FamilyOTC Health and Beauty Products

Senna Leaf is a strong anthraquinone-containing purgative that is used to help soothe occasional constipation. Long a favorite in Europe, this East Indian leaf promotes bile flow in the liver which in turn can help promote a bowel movement.

Peppermint is a perennial plant that produces light purple flowers and green leaves with serrated edges. Commonly used as a flavoring in products such as candy, chewing gum, toothpaste, and ice cream, peppermint also has been used traditionally to cool the body by promoting sweating, which can help support the respiratory system. Peppermint has also been widely used to support digestion and to soothe an occasional minor upset stomach.

Anise Seed is a tasty culinary herb from the parsley family. In the herbalist's world, anise seed is known mainly for supporting the digestive system, helping to reduce gas and support efficient digestion. Today, throughout Asia and Europe, anise seed is used to help support respiratory and throat function.

Stevia is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America. The leaf is used primarily as a sweetener in South America. Locals there use it as a substitute for sugar for those who can't use sugar. Various glycosides, including stevoside - which is about 100 to 200 times sweeter than sugar - provide the sweetness. It is widely used as a non-sugar sweetener in other areas of the world, particularly in Japan.

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is leafy-green plant distinguished by its yellow carrot-shaped root. In herbal medicine, it has a long history of use as a detoxifying herb, as well as to support the skin and liver; for those purposes it is often combined with dandelion root. A mild laxative, it contains anthraquinone glycosides, the active ingredients also found in senna leaf. A rich source of iron, yellow dock root has been traditionally used to supply iron to the diet.

The root of a plant that many see as a pesky yard weed is a celebrated liver cleanser in the world of herbal medicine. Dandelion root has been traditionally used to support the liver, which in turn can support the skin.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a flavorful, sweet herb that has been used for thousands of years and is still one of the most widely used herbs in all herbal systems. Licorice has been used traditionally to support the skin and the liver. It also is thought by herbalists to help soothe indigestion and the throat.

Celery Seed, a member of the parsley family, is a widely used food herb. Ayurveda uses celery seed to support kidney and bladder function. In folk medicine, celery seeds are reputed to support digestion, respiratory, menstrual and !@&*# functions.

Coriander seed is not just a delicious spice used in cooking. According to Ayurveda, the seeds can support the urinary tract and can help soothe the stomach.

Amla Fruit, or Emblic Fruit (Amalaki), is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurveda. A strong rejuvenative, amla supplies antioxidants and can help supports digestive function. Amla is also the basis for the Ayurvedic rejuvenative jam, chyavanprash, and the widely-used combination herbal blend, triphala.

Belleric Myrobalan Fruit (Bibhitaki) is another famous fruit of Ayurveda, and one of three herbs in the widely-used Ayurvedic remedy, triphala (the other two herbs are Amalaki and Haritaki). It has been traditionally used to support digestive functions. Bibhitaki also can help support proper water balance, and support the digestive tract as well as the urinary and respiratory tracts.

Chebulic Myrobalan Fruit (Haritaki) is considered by some to be the single most important Ayurvedic herb, and is one of the three herbs in the famous Ayurvedic remedy triphala. Widely used in Tibetan medicine, it is called the "king of herbs," and in Ayurveda, haritaki is known as "the mother." Haritaki is strongly astringent, and is used to promote skin function, as well as to support digestion and elimination. Haritaki is also mildly laxative.

Cardamom seed is a uniquely flavored culinary herb in the ginger family. But cardamom seed is more than its delicious flavor. This herb is warming and has been traditionally used to support healthy stomach and digestive function as well as the respiratory system.

Cinnamon Bark comes from a small evergreen tree that is native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon is a pungent, sweet and hot spice that can warm and invigorates the body and support function of the respiratory and digestive systems. It can also help to promote circulation to the joints and support immune function.

Ginger Root, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale, has been used in many herbal traditions since ancient times. In Ayurveda, ginger is known as the wonder herb, and it's no wonder, since Ayurveda uses ginger for a wide variety of conditions, including supporting digestion. Historically, ginger root was one of the most respected herbs for supporting joint health. Ginger has also been traditionally used to support healthy peripheral circulation, so it can help warm up cold hands and feet, and will also promote sweating when that is needed.

Clove Buds are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the Myrtle family. The English name clove derives from Latin clavus (nail), as the shape of the buds resembles small nails. Clove bud is widely used as a spice in ancient Asian herbal traditions. With a warming quality, clove supports circulation and digestion.

Not only is Black Pepper one of the most widely used culinary spices in the world, it also has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. A spicy herb that can help support digestion, it also supplies antioxidants, which can help to reduce free radicals. As a diuretic, black pepper can support water balance in the body.

Natural flavors are derived from natural sources such as spices, fruit, herbs, roots, or many other plants or foods, whose significant function in food is flavoring.

Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants by distillation.

Bring water to boiling and steep 5 to 10 minutes. For best results, drink 1 cup before bedtime. A comfortable bowel movement is usually produced in 6 to 8 hours. Do not use in excess of 4 cups in 24 hours or for longer than 10 days.*