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Alfalfa Leaf is also called as holy-hay, Lucerne and trefoil. Alfalfa is the oldest cultivated plant and is in use for centuries. It is also useful as human food. It has acquired the name from Arabic word al-fac-facah. This Arabic word meant father of foods. Alfalfa offers vitamins E, C and K and beta-carotene. The sprouts, seeds and the herb are used for tea and are also employed in capsules. Alfalfa seeds or leaves are used in capsules. The sprouts are used in salad bars and groceries. The alfalfa is boiled for 10 minutes in boiling water while preparing tea. Alfalfa is also the best sources of vitamin K and works in association with vitamin D. this combination helps in building good bone structure. Alfalfa is useful as homeopathic remedy as it stimulates milk production in the mothers who breastfeed. Alfalfa can also be employed with fenugreek and blessed thistle. Alfalfa seeds evidently lower the levels of cholesterol and hence are used widely.

Aloe represents four hundred species of succulent plant and the common and popular is the aloe or Aloe Vera. This is a genus and is commonly found in South Africa. This is as well found in the adjacent areas such as the Arabian Peninsula, islands of Africa and Madagascar. This belongs to the Aloceae and the lily family. Members of allied genera such as Haworthia, Gasteria and Kniphofia exhibit identical growth and are known as aloes. The aloe species have thick, large and fleshy leaves. These leaves have a sharp apex in association with a spiny margin. Aloe is cultivated in gardens as well as in pots. It is considered to be ornamental plants and also has medicinal effects. Aloe Vera is used to treat wounds by the Romans and reeks. The processed aloe is used as a laxative as it contains aloin, while the aloe vera juice that is processed does not have aloin and is hence useful for digestive healing.

Apple Cider Vinegar contains extremely high levels of potassium, which is essential to all living cells but very important in the human diet for the health of the body. In addition, it is widely used for weight loss.

Apple Pectin is a dietary fiber and is of immense use in maintaining proper digestive health. Apple pectin rich fruits include apple, plum, currant and peach. The unripe fruits contain protopectin and this gets converted into pectin when they get ripe. The apple pectin is a colloidal water solution and on cooling becomes a gel. With appropriate sugar the fruits are cooked and when the pectin present is sufficient it is used in jellies and jams. However, overripe fruits become pectic acid and cannot form jelly in combination with sugar solutions. Apple pectin is a intestinal regulator and is widely used in medicinal preparations. Apples are always rich in pectin, the soluble fiber and are also one of the best in lowering cholesterol levels. This is also accepted as an anti-diarrhea agent. People eating fatty foods can wash down with apple juices. Apples have the rich pectin. Apple pectin cleanses the intestinal tract. It increases acidity in large intestines and is recommended for people suffering with colitis and ulcer. Pectin prevents gallstones as well and lessens diabetes.

Burdock Root is found in Asia and Europe and is famous for its medicinal qualities. The root has gummy consistency and is sweet in taste. Burdock is useful for remedies such as arthritis, measles and tonsillitis. Even viruses such as throat pain, cold and diuretic are cured with this root. Recently, burdock root is useful in oncology for treating various health problems. Burdock root is useful in purifying blood and in eliminating toxins present in the blood. This can be taken orally for skin disorders as well. Burdock root is ideal to soothe aching joints. Chinese healers use to cure colds, throat pain, tonsillitis and measles. This root is well-known in Japan as well for its nutrients and vitamins. It is effective in treating cancers. The burdock plant seeds are effective in bloodstream cleansing, treating gout, ulcers, acne, rheumatism, eczema and in relieving arthritis pain. This root has ingredients such as calcium, essential oil, iron, arcigen, lactone, resin, potassium and tannin.

Caffeine is the most widely available legal psychoactive stimulant drug. Also known as theine, methyltheobromine and trimethylxanthine, this xanthine alkaloid is not only found in coffee beans, but also in guaranine that is derived from guarana, mateine derived from mate, theine which is found in various teas and the kola nut, which is the base flavor of various Cola soft drinks. It stimulates the central nervous system, where it restores alertness and wards off drowsiness. Caffeine is also know to display certain diuretic properties, is an ergogenic, an atagonist of the adenosine receptors, and a cAMP levels increasing factor. It seems that caffeine helps prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease and in the long run lowers the possibility of developing a heart disease.

Cayenne- There are a number of different names by which cayenne can be referred to. Bird pepper, red pepper, guinea pepper are a few of them. Cayenne is a kind of red chili pepper, which is hot in nature. It is mainly used for the purpose of cooking and medicines. Cayenne is one of the most widely used ingredients to add spice in the dishes. Sichuan cuisine uses a lot of cayenne in its sauces. It can be used in a lot of different forms. Powdered, flakes, dried and fresh are the most commonly used forms of the cayenne. A lot of vinegar based sauces use cayenne as the main ingredient to add hotness to the sauce. Another very important use of cayenne is for medicinal purposes. Cayenne helps in improving blood circulation and other circulatory related health issues.

Chromium Polynicotinate is a product associated with medical food. It is used as a nutritional support in diabetes related conditions. Chromium polynicotinate is said to be nothing but an assimilated form of chromium. It is said to be the most effective type of chromium. It is absorbed by the body in its biologically active form. It is also crucial to the process of synthesis of fats, protein and cholesterol. Chromium polynicotinate if taken in monitored dosage can help stabilize blood sugar levels. This proves beneficial for people suffering from diabetes as well as hypoglycemia. Its main property is to produce insulin. Therefore, it helps in the metabolism of glucose. This type of chromium polynicotinate helps in the production of anabolic effects which have no side effects. On the other hand, they help in keeping the fat cells away from the muscle cells.

Dandelion - Taraxacum with the common name dandelion are common weeds, flowering plants that are found worldwide, but are native to the Old World, or the temperate areas of Europe and North America. Effects of the dandelion extract are multiple, for once, it is believed to be a diuretic, because of the salt and water excretion induction from the kidneys. It contains luteolin, a flavonoid and very common. It is very important as an antioxidant, feeding on free radicals, preventing inflammation and promoting the carbohydrate metabolism. It is believed that dandelion, or luteolin for that matter, plays a vital part in the prevention of cancer and that it is an immune system modulator. Besides other positive aspects, like lessening the effects of herpes, genital warts and also helping with problems regarding dyspepsia, liver and gallbladder, it helps with treatment of obesity prone patients.

Fennel Seed , which helps remove mucus and fat from the intestinal tract and is also a natural appetite suppressant.

Flax seed is rich in alpha linolenic acids that offer numerous health benefits to mankind. In fact, flax seed has actually become our modern miracle food considering the fact that it helps in lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in the body and also helps us reduce blood triglyceride and blood pressure. Given the amount of stress associated with urban living, people have become susceptible to a wide range of health problems that include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, flax seed plays a major role in minimizing the risk of heart attack, since it keeps the platelets from becoming sticky. Flax seeds also have a high content of lignan, a type of phytoestrogen (antioxidant) that helps in cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer.

Garlic belongs to the onion group and is a cultivated plant. It is grown in the Latin countries. The Garlic leaves are narrow, long and flat and the bulb comprises of bulblets that is referred to as cloves. All these cloves are enclosed within a skin in a white sac. Garlic is not only significant for medicinal purpose, but is also used widely for seasoning. Garlic is common ingredient in Europe and is consumed largely in the regular diet. Garlic contains stimulant and stomachic properties that are useful for diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant and expectorant. The healing powers are marvelous. Garlic juice also serves as suppuration in wounds. Garlic is said to avert cattle anthrax. Earlier garlic was used for leprosy. Garlic syrups are appropriate for asthma, coughs, lungs disorders, chronic bronchitis and for breathing difficulty. Garlic is seasoned with all types of food mainly because it is known for its medicinal powers.

Ginger Root is a dietary supplement that is not only used as a spice but has had a positive effect on some types of arthritis and raynauds disease.

Glucomannan, a water soluble dietary fiber that comes from the konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). Glucomannan is a laxative used to create larger, bulkier stool.

Grapefruit Extract, also known as citrus seed extract is a liquid that is derived from the seeds, pulp as well as the white membranes of grapefruit. Some scientists claim that grapefruit extract possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties while others recommend it for the treatment of earache, throat infections etc. There are two ways in which grapefruit extract is prepared. One is the natural, self-made grapefruit extract which is made by grinding the seed and pulp and then mixing them with glycerine. The second method is the commercial way in which the seed, pulp, glycerine and synthetic preservatives are all blended together. Grapefruit extract is believed to have a lot of scope in the health food industry. However one has to be careful as grapefruit can have several interactions with certain drugs like warfarin.

Hawthorne Berry are used for various purposes such as flours and jellies. Hawthorn berries are a sign of hope and evil. Christians considered this plant as sacred as it has crown of thorns. It is well-known in Europe and is widely used in herbal tinctures, teas and in herbal combinations. The hawthorn berries show effects on circulatory system. The chemical constituents enhance enzyme metabolism. These berries are expected to be taken for certain time to realize the nutritional benefits. Hawthorn berries has vitamin B and C complex, sugars and flavonoids. The extracts of liquid are useful for people having difficulty in swallowing capsules. The hawthorn berries are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Hawthorn is considered to be safe as well as effective for early heart disease stages. There is evidence of improvement in cardiovascular system. It is also used in the hepatitis treatment. Hawthorn berries can be conveniently taken with other blood pressure medications as well.

Irish Moss- The North Atlantic seaweed Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) has made its way in health care, cosmetics, and food industry due to its versatile therapeutic properties. Also called as Pearl Moss, this edible seaweed was used extensively by the Irish in the nineteenth century during famine. It acts as a skin softener nourishing and turning dry, rough, patchy skin into smooth, silky, skin thus protecting it from environmental elements. The efficiency of Irish Moss in treating duodenal and peptic cancers, cancer and radiation poisoning, obesity and cholesterol build up is being studied. Irish Moss causes an anticoagulant effect on the blood and is believed to clear up bladder complaints. The sea weed is also a good source of calcium, sodium, iodine, and magnesium that are vital for normal thyroid function.

Oat Bran is a water-soluble fiber, water-soluble fiber binds with bile and water which increases bulk. Soluble fibers have been shown to help balance blood-lipid levels because they can collect with bile and promote excretion.

Peppermint is a medicinal and culinary herb that is popular in the world. It has the capacity to decrease indigestion as well as colonic spasms. Peppermint tea was popular in Europe as a medicine to cure fevers, colds, nervous tension, headaches, insomnia and also to decrease disorders such as colic, dyspepsia and flatulence. Peppermint is good for gall bladder treatment and bile deficiency. The peppermint oil is effective to relieve smooth muscle spasms and other gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint oil is a saliva stimulant and is good in relieving chest pain and indigestion. The peppermint leaf tea is useful for menstrual cramps treatment and is also a good sedative. Peppermint also thwarts mental fatigue. The peppermint oil contains antimicrobial properties to fight against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Peppermint oil is used for inflammation of mucous membranes and also to combat any abnormal growth. Peppermint tea can be taken thrice or five times a day. The major component being menthol can result in allergic reactions. Hence, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Psyllium Husk, is one of the highest sources of dietary fiber. Psyllium husk is a great colon cleanser, it can absorb up to 50 times its weight with toxins and other items from the intestines.

Red Clover Leaf is native to Asia and the eastern Mediterranean regions. It is found on roadsides and also in lawns. Red clover leaf grows to a height of 16 inches. The leaves are oval in shape with a V mark known as chevron in the center. The red clover flowers are purple in color and are in egg shape. They come as three part leaves. Trifolium is the genus name indicating three leaves. Red clover leaf belongs to the leguminosae family or the pea family. The other members as well include peanuts and beans besides peas. These plants take nitrogen from the environment ad biologically help other plants in growth and fixation. Red clover leaf is used as a mild sedative, expectorant and blood purifier. The tea prepared with this leaf is useful for bronchitis, asthma and respiratory spasms. Red clover leaf is useful for sores, skin ulcers, burns and athlete’s foot. Red clover flowers are useful in wine and in treating menstrual problems.

Red Raspberry Leaf is the best pal of gardeners. This is because though it has small prickles, it gives luscious berries in abundance. This plant is now found in gardens in the North America temperate regions. This plant is indigenous to Asia and Europe as well. They are common fruits used in fruit salads, fruit juices, preserves, jams, breakfast bars, fruit syrups, tarts and many other foods. Ted raspberry leaves have health promoting characteristics. They are filled with vitamin C and phenolic antioxidants namely tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanin pigments. The red raspberry leaf has bitter and harsh flavor, but is excellent with medicinal power. Tea prepared from red raspberry leaf is useful to cure wounds, upper respiratory disorders, colic pain and childbirth difficulties. The leaf tea is good for diarrhea treatment. The tea prepared using red raspberry leaf can be taken five to six times in a day. it has the ability to cure diarrhea as it is rich with tannins and they reduce intestinal inflammation. The raspberry leaf is also an effective mouthwash.

Sage Leaf Extract.

Uva Ursi is obtained from one of nature’s most powerful astringents, Uva Ursi. Uva Usi is a very strong herb and should be used only in those times when an immediate intervention is required. What makes Uva Ursi extract special is that it contains several different chemical compounds which are active against many pathogens found commonly in urinary tract infections. Thus Uva Ursi etract is thus used in many ways including as an antiseptic, astringent, and a diuretic. Using the Uva Ursi extract provides support to the urinary tract, bladder, liver and kidney function. It also helps soothe, strengthen and tighten irritated and inflamed tissues, as well as help treat infections like cystitis, urethritis and nephritis. The Uv Ursi extract is got from the tough leathery leaves of the plant. However since the leaves are almost impervious to water, the best way of getting the extraction is an overnight decoction. Uva Ursi extraction can also be taken as capsules or as a tincture.