Trust us, your herbs are your mind and body’s best friend. From peppermint, to sage, to basil, to rosemary, every herb contains unique restorative properties. Here are our 7 favorite health benefits of herbs.
1. Improve Digestion
Peppermint is a great natural remedy for nausea and digestion issues of all kinds. This minty fresh herb helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulates bile flow. It also soothes stomachaches and can ease bloating, cramps and spasms.
2. Improve Brain Power
When you’re talking health benefits of herbs, you can’t avoid sage. Sage has a strong and lasting reputation for healing. During the middle ages, it was used to try and prevent the plague. Currently, research indicates that sage can help improve brain function and memory, specifically those with Alzheimer’s disease. Start using it now on your favorite meat dish to help avoid memory loss in the future.
3. Overcome Congestion & Allergies
If you’re amidst your yearly cold, rosemary is your best friend. There’s an ingredient in rosemary called rosmarinic acid, which research indicates can suppress nasal congestion by decreasing the number of immune cells in nasal mucus. Additionally, it’s a great anti-inflammatory — take a bath in it!
4. Ease Depression
Lavender is a natural remedy for anxiety and depression. Either take it orally or smell its natural oils. The pleasing fragrance has a calming effect on the mind, and lavender extract can act as low-dose benzodiazepines for anxiety. In any case, these elegant purple beauties can add a touch of happiness to your home.
5. Heal Mouth Sores
Thyme is one of our favorite flavor-givers, which is lucky because it’s extraordinarily good for your mouth health. It contains thymol, a potent antioxidant (in Listerine mouthwash). It can heal gum infections and wounds from teeth removal.
6. Fight Infection
Holy basil is especially good at fighting infection. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. It may also boost immune system function by increasing certain immune cells in the blood. Eat it regularly to keep healthy!
7. Clear Skin
Surprise! Parsley is our go-to blemish fighter. It’s full of vitamins (C, A, + K) and antioxidants. Most importantly, it’s antibacterial and antifungal, so it’s amazing for your skin. Use parsley’s oils to clear your skin up in no time.
The health benefits of herbs never end. So, your best shot is to just use herbs in your regular life! Grow them in a herb garden, harvest them, cook with them, dry them, make oils of them — just use them. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
*The information in this story is not intended to replace a one on one relationship with a qualified medical professional.
