An Ancient Healing Herb To The Rescue: Berberine
B 250-748-4421 4-180 Central Rd, Duncan - Village Green Mall www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca
Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health All Classes in the Cowichan Valley *unless stated Wild Goose Qigong (Chi Gong) Gentle movement • Calms your mind • Heals internal organs • Develops flexibility Mondays 9 -10 am Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm (combined Qigong and Chun Yuen) Wednesdays 10-11:15 am Fridays 10-11:15 am (Victoria)*
Northern Shaolin Chun Yuen Quan
Dynamic movement • Improves posture • Increases energy • Strengthens bones Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm (combined Qigong and Chun Yuen)* Wednesdays 9 am - 10 am
250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca
www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com 56
erberine has been helping human beings with many health issues since the beginning of recorded time. The oldest evidence of its usage, in the form of barberry fruit, was written on clay tablets during 650 B.C. In Asia, the extensive use of plants rich in Berberine has more than 3000 years of history. Its applications are seemingly unlimited, ranging from asthma to scorpion bites. In more modern times, this compound, known as an alkaloid, has been very effective in treating more modern diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes. Clinical trials have shown it to be as effective as drugs. It decreases insulin resistance, and helps the body break down sugar within the cells. It decreases the production of sugar in the liver, slows carbohydrate breakdown in the gut, and increases beneficial gut bacteria. As impressive as this is, the benefits don’t stop here. The more berberine is studied, the more it shows its abilities to help in the quest for better health. It has shown promise in the treatment of Alzheimers. Animal studies
have shown that it can increase neurotransmitters and decrease inflammation, which has the potential to positively impact depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, which are so costly in terms of human happiness and productivity. It is also considered to be helpful as an anti-aging supplement, to assist in weight loss, a factor in cardiovascular health, and as a general protection against chronic disease. Surely this must be one of the hardest-working supplements around, a veritable Swiss Army Knife of health benefits. Luckily, it is also easy to find. Preferred Nutrition brand Berberine, by Assured Naturals Distribution, is as close as your local Health Food and Supplement store, such as Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery in Duncan. Come in and see the staff, and find out if Berberine might be something that can help you along on your road to health and wellness.
By Gina Malkin
