Alfalfa

Alfalfa is rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorine and silicon—all perfectly balanced. It also contains vitamins A, B, D, E and G, proteins and some important amino acids without any fat content. Alfalfa is also highly alkaline which works wonders for problems like fatigue and tension. It strengthens the heart muscles, relieves arthritis, lowers blood pressure and provides complete nutrition for the body.

For those prone to catching infections, alfalfa is ideal. Its ability to build up the body's immune system is quite phenomenal. Its absorbable iron makes it a boon for anemia and its calcium prevents dental decay. The high chlorophyll content in alfalfa makes it an elixir of youth.

Alfalfa can be consumed in many forms. The juice of fresh alfalfa leaves can be taken with carrot juice and helps hair growth. The tea made of its seeds is delicious and is recommended for arthritis. All you have to do is cook the seeds in an enamel or glass pan for half an hour, strain the liquid and add honey. Take this tea four to five times a day. It can also be refrigerated for two days. Alfalfa sprouts are very rich in nutrients.

Manchurian Mushrooms

Originally from Manchuria, these super energizing mushrooms are not commercially available and hence cannot be bought. The only way you can get hold of one is to locate somebody who has it and get him to gift part of it to you.

This mushroom is fermented by pouring tea over it, and then the potion—called kombucha—is consumed. A half-cup in the morning can cure you of muscular aches, constipation, acidity, bronchial asthma, allergies, kidney problems, catarrh, ulcers and obesity. The mushroom continues to grow layers while it is in the tea solution. So you can go on distributing this gift of health to all who come your way.

There are a myriad of health foods, which complement the regular diet, provide nourishment for the body and fight disease. They can be in the form of herbs, cereals, fruits, concoctions or any other blend of natural ingredients. Following are some of the more effective of these health foods.

Muesli

A compact food package, muesli is made from various combinations of oats, barley, corn or wheat with nuts, fresh berries, honey and milk along with some other edibles for taste. Since it contains both oats and wheat, it is a rich source of soluble as well as insoluble fibers where oats lowers blood cholesterol level, benefits diabetics, controls weight and prevents constipation and gastro-intestinal disorders, and wheat helps in digestion, reduces risks of colon cancer, prevents heart problems and varicose veins.

Honey

Honey lowers blood pressure, acts as a sedative, and if taken with hot milk, cures constipation and prevents coughs and colds. Since it has almost all the necessary minerals in correct proportions, as well as vitamins, honey is an extremely nutritious food. It also kills bacteria more effectively than any antibiotics. For greater effectiveness, Chandigarh-based Indian company, Honey Bee has brought out honey products combined with herbs and flowers such as amla (gooseberry), neem and rose. These aid in digestion, purify the blood, increase immunity and improve stamina. Honey mixed with water is also the best drink for relieving fatigue and has a calming effect.

Brahmi Also known as gotu kola, brahmi is mainly known for its memory enhancing properties. However, it is also the most important rejuvenating herb in ayurvedic medicine. It increases intelligence and promotes longevity, wards off senility, fortifies the immune system and is also a powerful blood purifier. Brahmi is beneficial in chronic skin diseases, including leprosy and syphilis, as well as eczema and psoriasis.

Brahmi grows commonly in the Himalayan region and can be taken with honey before meditation. As a milk decoction, brahmi makes a good nerve tonic. For rejuvenation properties, it is best prepared in tea.