally in Asia and is the ancestor of the modern cultivar, Glycine max. The modern day species has been cultivated to breed much more protein than the traditional soybean.

Glyco

The chemistry term for a sugar (i.e. carbohydrates, saccharides) from the Greek word meaning 'sweet.'

Glycoform

Structures or forms on cell surfaces used to 'talk' to other cells through the sense of touch.

Glycogen

Glucose molecules hooked together in long-chains and stored in the liver and muscle of animals as energy reserves. It is also called animal starch.

Glyconutritional

A nutritional supplement composed of saccharides used in cell-to-cell communication.

Glycosylated

Having sugars attached.

Glycosylation

The process by which glycoforms are built on cell surfaces.

Goatweed

See St. John's Wort

Gold

Year discovered: Circa 3000 B.C.
Atomic No.: 79
Symbol: Au
Atomic weight: 196.967
Melting point: 1,064.43º C

Gold, also known as the heraldic metal, was until very recently one of the most valuable precious metals in the world. It is not clear when the metal first was used as an adornment and a universal store of value, but bits of natural gold have been found in caves in Spain inhabited by Paleolithic Man over 40,000 years ago. Gold was first used as a form of currency in 700 BC by the Kingdom of Lydia, in what is now Turkey. Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all metals. These qualities, coupled with the fact that gold does not tarnish or corrode, make it useful in many applications ranging from electronic circuit boards in high-speed computers to protective shields for the space shuttle. Its chemical symbol comes from the Latin word "aurum" meaning shining dawn.

Golden Seal

(Hydrastis canadensis) A member of the family Ranunculaceae, is a native American medicinal drug introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases and sore eyes. Goldenseal extract, derived from the rhizome and roots of this small forest plant, has acquired a considerable reputation as a general bitter tonic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Goldenseal's benefits can be attributed to its alkaloids, especially hydrastine and berberine. The latter is also responsible for the drug's characteristic golden color. These alkaloids are strongly astringent and help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes. Hydrastine has also been reported to lower blood pressure and stimulate peristalsis, along with being an anti-tussive (relieves coughs). Barbering and its sulfate, berberine sulfate, have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity in vitro, and also have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immunostimulatory activity, as well. Barbering has shown marked effects on acute diarrhea and its antibacterial qualities interfere with the ability of micro-organisms to adhere to the walls of host cells. Goldenseal has been recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes, including stomach, intestinal, vaginal and rectal. It has been reported that the plant relieves pains and helps heal wounds and stop bleeding. In addition, the antibacterial action helps reduce or prevent infection of open sores.

Golden Seal is a root that is native to North America and has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Golden Seal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, and other nutrients and minerals. Considered to be a broad-spectrum herb, Golden Seal is extremely popular and very much in demand.

Golden Seal's numerous uses are attributed to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It soothes irritated mucus membranes aiding the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Golden Seal may help prevent further symptoms from developing. It may be used to help reduce fevers, and relive congestion and excess mucous.

Golden Seal cleanses and promotes healthy glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, therefore, regulating healthy liver and spleen functions. It also eases inflamed peptic ulcers, aids digestion and relieves constipation. Golden Seal may be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well.

(Golden Seal should not be used for extended periods, by individuals with hypoglycemia, or by women who are pregnant.)

Goldenrod

Helps dislodge kidney stones.

Gong

Cultivation energy.

[Master Li Hongzhi]

A person who, through practice, possesses advanced capability, does not emit Qi. Instead he emits a high-energy cluster, the high-energy substance that is manifested in the form of light with fine particles and high density. This is Gong. Only then can it have a restraining effect on ordinary people, and be able to cure their diseases. There is a saying: "The Buddha’s light illuminates everywhere and rectifies all abnormalities." It means that cultivators of righteous laws carry immense energy in their bodies. Wherever he passes by, he can correct any abnormal condition within the area that is covered by his energy and restore it to normal. For instance, having diseases in one’s body is simply an abnormal condition existing in the body. The diseases will be gone after this condition is corrected. More plainly put, Gong is energy. Gong has physical characteristics. And through cultivation, practitioners can perceive its existence.

The Gong we talk about is generated outside the body, beginning from the lower half of the body. Following the improvement of Xinxing, it grows upward in a spiral form, and is completely formed outside one’s body. Then, it develops into an energy pole above the crown of the head. The height of the energy pole determines the level of a person’s Gong. The energy pole exists in a deeply hidden dimension, which makes it difficult for average people to see.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola has been used for hundreds of years in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. Gotu kola is a rich source of vitamin K, and also contains magnesium, calcium and other nutritional properties. Gotu kola typically found in India and parts of Africa, and is a member of the parsley family.

Gotu kola has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. It helps alleviate fatigue, and reduce the effects of depression and insomnia. Gotu kola may also be used to increase brain function, improving concentration and memory.

Gotu kola has a positive effect on circulation, improving the flow of blood throughout the body and and strengthening the veins and capillaries. Antibiotic properties found in gotu kola support the immune system and are especially beneficial in treating a variety of skin problems.

Gotu kola has been used to relieve symptoms related to colds and respiratory problems, including congestion, fevers and sore throats.

Gotu kola may also be used to support the heart, and promote healthy liver and kidney functions.

Being a naturally excellent neural tonic, slowly builds mental stamina and neural health. Gotu kola is an excellent treatment for nervous breakdown. In addition, Gotu kola, according to Asian and European practice, is an excellent blood purifier, glandular tonic and diuretic. Gotu kola is commonly used for diseases of the skin, blood and nervous system. Gotu kola contains 'asiaticoside' which is used routinely in the Far East to treat leprosy and tuberculosis. The people of India use this plant specifically to improve memory and longevity. Unlike the pronounced, quick-acting anti-fatigue properties of Capsicum, the combination of Ginseng and Gotu kola have been found to gradually increase overall energy or activity levels, thus increasing the body's metabolic rate. Gotu kola contains no caffeine at all, and is not related whatsoever to the Kola nut (a standard source of caffeine in today's world).

Known to stimulate the brain and relieve fatigue when given in small amounts. Wonderful for the functioning of the pituitary in disorders of the adrenal system when used in conjunction with other herbs.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when crystals of uric acid accumulate in a joint, leading to the sudden development of pain and inflammation. Individuals with gout either overproduce uric acid or are less efficient at eliminating it. The big toe is the most commonly afflicted joint to accumulate uric acid crystals, although other joints may be affected.

[Clive Linsenbardt] I thought I would throw in a bit of Natural Hygiene from years past. Straight from the dictionary: “gout is a disease marked by deposits of uric acid salts in tissues and joints, esp. of the feet and hands, with swelling and great pain, esp. in the big toe.” We have to first ask ourselves where the uric acid is coming from in such great quantity that it builds up as salts in the tissues. Then after we eliminate the cause, we can work on eliminating those toxic acidic salts. Uric acid is one of the principle toxic by-products of breaking down animal protein… meat and dairy. (The only vegetarian source of uric acid that I know of is peanuts!) Your carnivorous animals produce an enzyme called uricase that breads down uric acid so it is non-toxic, people do not. Uric acid is normally eliminated in the urine. But it is like trying to bail water out of a boat with a hole in it. It pours in faster than you can get rid of it, and the boat eventually sinks. The body has to maintain a certain pH in the blood, so for the sake of survival excess acid (like other toxins) are pushed off into the tissues. Saturation produces crystallization or the salts referred to in the dictionary. Anyway, eliminate the source, at least for the time being, or no matter what you do, it will not be effective.

Granule

a small particle or grain, as the small beadlike masses of tissue formed on the surface of wounds, or the insoluble nonmembranous particles found in cytoplasm.

Grape

Grape Seed Extract

(Vitis Vinifera) Chemicals found in pine bark and grape seed extracts (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin E and twenty times more potent than vitamin C in antioxidant activity.

Grape Seed extract also has antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Procyanidins from grape seed scavenge the superoxide radical and inhibit its generation through non-competitive inhibition of xanthine oxidase. They also trap hydroxyl radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation more effectively than Vitamin E. Grape seed extract is used for its protective effect on the circulatory system because it may strengthen and protect the walls of veins, arteries and capillaries.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit Seed

Well known as an anti-fungal agent, kills many different types of parasites and assists the body in producing beneficial bacteria. A biologically active natural ingredient kills strep, staph, salmonella, e.coli, Candida, herpes, influenza, parasites, fungi and traveler's diarrhea, and is used as an antibiotic, antifungal, anti-protozoan, antiviral, antiseptic and disinfectant.

GRAS

Generally Recognized As Safe - The classification used by the FDA to denote a food substance that is considered to be safe for human consumption.

Gravel Root

Graves Disease

Read Graves' Disease: Alternatives to RAI Treatment by Walt Stoll, MD here .

Green Tea

(Camellia sinensis) has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years for it s health promoting qualities. It has been shown to be a stronger antioxidant than Vitamin C and E, and it may also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Unlike the other antioxidants in this product, it is not tissue specific but confers general overall protection against the stress of modern living.

Green tea contains many polyphenol substances with exceptional antioxidant activity, and is consumed widely throughout the world. Green tea aqueous extract and its polyphenols, of which epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) predominates, have been studied extensively in animal models for their anti-neoplastic properties. EGCG and green tea polyphenols (GTP) have been shown to inhibit skin tumor initiation, promotion, and progression by a number of mechanisms, including, but not limited to: inhibition of DNA binding by carcinogens, radical scavenging, inhibition of cytochrome P-450, maintenance of cellular communication, and inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism.

GTF

Glucose Tolerance Factor - A combination of chromium, niacin (vitamin B₃), and amino acids. Found in brewers yeast, GTF improves the body's ability to metabolize glucose.

Guar Gum

Is a dietary fiber from the ground endosperm of the seeds of Cyamopsis Psoroliodes. Guar is digestive fiber used throughout the food industry as a thickening agent. It helps regulate the rate of absorption of nutrients, including sugar, spreading it over a longer period of time. The result is a slower rise in blood sugar levels and a less rapid subsequent drop.

Guided Imagery

This technique is used to promote physical, mental and emotional health by imagining positive images and desired outcomes to specific situations. Used in traditional societies, especially those with shamans, and religious communities such as Tibetan Buddhists who focus on the image of a deity when asking for healing. Believed to encourage activity in the right hemisphere of the brain, related to creativity and emotions. Many athletes claim to have had competitive success by using visualization. Often used as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment.