Introduction:
Considered the new cutting edge weight loss ingredient on the market, Irvingia Gabonensis is Latin for what is commonly referred to as African Mango. The extracts from the Irvingia Gabonensis seed is a soluble fiber that has been shown in double blind randomized studies to be an effective weight loss agent. In fact, Irvingia Gabonensis is fast becoming one of the most popular weight loss ingredients in the supplement industry.
Irvingia Gabonensis is a tree found in West and Central Africa also known by the natives as the wild mango or bush mango. The tree is valued for its dika nuts in addition to producing a yellow edible fruit. Irvingia is high in fat, similar to other nuts and seeds, and contain extraordinary fiber content (14%)! Irvingia has been prized for its healing properties and now has become one of the most exciting discoveries in the weight loss industry!

Introduction:
For hundreds of years the Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Mfengi cultures have used Pelargonium sidoides as a curative for coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal concerns. Today, with the advantages of modern science and clinical research, we are able to better understand what makes this traditional remedy work so effectively.

Pelargonium sidoides has been successfully used for the treatment of:

General:
Pelargonium sidoides occurs throughout the Eastern Cape, Lesotho, Free State and southern and south-western Gauteng in the Republic of South Africa. 

Pelargonium sidoides is called by Kalwerbossie or Rabassamin South Africa. However, the name Umckaloabo is most commonly known and originates from the Zulu language "heavy cough". 

The Englishman Charles Stevens already acknowledged the successful treatment of tuberculosis with Umckaloabo in the early 1920’s. Extracts of the root have been available in German pharmacies since 1983 without prescription and have found widespread usage against infections of the sinus, throat and respiratory tract.

The traditional use of Pelargonium sidoides for coughs and chest troubles may be explained by the presence of essential oils. It has not yet been established which ingredients contribute to its antibacterial properties. 

Extracts of Pelargonium sidoides have clear antibacterial characteristics against Streptococci, Staphylococci and Bacillus cereus.

Pelargonium sidoides is also rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that enhance the body’s functioning and protects it against diseases. Treatment with Pelargonium sidoides rapidly improves the typical symptoms associated with infections such as cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue and weakness.

 

Introduction:
The earliest written records of the use of Sceletium tortuosum date back to 1662 and 1685. The Dutch, upon their arrival in South Africa, called it ‘Kougoed’ which literally means, ‘chew(able) things/goodies ‘ or ‘something to chew’.For hundreds of years the Hottentots used Sceletium expansum and tortuosum as a sacramental sedative and mood enhancer.

This mood-enhancing plant is known in its homeland as "canna”, “channa” or “kanna” (not Cannabis). It was so esteemed among native pastoralists and hunter-gatherers that they'd travel hundreds of miles to collect plants in the wild. 

The family Mesembryanthemaceae contains many pharmacologically active species. The genus Mesembryanthemum is a popular groundcover. One of the most utilized by native peoples in South Africa was the genus Sceletium, for which whole tribes would travel hundreds of miles to pick a year’s supply. 

Recorded Medicinal history:
Kanna has been used by the Hottentots and Bushmen tribes of South Africa as a mood-altering substance since prehistoric times. Although primarily chewed, there are reports of it being taken as a tea (Jacobsen 1960). Traditionally, the dried plant material is also smoked, or powdered and inhaled as a snuff on its own or with the addition of other herbs.

Sceletium elevates mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension, and shepherds walking long distances in arid areas have also used it as an appetite suppressant. Higher doses can cause euphoria, initially with stimulation and later with sedation. It has been suggested by some that Kanna can potentate the effects of alcohol and cannabis. No addiction or severe adverse side effects have been associated or documented with Kanna. 

Sceletium is used as a mood-enhancing substance and is far more effective and rapidly acting than the well-known European plant Hypericum (St John's Wort). 

Rural folk and farmers also use Sceletium as a sedative in the form of teas, decoctions or tinctures. In intoxicating doses it can cause euphoria, initially with stimulation and later with sedation. The plant is not hallucinogenic.