Mathematical Miracle of the Quran, Miracle 19 of the Quran, Ultimate Mathematics of the Quran, code 19 of the Quran, religiojnwhistleblower.com, Behruz Mofidi Shirazi, Rashad Khalifa, Ali R Fazely.

Allah's Provisions and Pharmacy

Allah is the only Healer with all the herbal medicines that He created for us. Ever since Adam and children of Adam and after them, the ones whom carried with Noah and then Children of Israel, up to our grand parents, and our parents, Allah was the only source of healing for them. when a person would get sick, would use herbs created by Allah in order to get cure or use Cool Wash treatment as Allah prescribed for Job in the Scientifically proven Arabic Ghor-on, based on mathematics, the exact science.

In chapter 38 of the Arabic Ghor-on, Allah tells Job how to cure himself with Cool wash and Herbs.

38:41 - And remember Our servant Job, when he called upon his Lord, indeed Satan has afflicted me with hardship and pain.

38:42 - Hit the ground with your foot. This is a Cool Wash as well as a source of drink.

38:43 - And We granted him his family and doubled them as a mercy from Us as well as a reminder for those who possess Intelligence.

38:44 - And take this Herb in your hand and apply it and do not go wrong. We indeed found him steadfast. He was surely a good servant, he was obedient.

Or Allah thought Ebrahim that our body will Heal itself, as Abraham says,

26:78 - He is the One who has created me and he then guides me.

26:79 - And He is the One who feeds me and waters me.

26:80 - And when I get sick, He heals me.

26:81 - And He is the One who puts me to death then resurrects me.

Allah gave Ebrahim his guidance and knowledge, because Allah was aware of him. Through Allah given intelligent and knowledge, Ebrahim could find Allah and, he could find out that Allah is the one who heals people when ever they get sick, without having microscopes and computers. Yet today's deceived pharmaceutical people can not recognize this fact. In our generation, satan came up with pharmaceutical medicines and people are following him with an open eyes.

Did you know every year in U.S.

39,000 People Die of Unnecessary Surgery and other Errors in Hospitals

80,000 People die of Infections in Hospitals

106,000 People Die of Adverse Drug Reactions

Total of 225,000 People Die of Modern Medicine

652,486 People die of Heart Disease

553,888 People Die of Cancer

These people die of pharmaceutical poisons called medicines and, under doctors care, or better yet because of careless and unknowledgeable doctor. And the rest of us die of the life stile created by chemical companies who have poisoned our soil, food supplies, animals, water and air. We are eating much of the wrong things, and not enough of the right things. University of Stanford announced that the average human's life expectancy should be 125 years, but the average life span in U.S. is 72 years, and when you ask them why, they say, "It is because the way we live!?....

Noah lived 950 years and from Enjeal we read in Genesis 25:7- Ebrahim lived a total of 175 years.

Allah thought us how to heal ourselves long time ago and this knowledge was past on through our parents up to just right around year 1900. Around that time we decided to spray everything with every kind of Herbicide, Pesticide, Larvicide, Fungicide, we decide to Genetically Modify things that we do not know anything about. Allah The Almighty, Creator of everything in the skies and the land and everything between them, created everything for a reason and, nothing were created in vain. All the plants you see around you were designed and created by Allah for a reason. And Allah grow different plants as an herbal medicine in order to cure our sicknesses.

Allah created provisions for all of His creations and, He wants us to eat from Lawful and Pure Provisions and be appreciative of Him. Allah could have said, " just eat from Lawful provisions" but, He wants us to eat from Pure Food. As we read in the Scientifically proven Arabic Ghor-on, based on mathematics, the exact science:

2:172 - O you who believe, eat from Pure things We have provided for you and be thankful to Allah, if you worship Him alone.

5:88 - And eat from what Allah has provided for you, Lawful and Pure. And fear Allah, the one you believe in.

8:69 - Therefore, you may consume your unexpected gains, for it is both Lawful and Pure. And you shall fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is All Forgiving, All Merciful.

16:114 - Therefore, you shall consume Allah’s provision that is Lawful and Pure and be appreciative of Allah’s blessings, therefore, if you are worshiping Him alone.

Allah made food for our body from plants and water and animals and He does not want us poison our food with checmicals. Allah provided for us seeds, soil, and water and, all we have to do is look at them grow, yet we poison Allah's soil and Allah's water, then we call ourselves farmers...!

56:63 - Do you see what you harvest? 56:64 - Did you farm it or are We the farmer? 56:65 - Had We willed, We could have turned it into hay, then, you would have been stunned, lamenting;-56:66- we have indeed suffered a real loss, 56:67- indeed we have been deprived. 56:68 - Do you see the water that you drink? 56:69 - Do you cause it to come down from the cloud or do We? 56:70 - Had We willed, We could have made it salty, therefore, why are you not appreciative?

Allah provided us with Lawful and, Pure Food, not polluted; food that is not poisoned with chemicals, yet, satan came up with an idea of mixing chemicals in order to make fertilizer, pesticides, and chemical medicines which they are not natural and, as a result of following the path of satan, today we have poisoned our air, water, soil, food and animals and humans with chemicals and it takes us years to accumulate all these chemicals toxins and the consequences are so many decease that we are infected with, such as: Arthritis, Stomach Ulcers, Digestive Complains, Constipation, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, High Blood Pressures, all kinds of Cancers, Parkinson Diseases, Heart Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Neurologic Diseases, Muscular Diseases, Skin Diseases. And etc... Then we created doctors and insurance companies and we worship them as a source of healing and savior beside Allah, The Almighty, The only Healer and source of help. Abraham knew that our body heals itself and, he also knew that our body needed Nutrition in order to repair itself and heal itself, that is why he was asking Allah to provide him with fruits.

2:126 - And when Ebrahim said; my Lord, make this town secure and provide for its inhabitants all kinds of fruits for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. He said and the one who disbelieves, then I provide for him a little, thereafter, I see no option for him but the punishment of the Fire, and a miserable abode.

And then Allah answered Ebrahim's prayer:

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28:57- 59 - And they said; if we follow the guidance with you, we will be banished from our land. Did we not establish for them a sacred secure sanctuary wherein all kinds of fruits flow and provisions from Our special place? However, most of them do not know. And many a community We annihilated, that they were unappreciative of their provisions, only a few of them left to occupy their places, and indeed We were the inheritors. ? And your Lord never annihilates a community unless He raises a messenger from them who recites Our signs to them. We never annihilate a community until its inhabitants commit injustice.

55:11-12 -Therein are fruits and date palms with hanging clusters. Also whole wheat and spices.

80:24- 32 -Then let the human being look at his food. Indeed, We pour the water generously. We then split the ground, with cracks. Consequently, We grow therefrom grains, and grapes and pastures,and olives and dates, and dense orchards, and fruits and vegetables. As a provision for you as well as your livestock.

7:57 - And He is the One who sends the wind bringing the good news of His readily available Mercy. Once the heavy clouds gather, We drive them to the town that was dead, we then send down water therefrom and bring out all kinds of fruits. We thus resurrect the dead, that they may be reminded. 7:58 - As for the town that is pure, its plant germinates with its Lord’s permission. And as for the one that is impure, only less potent plants germinates. We thus explain Our proofs for the people who are grateful.

If you have noticed, they have been announcing in news media, that the total amount of nutrition of plants 60 years ago, were 5 times greater than plants harvested today! Another words, you must consume 5 apples today, in order to get the same amount of nutrition of only 1 apple that you used to eat 60 years ago!....That was the time that, we decided to IMPURE Allah's creations, by spraying everything with every kind of Herbicide, Pesticide, Larvicide, Fungicide, we decided to Genetically Modify things that we do not know anything about, and.....

Yet, Allah does not want us to corrupt the land.

20:81 - Eat from the Pure provision We have provided for you and do not rebel there in, then My wrath descend upon you, and whomever is the recipient of My wrath, he is indeed fallen.

7:56 - And do not corrupt the land after it is set right and call upon Him out of fear and hope. Surely Allah's Mercy is always near the do-gooders.

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2:205 - And once he goes away, he roams the land corrupting, destroying the crops as well as people. And Allah does not like corruption.

Quran is the final book sent by Allah and, Muhammad was the last prophet. Are we waiting for another book from Allah to tell us about medical insurance and medicines and doctors, and pesticides that killing honey bees as our food pollinators? Did you know because of chemical toxins, there are no Honey Bees left in some areas of China and, they use human as pollinator instead of Honey Bee, and it takes one person to pollinate only 3 trees per day? And we are cutting trees right and left ...

Allah povided for us our Sun with Solar energy, yet we pollute our air with gas burning automobile. Yet, we think with all these technologies that we are creating around us, we are more blessed than our older generations. If you think that Allah is blessing us more than Ebrahim, Moo-saw, E-saw son od Maryam, and Muhammd, you better think again!

2:168 - O you people; eat from what is Lawful and Pure on the Land and do not follow the path of Satan. Surely he is your most ardent enemy.

Right around 1900 satan who follows different ways to deceive us, came up with an idea of vaccines, in which contain 100 different kinds of viruses that we could not see 30 years ago under the microscopes. Dr. J. Anthony Morris, former Chief Vaccine Control Officer at the FDA, said, "There is no evidence that any influenza vaccine thus far developed is effective in preventing or mitigating any attack of influenza. The producers of these vaccines know that they are worthless, but they go on selling them anyway." Allah wants us to experince all these ailments, and Allah designed and created our body with immune systems. That means we are not suppose to get sick because our body repairs itself.

Immune System

Immune System recognizes and destroys foreign substances and organisms that enter the body. The immune system can distinguish between the body's own tissues and outside substances called antigens. This allows cells of the immune army to identify and destroy only those enemy antigens. The ability to identify an antigen also permits the immune system to "remember" antigens the body has been exposed to in the past, so that the body can mount a better and faster immune response the next time any of these antigens appear.

Lymphocytes, white blood cells that develop in bone marrow and circulate throughout the body in the lymphatic system, are a vital part of the immune system. Lymphocytes can be divided into two subgroups:

B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes (or B cells) produce immunoglobulins, also called antibodies. These protein molecules attach themselves to specific antigens and work with another type of white blood cell, called phagocytes —scavenger cells that surround and digest infected cells or microorganisms—to destroy the invaders. T lymphocytes (or T cells) help control the immune response and destroy foreign antigens directly. The activity of B cells and T cells targets specific antigens. This means that each time a new kind of antigen invades the body, the immune system must produce a new round of B cells and T cells, which attack only that antigen. It is estimated that the immune system can create more than 100 million types of antibodies. As B cells and T cells mature, they begin to recognize which tissues belong in the body and which do not. These cells become "memory" cells that remember a particular antigen, so that the next time it appears, the immune response can mobilize quickly. In some cases, people have permanent immunity to a disease; for example, people who contract chicken pox usually will not have it again—or, if they do, they will have a much more mild case. The immune system works with amazing complexity. When a B cell encounters a foreign invader, it starts to produce immunoglobulins, or antibodies. Like a key designed to fit only a specific lock, an antibody "locks" onto a single type of antigen like an identifying marker. Once the antibody attaches to an antigen, one class of T cells called helper T cells alerts other white blood cells to head toward the site, while another class called killer T cells begins to destroy the antigen marked by the antibody. At the same time, millions of antibodies swarm through the bloodstream to attach to any more of that type of antigen and mount a larger attack. The immune system also includes other proteins and chemicals that assist antibodies and T cells in their work. Among them are chemicals that alert phagocytes to the site of the infection. The complement system, a group of proteins that normally float freely in the blood, move toward infections, where they combine to help destroy microorganisms and foreign particles. They do this by changing the surface of bacteria or other microorganisms, causing them to die.

Some of the informations on this link were taken from: (healthcare.utah.edu/.../Infectious/immune.htm) and (www.herbdoc.com) and (www.humanillnesses.com/.../Body-Defenses.html) and (foodmathers.tv)

But, the first thing Pharmaceutical Society dose is to cut these parts out of our body.! They cut off the only organs that keeps us from getting sick, ever since from childhood ....! As if to say that, Allah's creation was not complete and we know better than Allah, and your body does not need these parts...! Can you imagine the expansion of this crime!? Allah created us in the best design.

The way Allah created our organs is that they repair themselves and repeat themselves after few weeks or few months. For example, red blood cells live for 4 months and then die and new blood cells recreates.

10:34 - Say, does any of your partners for Allah initiate creation then repeat it? Say, Allah initiates the creation then repeats it. How can you then deviate?

10:4 - To Him is your final destiny, all of you, Allah’s promise in the truth. Indeed He initiates the creation then repeats it in order to reward those who have believed and led a righteous life justly. As for those who have disbelieved, awaiting them is hellish drink and a painful punishment, because of their continuous disbelief.

27:64 - Who is the One who initiates then repeats it? And who is the One who provides for you from the sky and the land? Is there any other elah with Allah? Say; present your proof if you are truthful.

29:19 - Do they not see how Allah initiates creation then repeats it? Indeed this is easy for Allah.

We are hypnotized by satan, let us test ourselves. If you want to buy an orange and you find a label on it that says, "This orange will give you nausea, stomach ache, dizziness, vomiting, and cause birth defect, or it may killyou, would you buy that orange? No you would NOT! But, why is it that we pick up a medicine over the counter and the label says, you may experience, nausea, stomach ache, dizziness, vomiting, and cause birth defect, and might kill you, then we even pay for it to get all these diseases, just because it says on it "Relief headaches" ?!.....

Allah new satan will mislead people through pharmaceutical companies in order to Change Allah's Creations, that is why we have these verses 4:118-119 in the Quran. Allah has cursed him (statan) and, he said, I have indeed possessed a definite share of your servants. And, I will mislead them and will tempt them and command them to Mark the Ears of Animals and to Change Allah's Creation. Again whoever takes satan as an ally besides Allah then he has suffered a clear loss.

4:118 - Allah has cursed him and he says I have indeed possessed a definite share of your servants. 4:119 - And, I will mislead them and will tempt them and command them to mark the ears of animals and to change Allah’s creation. Again whoever takes satan as an ally besides Allah then he has suffered a clear loss. 4:120 - He promises them and tempts them. However, Satan does not promise them but an illusion.

Garlic:

Allium sativum L., commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion family Alliaceae. Its close relatives include the onion, the shallot, and the leek. Garlic has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. A bulb of garlic, the most commonly used part of the plant, is divided into numerous fleshy sections called cloves. The cloves are used as seed, for consumption (raw or cooked), and for medicinal purposes. The leaves, stems (scape) and flowers (bulbils) on the head (spathe) are also edible and most often consumed while immature and still tender. The papery, protective layers of 'skin' over various parts of the plant and the roots attached to the bulb are the only parts not considered palatable.

What does it do?

Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. Animal studies, and some early investigational studies in humans, have suggested possible cardiovascular benefits of garlic. A Czech study found garlic supplementation reduced accumulation of cholesterol on vascular walls of animals. Another study had similar results, with garlic supplementation significantly reducing the plaque in the aortas of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Another study showed that supplementation with garlic extract inhibited vascular calcification in human patients with high blood cholesterol. The known vasodilative effect of garlic is possibly caused by catabolism of garlic-derived polysulfides to hydrogen sulfide in red blood cells, a reaction that is dependent on reduced thiols in or on the RBC membrane. Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenous cardioprotective vascular cell signaling molecule. However, a NIH-funded randomized clinical trial published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007 found that consumption of garlic, in any form, did not reduce cholesterol levels in patients with moderately high baseline levels. In 2007 a BBC news story reported that Allium sativum may have beneficial properties, such as preventing and fighting the common cold. This assertion has the backing of long tradition. Traditional British herbalism used garlic for hoarseness and coughs, both as a syrup and in a salve made of garlic and lard, which was rubbed on the chest and back. The Cherokee also used it as an expectorant for coughs and croup. Allium sativum has been found to reduce platelet aggregation and hyperlipidemia. Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular and prolonged use of therapeutic amounts of aged garlic extracts lower blood homocysteine levels, and has shown to prevent some complications of diabetes mellitus. People taking insulin should not consume medicinal amounts of garlic without consulting a physician. Allium sativum may also possess cancer-fighting properties due to the presence of allylic sulfur compounds such as diallyl disulfide (DADs), believed to be an anticarcinogen. In 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic's antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II. More recently it has been found from a clinical trial that a mouthwash containing 2.5% fresh garlic shows good antimicrobial activity, although the majority of the participants reported an unpleasant taste and halitosis. In modern naturopathy, garlic is used as a treatment for intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites, both orally and as an anal suppository. Garlic cloves are used as a remedy for infections (especially chest problems), digestive disorders, and fungal infections such as thrush.[citation needed] Garlic has been reasonably successfully used in AIDS patients to treat cryptosporidium in an uncontrolled study in China. It has also been used by at least one AIDS patient to treat toxoplasmosis, another protozoal disease. Garlic supplementation in rats along with a high protein diet has been shown to boost testosterone levels. To maximise health benefits from consuming cooked garlic, it has been suggested to allow crushed or chopped garlic to rest for 15 minutes before use to allow enzyme reactions to occur. However the primary compound of interest from this reaction, allicin, is generally deactivated during cooking due to its instability, and may be more beneficial consumed raw.

Acerola Cherries:

(Malpighia punicifolia) The fruit of the Acerola Cherry tree, is nature’s richest source of natural Vitamin C. Acerola cherries also contain high levels of carotenoids which in combination with vitamin C provide an excellent source of powerful antioxidants. The nutrient profile is balanced by a rich array of proteins and mineral salts principally, iron, calcium and phosphorus.

The fruit is edible and widely consumed in the species' native area, and is cultivated elsewhere for its high vitamin C content. In the 1950s, a manufacturer of baby food decided that apple juice was milder for infants than orange juice. The company claimed that a drop of acerola juice in an 8 oz. can of apple juice provided the amount of vitamin C of an equal amount of orange juice. A detailed nutrition facts analysis shows Acerola juice does contain 32 times the amount of vitamin C in orange juice (over 3000% as much) supporting the claim. In Puerto Rico, the acerola is so prized that custom officials exercise considerable precaution to prevent exporting of acerola cuttings. In July 2008, Absolut Vodka announced its second product in a limited-edition series, Absolut Los Angeles, with acerola used as one of a combination of four flavors for the spirit. Açai, pomegranate and blueberry are also used. Acerola flavour is also used in Tic Tac dragées. Acerola is often cultivated as an ornamental shrub, particularly in the southeastern United States. Acerola is classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Magnoliopsida, order Polygalales, family Malpighiaceae.

What does it do?

It promotes the production and release by your adrenal glands of cortsone, dopamine and norepinepharine, which all work to help your body cope with stress and also keeps your entire central nervouse system balance. It also helps your body and liver to detoxify alcohil and other toxic substances. A Vitamin-C deficiency will lead to a depleted immune system leaving you open to sickness and infection. It will also slow the healing process of wounds. Also is needed for the production of collagen, the "glue" that strengthens the body's muscles and blood vessels. Also act as an antioxidant, scavenging potentially harmful molecules called free radicals, and helps boost immune function, protecting against cancer, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration of the retina and other chronic disease. The chemical cartinine is dependent on Vitamin-C also to help it move sugars into your cells to create Energy. It also lower blood pressure.

Palm Fruit:

Palm fruit is one of the richest source of Vitamin-E, and contains more Vitamin-E than any other vegitable oil known. Plam friut oil assimilates easily and is proven to dramtically increase blood level of Vitamin-E. It is also exceptionally high in carotenoids, like alpha and beta-carotene, having about 15 times that of carrots. It also contains about 50 times the lycopene of tomatoes.

What does it do?

The biggest prevention potential of Vitamin-E, which is in Palm fruit is due to its antioxidant activity. Antioxodants do everything in your body from preventing cancer and heart disease to boosting your immune system and slowing the aging process. They do this by providing a layer of protection from the cells and tissues of the bodd.

Rose hips:

These are not only a great source of Vitamin-C, but they also contain the extremely important Vitamin-C Complex nutrients like biofliavonoids, hesperidin, rutin, epicatechin, quercetin, luteolin, calcium and all the many Vitamin-C complex nutrient that are necessary for your body to assimilate and utilize Vitamin-C. This Vitamin-C complex blend is also a very high source of pectin, which removes heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc) from the body. It even removes radioactive and heavy metal contamination, like Strontium 90.

Wht does it do?

It promotes the production and release by your adrenal glands of cortsone, dopamine and norepinepharine, which all work to help your body cope with stress and also keeps your entire central nervouse system balance. It also helps your body and liver to detoxify alcohil and other toxic substances. A Vitamin-C deficiency will lead to a depleted immune system leaving you open to sickness and infection. It will also slow the healing process of wounds. Also is needed for the production of collagen, the "glue" that strengthens the body's muscles and blood vessels. Also act as an antioxidant, scavenging potentially harmful molecules called free radicals, and helps boost immune function, protecting against cancer, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration of the retina and other chronic disease. The chemical cartinine is dependent on Vitamin-C also to help it move sugars into your cells to create Energy. It also lower blood pressure.

Purple Dulse Seaweed:

The most mineral-rich plant that grows in the earth's liquid soil. All the minerals and trace minerals that exist on this planet are contained in the earth's crust. The ocean then lies over this crust on three-quarters of this planet. Ocean water could be called liquid soil. Purple Dulse sea vegetable grows in the ocean's water, which has every mineral known to exit in it, in solution . This sea vegetable is one of the richest sources of digestible, assimilable and usable minerals on the planet. Purple Dulse is a rich source of calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium.

What does it do?

During their unique growth process, aquatic plants absorb mineral-rich seawater and convert it into bio-available natural, organuc minerals. This process is referred to as biological transmutation. these newly created minerals become part of the plant's cell structure and can now be assimilated and used by your body. Purple Dulse contains calcium, which buils and maintains healty bones and teeth as well as helps with blood clothing, heart beat regulation and the release of neurotransmitters. Next is potassium and sodium, which controls blood pressure as well as the pressure of every other fluid in your body. Next is magnesium, which it's role is in evergy production in your most vital organs such as the heart, kidney, liver and brain. Phosphorus combines with calcium in bones to give them their hardness and is also required for proper metabolism, which turns food into evergy. Next is iron, which is found at the center of hemoglobin (the molecule responsib;e for transporting oxygen to your cell). Iodine regulates how proteins, fats and carbohydrates are used and energy is created in our cells. Manganese is a an essential mineral involved in many enzyme systems, which control blood sugar, use of energy and the production of thyriod hormones. Next, Copper is crucial in the formation of the brain and the nervous system and also assists in the creation of

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae:

Sometime between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago, a Mesopotamian farmer discovered that the water some grain had been soaking in had developed a funny taste. He woke the next day having made two important discoveries: Beer Hangovers The first written records of brewing come from Sumeria about 6,000 years ago. But all that drinking was making people hungry, so in Egypt around 5,000 years ago, they starting making bread (or at least, wrote down the recipe). Before that, bread was tough, dry stuff that tended to break your teeth and made your jaw ache. Bread made with yeast was wonderful, light, tasty stuff. The secret?

Yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae are single-celled fungi which that multiply by budding, or in some cases by division (fission), although some yeasts such as Candida albicans may grow as simple irregular filaments (mycelium). They may also reproduce sexually, forming asci which contain up to eight haploid ascospores. If you look closely at the video, you can see examples of budding cells. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has thick-walled, oval cells, around 10 µm long by 5 µm wide.

What does it do?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most important fungi in the history of the world. This yeast is responsible for the production of ethanol in alcoholic drinks and is the reasons your mother’s bread dough rises in the pan. That is where the names brewer’s and baker’s yeast come from. The process in which it produces ethanol is one way this yeast converts glucose into energy. There are two ways Saccharomyces cerevisiae breaks down glucose. One way is through aerobic respiration. This process requires the presence of oxygen. When oxygen is not present the yeast will then go through anaerobic fermentation. The net result of this is two ATP, and it also produces two by products; carbon dioxide and ethanol. So if this yeast is allowed to grow in a container lacking oxygen it will produce ethanol (alcohol). Humans have been isolating this process since the beginning of history. The yeast helps in the rising of bread with it’s other by-product carbon dioxide. The gas that is produce inside the dough causes it to rise and expand. Both of these processes use the haploid of this yeast for this process. In industry they isolate one strain, either a or ?, of the haploid to keep them from undergoing mating. (Madigan, 457) In the baker’s yeast they have a strain were the production of carbon dioxide is more prevalent then ethanol and vice versa for brewing. (Tomvolkfungi.net) Another importance is that “live yeast supplementation to early lactating dairy goats significantly increased milk production”.

Alfalfa:

Alfalfa is a cool season perennial legume living from three to twelve years, depending on variety and climate. It resembles clover with clusters of small purple flowers. The plant grows to a height of up to 1 metre, and has a deep root system sometimes stretching to 4.5 metres. This makes it very resilient, especially to droughts. It has a tetraploid genome. The plant exhibits autotoxicity, which means that it is difficult for alfalfa seed to grow in existing stands of alfalfa. Therefore, it is recommended that alfalfa fields be rotated with other species (e.g. corn, wheat) before reseeding. Like other legumes, its root nodules contain bacteria, Sinorhizobium meliloti, with the ability to fix nitrogen, producing a high-protein feed regardless of available nitrogen in the soil. Its nitrogen-fixing abilities (which increases soil nitrogen) and use as animal feed greatly improved agricultural efficiency. It is widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle, and is most often harvested as hay, but can be made into silage, grazed, or fed as greenchop.

What does it do?

Alfalfa has the highest feeding value of all common hay crops, being used less frequently as pasture. When grown on soils where it is well-adapted, alfalfa is the highest yielding forage plant. Alfalfa has been used as an herbal medicine for over 1,500 years. Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium, plus other minerals, vitamin A, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. In early Chinese medicines, physicans used young alfalfa leafs to treat disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys. In India, ayurvedic physicans used the leaves for treating poor digestion. They made a cooling poultice from the seeds for boils. At the time, alfalfa was also believed to be helpful towards people suffering from arthritis and water retention. It is majorly used in homeopathic medicines worldwide. Today, alfalfa is suggested for treating anemia, diabetes, to extend appetite and contribute towards weight gain, as a diuretic for increased urination, for indigestion and bladder disorders, alfalfa can also be used as an estrogen replacement in order to increase breast milk and to mitigate premenstrual syndrome, a dietary supplement, and to lower blood cholestrol levels.

Wheat Grass:

refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum, that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal and human consumption. Both provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Claims about wheatgrass' health benefits range from providing supplemental nutrition to having unique curative properties. Some consumers grow and juice wheatgrass in their homes. It is often available in juice bars, alone or in mixed fruit and/or vegetable drinks. It is also available in many health food stores as fresh produce, tablets, frozen juice and powder. One of the most popular claims about wheatgrass, and one that is frequently made by both supporters and retailers, is that 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice is as nutritionally valuable as 1 kg (2.2 lb) of green vegetables, a ratio of 1:35. The available vitamin and mineral data of wheatgrass juice, broccoli and spinach does not support this claim (see table 1). In fact, the vitamin and mineral content of 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice is roughly equivalent to the vitamin and mineral content of 1 ounce of fresh vegetables. This conclusion does not include phyto-nutrient comparisons of these foods.

What dose it do?

Proponents of wheatgrass claim regular ingestion of the plant can improve the digestive system prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease cure constipation detoxify heavy metals from the bloodstream cleanse the liver prevent hair loss help make menopause more manageable promote general wellbeing. Another common claim for wheatgrass is that it promotes detoxification. There appears to be limited data in support of that claim. As the chlorophyll molecule is structurally similar to hemoglobin, it has been argued that wheatgrass helps blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. Although no research exists that directly connects chlorophyll with blood building, nutrients such as iron that are associated with dark green leafy vegetables have been shown to be important for healthy blood.As the chlorophyll molecule is structurally similar to hemoglobin, it has been argued that wheatgrass helps blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. Although no research exists that directly connects chlorophyll with blood building, nutrients such as iron that are associated with dark green leafy vegetables have been shown to be important for healthy blood.

Barley Grass:

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is an annual cereal grain, which serves as a major animal feed crop, with smaller amounts used for malting and in health food. It is a member of the grass family Poaceae. In 2005, barley ranked fourth in quantity produced and in area of cultivation of cereal crops in the world (560,000 km²). (H. vulgare) is descended from wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum). Both forms are diploid (2n=14 chromosomes). As wild barley is interfertile with domesticated barley, the two forms are often treated as one species, Hordeum vulgare, divided into subspecies spontaneum (wild) and subspecies vulgare (domesticated). The main difference between the two forms is the brittle rachis of the former, which enables seed dispersal in the wild.

What dose it do?

Wish you were more regular? Let barley give your intestinal health a boost. In addition to providing bulk and decreasing the transit time of fecal matter, thus decreasing the risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids, barley's dietary fiber also provides food for the "friendly" bacteria in the large intestine. When these helpful bacteria ferment barley's insoluble fiber, they produce a short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid, which serves as the primary fuel for the cells of the large intestine and helps maintain a healthy colon. These helpful bacteria also create two other short-chain fatty acids, propionic and acetic acid, which are used as fuel by the cells of the liver and muscles. In addition, barley's dietary fiber is high in beta glucan, which helps to lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body via the feces. Bile acids are compounds used to digest fat that are manufactured by the liver from cholesterol. When they are excreted along with barley's fiber, the liver must manufacture new bile acids and uses up more cholesterol, thus lowering the amount of cholesterol in circulation. Soluble fiber may also reduce the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests barley's fiber has multiple beneficial effects on cholesterol. In this study of 25 individuals with high cholesterol (postmenopausal women, premenopausal women, and men), adding barley to the American Heart Association Step 1 diet resulted in a significant lowering in total cholesterol in all subjects, plus their amount of large LDL and large and intermediate HDL fractions (which are considered less atherogenic) increased, and the smaller LDL and VLDL cholesterol (the most dangerous fractions) greatly decreased. Lastly, when barley provides insoluble fibers that feed friendly bacteria in the digestive tract, this helps to maintain larger populations of friendly bacteria. In addition to producing the helpful short-chain fatty acids described above, friendly bacteria play an important protective role by crowding out pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria and preventing them from surviving in the intestinal tract. Yet another reason to increase your intake of barley is that, in addition to its fiber, barley is also a good source of niacin, a B vitamin that provides numerous protective actions against cardiovascular risk factors. Niacin can help reduce total cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels. Eating a serving of whole grains, such as barley, at least 6 times each week is a good idea, especially for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Curacao and Cape Aloe Leaf:

Since the era of Ancient Egypt, humans have been using aloe. Cleopatra was said to have used aloe as a beauty tool. The Egyptians discovered the healing powers of aloe. They used it as one of the ingredients of embalming fluid. In the 10th Century, the Europeans were introduced, where it became an important ingredient in many herbal medicines. By the 16th Century, aloe arrived in the West Indies, where still today it is grown and harvested. Many species of Aloe are seemingly stemless, with the rosette growing directly at ground level; other varieties may have a branched or un-branched stem from which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in disecis from grey to bright green and are sometimes striped or grasped.

What does it do?

Some species, in particular Aloe vera are used in alternative medicines and in home first aid. Both the translucent inner pulp and the resinous yellow exudate from wounding the Aloe plant are used externally to relieve skin discomforts. Systematic reviews of randomised and controlled clinical trials have provided no evidence that Aloe vera has any medical effect. Other research suggests Aloe vera can negatively affect healing. Today, the gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds, and various skin conditions like eczema and ringworm. The use of this herbal medicine was popularized in the 1950's in many Western Countries. The gel's effect is nearly immediate, plus it also applies a layer over wounds that is said to reduce the chance of any infection. There have been very few properly conducted studies about possible benefits of aloe gel taken internally, since the Aloe extract is toxic and carcinogenic. There have been some studies in animal models which indicate that extracts of Aloe have a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect, and may be useful in treating Type II diabetes. These studies have not been confirmed in humans. On May 9, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning the use of aloe and cascara sagrada as laxative ingredients in over-the-counter drug products.

Senna Pods:

Senna species make good ornamental plants and are used for landscape gardening. The wide variety of species and ecological adaptations makes at least a handful of sennas suitable for any climate warmer than cool-temperate. Cassia gum - a commonly-used thickening agent -, despite its name is actually from Chinese Senna (S. obtusifolia) seeds. In some Southeast Asian cuisines (particularly those of Thailand and Laos), the leaves and flowers of Siamese Senna (S. siamea, called khi-lek in Thai), either fresh or pickled in brine, are used in cooking, particularly in gaeng khi-lek (khi-lek curry). Another senna, Senna italica ssp. italica (= Cassia obovata), often called "neutral henna", is used as a hair treatment with effects similar to henna but without the red color. The active component is an anthraquinone derivative called chrysophanic acid, which is also found in higher concentrations in rhubarb root. It adds a slight yellow color.

What does it do?

Sennas have for millennia played a major role in herbalism and folk medicine. Alexandrian Senna (S. alexandrina) was and still is a significant item of trans-national trade e.g. by the Ababdeh people and grown commercially, traditionally along the middle Nile but more generally in many regions around the northwestern Indian Ocean. Sennas act as purgatives and are similar to aloe and rhubarb in having as active ingredients anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides. the latter ale called sennosides or senna glycosides. Senna acts on the lower bowel, and is especially useful in alleviating constipation. It increases the peristaltic movements of the colon. The plants are most often prepared as an infusion. Senna glycosides are listed as ATC code A06AB06 on their own and A06AB56 in combined preparations. Today, because of the presence of ample anthraquinones, sennas are still used as the primary ingredient in certain commercial stimulant laxatives. Senna is also the primary ingredient found in most "dieter's teas". The combination of acting as a stimulant which reduces a dieter's appetite, and the laxative properties that cause food to move through their system before as many calories can be absorbed is a combination that can lead to rapid and even dangerous weight loss. The stimulant action of sennosides should be taken into account for those who suffer from any conditions where stimulants are contraindicated, such as past heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, etc. A (generally invisible and harmless) side effect of taking Senna medication regularly is Melanosis coli, a brown discoloration of the colon wall.

Cascara Sagrada:

It is the largest species of buckthorn, occasionally growing up to 15 m tall, though more commonly a large shrub or small tree 5-10 m tall, with a trunk 20-50 cm in diameter. The bark is brownish to silver-grey with light splotching. The leaves are deciduous, alternate, clustered near the ends of twigs; they are oval, 5-15 cm long and 2-5 cm broad with a 0.6-2 cm petiole, dark shiny green on top, fuzzy and paler green below. The flowers are tiny, 4-5 mm diameter, with five greenish yellow petals; the flowering season is brief, disappearing by early summer. The fruit is a berry 6-10 mm diameter, bright red at first, quickly maturing deep purple or black, and containing three seeds.

What does it do?

The dried, aged bark of this tree has been used continually for at least 1,000 years by both native and immigrant Americans as a laxative natural medicine, commercially called "Cascara Sagrada", but old timers call it "chitticum bark". Cascara Sagrada means "sacred bark" in Spanish. The much more pertinent name chitticum means "shit come" in Chinook Jargon; chittam comes from the Chinook Jargon phrase chittam stick = "laxative tree" which is similarly from the English word "shit". Long used as a laxative by Native American groups of the northwest Pacific coast, chitticum bark or Cascara Sagrada was accepted in medical practice in the United States in 1877, and by 1890 had replaced the berries of the European Buckthorn (R. catharticus) as a commonly used laxative. It has been the principal ingredient in many commercial, over-the-counter laxatives in North American pharmacies. On May 9, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning the use of aloe and cascara sagrada as laxative ingredients in over-the-counter drug products[2]. The bark is harvested mostly from wild trees; over-harvesting in the middle 1900s eliminated mature trees near many settled areas. Once stripped from the tree, the bark is aged for about 1 year to make its effect milder. Fresh cut, dried bark causes vomiting and violent diarrhea.

Oregon Grape root:

Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium, Berberidaceae) is an evergreen shrub related to the barberry. Some authors submerge Mahonia in the barberry genus, Berberis. The plant is in no way related to grapes, but gets the name from the purple clusters of berries. It is sometimes called Tall Oregon-grape to distinguish it from Creeping Oregon-grape (Mahonia repens) and "Cascade" or Dwarf Oregon-grape (M. nervosa). The name is often left un-hyphenated as Oregon grape, though doing so invites confusion with the true grapes. It also occasionally appears in print as Oregongrape. FlowersOregon-grape grows to 1-5 m tall. Its leathery leaves resemble holly and the stems and twigs have a thickened, corky appearance. The flowers, borne in late spring, are an attractive yellow.

What does it do?

The plant is used medicinally by herbalists. Recent studies indicate that M. aquifolium contains a specific multidrug resistance pump inhibitor (MDR Inhibitor) named 5'methoxyhydnocarpin (5'MHC) which works to decrease bacterial resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial agents. Oregon grape root is commonly used medicinally as an effective alternative to the threatened goldenseal. Both plants similarly contain the alkaloid berberine, known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial used in the treatment of infection. Berberine and other alkaloids present in Oregon grape root have been shown to kill a wide range of microbes and have been effective in speeding recovery from giardia, candida, viral diarrhea, and cholera.[citation needed] Mahonia aquifolium is also known to be capable of treatment on inflammatory skin diseases such as Eczema and Psoriasis.Oregon grape root also has anticancer properties that are receiving more attention by researchers.[citation needed] Other actions may include alterative, diuretic, laxative and tonic. Health Warning: Because of a potential toxicity or adverse effects of berberine, consult a reputable herbalist regarding dosages and treatments. Use of berberine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Spirulina Algae:

Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae): Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima. These and other Arthrospira species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. There is now agreement that they are distinct genera, and that the food species belong to Arthrospira; nonetheless, the older term "Spirulina" remains the popular name. Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement as well as a whole food and is available in tablet, flake, and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.

What does it do?

Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein, between 55 and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source. It is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids, though with reduced amounts of methionine, cysteine, and lysine, as compared to standard proteins such as that from meat, eggs, or milk. It is, however, superior to all standard plant protein, such as that from legumes.Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and also provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA). Spirulina contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. The bioavailability of vitamin B12 in Spirulina is in dispute. Several biological assays have been used to test for the presence of vitamin B12. Spirulina is a rich source of potassium, and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc. Many positive claims are based on research done on individual nutrients that Spirulina contains, such as GLA, various antioxidants, etc., rather than on direct research using Spirulina. Spirulina is effective for the clinical improvement of melanosis and keratosis due to chronic arsenic poisoning; improves weight-gain and corrects anemia in both HIV-infected and HIV-negative undernourished children; and protects against hay fever. A 2007 clinical trial found that 4.5 grams of spirulina per day for six weeks: lowered total cholesterol, increased HDL cholesterol, lowered triglycerides; and lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Blue -Green Algae:

Algae groups are a large and diverse group of simple plant-like organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms. The largest and most complex marine forms are called seaweeds. They are considered "plant-like" because of their photosynthetic ability, and "simple" because they lack the distinct organs of higher plants such as leaves and vascular tissue. Though the prokaryotic Cyanobacteria (commonly referred to as Blue-green algae) were traditionally included as "algae" in older textbooks, many modern sources regard this as outdated and restrict the term algae to eukaryotic organisms. Algae multiply very rapidly. The two most common species of algae used for human consumption are spirulina maxima and spirulina platensis.

?????Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, blue-green bacteria or Cyanophyta, is a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. The name "cyanobacteria" comes from the color of the bacteria (Greek: (kyanós) = blue). They are a significant component of the marine nitrogen cycle and an important primary producer in many areas of the ocean, but are also found on land. Stromatolites of fossilized oxygen-producing cyanobacteria have been found from 2.8 billion years ago. The ability of cyanobacteria to perform oxygenic photosynthesis is thought to have converted the early reducing atmosphere into an oxidizing one, which dramatically changed the life forms on Earth and provoked an explosion of biodiversity. Chloroplasts in plants and eukaryotic algae have evolved from cyanobacteria.

What does it do?

People should be reassured that both Spirulina (blue-green algae) and Chlorella (green algae) are safe, nutritious and healthy. Their value is supported by thousands of published scientific articles spanning 30 years. These microscopic algae are consumed by millions of people in 40 countries around the world. Spirulina and Chlorella are growing in popularity because people find them effective. Studies have indicated several properties of large amounts of spirulina or spirulina extracts including antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, anti-allergy, immune-enhancing, liver-protecting, blood vessel-relaxing, and blood lipid-lowering, but there is no concrete scientific evidence that can substantiate these indications. Some studies indicate that taking blue-green algae may have a positive effect on both weight loss and high blood pressure. Blue-green algae can be taken as a powder, flakes, capsules, or tablets. A manufacturer's recommended intake is 2,000 - 3,000 mg per day divided throughout the day. However, typical amounts shown to have helpful properties in animal studies would be equivalent to 34 grams per day or more for a 150-pound human.

Chlorella Broken-Cell-Algae:

Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae, belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta. It is spherical in shape, about 2 to 10 µm in diameter, and is without flagella. Chlorella contains the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll-a and -b in its chloroplast. Through photosynthesis it multiplies rapidly requiring only carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and a small amount of minerals to reproduce. The name Chlorella is taken from the Greek word chloros meaning green and the Latin diminutive suffix ella meaning "small." German biochemist Otto Heinrich Warburg received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1931 for his study on photosynthesis in Chlorella. In 1961 Melvin Calvin of the University of California received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on the pathways of carbon dioxide assimilation in plants using Chlorella. In recent years, researchers have made less use of Chlorella as an experimental organism because it lacks a sexual cycle and, therefore, the research advantages of genetics are unavailable.

What does it do?

Many people believed Chlorella could serve as a potential source of food and energy because its photosynthetic efficiency can, in theory, reach 8%, comparable with other highly efficient crops such as sugar cane. It is also an attractive food source because it is high in protein and other essential nutrients; when dried, it is about 45% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrate, 5% fiber, and 10% minerals and vitamins. However, because it is a single-celled algae, harvest posed practical difficulties for its large-scale use as a food source. Mass-production methods are now being used to cultivate it in large artificial circular ponds. It was believed in the early 1940s that, unlike most plants, Chlorella protein was “complete,” for it had the ten amino acids then considered essential, and it was also packed with calories, fat, and vitamins. Chlorella has been found to have anti-tumor properties when fed to mice. Another study found enhanced vascular function in hypertensive rats given oral doses of chlorella. Although at its onset Chlorella was thought to add a "dirt-cheap" form of high protein to the human diet, studies proved otherwise. Chlorella, which actually loses most of its nutritional value when altered or processed in any way, was no longer an effective protein, and, therefore, pro-Chlorella supporters decided to communicate other health benefits of the algae. Hence, weight control, cancer prevention, and immune system support are all positive health benefits attributed to this algae. However, clinical studies demonstrate healing effects of chlorella, including dioxin detoxification in humans and animals, healing from radiation exposure in animals and the ability to reduce high blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol levels, accelerate wound healing, and enhance immune functions in humans.

Purple Dulse Seaweed:

Dulse grows attached by its discoid holdfast to the stipes of Laminaria or to rocks. It has a short stipe, the fronds are variable and vary in colour from deep-rose to reddish-purple and are rather leathery in texture. The flat foliose blade gradually expands and divides into broad segments ranging in size to 50 cm long and 30 - 8 cm in width which can bear flat wedge-shaped proliferations from the edge.

What does it do?

Dulse is a good source of minerals and vitamins compared with other vegetables and it contains all trace elements needed for humans with a high protein content. Dulse can be found in some dietary supplements, where it is often referred to as "Nova Scotia Dulce", it is a good source of dietary requirements, a handful will provide more than 100% of the daily amount of Vitamin B6, 66% of Vitamin B12, a day's supply of iron and fluoride, and it is relatively low in sodium and high in potassium.[13] Fresh dulse can be eaten directly off the rocks before sun-drying. Sun-dried dulse is eaten as is or is ground to flakes or a powder. In Iceland the tradition is to eat it with butter. It can also be pan fried quickly into chips, baked in the oven covered with cheese, with salsa, or simply microwaved briefly. It can also be used in soups, chowders, sandwiches and salads, or added to bread/pizza dough. Finely diced, it can also be used as a flavour enhancer in meat dishes, such as chili, in place of monosodium glutamate.

Beet Root:

Beta vulgaris, commonly known as beet or beetroot, is a flowering plant species in the family Chenopodiaceae. Several cultivars are valued around the world as edible root vegetables, fodder (mangel) and sugar-producing sugar beet. It is also common in Australia and New Zealand for pickled beetroot to be consumed on a burger. Garden beet juice is a popular health food. Betanins, obtained from the roots, are used industrially as red food colourants, e.g. to improve the colour of tomato paste, sauces, desserts, jams and jellies, ice cream, sweets and breakfast cereals.

Whay does it do?

The roots and leaves have medicinal uses. The Romans used beetroot as a treatment for fevers and constipation, amongst other ailments. Apicius in De re coquinaria gives five recipes for soups to be given as a laxative, three of which feature the root of beet. Hippocrates advocated the use of beet leaves as binding for wounds. Since Roman times, beetroot juice has been considered an aphrodisiac. It is a rich source of the mineral boron, which plays an important role in the production of human sex hormones. Field Marshal Montgomery is reputed to have exhorted his troops to 'take favours in the beetroot fields', a euphemism for visiting prostitutes. From the Middle Ages, beetroot was used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, especially illnesses relating to digestion and the blood. Platina recommended taking beetroot with garlic to nullify the effects of 'garlic-breath'. Today the beetroot is still championed as a universal panacea. One of the most controversial examples is the official position of the South African Health Minister on the treatment of AIDS. Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Health Minister under Thabo Mbeki, has been nicknamed 'Dr. Beetroot' for promoting beets and other vegetables over antiretroviral AIDS medicines, which she considers toxic.

Spinich Leaf:

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a flowering plant in the family of Amaranthaceae. It is native to central and southwestern Asia. It is an annual plant (rarely biennial), which grows to a height of up to 30 cm. Spinach may survive over winter in temperate regions. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular-based, very variable in size from about 2-30 cm long and 1-15 cm broad, with larger leaves at the base of the plant and small leaves higher on the flowering stem. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, 3-4 mm diameter, maturing into a small hard dry lumpy fruit cluster 5-10 mm across containing several seeds.

What does it do?

In popular folklore, spinach is a rich source of iron. In reality, a 60 gram serving of boiled spinach contains around 1.9 mg of iron (slightly more when eaten raw). Many green vegetables contain less than 1 mg of iron for an equivalent serving. Hence spinach does contain a relatively high level of iron for a vegetable, but its consumption does not have special health connotations. Spinach also has a high calcium content. However, the oxalate content in spinach binds with calcium decreasing its absorption. By way of comparison, the body can absorb about half of the calcium present in broccoli, yet only around 5% of the calcium in spinach. Oxalate is one of a number of factors that can contribute to gout and kidney stones. Equally or more notable factors contributing to calcium stones are: genetic tendency, high intake of animal protein, excess calcium intake, excess vitamin D, prolonged immobility, hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, and excess dietary fiber. Spinach still has a large nutritional value, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled. It is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, and several vital antioxidants. Recently, opioid peptides called rubiscolins have also been found in spinach. It is a source of folic acid (Vitamin B9), and this vitamin was first purified from spinach. To benefit from the folate in spinach, it is better to steam it than to boil it. Boiling spinach for four minutes can halve the level of folate. When cooked, the volume of spinach is decreased by three quarters.

Orange and Lemon Peels:

Phytonutrients, specifically, the class of polyphenols, are high in citrus with oranges containing 84mg Gallic Acid equivalents/100mg. The polyphenols so abundant in oranges have been shown to have a wide range of antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic effects. Although most of the research has centered on citrus polyphenols' possible role in cancer and heart disease, more recently, scientists have begun to look at their role in brain functions such as learning and memory.

The lemon (Citrus × limon) is a hybrid in cultivated wild plants. It is the common name for the reproductive tissue surrounding the seed of the angiosperm lemon tree. The lemon is used for culinary and non culinary uses throughout the world.The fruit is used primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, primarily in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5% citric acid, which gives lemons a tart taste, and a pH of 2 to 3. This makes lemon juice an inexpensive, readily available acid for use in educational science experiments.

What doe it do?

In citrus fruits, limonin is present in the form of limonin glucoside, in which limonin is attached to a sugar (glucose) molecule. Our bodies easily digest this compound, cleaving off the sugar and releasing limonin. A class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) have the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs, and without side effects, according to a study by U.S. and Canadian researchers that was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Lemons and other citrus fruits contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the health. A terpene called D-limonene produces their characteristic lemon smell and taste. Lemons contain significant amounts of citric acid; this is why they have a low pH and a sour taste. They contain Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) which is essential for human health. 100 milliliters of lemon juice contains approximately 50 milligrams of Vitamin C (55% of the recommended daily value) and 5 grams of citric acid. Some sources state that lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. These may be able to deter cell growth in cancers. Limonins found in lemons could also be anti-carcinogens. Because of its high Vitamin C content, lemon has been touted in alternative medicine as a tonic for the digestive system, immune system, and skin.[citation needed]There is a belief in Ayurvedic medicine that a cup of hot water with lemon juice in it tonifies and purifies the liver.

Ginger root:

Ginger is the common name for the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. The term is also used to describe the edible part of the plant which is commonly used as a spice in cooking throughout the world. Often referred to as ginger "root", the edible section is actually a rhizome. The ginger plant has a long history of cultivation known[citation needed] to originate in China and then spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean.

What does it do?

The medical form of ginger historically was called "Jamaica ginger"; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative, and used frequently for dyspepsia and colic. It was also frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines. Ginger is on the FDA's 'generally recognized as safe' list, though it does interact with some medications, including warfarin. Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as the herb promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder. Ginger may also decrease joint pain from arthritis, though studies on this have been inconsistent, and may have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties that may make it useful for treating heart disease. The characteristic odor and flavor of ginger root is caused by a mixture of zingerone, shoagoles and gingerols, volatile oils that compose about one to three percent of the weight of fresh ginger. In laboratory animals, the gingerols increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial properties. There are a variety of uses suggested for ginger. Tea brewed from ginger is a folk remedy for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been recommended as "stomach settlers" for generations in countries where the beverages are made and ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the US. Ginger has also been historically used to treat inflammation which several scientific studies support, though one arthritis trial showed ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen. Research on rats suggests that ginger may be useful for treating diabetes.

Habanero Peppers:

The habanero chile is one of the the most intensely spicy species of chili peppers of the Capsicum genus. Unripe habaneros are green, but the color at maturity varies. Common colors are orange and red, but white, brown, and pink are also seen. Typically a ripe habanero is 2–6 centimeters (1–2½ in) long. " Habanero ", taken from the Port of Havana, where many traders bought their spices, was adopted as a way of making a clear distinction between similarly named spices. Black Habenero's can often have a Scoville rating of 800,000 units to as much as 1,000,000 Scoville units, making them a serious rival for other claimants to the title of, " The World's hottest Chilli ".

What does it do?

Flax Seed:

Flax seeds come in two basic varieties, brown and yellow or golden, with most types having similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The exception is a type of yellow flax called Linola or solin, which has a completely different oil profile and is very low in omega-3. Although brown flax can be consumed as readily as yellow, and has been for thousands of years, it is better known as an ingredient in paints, fibre and cattle feed. Flax seeds produce a vegetable oil known as flaxseed or linseed oil; it is one of the oldest commercial oils and solvent-processed flax seed oil has been used for centuries as a drying oil in painting and varnishing

What does it do?

Flax seeds contain high levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans may benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and studies performed on mice found reduced growth in specific types of tumours. Initial studies suggest that flaxseed taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers. Flax may also lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. There is some support for the use of flax seed as a laxative due to its dietary fiber content though excessive consumption without liquid can result in intestinal blockage. Consuming large amounts of flax seed can impair the effectiveness of certain oral medications, due to its fiber content. Raw flax seed contains the chemical hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or cyanogenic glucosides which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Bentonite Clay:

Bentonite is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate generally impure clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. There are a few types of bentonites and their names depend on the dominant elements, such as K, Na, Ca, and Al. As noted in several places in the geologic literature, there are some nomenclatorial problems with the classification of bentonite clays. Bentonite usually forms from weathering of volcanic ash, most often in the presence of water. However, the term bentonite, as well as a similar clay called tonstein, have been used for clay beds of uncertain origin. For industrial purposes, two main classes of bentonite exist: sodium and calcium bentonite. In stratigraphy and tephrochronology, completely devitrified (weathered volcanic glass) ash-fall beds are commonly referred to as K-bentonites when the dominant clay species is illite. Other common clay species, and sometimes dominant, are montmorillinite and kaolinite. Kaolinite dominated clays are commonly referred to as tonsteins and are typically associated with coal.

What does it do?

Sodium bentonite expands when wet, possibly absorbing several times its dry mass in water. Because of its excellent colloidal properties (see Odom ref below) it is often used in drilling mud for oil and gas wells and for geotechnical and environmental investigations. The property of swelling also makes sodium bentonite useful as a sealant, especially for the sealing of subsurface disposal systems for spent nuclear fuel and for quarantining metal pollutants of groundwater. Similar uses include making slurry walls, waterproofing of below-grade walls and forming other impermeable barriers: e.g., to seal off the annulus of a water well, to plug old wells, or as a liner in the base of landfills to prevent migration of leachate.

Apple Pectin:

Pectin, a white to light brown powder, is a heteropolysaccharide derived from the cell wall of higher terrestrial plants. It was first isolated and described in 1825 by Henri Braconnot. It is mainly used in food as a gelling agent in jams and jellies. Today it is also used in fillings, sweets, as a stabilizer in fruit juices and milk drinks and as a source of dietary fiber in foods.

What does it do?

In medicine, pectin increases viscosity and volume of stool so that it is used against constipation and diarrhea. Until 2002, it was one of the main ingredients used in Kaopectate, along with kaolinite. Pectin is also used in throat lozenges as a demulcent. In cosmetic products, pectin acts as stabilizer. Pectin is also used in wound healing preparations and specialty medical adhesives, such as colostomy devices. In ruminant nutrition, depending on the extent of signification of the cell wall, pectin is up to 90% digestible by bacterial enzymes. Ruminant nutritionists recommend that the digestibility and energy concentration in forages can be improved by increasing pectin concentration in the forage.

Marshmallow root:

Althaea is a genus of 6-12 species of perennial herbs, including the marshmallow plant whence the confection got its name, native to Europe and western Asia. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. The stems grow to 1-2 m tall, and flower in mid summer. The leaves are palmately lobed with 3-7 lobes. Althaea species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix quadrigemina. The genus formerly included a number of additional species now treated in the genus Alcea (Hollyhocks). The root contains starch (37%), mucilage (11%), pectin (11%), flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose, and asparagine.

What does it do?

In herbalism mallow is used as a gargle to treat mouth and throat ulcers. It is also useful for gastric ulcers. The flowers and young leaves can be eaten. They are often added to salads or boiled and fried. They are also used in cosmetics for the skin. The root has been used since Egyptian antiquity in a honey-sweetened confection useful in the treatment of sore throat. The later French version of the recipe, called pâte de guimauve, included an eggwhite meringue and was often flavored with rose water. Pâte de guimauve more closely resembles contemporary commercially available marshmallows, which ironically no longer contain any actual marshmallow. The root's emulsifying property is used for cleaning Persian carpets in the Middle East. It is regarded as the best method to preserve the vibrancy of vegetable dyes used in coloring the carpet's wool.

Psyllium seed:

Psyllium or Ispaghula is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago whose seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage.

What does it do?

The mucilage obtained from psyllium comes from the seed coat. Mucilage is obtained by mechanical milling/grinding of the outer layer of the seed. Mucilage yield amounts to approximately 25% or more (by weight) of the total seed yield. Plantago-seed mucilage is often referred to as husk, or psyllium husk. The milled seed mucilage is a white fibrous material that is hydrophilic, meaning that its molecular structure causes it to attract and bind to water. Upon absorbing water, the clear, colorless, mucilaginous gel that forms increases in volume by tenfold or more. Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber, which is not absorbed by the small intestine. The purely mechanical action of psyllium mucilage absorbs excess water while stimulating normal bowel elimination. Although its main use has been as a laxative, it is more appropriately termed a true dietary fiber. As a thickener, it has been used in ice cream and frozen desserts. A 1.5% weight/volume ratio of psyllium mucilage exhibits binding properties that are superior to a 10% weight/volume ratio of starch mucilage. The viscosity of psyllium mucilage dispersions are relatively unaffected between temperatures of 68 to 122°F, by pH from 2 to 10 and by salt (sodium chloride) concentrations up to 0.15 M. These physical properties, along with its status as a natural dietary fiber, may lead to increased use of psyllium by the food-processing industry. Technical-grade psyllium has been used as a hydrocolloidal agent to improve water retention for newly-seeded grass areas, and to improve transplanting success with woody plants.

Slippery Elm Bark:

The Slippery Elm is a deciduous tree which reaches 10-20 m tall and has a 50 cm trunk diameter. The leaves are 10-18 cm long and have rough texture, coarsely double-serrate margin and an oblique base. The flowers are produced before the leaves in early spring, usually in clusters of 10-20. The fruit is an oval winged samara 2 cm long and containing a single, central seed. Slippery Elm may be distinguished from American Elm by the hairiness of the buds and twigs (American Elm has smooth buds and twigs) and by the flowers being very short-stalked. Slippery Elm grows well in moisture-rich uplands, but it will also grow in dry, intermediate soils[

What does it do?

The inner bark can be ground into a nutrient-rich gruel, off of which one can solely survive for a short period. The bark also contains a mucilage that is used as a remedy for sore throats. Sometimes it is dried and ground into a powder beforehand, then made into a tea. Both Slippery Elm gruel and tea are said to soothe the digestive tract, especially the GI tracts of those with irritable bowel syndrome or gastritis. There are no known contraindications for Slippery Elm. It is also not technically a drug because it is mainly mucilage and various nutrients. The bark has also been used historically as an abortifacient, first moistened with water and then inserted into the cervix. This practice became thoroughly regulated by "elm stick laws" in several US states, which forbade selling pieces of slippery elm bark longer than a certain length. Selling whole Slippery Elm bark is banned in several countries including the UK because of this.

Peppermint Leaf:

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). It is native to western, central and southern Europe from the British Isles east to southern Scandinavia and western Russia, south to Iberia, and southeast to the Balkans, being found wild occasionally with its parent species.

What does it do?

Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The oil also contains menthone and menthyl esters. It is the oldest and most popular flavour of mint-flavoured confectionery. Peppermint can also be found in some shampoos and soaps, which give the hair a minty scent and produce a cooling sensation on the skin. Peppermint, like many spices and herbs, is believed to have medicinal properties when consumed. It is said that it helps against upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, and can help soothe and relax muscles when inhaled or applied to the skin. Other health benefits are attributed to the high manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A content; as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as fibre, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper. Freeze-dried leavesIn 2007, Italian investigators reported that 75% of the patients in their study who took peppermint oil capsules for four weeks had a major reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, compared with just 38% of those who took a placebo pill. Similarly, some poorly designed earlier trials found that peppermint oil has the ability to reduce colicky abdominal pain due to IBS with an NNT (number needed to treat) around 3.1, but the oil is an irritant to the stomach in the quantity required and therefore needs wrapping for delayed release in the intestine. Peppermint relaxes the gastro-oesophageal sphincter, thus promoting belching.

Anise Seed:

Anise or Aniseed, less commonly anís (stressed on the second syllable) (Pimpinella anisum), is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. It is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 1m tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, 2-5 cm long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaflets. The flowers are white, 3 mm diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 3-5 mm long.

What does it do?

Anise, like fennel, contains anethole, and is known to be a phytoestrogen. Anise is a mild antiparasitic and its leaves can be used to treat digestive problems, relieve toothache, and its essential oil to treat lice and scabies. In aromatherapy, aniseed essential oil is used to treat colds and flu. According to Pliny the Elder, anise was used as a cure for sleeplessness, chewed with alexanders and a little honey in the morning to freshen the breath, and when mixed with wine as a remedy for scorpion stings (N.H. 20.72). In the Mediterranean, aniseed is used in producing alcoholic beverages, such as Arak (Lebanon), Ouzo (Greece) and Raki in Turkey. In Indian cuisine, no distinction is made between anise and fennel. Therefore, the same name (saunf) is usually given to both of them. Some use the term patli (thin) saunf or velayati (foreign) saunf to distinguish anise from fennel In Thailand it is used to flavor tea. In Pakistan boiling water is poured over about a tablespoon of aniseed in a teacup to make a hot tea.

Clove Bud:

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, syn. Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata) are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisine all over the world. The name derives from French clou, a nail, as the buds vaguely resemble small irregular nails in shape. Cloves are harvested primarily in Zanzibar, Indonesia and Madagascar; it is also grown in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. The clove tree is an evergreen which grows to a height ranging from 10-20 m, having large oval leaves and crimson flowers in numerous groups of terminal clusters. The flower buds are at first of a pale color and gradually become green, after which they develop into a bright red, when they are ready for collecting. Cloves are harvested when 1.5-2 cm long, and consist of a long calyx, terminating in four spreading sepals, and four unopened petals which form a small ball in the centre.

What does it do?

Cloves are used in Ayurveda called Lavang in India, Chinese medicine (Ravi & Jagdish) and western herbalism and dentistry where the essential oil is used as an anodyne (painkiller) for dental emergencies. Cloves are used as a carminative, to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach and to improve peristalsis. Cloves are also said to be a natural antihelmintic. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy when stimulation and warming is needed, especially for digestive problems. Topical application over the stomach or abdomen will warm the digestive tract. In Chinese medicine cloves or ding xiang are considered acrid, warm and aromatic, entering the kidney, spleen and stomach meridians, and are notable in their ability to warm the middle, direct stomach qi downward, to treat hiccough and to fortify the kidney yang. Because the herb is so warming it is contraindicated in any persons with fire symptoms and according to classical sources should not be used for anything except cold from yang deficiency. As such it is used in formulas for impotence or clear vaginal discharge from yang deficiency, for morning sickness together with ginseng and patchouli, or for vomiting and diarrhea due to spleen and stomach coldness. This would translate to hypochlorhydria. Ayurvedic herbalist K.P. Khalsa, RH (AHG), uses cloves internally as a tea and topically as an oil for hypotonic muscles, including for multiple sclerosis. This is also found in Tibetan medicine. Ayurvedic herbalist Alan Tilotson, RH (AHG) suggests avoiding more than occasional use of cloves internally in the presence of pitta inflammation such as is found in acute flares of autoimmune diseases. In West Africa, the Yorubas use cloves infused in water as a treatment for stomach upsets, vomitting and diarrhoea.The infusion is called Ogun Jedi-jedi.

Tangerine Oil:

Historically, the name tangerine comes from Tangier, Morocco, the port from which the first tangerines were shipped to Europe. The adjective tangerine, from Tangier or Tanger, was first recorded as an English word in 1710.

What does it do?

Tangerines are a good source of vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene. They also contain some potassium, magnesium and vitamins B1, B2 & B3.

Fig:

Ficus is a genus of about 800 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, and hemi-epiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the warm temperate zone. The so-called Common Fig (F. carica) is a temperate species from the Middle East and southern Europe, which has been widely cultivated from ancient times for its fruit, also referred to as figs. The fruit of most other species are also edible though they are usually of only local economic importance or eaten as bushfood. However, they are extremely important food resources for wildlife. Figs are also of paramount cultural importance throughout the tropics, both as objects of worship and for their many practical uses.

What does it do?

Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium. Figs have phosphorus, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin C. Figs are a laxative and contain antioxidants. Figs are good source of flavonoids and polyphenols. In one study, a 40 gram portion of dried figs (two medium size figs) produced significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. Figs also have higher quantities of

Echinacea, commonly called Purple coneflower, is a genus of nine species of herbaceous plants in the Family Asteraceae. All are strictly native to eastern and central North America. The plants have large showy heads of composite flowers, blooming from early to late summer. Some species are used in herbal medicines. E. purpurea flower centreThe genus name is from the Greek echino, meaning "spiny", due to the spiny central disk. They are herbaceous, drought-tolerant perennial plants growing to 1 or 2 m in height. There are three varieties of Echinacea: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia. All three varieties are used to boost the immune system and fight infections, but only the purpurea and pallida varieties have been shown to be effective.

What does it do?

However, a University of Maryland review of available studies concluded that Echinacea, when taken at first sign of a cold, reduced cold symptoms or shortened their duration. This conclusion was based on 13 European studies.[3] The University of Maryland study also found that three of four studies concluded that taking Echinacea to prevent a cold was ineffective, although including studies that use subclinical doses, the wrong part or unassayed material will bias such conclusions. Another scientific review of 14 published studies found that the incidence of colds was reduced by 58% and the duration by a day and half. Echinacea works to increase the activity of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells, which attack the viruses and bacteria that lead to illness or infection. This also makes it very beneficial for people with AIDS since their immune systems are weakened. This application of Echinacea is being extensively researched, since the full effect of the immune system on AIDS and cancer is still unknown. Echinacea is also every effective in treating respiratory ailments like colds. Some research has found Echinacea to be effective as an antiviral or antifungal, which also helps it fight infection. The full potential of Echinacea, for these applications and others, still needs to be thoroughly studied. In some parts of Europe, Echinacea is taken in an IV as supplemental treatment for some forms of cancer. Some European medical professionals also inject Echinacea to remedy infections of the urinary tract. However, neither of these practices are common in America. Echinacea can also be used externally to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It can also be an ingredient in hemorrhoid treatments or to sooth inset bites. Some people use it to shield their skin from sun damage.

Milk Thistle Seed:

Milk thistles are thistles of the genus Silybum Adans., flowering plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae). They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Whilst health uses mostly for chronic liver disease have been traditionally claimed for the plant, increasing research is being undertaken on this and other possible medical uses.

What does it do?

Milk thistle has been reported to have protective effects on the liver and to improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. The active compound in Milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of at least 4 closely related flavonolignans, 60% to 70% of which is a mixture of 2 diastereomers of silybin. Silymarin is typically administered in amount ranging from 200-500mg per day. Whether or not these dosages are optimal is not known; no scientific data on which to base effective dosage level guidelines is available. Research into the biological activity of silymarin and its possible medical uses has been conducted in many countries since the 1970s, but the quality of the research has been uneven. Reviews of the literature covering clinical studies of silymarin vary in their conclusions. A review using only studies with both double-blind and placebo protocols concluded that milk thistle and its derivatives "does not seem to significantly influence the course of patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases."A different review of the literature, performed for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, found that, while there is strong evidence of legitimate medical benefits, the studies done to date are of such uneven design and quality that no firm conclusions about degrees of effectiveness for specific conditions or appropriate dosage can yet be made. A review of studies of silymarin and liver disease which are available on the web shows an interesting pattern: studies which tested low dosages of silymarin concluded that silymarin was ineffective while studies which used significantly larger doses concluded that silymarin was biologically active and had theraputic effects.

Dandelion root:

The common name Dandelion is given to species of the genus Taraxacum, a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. In the Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) the 'flowers' are morphologically a composite flower head consisting of many tiny flowers called florets. The dandelion is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to many other places. Taraxacum species reproduce asexually by means of apomixis and seed production commonly occurs without pollination.

What does it do?

The leaves (called dandelion greens) can be eaten cooked or raw in various forms, such as in soup or salad. They are probably closest in character to mustard greens. Usually the young leaves and unopened buds are eaten raw in salads, while older leaves are cooked. Raw leaves have a slightly bitter taste. Dandelion salad is often accompanied with hard boiled eggs. The leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron, carrying more iron and calcium than spinach. Dandelion flowers can be used to make dandelion wine, for which there are many recipes. It has also been used in a saison ale called Pissenlit (literally "wet the bed" in French) made by Brasserie Fantôme in Belgium. Another recipe using the plant is dandelion flower jam. Ground roasted dandelion root can be used as a coffee substitute. Dandelion root is a registered drug in Canada, sold principally as a diuretic. A leaf decoction can be drunk to "purify the blood", for the treatment of anemia, jaundice, and also for nervousness. Drunk before meals, dandelion root coffee is claimed to stimulate digestive functions and function as a liver tonic. "Dandelion and Burdock" is a soft drink that has long been popular in the United Kingdom with authentic recipes sold by health food shops. It is unclear whether cheaper supermarket versions actually contain extracts of either plant. The milky latex has been used as a mosquito repellent; the milk is also applied to warts, helping get rid of them without damaging the surrounding skin. Yellow or green dye colours can be obtained from the flowers but little colour can be obtained from the roots of the plant.

Wormwood leaf:

What does it do?

Fennel Seed:

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum (treated as the sole species in the genus by most botanists). It is a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, whence it spreads eastwards to India. It has followed civilization, especially where Romans have colonized, and may be found growing wild in many parts of the world upon dry soils near the sea-coast and upon river-banks. It is a member of the family Apiaceae. It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb with culinary and medicinal uses, and is one of the primary ingredients of absinthe. Fennel is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Mouse Moth and the Anise Swallowtail.

What does it do?

Florence fennel was one of the three main herbs used in the preparation of absinthe, an alcoholic mixture which originated as a medicinal elixir in Switzerland and became, by the late 19th century, a popular alcoholic drink in France and other countries. Due to the belief that absinthe possessed psychoactive properties beyond those of alcohol, it was banned in most countries by 1915, but a recent relaxation of laws governing its production, importation and sale has caused a moderate resurgence in modern day consumption. Fennel itself is known to be a stimulant,[6] although many modern preparations marketed under the name "absinthe" do not make use of it. Fennel contains anethole, which can explain some of its effects: it, or its polymers, act as phytoestrogens.[8] On account of its aromatic and carminative properties, Fennel is chiefly used medicinally with purgatives to allay their side effects and for this purpose forms one of the ingredients of the well-known compound Liquorice Powder. Fennel water has properties similar to those of anise and dill water: mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup, these waters constitute the domestic 'Gripe Water,' used to correct the flatulence of infants. Essential oil of Fennel has these properties in concentration. Fennel tea, formerly also employed as a carminative, is made by pouring boiling water on a teaspoonful of bruised Fennel seeds. Syrup prepared from Fennel juice was formerly given for chronic coughs. Fennel is also largely used for cattle condiments. It is one of the plants which is said to be disliked by fleas, and powdered Fennel has the effect of driving away fleas from kennels and stables.