by : Kathryn Lively

Deep in the Amazon rainforest exist a multitude of herbs, roots and plants used by the natives as alternative remedies. As Americans become more fascinated by alternative methods of healing and health, these herbs are fast becoming popular. Two such by products of the Amazon are Espinheira Santa and Pata de Vaca.

ESPINHEIRA SANTA

What is an Espinheira Santa?

Part of the evergreen family, the Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia) is a shrub-like tree that can grow as high as 16 feet. Indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest, the Espinheira Santa is considered to be quite small when compared to other trees!

What's so great about Espinheira Santa?

The Espinheira Santa, also known as "Holy Thorn" for its appearance, contains many medicinal qualities that the Amazonian natives have utilized for years. Extracts of the leaves are reported to offer the same relief of antacids and antiulcerogenics, beneficial for those suffering digestive ailments. Espineheira Santa byproducts may also act as analgesics, aiding in pain relief.

Taken internally as a supplement or stewed in a tea, Espinheira Santa offers numerous other health benefits:

* Maytansinoids found in the leaves are known to contribute to antitumorous and anticancerous activities, and have been used in chemotherapy drugs
* Naturally occurring cangorins are known to have anticancerous properties
* Aids in the relief of stomach ailments and constipation
* Aids in the relief of urinary infections and diarrhea
* Believed to help regulate menstrual periods

Does Espinheira Santa cure cancer?

There is yet no research to indicate that Espinheira Santa cures cancer, only that it contains valuable properties for relieving pains and some symptoms found in cancer patients. It is strongly advised that any cancer patients interested in alternative treatment consult with a physician before taking supplements.

Are there side effects to taking Espinheira Santa?

Recent research indicates no common side effects with Espinheira Santa. However, if anyone experiences any adverse reactions while taking this supplement, consult with a doctor immediately.

Enter Espinheira Santa into Internet search and you are bound to find many online shops that sell this herb in supplement form. When you shop for Espinheira Santa make sure you are getting the purest extracts of this herb available, directly from the Amazon Rainforest, in order to receive the full benefits.

PATA DE VACA

Regardless of who you are, your and where you live, ailments like diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances do not discriminate. While in the United States there are sound treatments for these conditions, natives of the Amazon Rainforest region have used natural remedies for centuries. One such herb used is Pata de Vaca, or Cow's Paw.

What is Cow's Paw?

The Bahuinia Forticata tree, growing deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, yields Cow's Paw, or Pata de Vaca. The large, divided leaves of the Bauhinia are thought to resemble a cow's hoof, hence the name. Drooping white flowers supported by brown seed pods characterize this flower indigenous to the tropical regions of Peru, Brazil and Asia. The Bauhinia tree may grow as tall as 30 feet.

What's so great about Cow's Paw?

Like its indirect relative pedra hume, pata de vaca is known for its blood sugar restorative properties. In Amazon folk medicine, pata de vaca leaves are used for hypoglycemic and diuretic purposes. Steeped in a tea, the leaves are known to aid renal discomforts and promote blood purity and urinary health.

Does pata de vaca cure diabetes?

While pata de vaca has been shown to help regulate glucose levels in diabetics (those with onset diabetes more often than juvenile diabetes patients), it is an herbal supplement and therefore is not considered a cure. People with diabetes or other blood ailments interested in pata de vaca should first consult with a physician with regards to supplemental treatments.

Are there side effects associated with pata de vaca?

Recent research indicates no side effects. However, diabetics and people with blood sugar ailments are strongly advised to consult with their physicians before taking any kind of supplement to aid their blood levels.

Where do you buy pata de vaca?

Do an Internet search for pata de vaca and may find a number of online stores offering the herb in various forms - powders, teas, and capsules. If you decide to purchase supplements containing pata de vaca, make sure it is in the purest form available in the US, direct from the Amazon Rainforest. As always, consult with a physician or other nutritional expert before taking.