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 is made from fermented ripe apples. It contains vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Pectin is a fiber that helps in reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in the body and aids in regulating the blood pressure. It also helps the body to absorb calcium that is important in maintaining strong bones. It also contains potassium that prevents hair loss, brittle teeth and nails, sinusitis, and runny nose. It also helps in proper growth because it helps in the production of growth hormones. Apple Cider Vinegar helps the body get rid of toxins and fight the free radical damages that may lead to premature aging and cancer. Apple Cider Vinegar also aids in losing weight naturally by breaking down the fats.

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 often used in traditional medicine as part of liver tonics as well as kidney function tonics as well. Burdock root is full of nutrients and helps the liver function more normally by helping the liver purge toxins from the body. When taken, the extract causes a sweating and urination response and is considered a diuretic. When taken with plenty of water, this helps flush the kidneys and let them work more efficiently on a day to day basis. On top of this, research shows that burdock root helps support and encourage the growth of beneficial colon bacteria and helps discourage the growth of bacterial pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract.

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 more biologically active component than other forms of Chromium. CP helps to control blood sugar levels and can be dangerous to the blend of fats, cholesterol, and proteins. It is helpful in the metabolism of glucose and is important for getting energy. Chromium polynicotinate is a mineral that adds a hormone-like regulation to develop carbohydrate metabolism. As all carbohydrates finally are reduced to simple glucose in the body. Chromium polynicotinate provides the mediator action by plugging serum glucose through the bloodstream to the muscle cell directly. Chromium is essential for glucose regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy production. It may also produce anabolic effects, but with no side effects.

Dandelion , also known as bitterwart, Dandelion stimulates digestion and acts as a mild laxative.

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

Flax seed is the seed of the Flax plant. The plant, also known as linseed, is of genus Linum and family Linaceae. Flax seeds are popular for their numerous health benefits, they contain lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans are shown to be beneficial for heart disease and to posses’ anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds are particularly believed to benefit people with breast and prostate cancer. Some research also shows that flaxseeds can lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood-sugar levels. They are also used as a laxative due to their high dietary fiber content; however, excessive consumption may lead to intestinal blockage.

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 has been used as herbal medicine in India, Asia, and Arab countries for a long time. People in China have been using this knotted, thick, underground stem or rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale to improve digestion for over two thousand years. Ginger was also found effective in the treatment of health conditions such as heart problems, arthritis, colic, and diarrhea. Ginger is also a popular cooking spice in different cuisines. The magic herb can also help a great deal in pregnancy, motion sickness, and cancer chemotherapy since it aids in preventing or treating nausea and vomiting associated with it. Many women consume ginger to reduce the pain during menstrual periods. Ginger is also used to reduce inflammation and combat inflammation-related problems such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. You may buy fresh ginger root or go for other variations like ginger extracts, capsules, and oils.

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 aides in many respiratory conditions.

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 - All of us are aware of the flavor of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) through gum, chocolates, tea, and toothpastes. It facilitates digestion and is great to soothe an upset stomach. It is also used to treat headaches and depression-related anxiety due to its calming effect. The calming and numbing effect of peppermint has also made it a popular ingredient for treating health problems such as nausea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, colds and flu, and skin irritations. Peppermint has made its way into chest rubs too to treat symptoms associated with common cold. Peppermint is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties too. It has been found very effective in breaking down gallstones too though doctor's supervision is a must, as it can make certain types of gallstone worse by stimulating the production of bile.

Psyllium Husk refers to the seed covering of the plant Plantago ovata. This plant is native to India and Pakistan and is locally referred to ask isapghol. While plant cellulose which is a component of husk is considered to provide better gastrointestinal transit; the psyllium seed husk has an added advantage that it imbibes water and swells to become mucilaginous (gum like). Consequently, when ingested, it helps regulate water balance and GI motility in the intestines leading to relief in conditions like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, etc. Interestingly, recent researches indicate that it can also be useful in diabetes and lowering the cholesterol level.

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.