When most people think of herbs, they may not fully realize how powerful they are when it comes to their healing powers. Here is a great guide on just what herbs to use for whatever ails you!
With the rise in popularity of natural home remedies, organic foods, superfoods, supplements and other holistic methods of healing, it is not surprising to hear about the powerful healing properties of nature, plants, whole foods, spices and… you guessed it, herbs!
Many of you have heard this famous and very wise idiom by Hippocrates before: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
The medicinal uses of herbs are no new discovery. Plants have been used for medicinal and healing purposes long before recorded history. Many ancient civilizations, were well aware of the power of plants. Many of them created their own traditional medical systems because of it. It simply took the western world a few more thousands of years to catch up to the sometimes-miraculous properties of medicinal plants.
But today, many of us already use plants for their health-inducing active ingredients. In fact, if you have ever sipped on a cup of chamomile tea to relax and wind down before bed or eaten some crushed raw garlic when you have a cold, then you most likely have already experienced the wonderful healing properties of medicinal or “functional” herbs.
What are superherbs?
Well first, let me explain what we mean when we use the term “herb.” When we think of herbs in the culinary world, it usually refers to the leafy part of a plant (think basil, parsley, cilantro, etc). In the medicinal or spiritual world, however, the term herb usually refers to different parts of the plant. It could be the leaves, flowers, roots, barks, seeds, berries, or inner barks. Even some mushrooms can sometimes also qualify as medicinal “herbs” (e.g Reishi mushrooms). It is something to keep in mind to better understand what superherbs are.So what is a superherb, then?
Well, just as certain superfoods have a higher nutritional profile and are therefore extremely beneficial to the body, so can some herbs be extremely healing to the body.
Thus, a superherb is any medicinal herb, which has a higher healing profile for the body due to the potency of its active components. A superherb will act like a tonic on the body and some of its organs. It can improve some of its functions or help in building a stronger defense or coping mechanism in times of high stress and/or dis-eases.
Functional Herbs vs Adaptogenic Herbs
Now that you know the definition of a superherb, let’s move on to the distinction between functional herbs and adaptogenic herbs.There are various types of medicinal herbs. All of them have important health related benefits for the body. However, some medicinal herbs help with very specific body functions, on top of being nutritious. These herbs are said to be functional herbs.
Functional Herbs
A functional herb will have a direct impact on how you feel in your body. Here are a few examples of functional herbs and their health properties:
Echinacea
Echinacea boosts your immune system and can help you fight a cold virus.Valerian
Valerian is well known as a healthy and natural alternative to sleeping medications. It will help you relax and wind down.Turmeric
Turmeric, which comes from a root, has been increasingly used for its natural anti- inflammatory properties. It is great for reducing internal body inflammation.Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba helps in boosting your energy levels by increasing the production of ATP (energy molecule in the body) at a cellular level.Milk Thistle
Milk thistle helps your body detox by boosting the detoxification process of the liver.Adaptogenic Herbs
Adaptogenic herbs are not very different from functional herbs because they also have a positive impact on the body. However, their effect on the body is very specific and targeted.Adaptogenic herbs help you adapt to stress by supporting your adrenal glands. They also greatly improve your ability to handle stress, whether it is a physical stress, like when you are feeling ill or a mental and external stress, like the death of a loved one or a stressful working environment.
In many parts of the non-Western world, adaptogenic herbs have been used for thousands of years because of their ability to impart strength, stamina, energy, endurance and focus.
Here are a few examples of adaptogenic herbs and their health properties:
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is highly prized in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine because of its ability to ease up fatigue and nervous exhaustion. It can also build your resistance to stress and improve your energy levels.Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng is widely popular among athletes because it helps in increasing your stamina and can reduce or minimize the effects of stress on the body.Holy Basil
Holy Basil is another great adaptogenic herb because it will help enhance your body’s natural responses to physical and emotional stress.Maca
Maca has increased in popularity lately as it is considered both a superfood and a superherb. This adaptogen increases strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function.As you can see, there is a plethora of beneficial superherbs. And whether you choose to use functional ones to improve your digestion or adaptogens to boost your energy levels, make sure that they come from a clean source and always inform yourself about the safety guidelines for using herbs. Just like any other healing method, they can also be harmful if used without caution.
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By Sarah Somian via Healthy Holistic Living
