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.

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.

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 contains over two dozen other nutrients but primarily contain large concentrations of vitamins A, C, and K as well as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium.

Hibiscus

Licorice Root is widely used not only in syrups and lozenges to soothen sore throats but also to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, in preventing cavities and fibromyalgia. Licorice is a natural laxative and an excellent source of iron too. It helps treat eczema and improves the body’s immunity. Licorice roots contain glycyrrhizin; which works as an expectorant and loosens the mucus. When taken in large doses the compound glycyrrhizin, which is one the most active element in licorice root can cause potassium deficiency and inhibits the natural ability of the body to reduce blood pressure. Licorice root is available in many forms – drops, wafers, tea bags, loose tea, mouthwashes and caplets. The root is also available in the form of a regular snack in the form of licorice sticks.

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 an important member of the herb kingdom owing to its excellent therapeutic properties. Colonists used silver elm as survival food on long trips while natives ate the inner bark of the tree that is rich in carbohydrates and easy to digest. Since ancient times, slippery elm was used to treat skin injuries, stomach aches, intestinal worms, gout, coughs, and arthritis. You may take slippery elm powder derived from its bark by mixing it with water or take them in the form of capsules. The bark powder contains mucilage, which when mixed with water turns into a slick gel that spreads across the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines and soothes them. In addition, it is also believed to be rich in antioxidants that are extremely effective in relieving inflammatory bowel conditions.