Herbs - Supplements:

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Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

The following herbal remedies may provide relief from symptoms:

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) standardized extract, 300 - 400 mg daily, for kidney health. You may also drink 8 - 16 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice daily.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) standardized extract, 300 mg two to three times per day, for symptoms of urinary incontinence. Check with your health care provider if you are taking prescription medications.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens ) standardized extract, 160 mg twice daily, for men with symptoms of prostate-related urinary incontinence.

Supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, E, the B-vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

Calcium citrate, 500 - 1000 mg daily, for bone and muscle support.

Vitamin D, 400 IU daily, for bone and muscle support.

Magnesium citrate, 200 - 400 mg daily, for muscle support.

Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tbs. of oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.

L-theanine, 200 mg one to three times daily, for nervous system support.

Acetyl-L-carnitine, 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and muscle protective activity.