In light of our new shared reality, it felt appropriate to shift course Herb of the month blog with many useful herbs, instead of just one. Many suppliers are low on spices, so it can be helpful to have a list of spices on hand that you can use as an alternative. We could all use some support in dealing with this immense change, isolation and uncertainty. This can bring up a plethora of emotions for many of us.
In addition to taking advantage of the outdoors to stay grounded, and the many ways to connect with loved ones virtually, we can also turn to some of our plant friends to help us get through this intense time.
There is so much information to read, absorb and process right now. That’s why I thought it best to offer a quick guide to a few categories of herbs that are useful to know. The list includes many herbs that serve multiple functions, making them important herbs to have on hand.
Six categories of herbs — Nerves, Nutrients, Adaptogens, Microbial balance, Immunosupports And Breathing herbs – support healthy immune function by promoting good nutrition, adequate sleep, a resilient nervous system and protection against unwanted insects.
Many supplement and herbal companies are being flooded with orders as many people turn to the plants for support! You may not be able to find some herbs on the list, but hopefully some or all of them will become available again in the coming weeks. Stay on the lookout for these plant-based allies; things change every day!
Nutrients
Nourishing herbs are herbs that contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that help nourish the body at all levels.
Nerves
Nervines, or nerve tonics, are a category of herbs that help support our nervous system by cultivating feelings of calm, peace and relaxation. Nerves help promote sleep and release physical and emotional tension.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens help the body’s natural ability to deal with stress, whether emotional or physical. These herbs tailor their actions on the body based on an individual’s specific needs, creating balance in the body and mind.
Microbial balancing
This group of herbs supports a healthy microbial balance in the body and supports the body’s natural ability to fight unwanted insects.
Immune Supporting Herbs
Herbs that support the immune system are also important to take to keep your immune system functioning optimally and to help the body recover if you unexpectedly contract something. These herbs stimulate a healthy inflammatory response, support the body’s natural detoxification process, and support a healthy cellular response to invaders.
Breathing support herbs
This group of herbs helps promote microbial balance and a healthy mucosal and inflammatory response in the lungs.
Here is a quick reference list of 30 herbs to look for, which you can use individually or as part of a formula. Several of these herbs are great for cooking, making them easy to consume on a daily basis.
- Blue vervain — Nervous system, immuno-support, respiratory support
- Milky oats – Nervous, nourishing
- Skull cap – Nervous
- Tulsi/Holy Basil — Nervine, microbial balancing, adaptogen
- Red Clover — Nourishing, immuno-supporting, respiratory support
- Hawthorn — Nervine (supports the emotional and physical heart
- Chamomile — Nervous, microbial balance
- Lavender — Nervous, microbial balance
- Feverfew — Nervine (supports the emotional and physical heart)
- Dandelion — Nourishing, microbially balanced
- Turmeric — Microbial balancing, immuno-supporting
- Lemon balm — Nervous, nutritious, microbially balanced
- Reishi — Nervine, microbial balancing, adaptogenic, immuno-supporting
- Ashwaghanda — Nervine, Adaptogen
- Astragalus — Adaptogen, immuno-support, respiratory support
- Passionflower – Nervous
- Angelica — Nervous system, microbial balance, respiratory support
- Oregano — Nourishing, microbially balanced
- Thyme — Nutritional value, microbial balance, respiratory support
- Parsley — Nourishing, microbially balanced
- Linde — Nervous system, immuno-support, respiratory support (supporting the emotional and physical heart)
- Garlic — Microbial balance
- Ginger — Microbial balance
- Peppermint — Nutritional, nervous system, microbial balance, respiratory support
- Rosemary — Nourishing, microbially balanced
- Elderberry — Nutritious, microbially balanced, immuno-supportive
- Kava kava – Nervous
- Rose — Nutritional, nervous and respiratory support
- Cocoa – Nutritious, nervous
- Hop — Nervous, microbial balance
Many of these herbs can be found in these WishGarden formulas:
References
Writer Amy Malek, CCN, CCH, INHC is a certified clinical nutritionist, certified clinical herbalist, integrative nutritional health coach, and flower essence practitioner. She discovered her love of plants in the Sonoran Desert while living in Tucson, Arizona. She has been studying plants from the mountains in the west and southwest for ten years. Her many teachers include Paul Bergner, Rosemary Gladstar, Dr. Aviva Romm, Lisa Ganora, Kat MacKinnon, Erin Smith, John Slattery and Charles Kane. Her career is divided between Holistic Health, Graphic/Web Design and Marketing/Social Media Consulting. She is currently the Social Media Coordinator of WishGarden. She lives in Boulder County, CO. She enjoys wild crafting and growing her own medicinal plants and making a variety of herbal medicines. You can find more information about her practice on her website, www.wholeheart-wellness.com.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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