Our Full Spectrum Approach™

Guaranteeing Quality, Effectiveness & Safety

With a wide range of natural remedies and treatments on the market today, we understand that it can sometimes be difficult to make sense of it all. We also know that since there is no standardization in the herbal industry, there is no guarantee as to the consistency, safety or potency of the herbal remedies you buy.

That is until now!

At Native Remedies, all of our remedies are developed using the Full Spectrum Approach (FSA) to ensure you get the quality, potency and protection you deserve. Our Full Spectrum Approach consists of a set of standards and processes that combine wild crafted herbs, cGMP manufacturing and a full spectrum extraction method.

Our 3 Point Promise

1. Formulation

The first step in formulating a new remedy is always determining a customer’s needs and to match them with natural ingredients that have proven effectiveness.

In doing so, we draw on a vast body of documented knowledge about traditional medicine, as well as more recent clinical research into herbal remedies and proven homeopathic ingredients. Together with a team of natural health experts, the final formulations are compiled and decided upon.

2. Raw Material Quality & Source

All of the raw ingredients we use in our remedies are purchased from reputable suppliers and our ingredients are organically grown whenever possible.

We also ensure that wild-crafted herbs are grown far away from sources of pollution and electricity pylons, and that their presence does not compromise the integrity and balance of their environment.

All of our raw ingredients are purchased with an accompanying Certificate of Analysis. On receipt, they go into quarantine until further in-house tests are completed and released by our responsible pharmacists, ensuring that the herbs are fresh and not contaminated by any impure substances (e.g. heavy metals or bacterial infections).

3. Manufacturing

We manufacture all our remedies in an FDA registered facility under sterile conditions to ensure that no contamination occurs.

All our remedies are manufactured in-house under the supervision of our expert team and none are brought in from elsewhere. This enables us to have full control over quality and safety.

All of our products are then manufactured according to the principles of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) ensuring the consistency, safety and effectiveness of our remedies.

Full Spectrum Method vs. 'Standardized' Extracts

You may have heard the term 'standardized' extract used in relation to herbal remedies, but do you know what this means?

Many pharmaceutical companies have begun manufacturing herbal remedies using a process of extraction whereby harsh chemicals are employed to extract the active ingredients of medicinal herbs.

You will recognize these extracts by the usage of the words 'standardized' extract on the labels. This method of manufacturing is often cited as being more scientific and able to produce a superior product with controlled and guaranteed amounts of active ingredients in each product.

Contrary to these claims, this process is not approved by the manufacturers of holistic medicines. One of the reasons is that the process of extracting so-called 'active ingredients' and isolating them from the rest of the herb is one that has resulted in an increase in side effects, as the herb in this way loses its natural ability to protect against side effects.

In addition, many manufacturers use all parts of the plants to create standardized extracts, whereas herbalists know that only certain parts of some herbs should be used.

In the case of Ginkgo Biloba, for example, it is well known that the seeds of this plant are poisonous and can cause seizures and that only the leaves should be used. Standardized extracts of Ginkgo Biloba have been associated with the risk of seizure in some trials.

The most recent example of the dangers of using this manufacturing process includes the development of liver toxicity from using Kava Kava extract, an herb which has been safely used for hundreds of years!

It must also be added that this process of extraction requires the use of harsh chemicals and solvents, traces of which are difficult to remove completely from the final product.

To us, it makes little sense for companies to go the natural route, while being unable to guarantee that their product is free of contamination with chemicals known to be harmful to health!

When you buy herbal and homeopathic medicines from Sage and Wisdom, you can be confident that you’re receiving a product manufactured to the highest standards of health, production and effectiveness!

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Women may experience emotional and physical changes prior to menstruation. The clinical term for these changes is "premenstrual syndrome," commonly called PMS. More than 150 symptoms are associated with PMS, ranging from breast tenderness to nausea to anger and irritability.

Premenstrual emotional and physical changes occur in nearly 80% of menstruating women. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle. Their intensity ranges from mild to incapacitating. About 20% to 40% of women who have PMS experience symptoms that make life difficult and 2.5% to 5% experience PMS that is debilitating.

It is not clear what causes premenstrual syndrome. A combination of physiological, genetic, nutritional, and behavioral factors are likely involved. There is no diagnostic test for PMS. Tests may be used to rule out other conditions in women who experience severe symptoms. Emotional and physical changes that are in sync with a woman’s menstrual cycle are usually a telltale sign.

The most important indication of PMS is the cyclic nature of symptoms. There is usually a symptom-free time period 1 week after menstruation ends. At least 25% of patients do not have a symptom-free time period; therefore, they should be evaluated for other medical or psychiatric conditions.

PMS can be treated in a variety of ways. The initial and usually most effective treatment involves non medical changes in diet and lifestyle.

Causes

Scientists have been unable to identify a single cause of PMS. Theories range from hormonal and chemical to nutritional and psychological. Women whose mother or sisters have PMS are more likely to have it, so there may be a genetic component. A combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental causes are likely.

Hormones and neurochemicals

The physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur in PMS coincide with hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. PMS may be a response to declining levels of estrogen and progesterone that occur just prior to menstruation. The exact role of the various hormones are not clear. Some neurochemicals (chemicals that help make up the nervous system) also have been implicated. Hormones and neurochemicals may interact to produce PMS.

Mineralocorticoids are a group of hormones that regulate the body’s fluids and electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium). Changing levels of mineralocorticoids may cause the bloated feeling that is common in women with PMS.

Prolactin stimulates breast development and the formation of milk during pregnancy and is associated with amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation) and other gynecologic complications. Excess prolactin may cause the breast tenderness associated with PMS, although studies show that suppressing the secretion of excess prolactin does not relieve symptom.

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that play a role in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs prior to bleeding. Changing levels of prostaglandins may be involved in PMS.

Serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are chemicals that relay signals from one nerve cell to the next (neurotransmitters). Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, and low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, both symptoms of PMS.

Endorphins are neurochemicals that suppress pain and increase the threshold to painful stimuli. Low levels of endorphins may be involved in PMS.

Nutrition

Nutrition probably plays a causal role in PMS. Women can alleviate many symptoms by changing their diet. Eliminating certain foods or drinks often reduces symptoms to more tolerable levels.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) afflicts many PMS sufferers. Some researchers speculate that the hypoglycemia is a precursor to PMS.

Depression

Because depression-related symptoms are prevalent in women who suffer PMS, there may be an underlying psychological condition that causes or contributes to PMS. Approximately 60% of women with major affective disorder (e.g., depression) also have PMS, and more than 30% of women who suffer chronic depression experience their first depressive episode during a time of significant hormonal change (e.g., premenstrually). In one study, between 57% and 100% of women who suffered PMS were found to have had at least one prior major depressive episode, compared to 0% to 20% of women without PMS.

However, PMS encompasses more than depression, and by focusing too much on this aspect, other important physiological factors may be overlooked.

Signs and Symptoms

PMS has been characterized by more than 150 symptoms, ranging from mood swings to weight gain to acne. As previously stated, tfhe symptoms vary from woman to woman and cycle to cycle. For some women, the symptoms may be mild or moderate, and for others, they may be so severe as to be incapacitating. Common symptoms include the following:

Mood-related ("affective") symptoms: depression, sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability, frequent and severe mood swings

Mental process ("cognitive") symptoms: decreased concentration, indecision

Pain: headache, breast tenderness, joint and muscle pain

Nervous system symptoms: insomnia (sleeplessness), hypersomnia (sleeping for abnormally long periods of time), anorexia, food cravings, fatigue, lethargy, agitation, a change in sex drive, clumsiness, dizziness or vertigo, paresthesia (prickling or tingling sensation)

Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, palpitations (rapid fluttering of the heart), sweating

Fluid and electrolyte symptoms: bloating, weight gain, oliguria (reduced urination)

Skin symptoms: acne, oily skin, greasy or dry hair