It’s no surprise that there’s an upward trend regarding more holistic approaches to medicine. As we all know, knowledge is power, and utilizing these herbal medicinal alternatives correctly and efficiently will help anyone achieve a healthy mind and body.
If you’re thinking of experimenting with holistic medicine and treatments, get familiar with the following top 18 herbal remedies and their processes:
Alternative herbs are great options to help rejuvenate your body’s organ activity.
They achieve this task by supporting the body’s ability to eradicate waste so that all bodily functions are properly in sync.
Our cells, just like our bodies, produce certain types of wastes that need biologically appropriate disposal, as they operate with their specific metabolisms. Some of these cellular wastes include proteinaceous (protein) surpluses, leftover hormones, and other cellular byproducts that are no longer necessary and need to be tossed out of the body. Below are a few common alternative herbal supplements suggested for daily use:
- Burdock
- Red clover
- Blue flag
Astringent herbs assist our bodies in shrinking tissues, which helps control excess bleeding or secretions.
Cosmetically, astringent herbs of any kind clean our skin and close our pores, and physically, they can decrease inflammation, strengthen our membranes, and can even help combat diarrhea. Here are a few astringent herbs to try for everyday use:
- Blackberry
- Green/black tea
- White oak
Demulcent herbs, like astringent herbs, target our body’s tissues. They can relax aggravated tissues in the body. Demulcent herbs are abundant in an element known as mucilage, which is a viscous bodily secretion or fluid that helps reduce tissue inflammation.
Demulcent herbs can help treat acid reflux in the esophagus, reduce symptoms of urinary tract infections, and help mend exterior injuries. A few good demulcent herbs to incorporate into your diet include:
- Flaxseed
- Chia seed
- Plantain
- Comfrey
Antimicrobial herbs, as the name suggests, help the body rid itself of undesirable microbes, such as fungi or bacteria. These herbs act as a blocker to the production of harmful microbes that do not serve your body any positive purpose. These are herbs that we are more familiar with but may not be properly educated about regarding their helpfulness. Here are some recommended antimicrobial herbs that you can incorporate into your daily diet:
- Garlic
- Fennel
- Eucalyptus, peppermint, and clove oils
- Myrrh
Adaptogenic herbs are a specific group of herbs (including a select few mushrooms) that help our body with its natural stress management practices. They have the ability to adapt their own individual responsibilities to accommodate the body’s particular requests. For example, if you find yourself in a fleeting (but overwhelming) moment of stress, these herbs are capable of handling your body’s needs at that moment and can help target the cause of the stress. Here are some adaptogenic herbs recommended for everyday use:
- Moringa
- Eleuthero
- Astragalus
- Rhodiola rosea
- Licorice
Emmenagogue herbs are for the ladies. These herbs encourage a healthy menstrual flow. Women can experience late periods for a number of reasons: stress, anxiety, illness, diet, etc., and emmenagogue herbs help to correct the menstrual cycle’s schedule. Below are a few emmenagogue herbs to help reset and restore a healthy menstrual flow:
- Rue
- Sage
- Pennyroyal
- Mugwort
- Angelica
*NOTE: These herbs are NOT safe for pregnant women.
Hepatic herbs focus on assisting liver health and its overall productive functions. These herbs strengthen the liver’s bile flow, which is imperative for a body’s organs to operate properly and cohesively. A few hepatic herb options to consider are:
- Milk thistle
- Dandelion root
- Licorice
Antioxidant herbs help our body ward off oxidants, which in excess, can weaken our immune systems, hasten aging, and cause fatigue. Though oxidants are necessary for our body to combat viruses, antioxidants help our bodies protect against surplus oxidants. Below are some common antioxidant herbs that will give your body an extra boost:
- Parsley
- Basil
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
Stimulant herbs help our body increase its energy levels. These herbs can help lift spirits, accelerate metabolism, and can even help improve our body’s circulation. Below are some stimulant herbs suggested for everyday use:
- Ginkgo
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Cayenne
Bitter herbs get their name from their taste. Since they are sour in nature, they can help increase saliva production in the mouth, boost our digestive fluids, and support a healthy appetite. These herbs can additionally help relieve constipation and break up gas, which reduces ensuing stomach cramps. Below are some bitter herb options that you can include into your daily diet:
- Orange peel
- Dandelion
- Hops
- Yellow dock
Diaphoretic herbs galvanize our sweat glands. Particularly spicy foods or meals galvanize sweating, which in turn helps the body rid its skin of toxins, stimulates circulation, and can also help increase healthy kidney function. Should you ever find yourself fighting a cold, use the following suggested diaphoretic herbs to sweat it out:
- Elderberry
- Cayenne
- Yarrow
- Catnip
Expectorant herbs are used for ejecting excess mucus. When faced with a common cold, mucus buildup from our lungs can interfere with our respiratory functions, and it is important to rid our bodies of this surplus. Expectorant herbs also play a role in soothing a painful or agitating cough. Below are some expectorant herbs to include in your diet:
- Mullein
- Hyssop
- Marshmallow
- Elecampane
Analgesic herbs are widely used to treat pain. These herbs are a wonderful alternative to pharmaceutical narcotics, as they are not addictive and have much fewer side effects when remedying pain. They can also be used as a muscle and skeletal relaxant and work best as a more targeted treatment. Some generally used analgesic herbs include:
- Black cohosh
- Mullein
- Butterbur
Diuretic herbs are a great source to help our bladders in proper urination, which is an important process in purging our bodies of waste. Healthy urination requires healthy kidneys, and diuretic herbs help motivate increased sodium excretion from our kidneys out into our urine. These herbs also help reduce high blood pressure, decrease cirrhosis, prevent kidney stones, and alleviate bloating in PMS symptoms. Here are a few diuretic herbs to include in your diet:
- Horsetail
- Juniper
- Hawthorn
Tonic herbs strengthen, refurbish, and tone our body’s organs and cells. These herbs also help us maintain a balanced relationship between our minds and our bodies, which is crucial in leading a healthy life. Below are some tonic herbs to incorporate into your daily routine:
- Tulsi
- Nettle
- Chaga
- Moringa
Anticatarrhal herbs are most commonly used to treat the common cold and can help restore respiratory functions. These herbs can also target sinus infections, decrease sinus pressure, help relieve middle ear infection pains, and soothe swollen or irritated tonsils. Below are some suggested anticatarrhal herbs for everyday use:
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Comfrey
- Goldenrod
Carminative herbs are usually used exclusively for gas and bloating and can help alleviate cramps from these symptoms. They are aromatic in nature, giving off their own strong, distinct scents. Here are some familiar bitter herbs that are recommended for treating gas and bloating:
- Caraway
- Chamomile
Nervine herbs, as their name suggests, help our body’s nervous system. These herbs are more calming in nature and can help our minds relax and revitalize after experiencing stress or anxiety. Nervine herbs can also assist in getting a good night’s rest. Here are a few nervine herbs to include in your diet:
- Lemon balm
- Valerian
- Skullcap
Before you jump into the world of medicinal herbs either seek the help of a trained herbalist or procure your herbs from a company that creates formulations for specific issues. They will provide you with specific dosing recommendations and ensure you aren’t choosing herbal supplements that could be harmful to you.
If you desire to dabble in the world of herbal medicine, check out Colorado’s best natural remedy provider. Oriental Herb Company provides its customers with the best natural herbal remedies! Come see what OHCO has in stock for you today to start your herbal voyage!
