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Richard MerrillFacultyRichard Merrill is a results-driven Spa Business Consultant who specializes in mentoring and guiding spa businesses across the U.S on branding, marketing, sales, strategic planning and management systems. With over 15 years of experience working in the spa and beauty industry, Richard understands firsthand the nuances of building and operating a successful spa business, and focuses intensely on guiding spa professionals to accelerate success and grow their vision. Richard is a licensed esthetician, make-up artist, published author, educator and certified holistic health coach. In 2019, he founded Richard Merrill Consulting, LLC which provides business consulting, marketing services, digital media and printing solutions as a practical one-stop resource helping spa professionals build more profitable businesses. Richard lives in Washington State with his Maltipoo Coconut. They can be found traveling the US in their RV visiting a city near you!
Beta-CaroteneNatMedBeta-carotene belongs to a group of colored pigments called carotenoids. It's converted to vitamin A in the body and found in many fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene and other red, orange, and yellow pigments called carotenoids are considered antioxidants. They provide about 50% of the vitamin A needed in the diet. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help to protect cells from damage. People use beta-carotene for an inherited disorder marked by sensitivity to light. It is also used to prevent certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, aging skin, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Many global health authorities recommend getting beta-carotene and other antioxidants from food instead of supplements.- MagnesiumNatMedMagnesium is a mineral that is important for normal bone structure in the body. People get magnesium from food, but sometimes supplements are needed. Magnesium is needed for many bodily functions. Low levels in the body have been linked to diseases such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and stroke. An easy way to remember foods that are good magnesium sources is to think of fiber. Foods that are high in fiber are generally high in magnesium. People commonly use magnesium for constipation, as an antacid for heartburn, for low magnesium levels, for pregnancy complications called pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and for a certain type of irregular heartbeat (torsades de pointes). It's also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses.
- Black TeaNatMedBlack tea is made from the fermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These dried leaves and leaf buds are also used to make green and oolong teas. Black tea contains 2% to 4% caffeine, which affects thinking and alertness. It also contains antioxidants and other substances that might help protect the heart and blood vessels. It has different properties than green tea, which is made from the fresh leaves of the same plant. People use black tea for improving mental alertness. It is also used for headache, both low and high blood pressure, preventing Parkinson disease, depression, dementia, stroke, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Don't confuse black tea with other caffeine sources, including coffee, oolong tea, and green tea. These are not the same.
- XylitolNatMedXylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it doesn't cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. It's widely used in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies. In the US, products that contain xylitol are allowed to state that they reduce the risk for cavities. People also use xylitol to prevent tooth plaque, ear infection, dry mouth, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Xylitol can be toxic to dogs. If your dog eats a product that contains xylitol, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
- Betel NutNatMedBetel nut is the nut that comes from a plant called Areca. It is sometimes used to make medicine. Betel nut is chewed alone or in the form of quids, a mixture of tobacco, powdered or sliced betel nut, and other ingredients. Betel nut is used for schizophrenia, a group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma), poor digestion, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using betel nut might also be unsafe. Some people use betel nut as a recreational drug because it speeds up the central nervous system (CNS).
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)NatMedEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found along with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cold-water fish, including tuna and salmon. EPA prevents the blood from clotting easily, reduces triglyceride levels in the blood, and has effects that might reduce pain and swelling. EPA is a US FDA-approved prescription drug for reducing triglyceride levels. As a supplement, people most commonly use EPA for heart disease, preventing heart attack, and depression. It is also used for chemotherapy-related side effects, diabetes, recovery after surgery, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. Don't confuse EPA with similar fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid and DHA. See the separate listings for algal oil, alpha-linolenic acid, DHA, fish oil, and krill oil.
- Fish OilNatMedFish oil comes from many types of fish. It is rich in two important omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The benefits of fish oil seem to come from its omega-3 fatty acid content. Fish that are especially rich in these oils include mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon. The body doesn't produce many of its own omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling, and also prevent the blood from clotting easily. Some fish oil products are approved by the FDA as prescription medications to lower triglycerides levels. Fish oil is also available as a supplement. Fish oil supplements do not contain the same amount of fish oil as prescription products, so they cannot be used in place of prescription products. Fish oil supplements are sometimes used for heart health and mental health, but there is no strong evidence to support most of these uses. Do not confuse fish oil with EPA, DHA, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, krill oil, or shark liver oil. See the separate listings for these topics.
- PhosphatidylserineNatMedPhosphatidylserine is a chemical that is important for many functions in the human body, especially in the brain. Small amounts are found in most foods. Phosphatidylserine is part of the cell structure in the body. The body can make phosphatidylserine, but most of what it needs comes from foods. It can also be taken as a supplement. These supplements were once made from cow brain. Now they are commonly made from cabbage or soy. Phosphatidylserine is used for Alzheimer disease and normal age-related decline in memory and thinking skills. It is also used for athletic performance, ADHD, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- FlaxseedNatMedFlax (Linum usitatissimum) is a food and fiber crop. Flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseeds also contain phytoestrogens called lignans, which are similar to the hormone estrogen. The fiber in flaxseed is found in the seed coat. When taken before eating, it seems to make people feel less hungry. It might also help limit how much cholesterol the body absorbs from food. Flaxseed is used for constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and swelling of the kidneys in people with lupus. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil have different effects. For information about the oil, see Flaxseed Oil.
- Flaxseed OilNatMedFlaxseed oil comes from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum). It is a good source of an essential omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The alpha-linolenic acid and other chemicals in flaxseed oil seem to decrease swelling, which is why some people use it for conditions that involve inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Flaxseed oil is used for heart disease, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Flaxseed oil has different effects than whole or ground flaxseed. See Flaxseed for more information.
- Black HelleboreNatMedBlack hellebore is a plant. The leaves, root, and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse black hellebore with white hellebore. People use black hellebore for conditions such as cancer, nausea, worms, irregular periods, and many others, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Using black hellebore is also unsafe.
- WineNatMedWine is an alcoholic beverage that is created from grapes (Vitis vinifera). The sugars in grape juice are converted into alcohol during fermentation. The alcohol (ethanol) in wine blocks various nerve pathways in the brain. Wine also contains antioxidants that might benefit the heart and blood circulation. People use wine for memory and thinking skills, diabetes, anxiety, cancer, to prevent heart disease and stroke, and many other purposes, but there's no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confused wine with resveratrol or beer. These are not the same.
- Winter CherryNatMedWinter cherry is a plant. It grows in central and southern Europe, Iran, China, and Southeast Asia. The fruit and leaves are used to make medicine. People use winter cherry for arthritis, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), fever, swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse winter cherry with ashwagandha. Both are known as winter cherry. Also don't confuse winter cherry with sweet cherry, tart cherry, or wild cherry.
- Blue CohoshNatMedBlue cohosh is a plant. "Cohosh" is from the Algonquin Indian word meaning "rough," and it refers to the appearance of the roots. The root is used to make medicine. Blue cohosh is not a safe plant. However, it still is available as a supplement. Sometimes the supplements do not include warnings. Blue cohosh is used for stimulating the uterus and starting labor; starting menstruation; stopping muscle spasms; as a laxative; and for treating colic, sore throat, cramps, hiccups, epilepsy, hysterics, inflammation of the uterus, infection of the female organs (pelvic inflammatory disease), over-growth of uterine tissue (endometriosis), and joint conditions. In foods, the roasted seeds of blue cohosh are used as a coffee substitute.
- SkullcapNatMedSkullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora ) is a plant native to the US and Europe. Chemicals in skullcap might cause sleepiness. People use skullcap for anxiety, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse skullcap with Baikal Skullcap. They aren't the same plant.
- EleutheroNatMedEleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a woody shrub sometimes called Siberian ginseng. It is not a true ginseng. It is sometimes used as an adaptogen. Eleuthero is often considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Eleuthero contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones. People use eleuthero for genital herpes, diabetes, athletic performance, memory and thinking skills, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse eleuthero with other herbs called "ginseng," including American Ginseng, Blue Cohosh, Canaigre, Codonopsis, Panax Ginseng, and Panax Notoginseng. These are not the same.
- Devil's ClawNatMedDevil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an herb. It has been used by mouth for back pain and arthritis, but there is little evidence to support these uses. Devil's claw is native to south Africa, including the Kalahari Desert, where it's been used traditionally for many conditions. Devil's claw contains chemicals that might decrease swelling. Because of this, it is often used to treat conditions that involve both pain and inflammation. Devil's claw is most commonly used for back pain and osteoarthritis. It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using devil's claw for COVID-19.
- Vitamin KNatMedVitamin K is a group of vitamins found in some green vegetables. Vitamins K1 (phytonadione) and K2 (menaquinone) are commonly available as supplements. Vitamin K is an essential vitamin needed by the body for blood clotting, bone building, and other important processes. It's found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. The name vitamin K comes from the German word "Koagulationsvitamin." People commonly use vitamin K for blood clotting problems or for reversing the blood thinning effects of warfarin. It is also used for osteoporosis, athletic performance, breast cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
- ZincNatMedZinc is an essential trace element commonly found in red meat, poultry, and fish. It is necessary in small amounts for human health, growth, and sense of taste. Zinc is found throughout the body. The body doesn't store excess zinc, so it must be obtained from the diet. It's needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. It also plays a key role in maintaining vision and might have effects against viruses. People commonly use zinc for zinc deficiency, diarrhea, and Wilson disease. Zinc is also used for acne, diabetes, anorexia, burns, and many other purposes. There is some scientific evidence to support its use for some of these conditions. But for most, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. There is also no good evidence to support using zinc for COVID-19.
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