7-DFBX Reviewed

Alfalfa Leaf is an insoluble fiber that bulks stool and promotes peristalsis.

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, which has been said to contain up to ninety different healthy substances such as carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, ethyl acetates and more. Apple Cider Vinegar also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well as acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, enzymes and amino acids.

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. Burdock root has medicinal qualities and is in use for herbal remedies. This root is tasty as it is sweet and has gummy consistency. Budrock is used as remedy for arthritis, measles, throat pain, colds and diuretic. Budrock root is employed in oncology and is useful in treating various health problems. Budrock root is used for purifying blood and is useful in removing toxins. It is used orally and also topically for skin disorders. Budrock root soothes aching joints as well. Chinese healers combine with other plants to cure cold, measles, tonsillitis and throat pain. Burdock root is well-known in Japan and is a good source of nutrients and vitamins. Budrock root is supposed to be tested systematically. Budrock root is effective in bloodstream cleansing, treating gout, relieving pain from arthritis, ulcers, eczema, rheumatism and psoriasis. It has properties in curing cancer and is found effective in treating impotence and barrenness.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that temporarily wards off drowsiness and boosts alertness and energy.

Cayenne, which contains Capsaicin, a thermogenic substance. A thermogenic raises your core temperature, which allows you to burn more calories from food, particularly when eating a high fat meal.

Chromium Polynicotinate is a nutritional supplement designed primarily as nutritional support for certain conditions that are typical for sufferers from diabetes mellitus type 2 or age related diabetes. Recent studies have revealed that supplemented chromium can reduce high blood glucose levels, lowering or eliminating nonenzymatic glycation. Further studies reveal that supplementing chromium polynicotinate can help with depression symptoms as well as reduce systolic blood pressure elevation caused by sucrose. People with chromium deficiencies have trouble maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Chromium polynicotinate can assist in regulating the levels of blood sugar, but it also helps with the control of cholesterol, promote the fat removal process and encourage buildup of lean muscles. For these characteristics it is a popular supplement for body building and any muscle building sports enthusiasts.

Dandelion is a valuable herb possessing culinary as well as medicinal uses. Dandelion is a variable perennial growing to nearly 12 inches. They are spatula like leaves and are toothy, shiny and hairless. The stems of dandelion have bright yellow flowers. These flowers are light sensitive and opens only in the morning. Dandelion is opulent with vitamins A, B, C and D. it also has minerals like potassium, iron and zinc. The leaves of dandelion enhance the flavor to sandwiches, salads and teas. The flowers of dandelion are used in making wines and the roots are found as coffee substitutes. Dandelion leaves and roots as per traditional medicines were used in curing liver problems. The dandelion decoctions were used by the Native Americans to treat skin problems, kidney disease, heartburn, stomach upset and swelling. The Chinese practitioners used dandelion to cure appendicitis, digestive disorders and breast problems. Dandelion roots are used as digestive aid, appetite stimulant and for gallbladder and liver function.

Fennel Seed is oval in shape and belongs to the parsley family. This is yellowish brown or green in color and is a dried fruit. This seed has its origin in Egypt and India. Fennel seed goes well with Italian sausages and curry powder mixes. Fennel has the flavor of anise, but is sweeter, aromatic and less pungent. The name is acquired from ‘marathon’, the Greek word in reference to the famous battle that was fought against the Persians in the Fennel field. Fennel seeds are added to meat loaf and meatballs as it gives authentic flavor. This Italian flavor is highly preferred. The fennel seeds are saute with onion, sausage and sliced peppers to make pasta sauce. Fennel seeds are obtained from an aromatic medicinal plant. However, this seed emits pleasant flavor and is highly aromatic. The pungent flavor has made it a prominent ingredient as a spice to enhance the flavor of foods. This seed has essential oils and make strong seasoning.

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- In modern times, people are sticking to the adage - a clove of garlic a day keeps cancer away!! Due to its therapeutic properties, garlic has garnered the reputation of being a 'wonder' drug that fights virtually all possible illness ranging from common cold and flue to cancer and plague. Garlic not just keeps cancer at bay but also helps you manage high cholesterol levels. While most people prefer to use organically grown garlic for its high sulphur content, many choose to take garlic supplements in the form of pills and capsules. It is believed that raw garlic is quite effective for treating acne symptoms as well. Moderation is the key here, as consuming garlic in large quantities can cause irritation of the digestive tract and may even damage it.

Ginger Root- Ginger is a spice which originated in Asia, where it is grown primarily in India and the Southeast of Asia. Currently it is used all over the world for culinary purposes. Several other uses, besides that of a spice, have been encountered, like in Ginger Ale, ginger tea, but also ginger beer. Gingerbread is perhaps the most popular example of ginger use, but historically it has been labeled as a stimulant and a carminative. Indonesia traditionally uses herbal preparations with ginger, which is supposed to reduce fatigue and help control all kind of digestive problems. Ginger is also known to help with morning sickness and is an ingredient in motion sickness remedies. Nausea in many forms, including chemotherapy, is treated with ginger as well.

Glucomannan, also called propolene, not to be confused with propylene, is a polysaccharide and mainly a straight chain polymer. It is widely used as a food additive, E number E425, with thickening and emulsifying characteristics. Glucomannan comprises almost half of the corm of the amorphophallus konjac plant, the so called “devil’s tongue” plant, native to warmer subtropical to tropical eastern Asia. Some studies have shown that this dietary fiber may hold multiple health benefits. It has been and currently is in clinical trials for treatment of constipation, obesity, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. For weight control purposes, it has been observed that glucomannan promotes satiety when ingested, significantly reducing food cravings. It was also observed that when used with chitosan, glucomannan seemed to decrease serum cholesterol.

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- Prior to using Hawthorn berry like a supplement, we should first have a look at the medical effects as well as its side effects. Hawthorn Berry is scientifically termed as Crateagus. All through the history, Hawthorn berry comprises a reputation as symbol – of – hope as well as symbol – of – evil. The people of Christain religion regard this plant as petrified as they believe that the thorn crown which was put on the head of Jesus Christ was made out of it. Hawthorn Berry is the roseance family member and it comprises of sugars, Vitamin B, caroteneflavonoids, Vitamin C and arattagein and this is even utilised for reducing water retention or for the loss of weight by taking out excess salt.

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 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.