Buchu Leaves - Buchu, which is a Latin word, is a small shrub found in South Africa. It is a widely used ingredient in South Africa and Europe. Buchu leaves are mainly used as a flavoring agent. They are used to add peppermint flavor in wines and brandies. Buchu leaves are also widely used as a remedy for a lot of ailments. Buchu leaves are a natural form of antiseptic. It is therefore used in a lot of chronic urinary tract disorders such as bladder infection, kidney stones. Other illnesses that can are treated with the help of Buchu leaves are cystitis and rheumatism. Buchu leaves are also considered to be a mild diuretic. There are no known side effects of these leaves and is therefore considered to be one of the safest and non toxic herb.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Chlorophyll is commonly found in the green pigmentation of plants, sometimes also referred to as the “plant’s blood”. Chlorophyll is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifier. It protects the muscles and cells from harmful free radicals. It contains high levels of Vitamin A, C and E that can reduce inflammation. Chlorophyll helps the liver build red blood cells and boosts the immune system because of its Vitamin K, folic, iron, calcium and protein content. It has anti-carcinogenic properties, delaying and preventing certain diseases from developing. Chlorophyll is ideal for body builders and athletes because it stimulates red blood cell that helps in building and repairing muscle tissues.

Choline is an essential nutrient grouped with the Vitamin B complex and an organic compound. It is a natural amine can be found in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and in the lipids which are in the cell membranes. Most well known supplement for choline is lecithin, but generally choline is found in egg yolks, soy, wheat germ and beef and poultry livers. Choline is commonly added to supplements which are deemed to reduce excess body fat, because of the claim that choline helps the body metabolize cholesterol and fat. In humans there is a choline transporter, which allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is believed to have nootropic effects, improving the cognitive abilities and memory.

Chromium is an essential mineral that plays an important role with how the body uses glucose. Chromium may be found in brewer’s yeast, grains, cereal and in some beers. It aids in maintaining the ideal blood sugar level which helps diabetic patients. It also helps in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body that may help reduce fats. It helps improve muscle tone by burning the fats. It reduces hunger pangs, suppress cravings and appetite. It is help control the blood cholesterol level. It lowers the risks of cardiovascular problems. It also alleviates depression by stimulating the fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis that is important for brain function.

Cornsilk (Zea mays) also known as maize silk is obtained from the tassels inside the corn. Corn silk has many medicinal uses and is used in treatment of various health issues. It’s primarily used to support urinary system. It’s widely used as remedy for acute inflamed bladders, painful urination and prostrate disorders. It’s also used for various other ailments such as heart trouble, obesity, bed-wetting in children, PMS, jaundice, edema, malaria, to reduce kidney stones, gonorrhea and as a diuretic. It is rich in vitamin K and also contains iron, calcium, silicon, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, PABA and zinc. It is also used to control bleeding during childbirth as its rich in vitamin k.

Doggrass is used as a diuretic, demulcent and anti-microbial agent. Demulcent properties of doggrass alleviate irritation and inflammation. Also heals urinary infections like cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis. It improves the flow of urine and heals irritation of urinary passages. Doggrass is used in conjunction with other herbs to treat rheumatism. It is also used to ease pain of enlarged prostate, and bladder and kidney stones. Taking doggrass can be beneficial to patients suffering obstructions in the viscera, especially in cases of scirrhous liver, and in jaundice. Also known as couchgrass, it is taken internally as a tea and is also used for baths and irrigation therapy.

Grapefruit Extract, also known as citrus seed extract is a liquid that is derived from the seeds, pulp as well as the white membranes of grapefruit. Some scientists claim that grapefruit extract possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties while others recommend it for the treatment of earache, throat infections etc. There are two ways in which grapefruit extract is prepared. One is the natural, self-made grapefruit extract which is made by grinding the seed and pulp and then mixing them with glycerine. The second method is the commercial way in which the seed, pulp, glycerine and synthetic preservatives are all blended together. Grapefruit extract is believed to have a lot of scope in the health food industry. However one has to be careful as grapefruit can have several interactions with certain drugs like warfarin.

Hydrangea Extract is famous for its diuretic qualities. It has been successful in dissolving kidney stones and helping with other kidney related problems. Another very important usage of hydrangea extract is for the treatment of enlarged as well as inflamed prostate glands. Cystitis is another problem which can be cured with the help of hydrangea extract. The extract helps in easing the backache associated with kidney pain problems. Malaria can also be treated with the help of hydrangea extract. But what needs to be taken care is the dosage in which it is consumed. The dosage needs to be carefully monitored and administrated. Over dose may cause vomiting and other side effects. The use of hydrangea extract should also be restricted in case of pregnancy just to be more cautious.

Inositol named as “myo inositol” is a nutrient that is considered to occur naturally and considered as “carbocyclic polyol”. One of the major advantage that inositol has is the prevention of fat formation around the liver. It is also good to promote healthy, thick hair growth. It improves the body metabolism by better conversion of nutrients into energy. Insufficient amount of inositol in the body can be dangerous leading to vision problems, constipation, hair loss and high cholesterol. Much has been talked about inositol being beneficial for the human body however; there is no good evidence that proves any noticeable difference by extra addition of inositol in ones diet. Some good sources of inositol include read beans, kidney beans, cantaloupes, organs and many more.

Juniper Berry is utilized to help treat bladder infections.

L-Carnitine is produced from amino acids present in the body. It burns fat for the release of energy for the body to function and is therefore, one of the more well known agents of weight loss. L-Carnitine is also believed to have an effect in the delay of Alzheimer’s disease. Conditions, such as angina, cause insufficient production of L-Carnitine. It is commonly found in breast milk, red meat and dairy products. Low levels of L Carnitine can cause cramps in the muscles, low blood sugar and tiredness. When using supplements of L-Carnitine, a person must use suitable amounts of Vitamins C and B, along with iron supplements. Proteins from animals and other foods, rich in nutrition will assist in meeting the required levels of nutrition.

L-Methionine is an essential amino acid, actually an alpha amino acid, furthermore classified as nonpolar. This proteinogenic amino acid is the only one, besides cysteine, which contains sulfur. Methionine serves as an intermediate of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, but also lecithin, taurine, carnitine and cysteine. If methionine cannot be properly synthesized, the condition can lead to atherosclerosis. While it must be supplied with diet, this amino acid is deemed a powerful antioxidant, believed to be a scavenger of free radicals, and may assist with the breakdown of fats. Sources of L-Methionine include poultry and related products, including eggs, but also other meats, such as beef, cheese and fish. Methionine adenosyltransferase is converting methionine to S-adenosylmethionine, SAM, which in turn is involved in the creation of creatine, epinephrine, melatonin and further substances.

Lecithin is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is composed mostly of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier.

Linoleic Acid is an unsaturated omega 6 fatty acid which may be found in olive oil. It helps lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) level, and control blood cholesterol. It prevents clotting which may cause heart problems. Linoleic Acid is also beneficial to arthritis patients because it decreases the inflammation and alleviates pain and swelling. It improves the metabolic rate which promotes weight loss and decreases abdominal fat which is beneficial to thyroid patients. It improves and promotes lean muscles. It regulates blood sugar level which benefits diabetic patients. It also helps improve the immune system and fight against viral and bacterial infections.

Oleic Acid  is also known as the Omega 9 fatty acid. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid present in most natural fats. It is naturally found in avocado fruit, apricot seeds, almonds, olive oils and macadamia nuts. It can also be found in the cocoa butter used for making chocolates. Oleic acid is used to make synthetic cheeses and butters, ice creams, and sodas. It helps maintain cholesterol levels, thus, lowering the risks of heart attack, arteriosclerosis, and other such heart diseases. Oleic acid also aids in repairing cellular and tissue damages caused by free radical damages. It may also help in preventing cancer. It also has antioxidant properties that fights premature aging and maintains the skin’s moisture.

Parsley Leaves- Parsley belongs to the carrot family and is cultivated in all parts of the world. Parsley is used as a spice, a food and also as an herbal remedy. Parsley leaves are wonderful blood purifiers and are effective in rejuvenating blood vessels. They are also of immense use in healing as well as in reducing fatigue as well as in strengthening the immune system. Parsley leaves are filled with antioxidant properties and has the ability to fight bacteria. It also eradicates bad breath and the medicines prepared using parsley leaves show very few side effects. Parsley leaves are commonly used for garnishing purposes and is popular for its nutritious and medicinal values. It also fights cancer and as well prevents heart diseases. Parsley leaves have lots of vitamins including vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin K, vitamin B12, vitamin A, iron, calcium, chlorophyll, beta carotene, protein, etc. The parsley seeds are used to cure renal diseases. Parsley leaves also increases urination in the stages of pregnancy.

Potassium- Potassium is one of the essential minerals required for proper physiological functioning of the body. It plays an important role in the regulation of heart muscles. It helps to convert glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is essential for muscle formation. Potassium also helps to propagate nerve impulses by exchanging ion within cells and also helps in muscle contractions. It helps in balancing blood pressure. It controls the proper functioning of kidney. An average adult needs 3-5 gm of potassium daily. Due to deficiency of potassium, body observes tiredness. Other deficiency symptoms are weakness of muscles, low blood pressure, vomiting, poor kidney functions and Heart arrhythmias. Severe potassium shortages quickly direct to electrolyte disproportion which involves malfunctioning of nerves, kidney and heart.

Uva Ursi leaves have been used for centuries as a mild diuretic and astringent. It is also used in treatment of urinary tract infections like cystitis, urethritis and nephritis, pyelitis and in pyelonephritis. It can also assist in decreasing accumulations of uric acid and relieve pain of bladder stones. It is beneficial for chronic diarrhea. Being a muscle relaxant and nutritional supplement, Uva Ursi soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated and inflamed tissues. It is a good diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic agent. Uva Ursi is also a good tonic for weak kidneys, pancreas and liver. It is helpful in relieving headache, preventing and curing scurvy, and treating urinary tract infections. It also assists in preventing postpartum infection.

Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, plays an important role in the breakdown of protein, fats and carbohydrates. It helps in the production of antibodies that keeps the immune system strong. It promotes red blood cell (RBC) production. It alleviates the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS such as headaches, bloating, depression, mood swings, and abdominal pains. Vitamin B6 also prevents the development of kidney stones. It also helps reduce the build-up of homocystein in the vessels that may cause hearth attack. Vitamin B6 is also beneficial in the overall nerve health. It also prevents or decreases the susceptibility to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.