How Herbs Can Help Support the Body
How Herbs Can Help Support the Body
Blog Article
Herbs are incredibly versatile and can help support the body with a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Their effectiveness depends on the herb itself, as well as the environment in which it grew and how it was harvested and processed.
Herbs can be used in tinctures, liquid extracts, dry powders, tablets and lozenges.
Garlic
Garlic contains a multitude of health-promoting nutrients including flavonoids, oligosaccharides and amino acids. It also contains allicin and sulfur compounds that promote health.
In addition, it has antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. The organosulfur compounds in garlic (DATS, DADS, diallyl sulfide and S-allylmercaptocysteine) have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in animal studies.
A food staple, garlic can be used to enhance savory dishes or as a garnish. It is available in a wide range of forms, from whole cloves to pastes and powders. The amount of allicin in a garlic product varies; odorless garlic, which is often aged to reduce its strong odor, has lower levels of allicin than fresh garlic.
Catnip
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb that attracts felines like crazy. This aromatic mint-family plant has been used as a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, and stress. It also helps relieve digestive upsets. It pairs well with linden for those who cannot tolerate peppermint.
Make herbal tea from fresh or dried leaves and flowers to enjoy the soothing flavor and aroma. Fill small cloth bags with dried leaves to create aromatic sachets for drawers and closets.
As a garden plant, catnip is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, deer resistant and repels mosquitoes. It is an attractive addition to any garden and helps to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berries (Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata) have a number of health-boosting properties. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and heart-protective properties. They also have antimicrobial and digestive enhancing properties.
A 2021 study found that hawthorn berries may aid digestion. This is due to the fact that they contain fiber. In addition, a rat study indicated that the berries can dramatically reduce gut transit time, which can help alleviate indigestion.
Hawthorn berry is an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used to support cardiovascular health for centuries. Its extract increases coronary blood flow, improves circulation, lowers cholesterol, and may be helpful in treating high blood pressure.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an herb used to make tea and for traditional herbal medicinal purposes. Its oils are also used. Peppermint oil is an effective decongestant and can help to loosen phlegm in the lungs. It is a natural antispasmodic and relieves stomach discomfort, including nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Peppermint can improve Herbahelp digestion by increasing the flow of bile, which helps to digest fats. It can reduce indigestion and gastrointestinal gas by relaxing the muscles in the stomach.
Peppermint can relieve tension headaches by applying a diluted tincture to the forehead or temples. It may prevent and treat symptoms of the common cold and cough.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant, woody herb that’s used to season many dishes in Europe and India. It’s also made into herbal tea and is commonly paired with meats to help promote digestive health.
Studies have found that rosemary and its oils have neuroprotective properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It’s also been shown to improve cognition and memory in animal studies.
It’s possible that consuming large amounts of rosemary could cause gastrointestinal issues in some people, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s also possibly unsafe to take rosemary in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular herb for cooking, and is commonly used in savory recipes like Thanksgiving stuffing. This powerful herb is also used medicinally, and offers a number of surprising benefits.
It is a natural antioxidant, protecting the body against free radical damage. In addition, sage contains antimicrobial properties that can help improve oral health, killing the bacteria that causes plaque and gum disease.
Sage can encourage mucus thinning and clearing, making it an important herb for anyone suffering from colds and flu. Its essential oil can also soothe inflammation and relieve respiratory congestion.
Saffron
The most expensive spice in the world, saffron is also used as a medicinal herb. In a growing body of research, this ancient spice has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress.
In a clinical trial, saffron extract reduced high blood pressure and cholesterol in people with diabetes. It also increased insulin sensitivity and suppressed appetite in people with obesity.
Plant saffron corms in well-drained soil with moderate levels of organic matter in full sun. They are frost-hardy, but they are prone to root rot and fungal disease in wet conditions. Report this page