Alfalfa
(leaf)
The leaves of this remarkable legume
contain eight essential amino acids. Alfalfa is a good laxative and a natural diuretic. It
is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections, and kidney, bladder and prostrate
disorders. Alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Promotes pituitary
gland function and contains an anti-fungus agent.
This versatile herb is also a folk remedy
for arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and is reputed to be an excellent appetite
stimulant and overall tonic. Excellent source of nutritive properties with minerals,
chlorophyll and vitamins. Alfalfa is high in chlorophyll and nutrients.
Psyllium Husks
Studies have shown that psyllium husk is
effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Studies also
found that a 1% reduction in total and LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart
disease by up to 2%.
Since psyllium husk is a type of fiber, it
can alleviate constipation. In addition, recent studies also showed positive benefits of
psyllium in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Psyllium acts as prebiotics - aiding to
heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.
Lemon peel
Lemon Peel is derived from the fruit of
Citrus limon, the common lemon. Man has cultivated the Lemon for about two thousand years.
Lemon has become the most popular citrus fruit in the world and is cultivated in warmer
climates across the globe. Though most people peel the Lemon and eat only the fruit, the
Lemon Peel, though not tasty on its own, is used medicinally. Lemon Peel contains calcium,
phosphorus, potassium, ascorbic acid, and Vitamin A, as well as volatile oil and
hesperidin. In Africa, Lemon Peel is used to treat colic, and in India, Lemon Peel is used
to treat upset stomach. The British Pharmacopoeia lists Lemon Peel as an aromatic for use
as an aroma and flavor enhancer. The bioflavonoid constituents of this herb are reported
to reduce the permeability of blood vessels, especially of capillaries, so that extracts
from Lemon Peel are also included in remedies for phlebitis. New studies on a monoterpene
found in Lemon Peel called "limonene" show that it very effectively prevents
individuals from developing abnormal growths on their skin. Limonene also has demonstrated
prevention efficacy in preclinical models of breast and colon abnormal growths. But the
most promising use of Lemon Peel is indicated in recent research, which shows that this
herb may help reduce the occurrence of squamous cell skin cancers. Further study is still
required to support this research.
Wheatgrass
Most people who have explored the
wondrously wide avenues of self-healing have heard about wheatgrass. Wheatgrass juice has
been proven over many years to benefit people in numerous ways: cleansing the lymph
system, building the blood, restoring balance in the body, removing toxic metals from the
cells, nourishing the liver and kidneys and restoring vitality. One ounce of wheatgrass
juice has the vitamin and mineral equivalent of 2.2 pounds of fresh vegetables. It
contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed for human maintenance, including the
elusive B12. Many of the benefits of wheatgrass juice stem from the fact that it is a
living food, which is a complete protein with about 30 enzymes and is approximately 70%
crude chlorophyll.
Rhubarb (root)
It is recognized that rhubarb not only
exercises a digestive action but it operates directly as a conveyer of bile salts. It can
therefore be classed as a hepatic stimulant. Besides stimulating the secretions from
the liver which convey the bile salts, it assists the intestine in regulating the
absorption of fats.
Rhubarb is used as a laxative,
antiphlogistic, and homeostatic in the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, jaundice,
gastro-intestinal hemorrhage, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis, traumatic injuries,
superficial suppurative sores and ulcers. It is also applied externally for thermal burns.
In TCM terms it Drains Heat and accumulations from the Yangming level, Clears Damp Heat,
Cools the Blood, Invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnant Blood and Clears Toxic Heat and
purges knotted Heat and stool from the colon.
Buckthorn (leaf)
Buckthorn Bark is mainly used as an
aperient that acts as a laxative without the harsh purging actions often associated with
laxatives. It is mild, but effectively causes rapid evacuation of the bowels. The basis of
the herb's efficacy is thought to be the presence of anthraquinones - either free (i.e.,
aloe-emodin) that remain in the intestines and irritate the intestinal wall to stimulate
elimination - or as sugar derivatives (glycosides), which are absorbed into the intestines
and bloodstream and go on to stimulate the nerve center in the lower part of the
intestine. As such, Buckthorn Bark is said to be effective in cases of chronic
constipation and atonic constipation, which is caused by inadequate intake of fluids, poor
diet, or overuse of purgatives that result in loss of natural reflexes. It is also thought
to ease abdominal bloating.
The tannins in Buckthorn Bark are believed
to have astringent properties and have been used to treat hemorrhoids. Buckthorn Bark is
believed to stimulate the liver and gallbladder. The herb is said to be beneficial for
treating liver disorders, such as jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. It is also thought
to help a sluggish gallbladder by increasing the flow of bile and has been said to help
the body rid itself of gallstones.
Gentian (root)
Gentian is an excellent bitter which
stimulates appetite and digestion through a general stimulation of the digestive juices,
increasing the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It also accelerates the
emptying of the stomach. It is indicated wherever there is a lack of appetite, dyspepsia
or flatulence. The general toning effect of bitters give this herb a role to play in
treating debility, anorexia and exhaustion.
Turmeric (root)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the bright
yellow of the spice rainbow, is a powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese
and Indian systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide variety of
conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine,
hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.
Peppermint (leaf)
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), a
popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, also serves as a calming agent to soothe
an an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect,
it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression,
nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also widely used to treat
symptoms of the common cold. |
