Herbs can do way more than just make your food taste better!
For centuries, various herbs have been used to treat a number of health conditions, from nausea to certain types of cancer. Listed below are four powerful herbs that can help you feel and look your best.
1. Ginger
One of the most popular herbs on the market, many people swear by ginger for its ability to soothe nausea and upset stomachs. It has several other health benefits, though.
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that have been shown to reduce joint and muscle pain.
In one study, those who took ginger capsules every day for eleven days reported a 25 percent decrease in muscle pain after doing exercises that were meant to strain their muscles.
Injections of ginger extract have also been shown to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
How to Use it:
There are a number of ways that you can incorporate ginger into your diet. The easiest and most affordable is to simply make a ginger tea by steeping a small amount of fresh ginger in hot water. You can also grate fresh ginger over your food or sprinkle powdered ginger on top of your meals.
If you don’t like the taste of ginger, you may want to try ginger capsules from your local pharmacy or health food store to consume it more efficiently.
Who Should Avoid Ginger?
The following people should consult their doctor before using ginger to treat conditions like pain or nausea:
- Pregnant women
- People who take blood clotting medications
- People who are on medication to treat diabetes
- People who are on medication to lower blood pressure
- People with gallstones
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is another powerful anti-inflammatory herb that has been used for centuries in India to do everything from treating wounds to relieving respiratory issues.
Researchers have found that a compound in turmeric called curcumin is responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Curcumin has been used in recent studies to relieve pain caused by arthritis and various injuries. It also seems to be a beneficial aid for those trying to manage conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes — all conditions that stem from or create chronic inflammation in the body.
Early studies also suggest that curcumin has the ability to fight certain kinds of cancer. It appears to have the ability to suppress enzymes in the body that activate carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and may be able to stop the growth of tumors.
How to Use it:
Like ginger, fresh turmeric can be steeped in hot water for tea or mixed into or sprinkled on top of various dishes. It has a mild taste that complements both sweet and savory foods, so it’s easy to incorporate into any meal.
Who Should Avoid Turmeric:
Despite its various health benefits, turmeric is not for everyone. The following people may experience negative side effects after consuming turmeric:
- People with gallstones
- People with kidney stones
- People who are taking blood clotting medications
- People who are taking medications to help with digestive issues like GERD
3. Sage
The name “sage” comes from Salvere, a Latin word that means “to save.” It’s an appropriate name considering all the healing benefits sage has. It was even used in the Middle Ages to prevent the plague!
Sage is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb that is known for being able to treat digestive issues and stomach pain. It can also reduce inflammation in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to help ward off heart disease and high blood pressure.
Sage also appears to help improve cognitive function and memory, especially in those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers believe that sage is effective in improving memory and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s because it stops the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease experience a decrease in their acetylcholine levels.
How to Use it:
Sage is best when added to savory dishes like soups or roasted meats or vegetables. Add dried or fresh sage to these kinds of meals on a regular basis to experience all of its great health benefits. You can also inhale sage essential oil or apply it to the skin to treat pain and soreness.
Who Should Avoid Sage?
Some people who would do well to avoid sage include:
- Pregnant women
- People taking medication to treat diabetes
- People with high or low blood pressure
- People with hormone sensitivities
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps reverse the negative effects that chronic stress has on the body while also improving a person’s ability to tolerate stressors.
In addition to reducing the effects of stress, ashwagandha also seems to have cancer-fighting properties. One recent study even found that it contained several components that caused the selective killing of cancer cells.
Ashwagandha may also be able to lower blood sugar and improve cognition, memory, and brain health as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Use it:
Ashwagandha comes in capsule, tincture, and powder form, so it’s easy to incorporate into your diet in a way that fits your specific preferences. Many people prefer ashwagandha capsules since they find its bitter taste unpleasant. However, it is more affordable in powder or tincture form, and it can easily be added to teas, soups, or smoothies to mask the taste.
Who Should Avoid Ashwagandha?
The following people may react negatively to ashwagandha and should talk to their doctor before consuming it:
- Pregnant women
- People with stomach ulcers
- People with autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- People taking sedative medications
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be sick to experience the benefits of the four herbs. In fact, the earlier you begin incorporating them into your diet (assuming you don’t have any conditions that are contraindicated), the more beneficial you may find them to be. Take control of your health by being proactive and giving them a try today.