Health Tips

Top Herbs and Functions

GINKGO BILOBA

Ginkgo has been attached to many potential benefits, but perhaps one of the most significant is its ability to improve blood flow to the eyes especially in those suffering from macular degeneration. It can also be valuable to your ears as numerous studies have suggested it can help prevent tinnitus and inner ear disturbances as well as a number of other conditions.

BILBERRY

A relatively unknown but powerful antioxidant, bilberry has a number of positive health effects for the brain and heart. It can also help to protect the retina and improve range and clarity of vision.

PASSION FLOWER

If staring at a computer screen or reading in dim light has your eyes strained, try taking a passionflower supplement. It can help relax the small blood vessels in the eye and make seeing easier. Goldenseal: Sties and conjunctivitis can be irritating and embarrassing conditions. Take some goldenseal to help reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions and get you on the road to recovery.

ASPALATHUS

This South African herb contains a number of antioxidants that are similar to those found in Bilberry. These can boost your eye health while giving you overall improved immune function.

MAHONIA GRAPE EXTRACT

The sun can have an immensely damaging effect on the eyes, but this herb can help reduce the impact of sun damage while strengthening the retina, slowing eye aging and maintaining better overall eye health.

BILWA

Found in the sub-Himlayan forests, this fruit has been used in India to help treat painful eye conditions like sties and conjunctivitis.

MULLEIN FLOWER

This flowering plant can be a natural way to help rid yourself of an ear infection as it acts as a natural bactericide when condensed to oil form.

Mental Health and Function

Keep your mind sharp, alert and in good health with a little help from these plants.

KAVA KAVA

This herb can help calm your anxieties by binding to brain receptors that promote relaxation.

ST. JOHN’S WORT

Those with mild to moderate depression may find some relief with this herb. Numerous studies have been done on it, most finding that it can be as effective as some prescription drugs at treating depression. Those with more severe depression should, of course, consult a medical professional.

VALERIAN

Lull your body into a restful sleep with a natural remedy instead of prescription pills. Valerian has been shown to be as effective as traditional sleeping pills, while eliminating some of the more harmful side effects associated with them.

BACOPA

Used in India for several thousand years, this flowering plant has been said to improve memory, learning and cognition. Studies have shown that it can do little to improve your old memories but does have an affect on newly acquired information, so start taking it sooner rather than later.

GINSENG

Many people have heard of the herb ginseng, but few know that there have been numerous studies done to document its effects. These studies seem to suggest that there can be some benefits of taking it that include improved memory and other mental performance and a whole host of other effects ranging from immune system stimulation to lowered cholesterol.

HOLY BASIL

Also known as tulsi, this herb is not usually used in cooking like its cousin, but instead can help reduce the effects of stress on the body by inhibiting cortisol.

CHAMOMILE

Generally known as a relaxing herb, chamomile tea can be a great way to wind down after a stressful day and ease stress. Some also use it to calm nerves or relieve menstrual cramps.

SUMA

This rainforest plant can in some people help to normalize body systems and reduce the effects of stress.

BRAHMI

Give this Indian remedy a try to help boost your brain function and information retention.

GOTU KOLA

Commonly used in India, this herb can help to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety, helping you think more clearly and calmly.

SAGE

Modern research has shown that sage can actually help make you wiser, improving memory and reducing inflammation.

KUDZU

Feel like you’d like to have better self control when it comes to drinking and killing all those brain cells? This herb can help you to curb your appetite for booze by helping alcohol more quickly get to the part of the brain that tells you enough is enough.

CATNIP

Not just for cats, this common herb when eaten can help reduce anxiety and produce an overall sedated effect.

Digestive and Urinary Systems

Use these herbs to ensure that your plumbing stays in good condition.

LICORICE

You may love the taste of licorice but might not have known about the beneficial health effects it can have. It can soothe and relax gastrointestinal tissues, helping ease the pain of ulcers and acid reflux and has even been shown to help increase bile production.

MILK THISTLE

Give your liver some help filtering out all those toxins by taking some milk thistle. It can help improve the regeneration of liver tissue and regulate liver function as demonstrated in testing done at radiology tech schools nationwide.

PEPPERMINT OIL

A little dab of peppermint oil will do you to help relax the smooth muscles of your colon, stopping cramps and constipation that can be common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

GINGER

An upset stomach is never fun to deal with, but ginger may be the solution that you’re looking for. Ginger helps slow the production of serotonin, a major factor in the nauseated feeling you get when you are motion sick or experiencing pregnancy sickness.

SENNA

If you’re feeling constipated, this herb may work well as a natural laxative to get things moving again.

GENTIAN

This super bitter herb has been used for generations to treat digestive problems. Its bitter tastes stimulates the digestive system, making it easier to get food through your system problem free.

UVA URSI

Try out this herb for a great natural way to help prevent getting bladder infections.

ALOE

While great for healing burns and skin irritation when applied topically, this plant can act as a helpful laxative when consumed.

GAMMA ORIZANOL

Give this remedy a try if you want to help calm an upset stomach.

ROSE HIPS

These small berries serve a dual purpose helping to reduce bladder infections and to fight constipation.

AGRIMONY

If your whole digestive system needs a lift, try out this herb, said to improve stomach, liver, kidney and gallbladder function.

ANISE

This licorice-flavored herb can help prevent the accumulation of painful gas in the stomach and intestines.

CELERY SEED

Those having a little difficulty urinating may want to try this natural remedy out, cited for its diuretic properties.