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 - 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.

Hibiscus

Licorice Root is cultivated in southern as well as central Europe. Licorice root is extensively used as flavor in candies and as well as in syrups, cough drops, laxatives and tonics. The licorice root is also useful in flavoring various types of beer, gelatins, meat products, puddings and frozen dairy desserts. Licorice is commonly found in all the Chinese herb combinations so that it maintains other herbs as well as promotes vitality. Licorice is a source of silicon, magnesium and thiamine. It is available in liquid extract and is helpful for people having problems with swallowing capsule. Licorice root capsule can be taken three times a day. Licorice root is useful for various ailments such as baldness, asthma, canker sores, athlete’s foot, depression, chronic fatigue, flu, colds, dandruff, coughs, gingivitis, emphysema, heartburn, viral infections, HIV, ulcers, fungal infections, tooth decay and liver problems. This root has anti-depressant compounds and is one of the impressive herbal medicines.

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- Rose has been considered as the symbol of love and beauty all over the world and is cultivated widely for its beauty and fragrance. Rose hips are small berry-like fruits, which look just like small tomatoes or miniature pomegranate fruits and grow on the rose plant after it blossoms. Certain species such as Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and R. majalis are more popular than the rest for their rose hips and are especially cultivated for being a rich source of vitamin C. Rose hips have also made their way into culinary recipes such as puddings, marmalade, tarts, breads, pie, apple sauce, soups, jam, and jelly. Rose hips due to their excellent anti-inflammatory properties are used in treating patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis. Regular consumption of rose hip powder may help in joint stiffness and pain, and maintain good mood.

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.