[Latin Name] Griffonia simplicifolia

[Plant Source] Griffonia Seed

[Specifications] 98%; 99% HPLC

[Appearance] White fine powder

Plant Part Used: Seed

[Particle size] 80 Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Pesticide residue] EC396-2005, USP 34, EP 8.0, FDA

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is 5-HTP]

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia 5-HTP is used for sleep disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizure disorder, and Parkinson’s disease.

 [How does it work?]

5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.

[Function]

Depression. Some clinical research shows that taking 5-HTP by mouth improve symptoms of depression in some people. Some clinical research shows that taking 5-HTP by mouth might be as beneficial as certain prescription antidepressant drugs for improving depression symptoms. In most studies, 150-800 mg daily of 5-HTP was taken. In some cases, higher doses have been used.

Down syndrome. Some research shows that giving 5-HTP to infants with Down syndrome might improve muscle and activity. Other research shows that it does not improve muscle or development when taken from infancy until 3-4 years of age. Research also shows that taking 5-HTP along with conventional prescription drugs does improve development, social skills, or language skills.

Anxiety 5-HTP was found to be protective against carbon dioxide-induced panic attacks. One study compared 5-HTP and the prescription medication clomipramine for anxiety. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. 5-HTP was found to be somewhat effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, but not as effective as clomipramine.

Sleep 5-HTP supplements fared a little better for insomnia.5-HTP decreased the time required to get to sleep and decreased the number of nighttime awakenings. Taking 5-HTP along with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a relaxing neurotransmitter, reduced the time it took to fall asleep and increased the duration and quality of sleep. One study found that children with night terrors benefited from 5-HTP.

Stevia is an herb that is used as non-caloric sugar substitute. Stevia herbs have different species all serving as sweetening agents. Among these species, S. Rebaudiana is the sweetest plant. The sweetness possessed by these herbs is about 200 to 250 times that the intensity of sucrose. Rebaudioside A (Reb-A) and Stevioside are the prime two components present in these herbs that make it natural sweetener and diet supplement. Consumption of leaves of this herb does not affect the blood sugar level. Therefore, it is also used for treatment purpose for diabetic patients. These leaves have anti-fungal as well as anti-bacterial properties thereby; can be used in herbal medicines, mouthwashes, toothpastes and various other daily products.

Pumpkin Seed Nog

1/2 cup raw, organic pumpkin seeds, soaked overnight
1/2 cup pitted medjool dates, soaked in 2 1/2 cups water
pinch of vanilla or 1 vanilla bean (soaked with dates)
pinch of pink himalayan salt
2 teaspoons organic cinnamon powder
pinch of organic nutmeg
2 additional cups of water

Directions:
Strain and rinse the pumpkin seeds.
In a blender (I use a Vitamix) add all the ingredients (including the date soak water) and blend well until smooth and frothy.

This Nog is also great as a milk substitute for lattes and anything else you would normally use milk.

Thanks to Liz Forrest of JuicyLiving.ca for this recipe.