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Alfala - Medicinally alfalfa has been used in India as a poultice to heal boils and in Colombia to treat coughs. As a food, alfalfa is incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals: it's an excellent source of vitamins A, B-1, B-6, B-12, C, E, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and calcium. It contains some essential and non-essential amino acids, too.
Astragalus - Astragalus stimulates the production of the virus-fighting proteins interferon. Astragalus has been used in the in connection with the following conditions Alzheimer?s disease, Chemotherapy support,Common cold/sore throat, Immune function, and Infection.
Bilberry - The dried berries and leaves of bilberry have been recommended for a wide variety of conditions, including scurvy, urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. Perhaps the most sound historical application is the use of the dried berries for the treatment of diarrhea. Modern research of bilberry was partly based on its use by British World War II pilots, who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids. Bilberries contain the potent antioxidant Anthocyanosides. They support normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body. Anthocyanosides may also improve capillary and venous blood flow. Preliminary human studies conducted in Europe show that bilberry can be beneficial for people with cataracts retinopathies (e.g. macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy),and blood vessel thickening due to diabetes. Bilberry protects cholesterol from oxidizing in test tubes. This may be part of how it helps people with atherosclerosis.
Burdock - Burdock fights microbes and tumors, and also stimulates the production of interferon. "The Herbal Handbook: A Users Guide to Medical Herbalism" states that, burdock root is described as a blood purifier or alterative. Burdock root was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles. It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and elsewhere. Burdock root has recently become popular as part of a tea to treat cancer. To date, minimal research has substantiated this application.
Cayenne - Capsaicin is the active ingredient in cayenne pepper. Capsaicin basically does two things: first, it stimulates your warmth sensors, then it desensitizes them. You can actually feel your body temperature drop after eating a spicy meal, which is why folks in tropical climates can tolerate the heat much better than those of us from temperate zones. As a treatment, capsaicin has most often been documented as a cream or ointment applied externally to inflamed or irritated joints. But anecdotally, cayenne has been used to treat everything from colds and flu to cold feet.
Cat’s claw - Cats claw has been reportedly used by indigenous peoples in the Andes to treat inflammation, rheumatism, gastric ulcers, tumors, dysentery, and as birth control.Cat’s claw is popular in South American folk medicine for intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing. Active constituents: Oxyindole alkaloids appear to give cat’s claw much of its activity, particularly to stimulate the immune system. The alkaloids and other constituents, such as glycosides, may account for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of this herb.
Chamomile - The flowers of Chamomile provide 1–2% volatile oils containing alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin (usually converted to chamazulene). Other active constituents include the bioflavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. These active ingredients contribute to chamomile’s anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and smooth-muscle relaxing action, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Dong Quai - Asian herbalists have used the root of the Dong Quai plant for centuries to treat gynecological problems. Hailed by its advocates as useful in regulating menstruation, reducing symptoms of PMS, and treating menstrual cramps, as well as relieving some of the symptoms of menopause, Dong Quai is often called the "female ginseng" of herbs. Some research does show, however, that large doses of Dong Quai could be harmful -- resulting in a kind of photodermatitis in people who are susceptible. Taking large amounts over time is therefore not recommended.