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Adrenal Glands — The adrenal glands are small triangular glands located on top of the kidneys that work interactively with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. They are made up of two parts – the adrenal cortex or the outer part and the inner region called the medulla. These two regions operate rather independently. The adrenal glands maintain metabolic processes such as managing sugar levels and suppressing inflammation. They are extremely important in maintaining a healthy immune system but are perhaps most known for production of cortisol – the fight or flight hormone that is released during stress. Cortisol controls the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It has been theorized that the alteration of normal cortisol levels (high in the am and low in the pm) can promote weight gain. Stress alters the normal functioning of cortisol levels. Another important consideration is that in order to produce cortisol your adrenal glands need progesterone. This is why stress can also be an issue in maintaining pregnancy – your body will use the progesterone first to relieve the stress and the remaining to nourish the uterine lining. Available progesterone is vital during pregnancy and healthy adrenal glands play an important role. In addition to diet, this is where mind body techniques and exercise are important. Black cohosh — Cimicifuga Racemosa, a medicinal plant that grows to about six feet tall found throughout the deciduous forests of eastern North America. A member of the buttercup family, extracts made from the powdered root of black cohosh, specifically of the racemosa family are the basis of Oöna. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, beginning with North American Indians before the arrival of Europeans. Its first reference in English dates to 1680. John Bartram, who was one of the earliest botanists in American history, planted black cohosh in his first botanical study garden in 1729. Western scientific medicine first referred to black cohosh in 1823, considered then an extremely effective remedy for consumption and rheumatism. Anecdotal evidence had long indicated black cohosh effective for symptoms associated with menopause, but it was not proven in animal studies until 1944. Though it is not entirely clear how black cohosh works, researchers have found it has estrogen-like effects and binds to estrogen receptors, yet without raising estrogen levels in the body.* There are also indications that it suppresses LH, a hormone produced by the hypothalamus, associated with hot flashes.* Chaste tree berry — Vitex agnus-castus, a medicinal plant used since ancient times. Hippocrates cited it for its effects on female reproduction. It was once believed that its use would decrease the sexual appetite of men, thus the common name "chaste." It is now understood that it has no effect on male or female sex drive. The dried fruit of the tree is used to make the extract that is in Oöna. Chaste berry extract has been shown in clinical studies to decrease levels of prolactin which, in turn, leads to increased production of progesterone during the menstrual cycle, reducing symptoms of PMS.* Cimicifuga racemosa — The Latin term for the black cohosh plant. The plant’s name derives from the strong aversion bugs have to it, thus cimex (bug) and fuga (repel). Climacteric — The months and sometimes years of gradual decrease of reproductive ability, leading to menopause, also known as perimenopause. Corpus luteum — Of the millions of follicles in the ovaries, eight to ten mature each month, but usually only one reaches the point that it ruptures and releases an egg (ovulation). After ovulation, the ruptured follicle reconnects and continues to grow, becoming the corpus luteum. In preparation for fertilization, it produces estrogen and progesterone to create an extra lining in the uterus. Commission E Studies — Extensive tests conducted in Germany under government supervision to determine the efficacy and safety of hundreds of botanicals, herbs and other "natural" medicinal products. Many botanicals studied by the commission have been rejected after it was shown that claims made about their use could not be substantiated. Several, however, including black cohosh and chaste tree berry have been found both safe and effective. Cramp bark — Viburnum Opulus Also known as Guelder Rose, cramp bark comes from the Highbush Cranberry and can reach 13 feet in height. It is native to Europe and Africa but has been introduced to North America. It's known for its properties as an ant-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, astringent and emmenagogue. Most of cramp bark's practical use is to relieve body muscle cramps as well as relax smooth muscle. Cramp bark relaxes the uterus (made up of smooth muscle) and in doing so relieves painful cramps. In a similar way, the herb may be used to protect against a miscarriage. Its astringent action gives it role in the treatment of excessive blood loss in periods and may be helpful for heavy bleeding in menopause. Endocrine organs — Source in a woman's body of the key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and menopause. Specifically, the primary organs are
Endometrial Cancer — The endometrium is the mucous lining membrane of the uterus, this is the term used for cancer of the uterus. Estrogen — A group of hormones that pertain to female reproductive behavior as well as its development, maturation and function. There are three major types of estrogen — estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estradiol is the strongest and the most active followed by estrone and estriol, the weakest. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen (along with progesterone) thickens the walls of the uterus (the endometrial lining), thus making it easier for a fertilized egg to attach itself during pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, it — along with the thickened lining — are discharged during menstruation. As the need for estrogen declines when a woman approaches menopause, the level of estrogen similarly declines. This shifting hormonal balance can cause a number of bothersome symptoms, including sleeplessness, irritability, hot flashes, and anxiety. Flavonoid — A type of glycoside that give plants their pigments. Some are biologically active. A well known example is red grapes. The seeds and skin of the grapes are packed with biologically active flavoniods. These flavonoids are believed to make red wine healthy. The process of making red wine is to include the skin and seeds in the fermentation process (unlike white wine). Similarly, it is the flavonoids of the chaste tree berry that hold the beneficial properties. Follicle-stimulating Hormone(FSH) — Released by the pituitary gland at the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle, the follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the growth of the follicles located in the ovaries. Of these follicles, one will release an egg. Ginger
— Zingiber officinale is a root that has been cultivated
for so long that its exact origin is uncertain. In China, ginger
is one of the earliest mentioned herbals and by the 13th and 14th
centuries it was familiar to English as the second most popular
spice next to pepper. Historically, in China and elsewhere the fresh
and dried roots were considered to have different medicinal products.
Fresh ginger was used for colds, nausea, asthma, heart palpitations,
couch, colic and loss of appetite to name a few. Dried ginger was
used for stomach aches, diarrhea and in India a paste was applied
to the temples to relieve a headache. In modern day use, the extracts
have been extensively studied for antibacterial, anticonvulsant,
antiulcer, antitumor, antispasmodic, antiallergenic and other activities.
They have also been shown to be inhibitors of prostaglandins, which
has been shown to reduce menstrual cramps. Source:
http://www.herbphoto.com/education/ Glycosides — A plant compound containing one or more alcohols or sugars and a biologically active compound, which the plant metabolizes or excretes. The sugar is called a glycone and the active component is called an aglycone. It is believed that the glycosides in black cohosh, of which there are many and which work in concert together, are the active compounds that give it its medicinal qualities. If taken in moderation, glycosides are absorbed directly into the blood stream instead of remaining in the intestinal tract. Healthier Cervical Fluid — A woman’s cervical fluid changes throughout her cycle. At the beginning of her cycle, a woman will most likely not notice any cervical fluid. By the second week she will observe mucus that is whitish or yellowing cloudy – this is not the fluid that is important during ovulation. At the time of ovulation, the mucus will increase in volume and change -- the cervical fluid should be thin and stretchy and resembles raw egg-whites in texture. After ovulation, as progesterone increases, there may be no noticeable cervical fluid or it will return to the whitish cloudy consistency until menstruation. Herbal Tonic — Herbal tonics are a basic concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (TCM) These tonics are gentle, nourishing, restorative and over time will produce lasting benefits with almost no side effects. Tonics are designed to invigorate mostly by nourishing the blood in some way to create Qi (pronounced chee) energy which is always in motion. Better nourished blood and blood flow usually results in more energy and balance. As a result tonics are known to undo (slowly) some of the unhealthy things we do to our body. Herbal tonics are not cures and work best with a healthy diet and lifestyle. In general, there are two kinds of tonics, one that improves overall health and well being and a second one that focuses on improving a system, say cardiovascular or in our case the womenŐs reproductive system. Kidneys — We have between 7 and 8 liters of blood in our body. Every day our kidneys process about 150 to 200 quarts of blood and sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. This means our blood gets filtered between 20 and 25 times a day. Kidneys regulate the composition of our blood, filter out metabolic waste and excrete foreign chemicals as well as the volume of water. After our body uses food for energy and self repair, waste is sent to the blood and is filtered out in our kidneys through tiny units called nephrons. If our kidneys did not remove these wastes, they build up in the blood and damage our bodies – this is why they are important to create a healthy immune system. While they don’t secrete hormones that directly target a woman’s reproductive tract, they do secrete hormones that are important in maintaining our body’s calcium levels. When we are looking to nourish and purify our blood in order to create an optimal environment for a follicle to develop, kidneys play a vital role. Liver — The liver plays an important in conjugating and metabolizing estrogen – breaking down excess hormones so they can be eliminated from the system. Poor nutrition such as too much sugar and alcohol use overtax the liver – this means that a congested liver is unable to process hormones as it should – they are reabsorbed into the system at a higher than normal rate and imbalances occur. Add synthetic hormones to the picture and serious problems can develop. Luteinizing hormone (LH) — At about two weeks into the menstrual cycle, LH is released by the pituitary gland, causing one of the maturing follicles in the ovaries to burst and release its egg for possible fertilization. It is also the hormone associated with hot flashes. Menopause — The time in a woman's life when a natural hormonal shift causes her body to cease production of eggs in preparation for fertilization. This, in turn, reduces the need for the body to each month to create thickened walls in the uterus in case of pregnancy, resulting in fewer and fewer incidences of monthly discharge, the period. Menopause is considered complete when a full year has passed without experiencing any periods. Passionflower — Originally from the south of the United States, the passion flower has got its name back in the early seventeenth century from its association with the crucifixion. The pilgrims noticed the floral structure resembles the crucifixion. The Passion of Christ is the period between the Last Supper and the death of Christ - thus the name. Early Native American Indians used the plant as a sedative and sleep aid. In Europe today, Passionflower is used for different states of nervous tension and anxiety and research has shown that the herb also has antispasmodic effects. No toxicity has been observed in laboratory animals and the German Monograph on passionflower lists no known contraindications, side effects or drug interactions. Perimenopause — The months or years leading up to full stages of menopause. In some women, indications of perimenopause can begin as early as a woman’s mid-to late-thirties. Phytoestrogen — Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds found in foods, are defined as plant substances that are functionally similar to 17ß-estradiol in that they produce estrogenic effects. There are several classes, including isoflavones, lignins, coumestans and resorcyclic acid lactones. Soy products have a high concentration of isoflavones. Postmenopause — The months or years immediately following the end of menopause, which typically is considered complete when a woman has gone one year without experiencing a period. Premerin — The most widely prescribed drug used for symptoms of menopause and one of the most widely prescribed drugs of any kind. Made from the urine of pregnant mares, the drug artificially raises the level of estrogen in a woman's body to "replace" naturally declining amounts of estrogen associated with menopause. Progesterone — A hormone that is most concerned with the maintenance of pregnancy. Although some is probably formed in the ovarian follicle, the main site of production is in the corpus luteum — where it works with estrogen to prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg. Prolactin — A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland by both women and men. In women, its principal physiological function is to initiate and sustain lactation. Prostaglandins
— Prostaglandins are physiologically active substances having
diverse hormone like effects in animals. They are known to be of
widespread occurrence in animal tissues, where they are formed from
polyunsaturated fatty acids and are rapidly metabolized. Prostaglandins
are very potent: some affect human blood pressure at concentrations
as low as 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight. They also are
diverse in their effects. Depending on their type, prostaglandins
can stimulate smooth-muscle contraction; lower and, in some animals,
raise blood pressure; decrease and increase the clotting ability
of blood; enhance ion transport across some membranes; stimulate
inflammation; and inhibit lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) in adipose
tissue. A given prostaglandin may have different and even opposite
effects in different tissues. Source:
"Prostaglandin." Encyclopædia
Britannica. 2004. Encyclopædia BritannicaPremium Service. Spleen — The spleen is in charge of assimilating nutrients and transporting them through the body. Located near the stomach and about the size of a fist, the spleen functions in the destruction of old red blood cells and also holds a small reservoir of blood – available for large cuts. For a long time, the spleen’s function remained a mystery but it is now known that it plays a major role in our immune system. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and not only helps fight infection but also helps keep our body fluids in balance. Signs of a weak spleen are poor digestion, bloatedness and anemia. Standardized Herbal Extract — Standardized extracts fall under two main categories. The first is an active constituent extract in which a known principal biochemical compound (such as caffeine) can be separated (such as from a soda). The second is a "marker" extract in which the principal biochemical compound is not known. In this type of extract, one compound serves as a marker to indicate the presence of other constituents that give the herb its therapeutic properties. In a marker extract, since no single active constituent is known, none of the plant's constituent components have been separated out and the entire extract is treated as active. Oöna uses marker compound standardized extracts. In black cohosh, the marker extract is 27 deoxiyacteine. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) — SFE uses high pressure gases as solvents and is increasingly being employed industrially for extracting oils, resins and other components, from botanical substrates. SFE makes use of CO2 gas under high pressure. When CO2 is at conditions of temperature and pressure above 31°C and 73 atm, respectively, it is in its supercritical state where it exhibits a pressure-dependent dissolving power for a wide variety of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. At high pressure the gas dissolves and extracts soluble components (i.e., oils, actives, etc.) from the botanical substrate, and when the pressure is lowered (in another part of the process plant) the dissolved components precipitate and are collected The product is a completely pure extract, containing no liquid organic solvents.
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