21511. Misbranding of Yerbavida. TJ. S. v. 234 Packages of Yerbavida. Default decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and destruction. (F. & D. no. 31079. Sample no. 42382-A.) Examination of the product Yerbavida involved in this case disclosed that i contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing certain curative and therapeutic effects claimed in the labeling. \ On September 12, 1933, the United States attorney for the Southern District f Ohio, acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the Dis- trict court a libel praying seizure and condemnation of 234 packages of Yer- bavida at Cincinnati, Ohio, alleging that the article had been shipped in inter- state commerce, on or about June 28, 1933, by the Yerbavida Co., from Los Angeles, Calif., and charging misbranding in violation of the Food and Drugs Act as amended. Analysis of a sample of the article by this Department showed that it con- sisted essentially of an American species of ephedra. It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the follow- ing statements regarding the curative and therapeutic effects of the article, appearing in the labeling, were false and fraudulent: (Label) "Drink Your Way To Health Yerbavida 'The Herb of Life' Glands Must Be Fresh And Active The Endocrine Glands are the Alchemists Which Trans- mute Chemical Elements into physical Stamina and Mental Power. The vital organs must be supplied with the all-important glandular hormones. Premature old age, disease, low vitality, fatigue—are the result of endocrine glands that have become sluggish. If You are showing signs of old age; if you are losing your buoyancy—your charm—personality—your manly vigor or your feminine magnetism—Begin To Drink Yerbavida! Learn to really enjoy life! Be young in appearance, young in feeling, and young in actions. Drink Yerbavida! Prolonged acidity results in stomach, liver and bladder dis- orders—inflammation . . . ulcers . . . headaches . . . uric acid in the blood .. . constipation . . . and general fatigue. The Endocrine Glands cease to function properly and thus comes bodily decay and premature old age. Vitality! Youth! Beauty! Directions Rheumatism—Arthritis—Neuritis Should begin to get results in 10 to 30 days. One-half to one teaspoonful being required for each cup desired. The flavor should be rich and delicious. If it is too strong, more hot water should be added. Effects should be noticed in cases of stomach trouble the second day after using. A little lemon juice may be added if desired. It is equally effective hot or cold. It may be used as iced-tea. It may be taken with sugar and cream, with meals or between meals, and as any cups as one desires. It is especially beneficial in the treatment of kidney. ladder and stomach disorders, and their accompanying ailments. For sound, refreshing sleep, take one or two cups hot just before retiring"; (circular) "Vitality . . . Youth Beauty Assist Nature To Regulate the Endocrine Glands Yerbavida Nature's Plant Life The several thousand dis- eases of mankind may be reduced to either of two conditions—excessive acidity, or extreme alkalinity. A kindly plant has been used for ages to counteract excessive acidity in the blood, and to aid Nature in restoring the balance in a natural manner. Prolonged acidity results in stomach, liver and bladder dis- orders—inflammation . . . ulcers . . . headache . . . uric acid in the blood . . . constipation . . . and general fatigue, The Endocrine Glands cease to function properly, and thus comes bodily decay and premature old age. Become younger! Regain your buoyancy, your vitality and your strength. Drink Yerbavida! Plant Of Life For Untold Ages, growing wild in the deserts of the American continent, Yerbavida grew untouched by the hand of man until the Indians found that in the apparently useless shrub were medicinal prop- erties which they used for their ills. Whenever these people were afflicted with stomach, kidney, bladder and other kindred troubles, they resorted to this kindly plant which Mother Nature so bounteously grew for her primitive children. * * * This tea is used largely in all kidney troubles * * * Some of our friends have told us of the results obtained in eases of rheuma- tism, neuritis, arthritis and other similar ailments within a few weeks. * * * It is especially beneficial in the treatment of kidney, bladder and stomach dis- orders, and in their accompanying ailments, such as nervousness, headache, rheumatism, arthritis, neuritis, diabetes, etc., resulting from the use of intoxi- cants, or from other causes. Plant Of Life * * * Directions * * * Effects should be noticed in cases of stomach trouble the second day after using, and in ten or twelve days for rheumatism or neuritis. * * * For sound, refreshing sleep, take one or two cups hot just before retiring. * * * Plant Of Life * * * Glands And Yerbavida Glands Must Be Fresh And Active. The Endocrine Glands are the Alchemists which Transmute Chemical Elements into physical stamina and mental power. The vital organs must be applied with the all-important glandular hormones. Premature old age, dis- ease, low vitality, fatigue—are the results of endocrine glands that have become sluggish. If You are showing signs of old age, if you are losing your buoy- ancy—your charm—your personality—your manly vigor, or your feminine magnetism—Begin To Drink Yerbavida! " ; (small leaflet) " Guarded Secret oi the Orient for Stimulating The Glands! Send us fifteen cents in coin (no stamps) and we will mail you a sample copy of The Cosmic Dawn, a magazine that will tell you many things you should know—practical methods of increas- ing your Will, Magnetic Charm, and Power—Knowledge that may change your whole future life. In it you will find advice concerning your health, your mind, your social and domestic problems, and your finances. In fact, you will find much that will add to your prosperity and happiness. In addition to this you will receive, absolutely free, a Marvelous Exercise for stimulating the Endocrine Glands. Its effect is instantaneous. In one minute and a half you will feel lighter in body and clearer in head than you have ever felt before. With continued practice its effect on the memory and the mental powers will be astonishing. It has been a guarded secret of the Orient for centuries. Do This Exercise! Drink Yerbavida! and note the wholesome changes taking place in your health and in your affairs." On October 17, 1933, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal. M. L. WILSON, Acting Secretary of Agriculture.