VITAMIN B-1 (THIAMIN) enhances both blood formation and circulation, nervous tissue maintenance, and learning capacity.1 This vitamin is not stored in the body and must be supplied daily, therefore, body tissues deplete rapidly when a deficiency occurs.2 There are more American adults deficient in thiamin than in any other vitamin.3

Thiamin has also been shown to protect against lead poisoning - highly significant in view of the widespread lead pollution in so many public water systems and manufactured products.4 In adults, lead can cause nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, mood changes, and sleep problems.5

VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE HCL) promotes the production of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine which regulates sleep, pain, and mood.6

Of all the B vitamins, B-6 is the most crucial for a healthy immune system.7 Approximately 40% of all Americans are deficient in B-6, which is especially common for those who consume diets high in sugar and fat, and women on oral contraceptives.8

VITAMIN B-12 (CYANOCOBALAMIN) alleviates neuropsychiatric disorders and prevents mental deterioration. In a series of 39 patients treated for neurological symptoms related to B-12 deficiency, 100 percent showed improvements, sometimes dramatic improvement. The neuropsychiatric symptoms included memory loss, disorientation, and impaired touch or pain perception.9

DL-PHENYLALANINE (AMINO ACID) has been shown to have analgesic effects in both animals and humans and helps alleviate back pain. It is believed to work by inhibiting the breakdown of opiate-like substances called enkephalilns in the brain.10 Basically, DL-Phenylalanine relieves chronic pain by altering pain response in the brain.

QUERCETIN (BIOFLAVONOID) is indicated in virtually all inflammatory and allergic conditions, as it appears to directly modulate the factors involved in inflammation and allergy.11

Quercetin has been shown to inhibit many steps in eicosanoid metabolism. The result is a significant reduction in the formation of leukotrienes. Excessive leukotriene formation has been linked to asthma, back and leg pain.12

Quercetin has been demonstrated, in vitro, to inhibit both viral replication and infectivity.13 Quercetin and bromelain are synergistic and are taken in conjunction to enhance absorption.

GINGER ROOT (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) produces anti-inflammatory activity similar to non-steroidal drugs. It interferes with the manufacture of prostaglandin and thus blocks inflammation.14

A clinical study of 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with osteoarthritis, and 10 with muscular discomfort were given powdered ginger for periods ranging from 3 months to 2.5 years.15 Seventy-five percent of the arthritis patients and 100 percent of the patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief in pain or swelling.

Because of its pharmacological activities on platelet function and inflammation, ginger has also been reported to be beneficial in migraine headache.16

Ginger also ameliorates symptoms of nausea, motion and morning sickness, vertigo, dizziness and stomach disorders.17

BROMELAIN (PINEAPPLE ENZYME) is an enzyme that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in healing injuries, particularly sprains and strains, muscle injuries, and the pain, swelling, and tenderness that accompany sports injuries.18

Double-blind research has shown that bromelain is effective for people suffering from sinusitis.19 In addition, bromelain reduces the thickness of mucus, which may benefit patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis.20

KAVA KAVA (PIPER METHYSTICUM) contains pain-relieving chemicals called lava-lactones which may have mild analgesic, anti-anxiety, muscle-relaxing, and anti-convulsant effects.21

Anxiety intensifies pain and several European countries have approved kava preparations in the treatment of nervous anxiety on the basis of detailed pharmacological data and favorable clinical studies.22

BUPLEURUM is a natural steroid similar to steroidal pain relieving drugs but without the destructive side effects.23 Active constituents of Bupleurum have also been found to protect the liver, stomach and kidneys from toxic damage.

In a study of 40 patients with pathological fever, Bupleurum produced an antipyretic (fever alleviation) effect in 97.5% and achieved a reduction of 1 - 2 degrees C. in body temperature in 77.5%24

FEVERFEW (TANACETUM PARTHENIUM) has been used for centuries to alleviate headaches and joint pain. Several double-blind studies involving patients with migraine have shown that feverfew reduces the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches.25,26

WHITE WILLOW (SALIX SPP) is the natural compound from which aspirin was developed and has been used traditionally for fever, headache, pain, and rheumatic complaints.27 In the body, salicin breaks down into salicylic acid, a compound possessing potent anti-inflammatory activity.28 Unlike aspirin, white willow is safer and doesn't irritate the stomach.