The 7-DFBX Review

Alfalfa Leaf is also called as holy-hay, Lucerne and trefoil. Alfalfa is the oldest cultivated plant and is in use for centuries. It is also useful as human food. It has acquired the name from Arabic word al-fac-facah. This Arabic word meant father of foods. Alfalfa offers vitamins E, C and K and beta-carotene. The sprouts, seeds and the herb are used for tea and are also employed in capsules. Alfalfa seeds or leaves are used in capsules. The sprouts are used in salad bars and groceries. The alfalfa is boiled for 10 minutes in boiling water while preparing tea. Alfalfa is also the best sources of vitamin K and works in association with vitamin D. this combination helps in building good bone structure. Alfalfa is useful as homeopathic remedy as it stimulates milk production in the mothers who breastfeed. Alfalfa can also be employed with fenugreek and blessed thistle. Alfalfa seeds evidently lower the levels of cholesterol and hence are used widely.

Aloe represents four hundred species of succulent plant and the common and popular is the aloe or Aloe Vera. This is a genus and is commonly found in South Africa. This is as well found in the adjacent areas such as the Arabian Peninsula, islands of Africa and Madagascar. This belongs to the Aloceae and the lily family. Members of allied genera such as Haworthia, Gasteria and Kniphofia exhibit identical growth and are known as aloes. The aloe species have thick, large and fleshy leaves. These leaves have a sharp apex in association with a spiny margin. Aloe is cultivated in gardens as well as in pots. It is considered to be ornamental plants and also has medicinal effects. Aloe Vera is used to treat wounds by the Romans and reeks. The processed aloe is used as a laxative as it contains aloin, while the aloe vera juice that is processed does not have aloin and is hence useful for digestive healing.

Apple Cider Vinegar, which has been said to contain up to ninety different healthy substances such as carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, ethyl acetates and more. Apple Cider Vinegar also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well as acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, enzymes and amino acids.

Apple Pectin is a soluble fiber fuses with bile acids and promotes their removal.

Burdock Root is found in Asia and Europe. Burdock root has medicinal qualities and is in use for herbal remedies. This root is tasty as it is sweet and has gummy consistency. Budrock is used as remedy for arthritis, measles, throat pain, colds and diuretic. Budrock root is employed in oncology and is useful in treating various health problems. Budrock root is used for purifying blood and is useful in removing toxins. It is used orally and also topically for skin disorders. Budrock root soothes aching joints as well. Chinese healers combine with other plants to cure cold, measles, tonsillitis and throat pain. Burdock root is well-known in Japan and is a good source of nutrients and vitamins. Budrock root is supposed to be tested systematically. Budrock root is effective in bloodstream cleansing, treating gout, relieving pain from arthritis, ulcers, eczema, rheumatism and psoriasis. It has properties in curing cancer and is found effective in treating impotence and barrenness.

Caffeine is the most widely available legal psychoactive stimulant drug. Also known as theine, methyltheobromine and trimethylxanthine, this xanthine alkaloid is not only found in coffee beans, but also in guaranine that is derived from guarana, mateine derived from mate, theine which is found in various teas and the kola nut, which is the base flavor of various Cola soft drinks. It stimulates the central nervous system, where it restores alertness and wards off drowsiness. Caffeine is also know to display certain diuretic properties, is an ergogenic, an atagonist of the adenosine receptors, and a cAMP levels increasing factor. It seems that caffeine helps prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease and in the long run lowers the possibility of developing a heart disease.

Cayenne, which contains Capsaicin, a thermogenic substance. A thermogenic raises your core temperature, which allows you to burn more calories from food, particularly when eating a high fat meal.

Chromium Polynicotinate, which is a form of chromium, an essential trace mineral that is needed for the body's production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that stabilizes the body's blood sugar level.

Dandelion - Taraxacum with the common name dandelion are common weeds, flowering plants that are found worldwide, but are native to the Old World, or the temperate areas of Europe and North America. Effects of the dandelion extract are multiple, for once, it is believed to be a diuretic, because of the salt and water excretion induction from the kidneys. It contains luteolin, a flavonoid and very common. It is very important as an antioxidant, feeding on free radicals, preventing inflammation and promoting the carbohydrate metabolism. It is believed that dandelion, or luteolin for that matter, plays a vital part in the prevention of cancer and that it is an immune system modulator. Besides other positive aspects, like lessening the effects of herpes, genital warts and also helping with problems regarding dyspepsia, liver and gallbladder, it helps with treatment of obesity prone patients.

Fennel Seed is a carminative and stomachic, helps ease stomach discomfort and disperses gas.

Flax seed is rich in alpha linolenic acids that offer numerous health benefits to mankind. In fact, flax seed has actually become our modern miracle food considering the fact that it helps in lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in the body and also helps us reduce blood triglyceride and blood pressure. Given the amount of stress associated with urban living, people have become susceptible to a wide range of health problems that include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, flax seed plays a major role in minimizing the risk of heart attack, since it keeps the platelets from becoming sticky. Flax seeds also have a high content of lignan, a type of phytoestrogen (antioxidant) that helps in cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer.

Garlic- In modern times, people are sticking to the adage - a clove of garlic a day keeps cancer away!! Due to its therapeutic properties, garlic has garnered the reputation of being a 'wonder' drug that fights virtually all possible illness ranging from common cold and flue to cancer and plague. Garlic not just keeps cancer at bay but also helps you manage high cholesterol levels. While most people prefer to use organically grown garlic for its high sulphur content, many choose to take garlic supplements in the form of pills and capsules. It is believed that raw garlic is quite effective for treating acne symptoms as well. Moderation is the key here, as consuming garlic in large quantities can cause irritation of the digestive tract and may even damage it.

Ginger Root- Although used in cooking ginger is also used as a medicine. Medically it is a carminative, i.e. something that prevents the formation of intestinal gas, and as a stimulant, and is widely used for both colic and dyspepsia. Pregnant women are often recommended to eat ginger in the mornings in order to avoid morning sickness. It is generally safe to take although it is contraindicated in those taking Warfarin and also in those with gall stones as it can stimulate the liver’s production of bile. There is some evidence that ginger can ease arthritic pain and it is possible that it has blood thinning properties and may lower cholesterol levels

Glucomannan, also called propolene, not to be confused with propylene, is a polysaccharide and mainly a straight chain polymer. It is widely used as a food additive, E number E425, with thickening and emulsifying characteristics. Glucomannan comprises almost half of the corm of the amorphophallus konjac plant, the so called “devil’s tongue” plant, native to warmer subtropical to tropical eastern Asia. Some studies have shown that this dietary fiber may hold multiple health benefits. It has been and currently is in clinical trials for treatment of constipation, obesity, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. For weight control purposes, it has been observed that glucomannan promotes satiety when ingested, significantly reducing food cravings. It was also observed that when used with chitosan, glucomannan seemed to decrease serum cholesterol.

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.

Hawthorne Berry are used for various purposes such as flours and jellies. Hawthorn berries are a sign of hope and evil. Christians considered this plant as sacred as it has crown of thorns. It is well-known in Europe and is widely used in herbal tinctures, teas and in herbal combinations. The hawthorn berries show effects on circulatory system. The chemical constituents enhance enzyme metabolism. These berries are expected to be taken for certain time to realize the nutritional benefits. Hawthorn berries has vitamin B and C complex, sugars and flavonoids. The extracts of liquid are useful for people having difficulty in swallowing capsules. The hawthorn berries are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Hawthorn is considered to be safe as well as effective for early heart disease stages. There is evidence of improvement in cardiovascular system. It is also used in the hepatitis treatment. Hawthorn berries can be conveniently taken with other blood pressure medications as well.

Irish Moss, also called Chondrus crispus, a species of red algae. Irish moss contains 55 to 90 percent mucilage, and small amounts of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorous, bromine, fluorine, sodium, potassium, calcium, silica, iodine, and magnesium. Irish Moss is also soothing to the digestive system.

Oat Bran is a water-soluble fiber, water-soluble fiber binds with bile and water which increases bulk. Soluble fibers have been shown to help balance blood-lipid levels because they can collect with bile and promote excretion.

Peppermint - All of us are aware of the flavor of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) through gum, chocolates, tea, and toothpastes. It facilitates digestion and is great to soothe an upset stomach. It is also used to treat headaches and depression-related anxiety due to its calming effect. The calming and numbing effect of peppermint has also made it a popular ingredient for treating health problems such as nausea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, colds and flu, and skin irritations. Peppermint has made its way into chest rubs too to treat symptoms associated with common cold. Peppermint is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties too. It has been found very effective in breaking down gallstones too though doctor's supervision is a must, as it can make certain types of gallstone worse by stimulating the production of bile.

Psyllium Husk thrives in the Middle East. Psyllium husk refers to the covering of seeds and this is recognized as one of the best ways of acquiring high dietary fiber count. Certainly, Oat bran is also an excellent fiber source. Subsequently, Psyllium husk offers heavy dose of dietary fiber and is the main ingredient for dietary fiber powders and supplements such as Metamucil. Psyllium husk passes through the digestive tract by absorbing water and hence is of immense use to people suffering from diarrhea or constipation. The intake of dietary fiber assists in improving the condition such that it results in making the stool bulkier and softer. Taking Psyllium Husk with plenty of water is very important. Drinking even six to seven glasses of water is recommended. Similarly, taking high fiber cereals such as Heartwise and Bran Buds also should be taken with lots of water. Psyllium Husk is also useful in reducing blood cholesterol. However, care should be taken while taking Psyllium Husk as some people may be allergic to this fiber.

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.

Red Raspberry Leaf is the best pal of gardeners. This is because though it has small prickles, it gives luscious berries in abundance. This plant is now found in gardens in the North America temperate regions. This plant is indigenous to Asia and Europe as well. They are common fruits used in fruit salads, fruit juices, preserves, jams, breakfast bars, fruit syrups, tarts and many other foods. Ted raspberry leaves have health promoting characteristics. They are filled with vitamin C and phenolic antioxidants namely tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanin pigments. The red raspberry leaf has bitter and harsh flavor, but is excellent with medicinal power. Tea prepared from red raspberry leaf is useful to cure wounds, upper respiratory disorders, colic pain and childbirth difficulties. The leaf tea is good for diarrhea treatment. The tea prepared using red raspberry leaf can be taken five to six times in a day. it has the ability to cure diarrhea as it is rich with tannins and they reduce intestinal inflammation. The raspberry leaf is also an effective mouthwash.

Sage Leaf Extract.

Uva Ursi is a woody shrub of evergreen leaves featuring a red berry fruit. This and some related species are being referred to as bearberries. At home on the Northern Hemisphere, it has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. The active ingredient is arbutin, a glycoside with antimicrobial and mild diuretic properties. The leaves were often used for medicinal tea, where, besides arbutin, other active ingredients exist, like tannic acid, gallic acid, ursolic acid, resin, hydroquinones, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic glycosides. The uva ursi extract is said to help, among other uses, as a mild stimulant, sedative, disinfectant, tonic and urinary antiseptic. Its use included fighting kidney stones and infections, nephritis, pancreatitis, vaginal diseases, diabetes, where it removes excess sugar from blood, and obesity.