Manjistha, also known as Rubia cordifolia, is a cherished herb in the ancient science of Ayurveda. Steeped in tradition and proven through centuries of use, manjistha stands out for its remarkable ability to purify and rejuvenate the body. Let’s explore why both health professionals and wellness enthusiasts are turning to this botanical powerhouse.
I have used manjistha in drainage formulations and it is the most powerful drainage ingredient that I have worked with!
The Health Benefits of Manjistha
🩸 Natural Blood Cleanser Manjistha is renowned for supporting healthy blood by eliminating toxins. This function not only benefits overall wellbeing but also plays a role in clearer, healthier skin.
🤸 Anti-Inflammatory Properties Rich in natural anti-inflammatory compounds, manjistha may help manage joint pain, swelling, and various inflammatory conditions that are common in today’s fast-paced world.
🌸 Promotes Skin Glow Traditionally used for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and pigmentation, manjistha helps achieve a radiant, even complexion. Its cooling nature soothes rashes and irritation, making it a go-to solution for skin challenges.
💧 Lymphatic Support and Detoxification By supporting lymphatic drainage, manjistha boosts the body’s natural detoxification process, strengthens immune function, and supports a lighter, healthier you.
Manjistha’s Role in Ayurvedic Medicine: Balancing the Doshas
Ayurveda teaches that balance among the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—is essential for health. Here’s how manjistha fits in:
Pitta Dosha: Manjistha has a cooling, calming effect, perfect for individuals with excess Pitta (heat). It purifies the blood, calms inflammation, and soothes conditions associated with Pitta imbalances, such as skin eruptions and irritability.
Kapha Dosha: For those with Kapha excess (congestion, sluggishness, water retention), manjistha helps stimulate lymph flow, reduce stagnation, and promote detoxification.
Vata Dosha: Although manjistha is generally cooling, it should be used cautiously in high Vata individuals, as it may aggravate coldness or dryness when used excessively.
Traditional Applications of Manjistha
Kwatha (Herbal Decoction): Used internally for cleansing the blood and supporting lymphatic health.
Lepa (Herbal Paste): Applied externally for pigmentary disorders, rashes, and other skin problems.
Churna (Powder): Consumed with honey or warm water as a daily detox for ongoing health maintenance.
Why Add Manjistha to Your Wellness Routine? Whether you are a healthcare provider recommending herbal solutions or an individual enthusiastic about natural wellness, manjistha offers a holistic approach to purification, detoxification, and skin health.
Explore the wisdom of Ayurveda and invite manjistha into your routine for vibrant, balanced living.
If you’re a nutraceutical brand, healthcare company, or practitioner developing products in these areas, I help design and optimize formulations backed by science, efficacy, and market differentiation.
Let’s collaborate to bring advanced, evidence-informed products to life
For more insights on Ayurveda and natural health, explore my other articles at www.roblamberton.com.
In 2016 Dr. Marcus Zervos, head of infectious disease at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, a doctor who is about as pro-vaccine as they come crossed paths with Del Bigtree, a film producer and health journalist.
Bigtree urged Dr. Zervos to take on something public health had avoided for decades: a study comparing the health outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated children.
Dr. Zervos agreed – he was determined to prove Bigtree and other vaccine skeptics wrong. He vowed at the time “Whatever the results, they get published.”
But the results did not turn out like he expected!
But now the buried study and the film are now available
Titled “Impact of Childhood Vaccination on Short- and Long-Term Chronic Health Outcomes in Children: A Birth Cohort Study”, this retrospective analysis dug into electronic health records from Henry Ford Health’s network—tracking 18,468 kids born 2005-2015 over a decade (up to 2020 follow-up).
✴️ Chronic illness overall: 57.4% in fully/ partially vaccinated vs. 17.4% in unvaccinated (adjusted odds ratio ~5.03, or 403% higher risk).
✴️ Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, learning disabilities, tics, etc.): 4.53% in vaxxed vs. 0.9% unvaxxed (453% higher).
✴️ Autoimmune diseases: 496% elevated in vaxxed.
✴️ Asthma: 329% up; other atopics (eczema, allergies): 203% higher.
✴️ Zero cases of brain-related issues in the unvaxxed cohort, per their coding.
Natural immunity is of course the best defense against infections! However the problem is that many individuals are not healthy so they have poor natural defense so they rely on vaccines – but perhaps there are negative consequences on this reliance.
Belief in vaccines has been described by some as similar to a religion: perhaps it is time we re-evaluated our blind faith in vaccines.
Before the recent HHS press briefing on autism, there was little or no discussion on mainstream, social, or Substack media on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Many did not know Tylenol is one of many drugs implicated.
An AI search found at least thirty drugs used during pregnancy “linked” to neuropsychiatric problems later on in the child.
There are numerous prenatal drugs and substances that have been associated with increased risk of childhood neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, or cognitive deficits) in the scientific literature. Based on a synthesis of peer-reviewed sources (including systematic reviews, cohort studies, and meta-analyses from PubMed, JAMA, BMJ, and other databases), at least 30 specific drugs have been associated with these risks to varying degrees. Citations are rendered inline where direct sources are available.
Anticonvulsants/Antiseizure Medications (5+ drugs) These are commonly linked to neurodevelopmental risks, especially autism and intellectual disability, due to interference with brain development.
Valproic acid/valproate: Strongly associated with ASD (up to 7-fold increased risk), lower IQ, and behavioral disorders.jamanetwork.com +3
Carbamazepine: Neural tube defects and potential cognitive delays.womensmentalhealth.org
Phenytoin: Linked to developmental delays and cognitive deficits (though evidence is weaker than for valproate).pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Topiramate: Increased risk of ASD and intellectual disability.med.stanford.edu
Lamotrigine: Mixed evidence; some studies show weak links to oral clefts or learning difficulties, but often considered lower-risk.aafp.org +1
Antidepressants (15+ drugs) Prenatal exposure, especially in the first trimester, has been linked to ASD, ADHD, altered brain development, and behavioral issues, though evidence is conflicting and often tied to underlying maternal depression.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) as a class: Increased ASD risk (up to 2-fold) and altered pain response or stress axis function.womensmentalhealth.org
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors): Limited data, but linked to ASD.
Selegiline: Increased ASD risk.
Antipsychotics (7+ drugs) Associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties, though evidence is emerging and often for neonatal withdrawal rather than long-term effects.
Typical antipsychotics as a class: Potential congenital malformations.
Haloperidol: Teratogenic risks low, but neonatal effects.
Perphenazine: Malformations (low-potency agents).
Trifluoperazine: Similar to above.
Atypical antipsychotics as a class: Risk of specific neurodevelopmental disorders; neonatal extrapyramidal signs or withdrawal.sciencedirect.com
Olanzapine: No major malformations, but neonatal complications.
Risperidone: Similar neonatal risks.
Quetiapine: Obstetrical/neonatal complications.
Clozapine: Limited data; potential malformations.
Aripiprazole: Limited data.
Opioids (4+ drugs)Linked to lower cognitive/motor skills, ADHD, and behavioral disorders, though not always substantial increases. bmj.com +4
As an epidemiologist and a long-standing journal editor, I have become skilled at determining and examining the best and most conclusive sources of evidence among many publications on a topic. The reported link between prenatal acetaminophen use and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders several years later in the child is best evaluated by Ahlqvist et al, JAMA 2024.
By Rob Lamberton, BSc, FNTP, FDN-P Functional Medicine Practitioner & Product Formulator
Most people already know that soda isn’t exactly a wellness beverage. But far fewer understand that one particular ingredient — phosphoric acid — may be doing far more harm than the sugar itself.
Used in many cola drinks for its sharp, tangy flavor and as a preservative to inhibit bacterial growth, phosphoric acid has been linked to a range of negative effects on bone, kidney, heart, and dental health.
Let’s look at what the science reveals — and why reducing your exposure could support long-term health and vitality.
🦴 1. Bone Health: The Silent Calcium Drain
Phosphoric acid increases urinary calcium loss, creating a calcium deficit that your body compensates for by drawing calcium from the bones.
Over time, this can lead to bone demineralization, lower bone density, and an elevated risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis — particularly in women.
👉 In the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, women who consumed cola beverages daily had significantly lower bone mineral density compared to non-cola drinkers — even when calcium and vitamin D intake were adequate.
Tucker KL et al., Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):936–942.
💧 2. Kidney Health: Acid Load and Stone Formation
Phosphoric acid contributes to urine acidification, which can promote the formation of uric acid and phosphate-based kidney stones.
Excess dietary phosphate may also cause renal tubular injury and accelerate renal aging and fibrosis, even in those without existing kidney disease.
Sullivan CM et al., Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2017;12(12):2034–2043.
For individuals with reduced kidney function or metabolic issues, this acid load can further compromise the body’s ability to regulate phosphate balance.
Elevated serum phosphate levels have been associated with vascular calcification, arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction — all precursors to cardiovascular disease.
Even modest increases in phosphate within the high-normal range are linked to greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Ellam TJ, Chico TJ. Clin Sci (Lond). 2012;122(10):397–407.
Essentially, excessive phosphate may “age” the arteries from the inside out, contributing to premature cardiovascular decline.
😬 4. Dental Health: Erosion Without Sugar
Sugar isn’t the only dental villain. Phosphoric acid is highly erosive to tooth enamel, stripping away minerals that protect against decay.
Even sugar-free sodas can degrade enamel due to their acidity. Over time, this leads to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and enamel thinning.
Barbosa CS et al., J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020;44(1):22–26.
⚖️ 5. Acid-Base Imbalance and Mineral Depletion
Your body works hard to maintain a stable pH balance. Regular consumption of acidic beverages like soda can lead to low-grade metabolic acidosis, prompting the body to buffer acid by drawing alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium from bones and muscles.
This process can contribute to mineral depletion, fatigue, and musculoskeletal discomfort over time.
Bushinsky DA, J Nephrol. 2017;30(2):215–221.
🍭 6. Nutrient Displacement and Metabolic Stress
Every can of soda replaces a more nourishing beverage such as water, mineral water, or herbal tea. The result is reduced intake of key nutrients — and an increase in sugar, caffeine, and phosphate, which together amplify insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and weight gain.
Vartanian LR et al., Am J Public Health. 2007;97(4):667–675.
💡 The Takeaway
Phosphoric acid isn’t just a flavor enhancer — it’s a biochemically active compound with real physiological effects.
Even diet sodas, though free from sugar, can still: ✅ Weaken bones ✅ Stress kidneys ✅ Promote vascular calcification ✅ Erode dental enamel
Over time, these effects add up, contributing to premature aging of multiple organ systems.
If you’re looking to protect your long-term health and longevity, start by replacing soda with health-promoting alternatives:
💧 Mineral-rich sparkling water 🍋 Water with lemon or trace minerals 🌿 Herbal infusions or adaptogenic teas
Your bones, kidneys, teeth, and heart will thank you.
📚 References
Tucker KL, et al. Colas, but not other carbonated beverages, are associated with low bone mineral density in older women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):936–942.
Sullivan CM, et al. Phosphate toxicity in chronic kidney disease: new insights. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2017;12(12):2034–2043.
Ellam TJ, Chico TJ. Phosphate: the silent killer? Clin Sci (Lond). 2012;122(10):397–407.
Barbosa CS, et al. Dental enamel erosion by acidic soft drinks: an in vitro study. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020;44(1):22–26.
Bushinsky DA. Acid-base imbalance and bone disease. J Nephrol. 2017;30(2):215–221.
Vartanian LR, et al. Effects of soft drink consumption on nutrition and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(4):667–675.
✳️ About Rob Lamberton
Rob Lamberton, BSc, FNTP, FDN-P, is a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Health Consultant, and Product Formulator specializing in longevity and regenerative health solutions. Through his work, Rob helps individuals and health companies develop science-based strategies that optimize human performance and healthspan.
Some individuals develop significant but difficult to diagnose and treat health issues and bounce around the health care system trying to get help for health issues which seem almost impossible to correctly diagnose – let alone develop effective treatment protocols.
MCS can be difficult to diagnose because it can mimic a spectrum of other conditions.
A 25 year old woman named Jan begins her new career as a 2nd grade school teacher. After many of years of preparation, Jan is ready to serve the public and help her young students learn how to read and write. Beginning in a newly renovated school is an extra bonus which makes our new teacher proud that she became part of the educational system. Everything is moving along fine.. she couldn’t be happier!
Three months pass by and Jan has noticed that her concentration is just not right. She has been getting a little “edgy.” Definitely not like her. Her husband is concerned that maybe she is pushing herself a little too much and encourages her to simply slow down and pace herself. As the weeks go by, she begins experiencing headaches over her eyes and the back of her head. The headaches are now occurring more frequently; a minimum of 3-4 times a week.
Six months into the school season and her symptoms are getting worse. In addition to her headaches, lack of concentration and irritability, Jan is now having insomnia, cries over nothing and has noticed an unusual tingling in her face, hands and feet. Concerned, our once “excited” trainer of children decides to see her family physician. After a brief consultation and a basic physical evaluation, her physician is confident she is again just overdoing it and recommends she lighten her work load. In the mean time, she is prescribed Xanax, a mild tranquilizer to settle her nerves. Feeling reassured that nothing is seriously wrong, our teacher returns to her young students and pushes on.
Another three months pass and this time our once highly motivated teacher is only a “shadow” of herself. It takes every ounce of energy to get started in the morning. She is having greater difficulty preparing her school assignments and simply is just exhausted! In a state of desperation she is referred to a psychiatrist. He diagnoses her with depression and prescribes an anti-depressant and also recommends counseling.
After two emotional years of trying an assortment of anti-depressants and hours of counseling, Jan is stuck in a nightmare.. a web of medical labels… depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress … just name a few!
Is It Possible Something Has Been Missed?
Every year thousands of teachers are afflicted with a condition that simply “zaps” the life right out of them. Most physicians are at a total loss to understand what is behind this mysterious illness. Unfortunately, many people are looked at as hypochondriacs and continue to suffer year after year.
The Diagnosis
By a stroke of luck and a lot of prayer, Jan stumbled on a medical article that “painted” an exact picture of her health challenges. She was amazed to find that she was not alone and that thousands of other teachers were experiencing the same problem.
She was able to find a physician who was trained in making this difficult diagnosis and learned that she was suffering with something called “Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS).” Some physicians have coined the term “The Toxic Teacher Syndrome” due to the numbers of teachers suffering with the same symptoms.
What is MCS?
Chemical Sensitivity is not a new term. It has been around for many years. The diagnosis MCS was researched by allergist Theron G. Randolph, M.D. (1906-1995). Dr. Randolph discovered that many of his patients became ill from chemical substances that were normally considered safe at the recommended dosage. In the 1950s, Dr. Randolph concluded that people were failing to adapt to modern-day synthetic chemicals. As more research was done on the effects of MCS, doctors suggested that the immune system is like a barrel that continually fills with chemicals until it overflows and symptoms appear. Potential chemical toxins include:
Formaldehyde which can be found in foam insulation, plywood, particleboard and press cabinets, fabric finishes, new carpet, polyurethane foam rubber (used in pillows, cushions, mattresses and rug padding), mobile homes, adhesives, synthetic clothes that crease resistant, wrinkle resistant
Oil vapors: from oil furnaces, motor-oil air-conditioning filters, electric kitchen appliances such as food processors, blenders, can openers.
Household chemicals such as dry cleaning chemicals in clothes, mothballs, rug-cleaning products, paints, solvents, stain removers, air fresheners, window washing compounds
Polyesters in clothing, upholstery, drapery, furniture and stuffing for pillows and quilts.
Pesticide residue on cottons and woolens; residues from exterminators.
Epoxy adhesives on plastics, electronic equipment (TVs, microwaves,) which release gases when heated up.
Common school paraphernalia such as carbon paper, ink, mimeographic and duplicating chemicals, glue
How Do These Chemicals Cause Health Problems?
For most people the constant exposure to the above chemicals may not pose any health challenge. However, an individual may come in contact with a freshly painted room and begin to experience dizziness, nausea, headaches etc.. Usually, however, it requires the constant everyday exposure to various toxins that simply become cumulative and eventually overwhelm the body’s ability to eliminate them. When your detoxification system is in good working order, it protects you from low level chemical build-up. It is interesting that most of the sixty thousands chemicals in current use today have been developed in the last forty years. In other words, it seems quite clear that these chemicals are being made at a faster rate than our bodies are able to get rid of them.
Chemicals are known to injure the part of the cell that produces energy causing swelling of the cell membrane and a decreased ability to pump out chemical toxins. When this occurs you can experience fatigue, weakness, poor memory, migraine headaches, insomnia, anxiety, etc..
So What Happened to our Teacher?
When Jan first arrived in her new school, she was greeted with fresh paint, new carpet, new furniture etc.. which was all piled in her small room. This was further complicated by inadequate ventilation. When the chemical load to her system was too high, some of the chemicals were simply unable to be detoxified. This resulted in the slow accumulation of chemicals backing up in the blood causing her health to slowly spiral downward.
How Was She Helped?
Our school teacher was thoroughly evaluated receiving a physical examination, blood tests for liver function, comprehensive detoxification blood test and chemical toxicity assessment.
Detoxification Profile: This test is used to determine how well her body is getting rid of toxins.
As you can see above ( please review PDF copy to allow for improved readibility), Jan had a normal phase I detoxification function but her phase II revealed a high plasma cysteine with low plasma sulfate and an impaired glucuronidation detoxification.
** Detoxification is much more complicated than most doctors (not trained in the diagnosis of detoxification) make it out to be and commonly will cause more harm than good.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A healthy liver uses two mechanisms, called Phase I and Phase II detoxification to remove toxins.
In Phase I, your body’s enzymes activate toxic substances to make them more accessible to Phase II.
In Phase II, other enzymes convert toxins to more water-soluble forms, which your body eliminates through urine or stool. Major Phase II pathways include glutathione, sulfate, glycine, and glucuronide conjugations. Individual xenobiotics and metabolites usually follow one or two distinct pathways.
Chemical Testing
A chemical blood exposure test was also performed. This test is extremely valuable in determining the levels of chemical toxins in the blood.
A checklist of suspected chemical toxins was done as well as an assessment of the schools ventilation system.
The Results
After suffering for a little over two years, her tests revealed the following:
The Liver Profile was normal
The Detoxification Profile revealed a compromised phase II detoxification with high plasma cysteine with low plasma sulfate and an impaired glucuronidation detoxification resulting in an inability to process the load of chemicals.
The Chemical Testing revealed high levels of: Formaldehyde,Toluene and Xylene
The checklist accurately correlated with her high levels of chemicals in her blood.
As suspected, although the school received a face-lift with new furniture and a fresh coat of paint, the ventilation system was functioning at approximately 40% efficiency and needed a major overhaul!!
The Treatment
The first step was too begin treatment on improving Jan’s ability to detoxify by improving her impaired glucuronidation detoxification and decrease the total load of toxic elements.
Ruled out hypothyroidism (delays maturation of conjugating enzyme)
Correct nutrient deficiencies
Increase intake of nutrient cofactors for glucuronidation
L-glutamine, aspartic acid, niacin, vitamin B6
Support other Phase II pathways, especially sulfation and glycination, to reduce burden
Increase intake of cruciferous vegetables (induces conjugating enzyme)
Had teacher purchase a Four Stage Air Filtration System for her classroom to improve ventilation
Our teacher had a comprehensive safe environmental check of her classroom. Chemical toxins were replaced with non-toxic products. This was carried over to her home as well.
The Outcome
Within 2 weeks, Jan began to notice an improvement in her health. Her energy gradually increased, headaches were reduced to 1 every 2 weeks, the depression lifted, insomnia was replaced by sound restful sleep. By the end of 2 and half months, Jan felt like her old self again and has continued to do well ever since.
Our Comments:
This article presents a real case and demonstrates the sad fact that thousands of people are suffering needlessly. Unless a physician has studied and been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of environmental illness, many more people especially teachers and other professionals working in similar environmental surroundings will continue to develop MCS and unfortunately be “branded” undiagnosable and sadly a hypochondriac. The truth of the matter is.. there is an answer and this answer can pull many people out of this nightmare.
Excitotoxins are chemicals substances that overstimulate certain type of cells in the brain, all of the nervous system and many other organs.
In high and excessive amounts these cells become damaged and may die.
The underlying mechanism of excitotoxins has been attributed to the following diseases: alzheimer’s, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, strokes, autism, huntington’s disease.
Excitotoxins have also been found to be associated with the following diseases: migraines, diabetes, atherosclerosis, sudden death from heart disease, eye diseases, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, growth of tumors, spread of cancer and obesity.
The Most Common Excitotoxin is Glutamate
Glutamate is the main component of Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
As a general rule, the more a food is processed, the more likely it is to contain MSG. Foods that commonly use MSG include potato chips, flavored crackers, canned soups, dry soup mixes, canned meats, diet foods, soy sauces, salad dressings, cured meats and poultry injected with broth. But reading the labels won’t always help you.
When a food product is 99 percent pure MSG it is called “monosodium glutamate” by the FDA and must be labeled as such. However, when a food product contains less than 99 percent MSG, the FDA doesn’t require that the MSG be identified. So it often appears on labels in various disguised forms, such as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” “spices” and “natural flavoring.”
Here’s a quick list of potentially suspect ingredients to watch for:
Ingredients that may contain 30 to 60 percent MSG:
hydrolyzed vegetable protein hydrolyzed protein hydrolyzed plant protein plant protein extract sodium caseinate calcium caseinate yeast extract textured protein autolyzed yeast hydrolyzed oat flour
Ingredients that may contain 12 to 40 percent MSG:
carrageenan enzymes soy protein concentrate soy protein isolate whey protein concentrate some soymilk
Although I have presented the downside of excessive glutamate it is important for me to let you know that glutamate does have positive health benefits.
These would include the following benefits:
Acting as an important neurotransmitter in the brain — it has excitatory effects, meaning it makes neurons more likely to fire
Serving as a precursor for the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
Supporting growth and development of the brain
Helping cells survive and differentiate and supporting formation and elimination of nerve contacts (synapses)
Supporting cognitive functions, including learning and memory.
Stimulating gut movement by increasing gut serotonin levels
Producing the antioxidant glutathione
Regulating inflammatory processes
So what is one to do when it comes to this special and sometimes detrimental neurotransmitter.
One answer is to test if you suspect glutamate toxicity. If glutamate levels are high then you have an objective marker to carefully monitor as you get your patients to taper and avoid foods high in glutamate.
Doctors Data Lab
If you don’t want to invest in testing the next best step is to avoid foods in glutamate and see if you see an improvement in their symptoms.
Natural plant products and extracts that reduce glutamate and immunoexcitotoxicity
Curcumin, quercetin, green tea catechins, balcalein, and luteolin have been extensively studied to dampen the detrimental impact of excessive glutamate
