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Alfalfa Leaf belongs to the Fabaceae pea family and is a flowering plant grown as a forage crop. This is a perennial of the cool season that exists from three to twelve years. The survival of Alfalfa depends on the climate and variety. This is grown widely as forage for cattle and is also harvested as hay. These can also be made into grazed, silage or can be fed. It is the crop that is less used as pasture and is widely used as hay crops enjoying highest feeding value. If the crop is well adapted, it yields well. Alfalfa is the important legume employed in agriculture and the United States is the biggest producer. The other areas are Argentina, South Africa, Australia and Middle East. In Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district this is grown well. The basic use of Alfalfa is dairy cattle feed and is given as it is high in proteins and has digestible fiber. This is also given to horses, beef cattle, goats and sheep. The alfalfa sprouts are eaten by humans in sandwiches and salads. It is available commercially in various forms such as powders, tablets and tea.

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 is a vinegar type made by fermenting apple cider. In this process the sugar present in the apple cider gets broken by the yeast and bacteria into alcohol and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid as well as citric, lactic and malic acids. Apple cider vinegar is yellow brown in color and is sold unfiltered. This unfiltered apple cider vinegar is available in the health food stores and also in grocery stores. The other vinegar types are white vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar. They are used in cooking as well as are good for health purposes. Apple cider vinegar was believed to have been used by Hippocrates as health tonic and the American soldiers also made use of the same to combat indigestion ad pneumonia. The intriguing aspect of this vinegar is that it has abundant health benefits. It can decrease the blood glucose levels. It is effective for people suffering from diabetes and weight loss.

Apple Pectin is a soluble fiber fuses with bile acids and promotes their removal.

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 a stimulant that is used to stay awake and it gives mental alertness from fatigue. This is used as an adjunct for pain relief and also as energy accelerates. Caffeine is a non-prescription drug easily available as over the counter medication and comes in combination to acquire relief from headache and pain. Caffeine increases the mental alertness by offering the required energy for exercise training and weight loss. Caffeine cannot be considered as a mere stimulant as it reaches deep into muscles and provides power that is long lasting. Caffeine taken before any work out is also great as it fights the fatigue and keeps the person ready for the workout. Dieters also find caffeine as the solution as they feel sluggish. This is a no-calorie stimulant and does its job effectively and quickly. Caffeine anhydrous is found even in one or two coffee cups. However, this limitation is recommended as excess caffeine may result in irritability, rapid heart beat, nervousness and sleeplessness.

Cayenne- Most of us are aware of the wonders of the hot cayenne, which belongs to the family of capsicum. This herb is mainly used for culinary and health purpose. As compared to black pepper and chilies, it contains less irritating properties. Cayenne when taken naturally works as a natural stimulant and is beneficial for pancreas, kidney and spleen. Cayenne can be taken in herbal tea form, as a natural energy booster or as a capsule to cure yellow fever. Since cayenne contains antiseptic properties it is an effective remedy for sore throats and is used as a gargle. It aids digestion and stimulates saliva and stomach secretion. It also prevents heart attack, reduces cholesterol, allows proper absorption of vitamins, improves blood circulation and effectively clears the sinuses. In the past it was used as a cure for typhoid fever, diphtheria, pleurisy and pneumonia.

Chromium Polynicotinate, which is a form of chromium, an essential trace mineral that is needed for the body's production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that stabilizes the body's blood sugar level.

Dandelion - Dandelions are perennial wild plants with jagged leaves, which are dark green in color and bright yellow flowers. Dandelions cannot be easily removed due to their long taproots. They can easily spear all over the place, because its seed pass due to wind and also when they get suck to your clothes, hair, shoes etc. if you want to get rid of dandelions then you have just one choice, pull them out right from their roots with your hands. Dandelions can be very beneficial as they are rich in vitamin C and iron. You can eat it they way you want to, cook it, fry it, steam it, sauté it or simply just eat it raw.

Fennel Seed is a carminative and stomachic, helps ease stomach discomfort and disperses gas.

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, the rhizome of the perennial herb Zingiber Officionale found in the Southwest coast of India and the Malabar Coast. Ginger root is commonly used for its ability to cleanse the colon, reduce spasms and cramps, stimulate circulation, and aid metabolism. Ginger is also a strong antioxidant and effective microbial agent for sores and wounds. Ginger works in the digestive system by increasing the pH of stomach acid, reducing its acidity, thereby lower the rate of gastric secretions, and increasing digestive enzyme activity. By providing you with a clear head and by working as a metabolism aid, Ginger Root is the perfect compliment to any diet plan. At prescribed dosage levels, Ginger Root has no recorded problems of known significance. No drug interactions have been reported as well.

Glucomannan- Every time we switch on the television or turn the pages of a magazine, we run into hundreds of ads promoting a myriad of weight loss products. However, the only ones that really work are those that have sufficient scientific backing. One such product is the Glucomannan - a fiber, a water-soluble polysaccharide. It is derived from the corm, or roots of the Konjac plant found in Japan, Asia, China, and Indonesia. Although the product has gained immense popularity as an effective solution to obesity, Glucomannan offers other benefits too. It is highly effective for treating several health problems such as high cholesterol, acne, tye2 diabetes, and even constipation. An important reason why obese and overweight individuals include it in their weight loss program is that Glucomannan leaves them feeling so full that they end up eating fewer calories.

Grapefruit Extract- A lot can be made from a grapefruit. The grapefruit extract is made from the pulp, white membranes and seed of the grapefruit. It is also known as the citrus seed extract. Grapefruit is one of those rare fruits whose all parts are of some use or the other. The fruit itself gives a tangy juice. Aromatherapy oils can be made with peels. The peels are also used as a source of dietary fiber. Grapefruit is said to be the most alkalizing of all fruits. To alkalize the body is one of the best ways to regenerate health. Alkaline environment is a hostile environment for diseases to live in. It also helps in stimulating the human immune system. It helps in preserving the intestinal bacteria along with its integrity in return making life sustainable.

Hawthorne Berry, also called White Thorn, Haw, May Blossom, Hay Berry and May Day Flower. Hawthorne Berry is red in color and comes from a spiny tree called the hawthorne shrub. Hawthorne Berry is believed to be good for the heart and is commonly used to expell excess salt from the body to reduce water retention. Hawthorn Berries contain vitamins C and B complex, crataegin, carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

Irish Moss, also called Chondrus crispus, a species of red algae. Irish moss contains 55 to 90 percent mucilage, and small amounts of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorous, bromine, fluorine, sodium, potassium, calcium, silica, iodine, and magnesium. Irish Moss is also soothing to the digestive system.

Oat Bran refers to the external oat grain husk. This is usually discarded in the milling process. This is regrettable as it contains the best of the dietary fiber and also has good amounts of minerals. The grains are normally marketed as whole grain, but oat bran is sold separately. Nowadays, oat bran is available in the markets easily. The cereal grains have three parts namely, the bran, endosperm and the germ. The endosperm is used in making white flour. The germ is nutrient rich and is usually extracted in association with the bran. The bran is highly rich in fiber and also protects the grain thereby offering nutrition and fiber to the plant. Oat bran is used as additive in baked goods such as muffins as it has a rich and distinctive texture with a nutty flavor. Oat bran is added to breads owing to its fiber content. It also is supplemented to breakfast cereals. Cooks also supplement oat bran to scones, cookies and pancakes. The fiber content is truly very beneficial in decreasing the levels of cholesterol and is a preventative for various cancer forms. It is integrated to make a healthy diet.

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 thrives in the Middle East. Psyllium husk refers to the covering of seeds and this is recognized as one of the best ways of acquiring high dietary fiber count. Certainly, Oat bran is also an excellent fiber source. Subsequently, Psyllium husk offers heavy dose of dietary fiber and is the main ingredient for dietary fiber powders and supplements such as Metamucil. Psyllium husk passes through the digestive tract by absorbing water and hence is of immense use to people suffering from diarrhea or constipation. The intake of dietary fiber assists in improving the condition such that it results in making the stool bulkier and softer. Taking Psyllium Husk with plenty of water is very important. Drinking even six to seven glasses of water is recommended. Similarly, taking high fiber cereals such as Heartwise and Bran Buds also should be taken with lots of water. Psyllium Husk is also useful in reducing blood cholesterol. However, care should be taken while taking Psyllium Husk as some people may be allergic to this fiber.

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 a woody shrub of evergreen leaves featuring a red berry fruit. This and some related species are being referred to as bearberries. At home on the Northern Hemisphere, it has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. The active ingredient is arbutin, a glycoside with antimicrobial and mild diuretic properties. The leaves were often used for medicinal tea, where, besides arbutin, other active ingredients exist, like tannic acid, gallic acid, ursolic acid, resin, hydroquinones, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic glycosides. The uva ursi extract is said to help, among other uses, as a mild stimulant, sedative, disinfectant, tonic and urinary antiseptic. Its use included fighting kidney stones and infections, nephritis, pancreatitis, vaginal diseases, diabetes, where it removes excess sugar from blood, and obesity.