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.

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.

Chamomile has been used for more than 1000 years for its medicinal value and has mild or nil side effects. It’s used in the form of liquid extracts, to make teas, capsules, or tablets. Because of its anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic properties it’s widely used in aromatherapy. Chamomile is used as a muscle relaxant and in treating skin irritations such as ulcers, infections, rashes and burns. It’s widely used for treating common symptoms such as cold, fever, menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, nausea, sleeplessness, stress, headaches, nervousness, indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting. It’s also used in treating eczema and infantile colic, teething pains, and diaper rash. Chamomile acts as an excellent relaxant and can be taken as tea or used as an essential oil in bath to elevate mood, reduce anxiety and depression.

Dandelion is the most common weed flowering plant found worldwide. The two most common species are Taraxacum officinale and Taraxacum erythrospermum, also known as the dandelion flower and the dandelion parachute ball. A flower head of such a dandelion flower is structured out of hundreds of smaller florets. These biennial or perennial herbaceous plants are native to Europe, the Northern Hemisphere. It has been found out that the flowers of dandelion contain a strong antioxidant, luteolin, which is a flavonoid with diverse properties, such as inflammation inhibitor, immune system modulator and a carbohydrate metabolism promoter. Chinese medicine has used this plant for centuries for medicinal purposes, usually in form of a tea concoction, applied as a liver detoxifying method. Other uses were listed as inflammation reduction and as a diuretic.

Hibiscus

Licorice Root contains glycyrrhizin that is believed to give it its numerous medicinal properties. Its name is derived from the Greek word that means “sweet root”, because it is said to be fifty times sweeter than sugar. Licorice root contains flavonoids and various plant estrogens or phytoestrogens. It activates the adrenal glands that promote the production of hormones. This helps in the development of muscles and increasing energy level. It fights chronic fatigue syndromes. It can also be used as a laxative. It also helps fight infections and respiratory congestive issues that make it an effective expectorant. It helps keep the gastrointestinal tract clean. It is also a potent antioxidant.

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.

Rose Hips- High in Vitamin C, rose hip is the pomaceous fruit or seed pod of the roses. Usually found in red to orange or dark purple to black color, this fruit is not poisonous. However, rose hips from plants that have been treated with pesticides should not be used. Rosa Canina (dog rose), R. moschata and R. rubiginosa are few species referred to as rose hips. With the intake of these fruits in a powdered form, you can get vitamin E, C and K naturally. It not only helps in treating several infections like flu and cold but it can also speed up the healing of skin irritation and bruises. Rose hips taken in capsule form can provide you relief from sore throat and inflammation. It is also useful in treating breast cancer and uterine cramps.

Slippery Elm Bark is opulent in mucilage, a blend of polysaccharides that forms soothing gelatinous fiber in adding water. This fiber made by supplementing water to the bark was of immense use as food as well as medicine for early people and was also had by the European colonists. The slippery elm bark mucilage was excellent for tonsillitis and soothing sore throats. They were good for lungs dryness, coughs and digestive upsets. The slippery elm bark is a viscous fiber having beneficial effects such as it decreases the bowel transit time, increases fecal bulk, absorbs toxins present in the bowel, dilutes stool and enhances advantageous bacteria. The slippery elm bark has anti-inflammatory activity and as it has mucilage it resists hydrolysis. The mucilage was helpful to moisten throat, lungs and nasal passages. This bark was traditionally useful for treating dysentery, fever, abscesses and urinary conditions. Slippery elm bark tea can be taken 3 to 5 times every day. Even porridge can be made, but adequate water should be added to ascertain therapeutic benefits.