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 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.

Creatine Monohydrate supplements received wide popularization the early nineties of the twentieth century although already in the early years of the century proof existed that the muscle content could be boosted by the ingestion of creatine. The scientists discovered shortly thereafter the importance of creatine phosphate and the research did not stop there. While some weak supplements were available before 1992, with the introduction of Phosphagen into the supplement market, one of the most important products for the body building community has been created. Ever since then, creatine supplements have been changed and amended, improving the bioavailability and absorption properties. Currently there is a new version of the most popular supplement version, creatine monohydrate. Micronized creatine is this new product and it promises much quicker digestion and utilization.

Dandelion is a group of flowering plants which are found in Europe, Asia and North America. Two of the dandelion variants are worldwide spread weeds and can be seen flowering almost throughout the year. Seeds of the dandelion plant are produced without pollination, creating offspring with identical genetic material. Luteolin, a flavonoid, is a powerful antioxidant, is a secondary metabolite of dandelion and is believed to possess strong properties as an anti-inflammation agent, modulator of the immune system and promoter of the carbohydrate related metabolism. Furthermore it is thought to have significant anti-carcinogenic properties. Dandelion has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver detox, but in recent times there is evidence that dandelion may also be able to normalize sugar levels in blood.

Hibiscus

Lemon Balm is a member of the mint leaf family, and is utilized to reduce anxiety and stress.

Licorice Root, a widely used herb to disguise the unpleasant flavor of other ingredients. Studies have found licorice Root has strong positive effects on the cells of the digestive system and liver and may act as a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.

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.

Riboflavin, an easily absorbed micronutrient, is also known by the name of Vitamin B2. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of animals as well as humans. A wide variety if cellular processes require this vitamin. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, just like other B vitamins. It is the kind of micronutrient which required for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and ketone bodies. There are a lot of food products that are a good source of Vitamin B2. Matured soybeans, yeast, mushroom, livers, kidneys, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, almonds are such products that are rich in this vitamin. But riboflavin does get destroyed if exposed to light. Riboflavin is a non toxic vitamin. Hence, there is no harm in taking it orally.

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.

Whey Protein- The liquid material that remains when milk is used to produce cheese is called whey or milk plasma, which is then used to produce whey protein, a mixture of spheroproteins. Whey protein consists of beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin. Whey protein has the highest known protein bioavailability, more than egg whites, and therefore it is one of the main sources of proteins for a body building aficionado. Whey proteins are also a common source of amino acids and the uses of whey protein to prevent cancer and heart disease are subject of many studies. The so called branched chain amino acids are deemed very helpful in muscle building and muscle retaining, therefore the popularity of whey protein with the athletic community is constantly at a high level.