May flowers are here … and the world is colorful. Brand stewards are getting creative, looking to formulate new products.

We are offering a bouquet of 7 herbs on special this month.

Berberine

Berberine: This active compound, found in shrubs called Berberis, has a venerable history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a powerful ingredient for formulas that help increase fat-burning metabolism by activating the master metabolism switch called AMP-activated protein kinase.

Berberine is also shown by research to be beneficial in blood sugar management formulas. Its mechanisms of action are compelling and include helping suppress sugar production in the liver, slows carbohydrate breakdown, helping increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, accelerate glycolysis, which is the breaking down of sugars in cells, and helps reduce insulin resistance.

White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark: Most people know this and have taken it – it is the natural source of common aspirin (salicylate). In China, salicin in white willow bark has been relied upon to manage pain and inflammation as well as to help break a fever. It is a reliable, outstanding alternative to the fearsome NSAIDs, which can destroy the stomach lining if used regularly. White willow is a known anti-inflammatory.

Oh, and there is an emerging use for white willow as salicin (salicyclic acid) is a beta hydroxy acid, which helps reduce pimples by unclogging skin and exfoliating. Combined with its anti-inflammatory action, white willow is a workhorse for acne products.

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri: One of the top memory-support herbs, bacopa is increasing in consumer demand. One meta-analysis of human clinical trials found that healthy adults without significant cognitive impairment who consumed Bacopa had improved memory free recall and enhancements in other cognitive abilities.

Chokeberry

Chokeberry: Also known as aronia, chokeberries resemble blueberries and are used in baked goods, salads and other foods. They are rich in antioxidants, especially epicatechin, caffeic acid, lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotene. They also are a good source of potassium, which is critical for heart health, blood pressure control and muscle health.

Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed: Also known as Epimedium, this aptly named botanical is known to help stimulate libido and in men, help promote healthy erectile function. It has been shown that the key compound, icariin, was shown to an enzyme, PDE5, that blocks dilation of the penile arteries, thereby improving the blood flow necessary for healthy engorgement.

Uncaria

Uncaria: Also known as cat’s claw, this tropical vine has thousands of years of traditional medicinal use in South and Central America. Uncaria may improve immune response through working on several inflammatory pathways, which also help in managing joint discomfort and stiffness. This makes uncaria a versatile botanical for many formulas.

Lavender

Lavender: More than just a beautiful flower and appealing scent, lavender is a known soothing agent, especially for nervous tension.

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