VITAMIN A is naturally derived from the free radicals fighting beta carotene found in such fruits and vegetables as APRICOTS, ARUGULA, CANTALOUPES, CARROTS, CHICORY, COLLARD GREENS, DANDELION, ENDIVE, KALE, ROMAINE LETTUCE, PAPAYAS, PARSLEY, PEACHES, PUMPKINS (also see: PUMPKIN SEED), SPINACH, SWEET POTATOES, SWISS CHARD and TURNIP GREENS and/or SALAD GREENS, also TUNA, and is hence useful in cancer prevention. VITAMIN A is necessary for the growth and repair of body tissues; useful in preventing and treating arthritis; helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants; counteracts night blindness and weak eyesight; aids in bone and teeth formation. Capsules containing 25,000 IUs, used externally once each day tends to dissipate warts. Taken internally, super-large doses of VITAMIN A (from any source) can be toxic, and likewise, even smaller doses of VITAMIN A derived from fish liver oil can be toxic. Not only because of the excessive VITAMIN A quantity, but because the liver in a live fish naturally tends to absorb toxins from a polluted underwater environment - unlike the strictly nontoxic beta carotene which is converted into VITAMIN A via the human liver. The USRDA for Vitamin A is 5,000 IUs. Also see: POWDERED ECHINACEA ROOT, GARLIC, FRESHLY GRATED or POWDERED GINGER ROOT, and HONEY and/or LEMON. (See: BETA CAROTENE and SELENIUM. Also see: ALOE VERA).

B-COMPLEX VITAMIN B-1 (THIAMINE) is essential in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy; aids in the digestion of carbohydrates; essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and heart. Stabilizes the appetite, promotes growth and good muscle tone. Useful for anxiety and nervousness, and general good thinking and memory; beriberi, heart conditions, indigestion and mothers' milk production are helped along. The USRDA for Vitamin B-1 is 1.5 mgs.

B-COMPLEX VITAMIN B-2 (RIBOFLAVIN) is necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells; maintains cell respiration; necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails and hair; alleviates eye fatigue. Deficiency symptoms may include dryness, itching and burning of the eyes, and sensitivity to light; cracks and sores of the mouth and lips; bloodshot eyes, purplish tongue, skin problems, retarded growth, digestive disturbances, trembling, sluggishness and oily skin. The USRDA for Vitamin B-2 is 1.7 mgs. (Also see: ALOE VERA).

VITAMIN B-3 (NIACIN / NIACINAMIDE) improves circulation and reduces the cholesterol level in the blood. Helps metabolize protein, sugar and fat; reduces high blood pressure; increases energy through proper utilization of food. VITAMIN B-3 is essential in the synthesis of sex hormones. Deficiencies can result in diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia and death; these symptoms are preceded by inflammation of the tongue, mouth and gums, canker sores, loss of appetite for food and sex, indigestion and abdominal pains. Skin disorders are common; roughening and reddening of the hands, wrists, face, neck, knees, feet, or under the breasts. VITAMIN B-3 deficiencies cause severe nervous system disorders that include such manifestations as burning pains, confusion, dizziness, vague fears, forgetfulness, headache, irritability, nervousness, numbness, tremors, or weakness of the arms and legs. Bad breath and insomnia may be relieved with adequate amounts of B-3 in the daily diet. WHEAT GERM and YEAST are reliable non-meat sources of natural VITAMIN B-3. The USRDA for VITAMIN B-3 is 20 mgs. (Also see: ALOE VERA).

B-COMPLEX VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE), an antioxidant, is necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein; aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies; maintains central nervous system and mental functions (See: SMART PILLS); aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin; reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea, and stiffness of hands; helps maintain a proper balance of sodium and phosphorous in the body. B-6 deficiencies may result in nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, loss of muscular control, anemia, mouth disorders, muscular weakness, dermatitis, loss or hair, slow learning and water retention. Bananas, navy beans, peanuts, peas, (baked) potatoes (with skins), brown rice, whole wheat, wheat germ and yeast are excellent non-meat sources of Vitamin B-6. Also see: CHICKEN BREASTS, HALIBUT and SWORDFISH. The USRDA for Vitamin B-6 is 2 mgs.

B-COMPLEX VITAMIN B-12 (COBALAMIN) helps in the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia; necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism; maintains a healthy nervous system; promotes growth in children; increases energy; needed for calcium absorption. Deficiencies result in poor appetite, fatigue, brain damage, nervousness, degeneration of the spinal cord, depression and lack of balance. VITAMIN B-12 is found naturally in clams, fish, kidney, liver, mackerel, lean meats, milk, oysters, poultry, salmon, tuna. The USRDA for VITAMIN B-12 is 6 mcg. (Also see: ALOE VERA).

VITAMIN B-15 extends cell life span, fights fatigue and is taken by athletes as an alternative to dangerous steroids for endurance and increased energy.

C-COMPLEX VITAMIN C is deemed an essential vitamin because the human body canÍt manufacture it. Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, citrus fruit (particularly oranges), green peppers, pineapples, pears, potatoes and particularly tomatoes are especially high in VITAMIN C content which is essential for healthy teeth, gums and bones; healing wounds, scar tissue, and fractures; preventing scurvy; building resistance to infection; aiding in prevention and treatment of the common cold; giving strength to blood vessels; formation of certain red blood cells; control of blood hemorrhage; wound healing, and VITAMIN C aids in the absorption of IRON. VITAMIN C requires magnesium as a metabolizing agent to be most effective; in much the same way VITAMIN C requires COPPER to form elastin, and to oxidize the vitamin into the system. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular ñglueî which holds tissues together. It is also one of the major antioxidant nutrients. It prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, bacon, lunch meats, and some vegetables) into generating cancer causing substances within the body, hence VITAMIN C decreases the risk of certain cancers. As an antioxidant, VITAMIN C controls the bodyÍs production of free radicals. VITAMIN C is indicated for stresses ranging from reactions to various drugs, to trauma and recuperation from surgery. Other natural sources of VITAMIN C include cantaloupe, sweet red peppers and strawberries. The USRDA for VITAMIN C is 60 mgs. (Also see: ASCORBIC ACID, VITAMINS A and E, and SELENIUM. Also see: ALOE VERA).

MINERAL COMPLEX VITAMIN D enhances calcium absorption and helps hold onto the calcium already in the bones. VITAMIN D also enhances the absorption of PHOSPHORUS required for good teeth and bone formation; maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action. Low levels of VITAMIN D decrease the risk of colon cancer. The USRDA for Vitamin D is 400 UIs.

VITAMIN E - 400 to 1,200 IUs is customary dosage in some treatment plans, with no side effects. VITAMIN E is an antioxidant nutrient; retards cellular aging due to oxidation, and controls the bodyÍs production of free radicals; supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs, thus alleviating fatigue; aids in bringing nourishment to cells; strengthens the capillary walls and prevents the red blood cells from destructive poisons; prevents and dissolves blood clots; also has been used to prevent muscular dystrophy, and calcium deposits in blood walls, and heart conditions. VITAMIN E deficiencies may lead to arthritic conditions. As an oxygen transporter, VITAMIN E has a dramatic effect on the reproductive organs, thereby increasing fertility and potency. VITAMIN E deficiencies may lead to loss of reproductive powers and lack of sexual vitality Also in this regard, it should be noted that (d-Alpha) is successfully used in the treatment of fertility, hot flashes, breast cysts, and menstrual pain. KALE, SPINACH, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, WHEAT GERM and WHOLE WHEAT are good sources of Vitamin E. The USRDA for Vitamin E is 30 IUs. Also see: ERECTION ENHANCEMENT, IMPOTENCE, LOVE MAKING and/or MALE POTENCY entries. (Also see: VITAMINS A and C, and SELENIUM, and LOBSTER, NUTS, SUNFLOWER SEEDS and WHEAT GERM). NOTE: Synthetic VITAMIN E (derived from petroleum by-products) are four times less potent in biological activity than natural VITAMIN E (derived from soybeans). Also note that natural VITAMIN E is labeled ñd-Alpha Tocopherolî whereas synthetic VITAMIN E is labeled ñdi-Alpha Tocopherolî and VITAMIN E labeled ñdi & d-Alpha Tocopherolî is (usually) 95% synthetic and 5% natural.

VITAMIN K for vitality.

VITAMIN P (also known as BIOFLAVENOIDS, HESPERIDIN and RUTIN) increases the strength of the blood vessels (capillaries) and to regulate their permeability. They assist VITAMIN C in keeping collagen, the intercellular ñglueî in healthy condition, and are essential for the proper absorption of VITAMIN C. VITAMIN P prevents VITAMIN C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation; beneficial in hypertension (high blood pressure); helps hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and builds a protective barrier against infections. Varicose veins, and a tendency to bruise and bleed easily (with purplish spots appearing on the skin) may result from VITAMIN P deficiencies. Arthritis sufferers need be watchful of VITAMIN P deficiencies.

VITEX (CHASTE TREE) is used to treat PMS and unpleasant side-effects of menopause - a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy.

VOMITING, see: CATNIP, CINNAMON, FENNEL, GENTIAN, PEPPERMINT and/or WILD YAM