Metabolic processes are acid forming... in order to continue the process, be it growth, physical activity, what-have-you, the acids must be neutralized by free alkaline mineral ions... in the case of muscular activity this is calcium and magnesium which work together in many metabolic processes.

Once the "free" alkaline mineral ions are used up, we get tired, sore, and have any number of physical symptoms associated with this exhaustion.

In order to "recover" we must replace these free alkaline ions through any number of various means such as diet, alkaline mineral baths (most popular was Epsom Salt baths)... and if we do not, the body frees minerals from our mineral stores.

The same thing occurs in plants with things like butilinic, rosmarinic, and other such acids... which attract specific minerals. Both rosemarinic and betulinic acids appear to attract selenium and manganese.

And thus, you have plants that seem to work well for various medical conditions.

A plant that does not receive adequate alkaline mineral replenishment from the soil, becomes too acidic and dies. Ever purchase a green leafy vegetable only to have it turn to mush in your refrigerator after only a few days?

The food you eat is your "soil". How good is your soil?

If someone states that this or that acid works for this or that condition... the acid ONLY works if it can pull needed alkaline minerals from somewhere. This is why medicines may work for some people while others do not - it ALL has to do with their available free alkaline mineral ions and alkaline mineral stores.

It is also why acidic medicines (and supplements) have side effects... in people who do not have the alkaline minerals to react with them.

It is VERY easy to understand and comprehend... and that, in a nutshell is ALL there is to it.

Sure someone can come along and convolute it all and confuse you with a bunch of Science mumbo jumbo - however it all comes down to this... EVERY time.

grz-