There are okay herbs, and then there are good herbs.
There is the type of herbs you use in your kitchen with your dinners, and then there are good herbs that actually improve your health.
I like to call these herbs super herbs. But good herbs will do just fine.
I think by now most of us know that vegetables like broccoli and kale are really good for us. However, by concentrating so much on these, we’re overlooking the humble herb. There are some good herbs out there that could jump on the superfood train.
Rachel Landon is an expert herbalist who has discovered a number of ‘superherbs’ – herbs that are so good for us, we should be eating them regularly.
In fact, she’s written a book on these herbs, which you can check out here.
Let’s take a look at five of these good herbs.
Holy Basil
Like its name, holy basil is known as the ‘Queen of herbs.' Why you ask? Because of its miracle healing properties.
It can help to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as help you with insomnia and general lack of energy.
This is because it works in conjunction with the nervous system of the body, helping to relieve symptoms of stress like migraines, tension in the muscles and irritability.
I get my holy basil in an essential oil form. My favorite is Ancient Apothecary’s organic holy basil oil. It is therapeutic grade and has maximum purity and potency. Get yours here.
2. Astragalus
I absolutely love coming across new, exciting ways to combat the common cold. If you’ve got kids, especially, you don’t want to be bogged down with a stuffed nose. I have little to no patience for that now that I’ve got two running around.
Astragalus is actually considered one of the essential herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.
It helps the body to naturally overcome stress and anything that’s bringing the immune system down.
It can also naturally stimulate natural white cell production.
Because I love sipping on a hot drink when I’m feeling a bit under the weather, I take my astragalus in tea form. My favorite is Wananfu’s top grade Mongolia grassland cut astragalus. It's 100% natural, and you can get it here.
3. Nettle Leaves
Ouch, spiky. You wouldn’t think that nettle leaves had any health-related purposes – in fact, you would assume the opposite. They certainly don’t come across as a good herb.
However, what it’s capable of is pretty surprising. In fact, it’s touted as one of the most superior herbs when it comes to healing properties.
It’s a superherb and incredibly effective at helping with exhaustion and fatigue. It is filled to the brim with nutrients and has cleansing properties that work closely with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The stinging nettle – I know – is full of a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
I also take nettle in tea form, but as it comes, I can also use it as a seasoning or cold tonic on a hot day. Feel Good Organics have a popular organic nettle leaf that's 100% raw straight from the U.S.A.
Get yours here.
4. Siberian Ginseng
Sounds exotic, I know. The first thing I thought when I read that was ‘where the heck would I get that from?!’. The internet is pretty cool in that way.
Ginseng can really help to improve your levels of concentration – lord knows I need this. In fact, it can help to improve your overall stamina, giving you a boost of energy when you need it the most.
Ginseng is recommended for those of you who are hard-working mommas like me. Whether you work long hours or are up at all hours of the night with your beautiful children, ginseng is a great pick-me-up when the day begins again at an ungodly hour.
I use Biofinest’s Siberian Ginseng powder either on my breakfast in the morning or in my smoothie. It’s a great way to get going, especially when I don’t have a lot of time to fill my body with the nutrients it requires. Get yours here.
5. Amla
If we’re going to get technical, Amla isn’t exactly an herb – it’s more of a berry. But hey, with its awesome nutrition content, I don’t hear anyone complaining.
Also called an Indian Gooseberry, this little powerhouse can help with improving your circulation and lowering high cholesterol.
It’s another natural plant that’s been used for centuries in traditional remedies. It’s been proven to help diabetic patients with their cholesterol.
I also take amla in a powder form. Naturevibe Botanicals does a great raw organic amla powder. Get your natural remedy here.
It’s always nice to find out about more natural remedies to issues that the doctor would just prescribe you pills for. I love modern medicine as much as the next person, but I would rather prevent those issues from happening in the first place.
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Which good herb are you most excited to try? I know I ping out of the house in the morning now that I’m taking ginseng. It’s a miracle worker!
