Supporting your body and mind with a robust medicinal regimen is an important part of ensuring every bodily capacity is working at its peak. But what if you don’t know where to start? If you’re searching for a blend of herbs that will provide specific benefits for sustaining your health, take a look at this list for a brief overview of the best options.
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Black Cumin Seeds
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Black cumin seeds, also known as Nigella sativa, have been around for thousands of years. This herb has been used by ancient cultures as well as modern health experts for everything from liver health and digestive support to antibacterial needs and skin disorders. Studies show that it’s the presence of thymoquinone that provides potent effects for your digestion, cardiovascular health, and joint support.
Please note that if you plan to buy black cumin seeds, you’ll need to read the dosage instructions carefully, as each manufacturer has different formulations for their products.
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Psyllium Husk
A natural solution for digestive issues, psyllium husk can also address high cholesterol levels, making it an incredibly popular option for regulating your system. Psyllium husk also has an incredibly high amount of soluble fiber that helps move things through your intestines and bowels, bonding to waste products and pulling them out.
However, psyllium husk is not a pre- or probiotic. If you’re concerned with your gut biome, you should still take a prebiotic blend to help support stomach health.
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Turmeric
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Used for thousands of years in Asia, turmeric is widely known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular support, and immune system support. It can even improve your brain health by shielding it from the breakdown of nerve cells that may cause beta-amyloid to build up. This protein fragment can lead to the formation of Alzheimer’s-related plaque in the brain.
The best part about turmeric is that you can use it in food preparation for a delicious, savory flavor. Add it to curries, sauces, and meat dishes with a bit of cumin and coriander. And if you want to maximize turmeric absorption, you may want to include a few dashes of black pepper in your dish. Also, you can add turmeric to your tea. Turmeric ginger tea is widely used and comes with great benefits.
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Oregano
Another cooking herb, oregano is a plant that’s native to the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and most of Europe. While it has a delicious flavor, it also provides powerful immune support due to its high concentration of antioxidants. You might have seen wellness shots that contain ginger, oregano oil, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. This blend is incredibly potent and can clear your nasal passages, soothe your throat, and fight infection.
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Kava
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If finding sleep is proving difficult, Kava is the herb that may provide a solution. Studies show that it has a relaxing and calming effect on the body, so it’s great to use when you’re dealing with a lot of stress or having trouble sleeping.
One thing to note about kava is that in studies about using it for anxiety, it did not have any side effects or promote issues with dependency. Many other anxiety medications do require weaning and may have side effects related to libido and brain function.
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Echinacea
Commonly found in North America, echinacea has been used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties for over 400 years. This flower is most commonly used for its polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which boost the body’s immune system to help you fight off infections. Whether you prefer tea, juice, or pill form, use echinacea when you feel a cold or flu coming on.
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Ginseng
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As one of the most popular herbs for unlocking the benefits of nature, ginseng is pretty well-known for its energy-boosting effects, as well as its stimulating effects on brain functions. The power of ginseng comes from several compounds, including eleutherosides and ginsenosides. Studies show that these compounds enhance physical performance, provide anti-fatigue support, and improve your mood.
It’s important to remember that at high doses, ginseng does have some side effects, including increased heart rate, insomnia, and diarrhea. Take ginseng only as recommended on your supplement packaging.
What’s Your Blend?
So what do you need to improve your overall health and lifestyle? For brain power, choose ginseng. For immune support, go with oregano or echinacea. And for soothing and relaxation, opt for kava. With this list, you’ve got a starting point for every part of your life! Build your list of essentials to start your journey to wellness.