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Glandular System
The Body's Thermostat

An easy way to understand how the glandular system works is to compare it to a thermostat in any heating system. When the room temperature falls, the thermostat instructs the central heating system to switch on until the temperature rises. Then the thermostat switches off so the room doesn?t get too hot. In humans, hormones control conditions in the body so that a steady state is maintained.

The glandular system consists of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, thymus gland, sex glands (ovaries, testes), pancreas, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands. These all work together in monitoring the body's various functions and ordering it to make any needed adjustments. The hypothalamus is the link between the endocrine and nervous systems.

The glands produce and excrete chemical substances known as hormones. Hormones coordinate and control various organs and tissues so that all parts of the body work together smoothly and efficiently. Any deviation from normal has to be remedied immediately or life can be threatened.

Hormones (from the Greek word meaning ?to stir up?) regulate basic drives and emotions, promote growth and sexual identity, control body temperature, assist in the repair of broken tissue, and help generate energy.

The amount of hormones released depends on the body's needs. Levels change in response to infection, stress, and changes in chemical composition of the blood. There is a constant, fine control in this system. For example, the hormone that controls water excretion is itself controlled by the amount of water in the body. Stress can also interfere with the glands and may cause an overproduction of some hormones.

Factors in Glandular Health

This system functions properly when it has ample stores of minerals?particularly trace minerals. The thyroid gland, for example, is able to maintain proper metabolic rates and body fluid levels when it has ample iodine. A similar need has been established for chromium in the pancreas and its control of blood sugar levels.

Eating foods rich in trace minerals will help nutritionally support the glandular functions of the body. Unfortunately, many of the foods that are a mainstay of the modem diet are devoid of trace minerals. For example, white sugar is missing 94 percent of its chromium, and 50 percent is missing from white flour, along with other essential trace elements. Manganese is almost entirely removed from white flout (86 percent) and white sugar (89 percent).

Nutritional supplements rich in trace minerals, when taken with a well-balanced diet, can help ensure the glandular system gets the nutritional elements it needs to function properly.

Adrenal Hormone: Cortisol, Aldosterone, Adrenalin, Noradrenalin Target Activity: General metabolic effects, salt retention, potassium loss, glycogenolysis, adrenergic actions

Pituitary Gland Hormones: Oxytocin, Growth hormone, Prolactin, FSH, Thyrotropin Target Activity: Uterine contraction, milk production, various metabolic effects, somatic growth. Maintains corpus luteum, lactation follicle growth, spermatogenesis, ovulation, estrogen, progesterone, increased thyroid secretion

Thyroid & Parathyroid Hormone: Thyroxin, T3 thyrocalcitonin parahormone Target Activity: Increased metabolism, decreased calcium, (Parathyroid: increased calcium)

Thymus Hormone: not known Target Activity: lymphocyte stimulation

Pancreas Hormone: Insulin, Glucogen Target Activity: General metabolic effect

Ovary Hormone: Estrogen, Progesterone Target Activity: Protein anabolism, sex organs, endometriaI proliferation

Testes Hormone: Testosterone Target Activity: Protein anabolism, sex organs

As a balanced food product for the endocrine system, Master Gland Formula? is what its name implies?a master product for glandular health.

Master Gland combines natural herbal products with vitamins and minerals essential to glandular function and metabolism. Trace minerals are crucial to proper endocrine function. Overworked and depleted soils worldwide have exhausted the minerals in our food supply, making it practically impossible to ensure adequate mineral intake.

Master Gland contains the nutrients that support proper hormone production, such as vitamins E and C. It contains alfalfa herb and kelp plant, both rich in trace minerals, plus Siberian ginseng root and dong quai root. Add to that licorice root, zinc, potassium, and germanium, all which contain nutrients necessary for proper glandular function. Master Gland should be at the core of any glandular nutrition program.
Stock No. 2870-7 (120)

C-X? is a carefully formulated combination of herbs traditionally associated with the nutrition of the female glandular system. C-X is designed to help the body bring itself into balance. It contains black cohosh root and licorice root. False unicorn root has long been used to nutritionally support the needs of women. Siberian ginseng root, sarsaparilla root, squaw vine herb, and blessed thistle herb all have longstanding traditional use for strengthening the glandular system.
Stock No. 1204-8 (100)

Energ-V? is an extra souped-up formula designed to work with the body's glandular, nervous, and circulatory systems to support increased vitality. It contains Siberian ginseng root, bee pollen, yellow dock root, licorice root, gotu kola herb, kelp plant, schizandra fruit, barley grass, rose hips, and capsicum fruit.
Stock No. 854-2 (100)

FC with Dong Quai? unites the best of Western and Chinese tradition in one formula. Dong quai root is considered the queen of female herbs by the Chinese. It is combined with red raspberry leaves, an herb health-conscious women have appreciated for centuries, as well as ginger root, licorice root, black cohosh root, queen of the meadow herb, blessed thistle herb, and marshmallow root.
Stock No. 882-2 (100)

The glandular system depends on the body's overall vitality for proper function. Nature's Chi? is a nutritional blend of Oriental herbs combined to provide those nutrients necessary for optimal vitality and healthy glandular function. It contains ma huang herb concentrate, dong quai root, ho shou wu root, and Siberian ginseng root.
Stock No. 842-4 (100)

PS II? is a natural herbal formula with the special nutritional needs of men in mind. It contains black cohosh root, licorice root, kelp plant, gotu kola herb, golden seal root, capsicum fruit, ginger root, and dong quai root.
Stock No. 1050-8 (100)

A component of many women's herbal formulas, Red Raspberry has been used and treasured by women around the world for centuries. It is rich in iron, and contains vitamins A through E. It also contains phosphorus and manganese, and is a rich source of calcium. Nature's Sunshine offers it in both capsule and liquid form. Red Raspberry Blend Liquid makes a delicious tea high in vitamin C, with its combination of peppermint leaves, rose hips, hibiscus flowers, and raspberry leaves.
Stock No. 560-8 (100)
Stock No. 3425-4 (2 fl. oz.)
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Target TS-II Formula? is a nutritional approach to a healthier glandular system. The target minerals of zinc and manganese, essential to glandular health, are chelated to the amino acids glutamine, proline, and histidine. The minerals and amino acids are combined in a unique base of herbs rich in vitamins and minerals?kelp plant, Irish moss plant, parsley herb, hops flowers, and capsicum fruit.
Stock No. 2815-7 (90)

Designed to meet the special nutritional needs of men, X-A? combines Siberian ginseng root, a component of many men's nutritional formulas, with echinacea root, saw palmetto berries, gotu kola herb, sarsaparilla root, damiana herb, zinc gluconate, garlic bulb, capsicum fruit and chickweed herb.
Stock No. 1110-4 (100)

HY-C? contains a synergistic combination of 16 herbs that nutritionally support the glandular system: dendrobium herb, eucommia bark, rehmannia root, ophiopogon root, trichosanthes root, pueraria root, anemarrhena rhizome, achyranthes root, hoelen plant, asparagus root, moutan root bark, alisma rhizome, phellodendron bark, cornus fruit, licorice root, and schizandra fruit.
Stock No. 1886-5 (100)

Black Currant Oil, derived from black currant seeds, is one of only three known sources of a vital nutrient called gamma linolenic acid. GLA is the catalyst for many of the body's functions, including the production of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have been shown to affect the processes of the glandular system.
Stock No. 1810-9 (90)

Black Cohosh is a perennial plant native to eastern North America, which has long been highly valued by the Native Americans. Herbal formulas use the dried rhizomes and roots, which are large and knotty. Black cohosh has a bitter nature and is classed as an astringent. Its unique nutritional constituents make it excellent for female requirements.
Stock No. 80-3 (100)

Chromium is the core of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) regulating sugar metabolism, and it probably acts as a cofactor for insulin. If GTF is lacking, the cells become insulin-resistant, even though there may be enough insulin in the bloodstream. Shortages in chromium are related to old age, pregnancy (as the fetus takes chromium from its mother for its store) and protein-calorie malnutrition. One tablet of Nature's Sunshine chromium contains 500 mcg. in a synergistic base of red clover tops, yarrow flower, and horsetail herb.
Stock No. 1801-6 (90)

Dandelion may be a pesky weed, but it contains an abundance of minerals and vitamins that makes it an excellent food for the human body. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as potassium, calcium, and sodium. It also contains iron, phosphorus, nickel, cobalt, tin, copper, and zinc.
Stock No. 250-4 (100)

HY-A? is a combination specially designed to support the glandular system by providing for special mineral and vitamin needs. It contains licorice root, safflower flower, red clover flowers, dandelion root, and horseradish root.
Stock No. 950-0 (100)

Kelp, a sea plant, is one of the richest sources of vitamins and minerals available to man. It is an excellent source of iodine, which is essential to proper thyroid function. Its rich mineral source makes it an excellent nutritional supplement for the glandular system. Powdered, it makes a fine salt substitute.
Stock No. 410-3 (100)

Since ancient times, Licorice has been widely used both as a nutritional aid and as a flavoring. A member of the pea family, it has demulcent qualities and was believed by the Chinese to provide strength and vigor It is an excellent overall nutritional supplement for glandular health. Nature's Sunshine's licorice comes in three forms for a variety of needs.

Stock No. 420-6 (100)

Stock No. 424-5 (50 ATC Concentrated)

Stock No. 1780-9 (2 fl. oz.)

Monthly Maintenance? is a unique combination of herbs, vitamins, and minerals formulated especially for women. It is designed to provide nutritional support during those times women are especially susceptible to nutritional deficiencies and cyclical discomforts.
Stock No. 1812-0 (180)

When nutrients aren?t properly absorbed by the digestive system, the glandular system doesn?t receive the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal function. P-14? is designed to nutritionally assist the glandular system by aiding the digestive process. It contains golden seal root, juniper berries, uva ursi leaf, cedar berries, mullein leaf, slippery elm bark, yarrow flowers, garlic bulb, capsicum fruit, dandelion root, marshmallow root, nettle herb, white oak bark, and licorice root.
Stock No. 1022-2 (100)

Saw Palmetto is used in many glandular herbal formulas. It is rich in vitamin A.
Stock No. 630-4 (100)

Siberian Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, an herb that strengthens the whole body. It is widely noted for its ability to nutritionally support the endocrine glands. It is included in many herbal formulas and is one of the most widely used and respected of all herbs.
Stock No. 660-9 (100)

Suma, a South American plant whose roots go as deep as 20 feet, is often referred to as Brazilian ginseng. Nature's Sunshine's Suma Combination contains only the finest adaptogenic herbs'suma root, Siberian ginseng root, astragalus root, ginkgo leaves, and gotu kola herb. Adaptogens are known for their ability to enhance a wide range of body systems. Suma Combination is useful in any program designed to promote glandular health through nutrition.
Stock No. 1088-5 (100)

False Unicorn, one of Mother Nature's gifts to women, is a popular herb for women because of its composition of vitamins, minerals and other nourishing substances. It is high in vitamin C as well as copper, sulfur, cadmium, cobalt, and molybdenum. It also has traces of zinc.
Stock No. 267-1 (100)

Calor supports the body in maintaining and utilizing energy output.
Stock No. 8716-1 (1 fl. oz.)

Fatigue/Exhaustion assists in alleviating the symptoms of minor fatigue and exhaustion due to insomnia, illness, overwork, or stress.
Stock No. 8840-0 (1 fl. oz.)

Feminine Tonic is useful for the support of the feminine endocrine and organ systems.
Stock No. 8701-1 (1 fl. oz.)

Menstrual is a homeopathic remedy for temporary relief of the minor pain and discomfort of premenstrual and menstrual periods.
Stock No. 8702-9 (1 fl. oz.)

Menopause provides temporary relief of symptoms associated with PMS and menopause, including nervous irritability, bloating, cravings, discomfort, and hot flashes.
Stock No. 8728-2 (1 fl. oz.)