Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant originating in Asia commonly used as an herbal medicine for over 1500 years. Its name literally means “Father of All Foods” as it has a spectrum of many essential vitamins and minerals, including A, B (full group of B vitamins), C, D, E, K, as well as biotin, calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein and many others. The high calcium and magnesium levels make it a natural pain killer for arthritis, aching joints, migraines and menstrual and menopausal pain. It is amazing to have in just one plant an abundance of natural nutrients crucial to overall human health.Alfalfa is widely used for diuretic purposes to flush the liver and bowels off built-up toxins, heavy water retention and bacteria causing infections. It assists in purifying the blood, balancing hormones, lowering cholesterol and improving the immune system functionality.
Bladderwack is a type of seaweed primarily rich in iodine. It also contains algin, beta-carotene, bromine, mannitol, mucilage, potassium, zeaxanthin, volatile oils, and many other minerals. Bladderwack as the original source of iodine has been used medicinally for many centuries to treat thyroid gland disorders, goitre, obesity and cellulite. It stimulates the thyroid and immune systemsand increases metabolism. The herb also assists in the treatment of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis.
Burdock is one of the principal detoxifying herbs in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. The root is used to eliminate heavy metals and toxins from the body. The plant is antibacterial, antifungal and carminative in addition to being a natural alternative to blood purifier, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic medicines. It reduces pain and promotes healing. Traditionally, Burdock has effectively assisted in the treatment of skin problems such as bruises, burns, boils and rashes, as well as, skin diseases such as herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo and ringworm. It is also used in the treatment of a range of ailments such as colds, dandruff, hair loss, impotence and barrenness. In Russia it is included in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Cayenne is a native American plant with anti-microbial, anti-haemorrhoidal, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, diaphoretic, digestive, irritant, rubefacient and tonic benefits. It has various medical uses including topical pain relief for muscle soreness, shingles, sprains, unbroken chilblains, rheumatism, neuralgia and pleurisy.The German Commission E Monographs has approved capsicum for the treatment of muscular tension and rheumatism. It is also used in the treatment of fevers, varicose veins, asthma and digestive problems. Medical research studies are currently being conducted to determine its effectiveness in cancer treatment.
Clove is a flower bud which contains a mixture of compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenes, phenolic acids, b-caryophyllene and eugenol that give it unique medicinal properties. Taken internally or applied externally it provides relief from a wide variety of ailments.Cloves have antimicrobial properties that aid in killing parasites and bacteria in the digestive tract; relax the lining of the intestines; calm an upset stomach; and aid in digestion. Its analgesic properties reduce topical pain from toothaches, rheumatism, arthritis, poison ivy, sun burn and other inflammation-based pain. It also has antihistamine properties that assist in clearing sinus passageways and aids in normal breathing.
Dandelions are perennial flowering plants containing a range of pharmacologically active compounds and high levels of Vitamins A, C, D, B-complex, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, choline, calcium and borongiving it a variety of medicinal properties. The dandelion is slightly aperient, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic. It is approved by the FDA and the Council of Europe and included in many patent medicines in the USA, Europe and China. The Dandelion is used in the treatment of gall bladder such as gallstones and urinary disorders, gout, oedema, chronic joint and skin complaints, eczema and acne. Its antibacterial properties inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus Aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus Dysenteriae, Salmonella, Diphtheriae and other bacteria. It is used to treat infections, swelling, water retention, breast problems, pneumonia and viruses. “Dandelion heads the list of excellent foods for the liver.” It detoxifies the liver and kidney and reduces the side effects of prescription medications. It has been used for centuries to treat liver dysfunction such as jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver disease.
Fennel is a perennial flowering plant originating from the Mediterranean usedfor many culinary and medicinal purposes. It is an aromatic and anise-flavored spice used worldwide. It is rich in phytoestrogens and effective in treatingliver, bowel, kidney, spleen and respiratory disorders. Fennel is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, hallucinogenic, laxative, stimulant and stomachic. It is commonly used to treat amenorrhea, angina, anxiety, asthma, breast enlargement, colic, wind, depression, heartburn, indigestion, kidney stones, water retention, high blood pressure and respiratory congestion.
Fenugreek is a perennial plant originating from the Middle East with many culinary and medicinal benefits. It is considered the finest herb for enhancing beauty because it has the highest concentrations of diosgenin, a natural breast enlarger, as well as, plant compounds such, sapogenin, yamogenin, gitogenin and tigogenin effective in promoting new breast cells growth; increasing sexual stimulation; balancing hormone levelsandblood sugar levels; and treating PMS and menopause. The seed is very nourishing and body-building. Its antioxidants aid in slowing the ageing process; improving the thinking process and helping in the prevention of disease. The Fenugreek seed and leaves are anti-cholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, carminative, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, hypoglycaemic, laxative, parasiticide, restorative and tonic. Historically, it has also been used in the treatment of diabetes, ulcers, bronchitis, swollen glands, wounds,skin irritations, and fevers. The German Commission E Monographs has approved fenugreek for the treatment of skin inflammations and loss of appetite.
Horsetail is one of the most diuretic species in all plants. It contains equisetonin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, flavonoids, saponins, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and caffeic acid. Acting together these components increase urination up to 30% more than normal and effectively eliminate a great volume of water from the body.Horsetail is used in the treatment for kidney and bladder disorders, arthritis, cystitis, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, flu, swellings and other disorders due to inflammation such as tuberculosis or emphysema. Its high silica level content makes it effective in the repair of bones, collagen and other body tissues as well as the treatment of osteoporosis.Horsetail is also recommended for anemia and general debility. It has also been used externally as a compress to fractures and sprains, wounds, sores, skin problems and a gargle for mouth and gum inflammations.
Meadowsweet is a perennial herb originating from Europe with culinary and medicinal benefits. It has been used for many centuries and is considered “One of the Three Most Sacred Herbs of the Druids”. It consists of Salicylic flavone glycosides, essential oils and tannins. In combination these constituents act to protect the inner lining of the stomach and intestines whilst still providing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic and tonic benefits. Meado wsweet is traditionally used in the treatment of diarrhoea, heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis and peptic ulcers. It is also considered to be useful in the treatment of blood disorders, diphtheria, dysentery and pneumonia. The German Commission E Monographs has approved it for the treatment of bronchitis, cough, fever and colds.
Rose Hip is the fruit of a rose and has been used for thousands of years. It is a plant offering the best source of Vitamin C making it an excellent immune system booster and highly effective in preventing infections from bacteria and viruses, as well as treatment for wounds and inflammations. Research studies in Europe prove Rose Hip is beneficial in the treatment of individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rose Hip has high levels of Vitamin A which gives it the ability to regenerate new skin cells. It has astringent qualities used to treat and heal wounds, scars, acne and burns. It helps the skin rehydrate and keep it elastic and nourished. Thereby preventing and controlling wrinkles. It has fruit acids and pectin which make it a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders and mild constipation. Rose Hip also contains a variety of anti-oxidants carotenoids, beta-carotene, catechins flavonoids and polyphenols that makes them good preventive treatments to fight cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Senna is an herb originating from Egypt and the Indian Subcontinent where it was primarily used as a laxative for thousands of years.It contains glycosides which relax the muscles as digested food moves through the intestines. The process promotes digestion, fermentation, and conversion of the glycosides into a purgative agent. It is effective in the removal of waste material and the treatment of constipation.
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia well known for its sedative qualities. It is used as a natural alternative for sedatives and narcotic drugs in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders. Valerian is a complex herb containing 120 chemical components which relax the central nervous system and smooth various muscle groups. It has anti-spasmodic qualities effective in the treatment of abdominal cramps, uterine cramps, dysmenorrhea, muscle tensions and rheumatic pain. It may also be applied locally as a treatment for cramps and other. Valerian is also used as a mild tranquilizer for people experiencing emotional stress or exhaustion. It is a gentle relaxant, calming, sedating and practically non-addictive. It does not impair driving ability and produces no morning hangover effect.
Wormwood is an herbaceous, perennial plant with fibrous roots. It is toxic in excess and was originally used as a poison and an insecticide in the Ancient World and Middle Ages.Wormwood has acids and bitter components which is effective in the treatment of liver dysfunction and digestive disorders.It has volatile oils and the bitter absinthin and absinthic acid components effective in expelling parasitic worms like roundworm from the digestive tract. The herb also contains a cocktail of alcohols, thujone, tannin, resin, nitrate of potash and other salts making it an exceptional remedy for digestive issues. The complex herb’stonic effects result in the swift and powerful emptying of the intestines.