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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (Leaves)

Alfalfa leaf contains the whole spectrum of vitamins, minerals, proteins and all eight essential amino acids, chlorophyll and dietary fiber. Alfalfa is very nutritious and much of it's benefits can be attributed to this property. It can stimulate appetite, and is an excellent spring tonic. An impaired digestive system can cause malnutrition by starving the body of much needed macro-and micronutrients. If allowed to become chronic, serious and debilitating diseases can be the consequence. Alfalfa may be useful in reducing high blood cholesterol levels. May also be used in the treatment of premenstrual stress, dysmenorrhea and menopause. Alfalfa leaves and seeds provide a rich nutrient source to help the body return to a healthy state. In Arabic Alfalfa means "best food" or "King of Foods".

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

It is a powerful antispasmodic and suggests its use in other spasmodic and reflex nervous diseases, such as whooping cough and asthma. It also stimulates the healthy secretions of pepsin, thereby ensuring good digestion.

Asparagus Root (Asparagus officinalis)

The Asparagus Root has long been treasured by herbalists of China and India. Today it is also popular in the Western World. In India it is taken by women as a hormonal tonis. Asparagus Root contains steroidal glycosides. In the Western World, Asparagus Root is used for its diuretic qualities. The diuretic characteristics can help ease bloating and excess water weight. In addition it is a nutritive tonic that relieves some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Asparagus Root may also relieve painful swelling associated with Rheumatism.

References: Jason Elias, M.A., L. Ac, and Shelagh Ryan Masline "The A to Z guide to Healing Herbal Remedies" (Dell Publishing, Aug, 1995)

Astragalus (Huang-gi) (Root)

Astragalus has been used as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity. In Chinese the herb is called Hung gi. Researchers in both the United States and China have found clues that it may well live up to its 2,000 year reputation as an immune system booster. This herb is included in many combinations to promote the action of other herbs. It is used to promote urination, speed healing of burns and abscesses and generally bolster the body’s resistance to disease. Chinese healers also use astragalus to treat the common cold, arthritis, weakness, diarrhea, asthma, and nervousness. In Chinese hospitals, astragalus is used to help people with cancer recover from the immune system wipeout caused by chemotherapy cancer isn’t the only ill for which astragalus may hold promise. In Shanghai, doctors have shown that compounds from the root can protect heart cells from damage caused by the coxsackie B virus, which can scar the hearts of both adults and infants. It is most used today as an energizing tonic by the physically active, to protect the body against infection and treatment of cancer. Favorable effects in this regard were reported in CANCER, the prestigious publication of the American Cancer Society.