Are Herbs Good For You?
In the last century, Western culture made a significant shift in the world of health. We shifted away from traditional, natural remedies for illness, and toward the wonder of scientifically formulated medicine. While we can be very grateful for the multitude of ways that modern medicine has brought healing and relief, we should be mindful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. In our exuberance over medical advances we may have inadvertently dismissed the value of the herbs that nature has already provided for us.
For thousands of years, people from different parts of the planet have been using herbal remedies to treat all manners of illness and to promote wellness. So, the questions is then, are herbs good for you? Well let’s take a look at 10 ways herbs can support our health.
More than just wishful thinking, herbs are good for you as they can act like powerful tools to be used on the road to optimal health. Because they are powerful, remember to talk to your doctor if you are on any prescription medication and you are considering adding an herbal supplement to your routine.
Circulatory support — There are herbs can help stimulate blood flow or protect the health of the blood vessels. Bilberry, cayenne, garlic, and ginko are all examples of herbs that keep our circulatory system strong.
Antibiotic properties — Some herbs act as antibiotics by killing harmful bacteria in our bodies. Herbs such as aloe vera, garlic, oregano, and tea tree oil top the list of natural remedies for fighting infection and fostering healing.
Digestive support — Some herbs help our bodies more fully digest food by stimulating digestive secretions and colon activity as well as soothing an irritated digestive tract. Herbs such as aloe vera, ginger, goldenseal, and peppermint are great digestive aids.
Energy boosters — Adaptogenic herbs enhance our body’s ability to handle physical and chemical stressors, leading to greater vitality. Herbs such as maca, ashwaganda, ginseng, and schizandra are all known for their energy-boosting properties.
Anti-inflammatory properties — Some herbs help fight the molecules that cause inflammation. The list of diseases caused by chronic inflammation is long and includes arthritis, asthma, colitis and Crohn’s disease, chronic ulcers, peridontitis, and more. Herbs such as turmeric, ginger, sage, and rosemary are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Detoxification — Herbs that are detoxifying support the liver and kidneys and help flush toxins out of the body. Dandelion, milk thistle, nettle, and burdock are great support for your detoxifying organs.
Antioxidant properties — Antioxidants fight free radicals which can harm cells and cause disease and early aging. Parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme can all protect your body against free radical damage.
Mood enhancers — There are herbs that can calm the nerves, balance our mood, and lead to a greater overall sense of well being. Rhodiola, kava kava, chamomile, and valerian can help you relax and feel more stable.
Immune support — The antibiotic herbs mentioned above provide indirect support to the immune system, but there are also herbs which actually enhance the function of our immune cells and organs. Echinacea, licorice, astragalus are among the herbs which provide the best immune system support by producing more immune cells or boosting the activity of existing cells.
Nervous system support — Some herbs can help improve circulation to the brain, protect neurons, and improve concentration and memory. St. John’s wort, ginko, ginseng, and brahmi (also known as bacopa) are all excellent support for brain health and a well-functioning nervous system.
More than just wishful thinking, herbs are good for you as they can act like powerful tools to be used on the road to optimal health. Because they are powerful, remember to talk to your doctor if you are on any prescription medication and you are considering adding an herbal supplement to your routine.