7 Powerful Herbs With Proven Medicinal Benefits
The habit of using herbs and spices to achieve good health and wellness has lasted through several centuries in various parts of the world. Our ancestors often harnessed the properties of these powerful plants as home remedies for treating several ailments.
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Many of these herbs were celebrated for their medicinal value long before making their way into the culinary world. The advancement in science today helps us to evaluate the reason behind the potency of these medicinal herbs. Here we will talk about seven herbs that have proven to exhibit exceptional medicinal properties.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary, often used in the kitchen for its impeccable fragrance and flavors, holds several medicinal benefits. It is power-packed with a plethora of nutrients, including vitamin A, B-6, C, iron, and calcium.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb can strengthen the immune system. It can also enhance your mood by balancing stress and anxiety-inducing chemicals in the body and improve focus and concentration.
Rosemary has powerful benefits for your skin to treat sun damage and reverse the effects of aging. Including this aromatic herb in your recipes or enjoying a warm cup of infused tea are the most common ways of harnessing the benefits.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is the bright yellow spice that holds a special place in Asian cuisine. While the west is slowly embracing the herb’s incredible health benefits, the herb has a long history of being an innate part of traditional medicine in China and India to cure various ailments, including infections, wounds, cuts, digestive disorders, colds, coughs.
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Research indicates that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can have applications in the treatment of chronic ailments, such as heart diseases. The presence of curcumin aids in treating inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular use of the herb can also remove protein plaques in the brain to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric is also a powerful ingredient for skin care as it can eliminate common problems such as acne and achieve even skin tone and flawless glow.
3. Kratom
Kratom is a powerful medicinal herb indigenous to South East Asia. The leaves are useful to cure cough, cold, muscle soreness, pain, and inflammation. The herb also serves as a remedy for fatigue, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.
Kratom contains two major alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, known to bind at opioid receptors. This property makes it a powerful ingredient to aid during opioid withdrawal. Kratom products from trusted sources such as bulkkratomnow may also help reduce the intensity of side effects experienced during opioid de-addiction programs.
The recent interest in the herb worldwide encouraged further research to understand the health benefits of kratom. The results of several clinical trials indicate that the herb also has potential applications to treat a spectrum of mental ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
4. Holy Basil
The Holy Basil is a native herb to SouthEast Asia and has a long history in Indian medicine for treating infections and digestive disorders. The holy basil plant is useful to treat several conditions like malaria, bronchitis, nausea, vomiting, stomach ulcers, insect bites, eczema, and eye infections from leaves to seeds.
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Often referred to as the “Queen of herbs,” holy basil acts as an adaptogen to help your body cope with the effects of stress and anxiety and promotes mental balance. Studies show that the herb can enhance metabolism and reduce tissue damage to stimulate and rejuvenate the body.
5. Sage
Sage belongs to the mint family and processes an earthy flavor and intense aroma. Packed with a strong nutrient profile, the herb is often used as a natural cleansing agent to rid pests.
The antimicrobial properties of sage help to neutralize harmful microbes in the mouth that cause dental plaque. It also helps to elevate other aspects of oral health by treating common problems like mouth ulcers, gum infections, and dental cavities.
Sage contains compounds with estrogen-like properties, which aid in reducing the intensity of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, irritability, vaginal discharge. The plant is loaded with antioxidant compounds that can enhance the brain defense system and promote good brain health and memory.
6. Oregano
Oregano is a kitchen staple popularly used as a seasoning agent to add flavors and aroma to your recipes. But this fragrant plant also has powerful healing properties. It is rich in antioxidants and exhibits anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Studies show that oregano oil prepared using steam distillation from dried oregano contains two antioxidants that prevent free radical cell damage. These compounds can also treat joint pain, muscle soreness, cold sores, nasal congestion, indigestion, sore throat, and nausea.
Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of the plant are effective against 23 species of bacteria, making it a powerful ally to your immune system.
7. Parsley
Parsley is a widely useful culinary herb that hails from the Mediterranean region. Over the years, the herb has helped treat allergies, inflammatory diseases, digestive problems, and high blood pressure.
Research proves that the rich concentration of flavonoids and folate in the plant aids in reducing the risk of developing heart diseases, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The three major carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene, help promote healthy vision and protect the cornea from conjunctivitis.
The ease of use and the plethora of benefits possible from parsley make it an exceptional medicinal herb to use.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
