Buchu Leaves - Buchu, which is a Latin word, is a small shrub found in South Africa. It is a widely used ingredient in South Africa and Europe. Buchu leaves are mainly used as a flavoring agent. They are used to add peppermint flavor in wines and brandies. Buchu leaves are also widely used as a remedy for a lot of ailments. Buchu leaves are a natural form of antiseptic. It is therefore used in a lot of chronic urinary tract disorders such as bladder infection, kidney stones. Other illnesses that can are treated with the help of Buchu leaves are cystitis and rheumatism. Buchu leaves are also considered to be a mild diuretic. There are no known side effects of these leaves and is therefore considered to be one of the safest and non toxic herb.

Juniper Berry is found in the Northern Hemisphere. Juniper Berries enhance sausages, meat, stews, soups and stuffing. Juniper Berries contain a bitter sweet aroma. This is widely used in French and Scandinavian kitchens. Juniper berries are crushed prior to use and can be used in beef and pork. Juniper berries is found in North America, North Africa and northern Asia. However, the commercial producers are southern Europe and Hungary, particularly Italy. Juniper Berries were used as medicinal fruit by Arab physicians. This was also recommended against plague and snake bite during the renaissance period. It also has an air cleansing fragrance and is hence used to freshening stale air. In fact, the Swiss used to sanitize stale air by burning the berries with heating fuel. Juniper berries is also added with Gin, the alcoholic drink to get a unique aroma. Juniper berries are soft to touch and should be stored in cool places in airtight container. Juniper berries blends with spices and herbs especially sage, thyme, bay leaves, oregano, garlic and onions.

Parsley Leaves assist in water retention as well as regulating blood pressure and with overall bladder health.

Uva Ursi or the bearberry is a plant known for centuries for its benefits in urinary tract infections. The crushed leaves of the plant are used for preparing a medicinal product. It contains a number of important chemicals--arbutin, hydroquinone and tannins. The antimicrobial properties of the plant extracts help lower urinary tract and bladder infections but require alkaline conditions to be efficacious. Care should be taken in the use of the product because hydroquinone is toxic to the liver. Tannins present in the extracts have the ability to shrink tissues like the mucous membranes, thus contributing to the control of inflammation.