In this post, we take a look at some of the herbs that have incredible, and often surprising, health and beauty benefits.

Most of us believe that drugs are the only thing that can seriously impact our body’s chemistry. We’ve been told by doctors and pharmaceutical companies that that’s just the way it is. 

But when you begin exploring herbs and alternative medicines, you discover something quite interesting. It turns out that most of the medicines that doctors prescribe actually come from herbs and plants. They’re not just chemical abominations cooked up in laboratories. 

For that reason, herbs have powerful medicinal effects. In fact, it’s something that ancient cultures have known for thousands of years. Herbal remedies are often as good, if not better and sometimes cheaper than the leading pharmaceuticals. 

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a relatively common ingredient and has been used in Europe to flavour dishes for hundreds of years. It’s also widely recognised for its medicinal value too. Rosemary, for instance, is a powerful nasal decongestant. Rosmarinic acid appears to reduce inflammation of the mucus membranes, leaving your nose feeling clear and itch-free. 

Rosemary is also good for the brain. People who take it regularly report feeling more alert and able to complete tasks than their peers. 

2. Ginger

Ginger is another super spice that offers a host of medicinal effects. The herb, most commonly used in southern Asia, is something that you can include in soups, beverages, and stir-fries.  

Ginger is best for nausea and pain. In fact, it may work just as well as the leading anti-migraine drugs, but without any of the negative side effects. 

Ginger tends to reduce pain gradually but has a long-lasting effect on the body. It may take a couple of hours for the relief to kick in, but when it does, it lasts. 

If you want to take ginger as a painkiller, use around 2 grams per day. You don’t necessarily have to feel sick to take it, since it is also a healthy food as well. 

3. Garlic

Garlic is another ingredient that you’ll want to include in your wellness regimen. Research shows that it may help people recover from colds faster and it could also boost the functioning of the heart. People with high blood pressure often consume garlic to reduce their risk of serious disease. 

4. Cinnamon 

If you thought that cinnamon was just a nice thing to sprinkle on your porridge, then think again. This brown bark may help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. 

Researchers believe that the positive effects come from the chemical, cinnamaldehyde. This compound may fight triglycerides in the blood and reduce the breakdown of carbohydrates in the stomach, lowering blood glucose. Some studies suggest that cinnamon could reduce blood sugar levels by between 10 and 29 percent in diabetic patients. 

5. Fenugreek 

Most people don’t eat a huge amount of fenugreek. However, the herb was common in Ayurveda, believed to enhance libido and masculinity among those who ate it. 

Strangely, the effects of fenugreek on testosterone levels are not yet widely understood. However, there is substantial evidence that it may improve the ability of insulin to shuttle sugar into the cells. 

To get the benefits, you’ll need to eat around 1 gram per day. People living with diabetes stand to gain the most from consuming the herb. 

You don’t have to go to the supermarket to find this amazing herb. Fenugreek, as well as many other herbs, can easily be grown at home. You can even grow Fenugreek micro greens successfully inside your home, such as on your kitchen windowsill.

Micro greens are small plants that are harvested when they are just a few inches tall. They have more nutrients than traditional vegetables and they take up less space to grow. Fenugreek micro greens can be added to curries or salads to add their spicy, nutty and bitter flavour.

6. CBD

CBD is an extract from the hemp plant believed to have all sorts of medicinal benefits. People taking it claim that it reduces pain and anxiety and improves epilepsy symptoms. 

Some of the most common uses are:

• - Pain Relief
• - Anti-anxiety
• - Mood Lifter
• - Sleep Aid

7. Cayenne pepper 

If you thought that cayenne pepper was just a spicy treat, then think again. It turns out that it contains capsaicin, a powerful compound that slashes appetite and also fights cancer. 

People eating red peppers, for instance, have an increased fat burning rate compared to those who do not. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that chillies and cayenne reduce rates of cancer in the prostate, lung and liver. 

Capsaicin is also an anti-inflammatory, thus helping with sore joints and muscles. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for diabetics. Capsaicin can also help to lower cholesterol by blocking the absorption of fats in the gut.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is now a well-known spice, thanks to the sheer amount of publicity it’s received over recent years. Even celebrities now tout it for its health and beauty effects. 

Turmeric is effective in the body for a number of reasons. First, it contains compounds that stimulate the body’s antioxidative defences. Curcumin, for instance, may stimulate glutathione and superoxide dismutase, two powerful antioxidants that the body uses as a defence against oxidative stress.

Turmeric also has an anti-inflammatory component. When you eat it, it interacts with the immune system, reducing the number of inflammatory cytokines coursing around in your blood. Researchers believe that it may work better than many of the leading anti-inflammatory drugs. 

9. Peppermint 

Peppermint is another powerful herb that may help to combat both irritable bowel syndrome pain and nausea. Traditionally, people took peppermint essential oil directly or mixed it with hot drinks. Now, though, they’re just taking the whole herb, as the benefits might be even better. Peppermint smooths the muscles on the colon, is one of the best foods for bloating, and generally helping to make the person taking it to feel more comfortable.

Of course, IBS isn’t the only medicinal use of peppermint – there are others. One exciting one is in the prevention of hair loss. Evidence suggests that peppermint might be able to keep hair looking thick and beautiful for longer. It could delay male pattern baldness. 

10. Astragalus 

If you haven’t heard of astragalus, you’re not alone.  Astragalus is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The root of the plant is most commonly used by herbalists and it has many different benefits.

People rarely use it in cooking. Instead, the bark is famous for its ability to fight viral infections. There’s evidence that it can reduce the length of infection and speed the rate at which people recover. 

Some of these benefits include soothing coughs, lowering fever, relieving diarrhoea, improving appetite, and strengthening the immune system. It can be beneficial for people with asthma or allergies because it can help with breathing problems. This herb is also good for people who want to get better sleep because it can reduce anxiety.

11. Sage

Sage isn’t just for stuffing and sausages – it’s a powerful medicinal herb in its own right. 

What makes it so special? Well, among its many effects is its ability to improve brain function and memory. 

Interestingly, the word sage comes from the Latin to save. Throughout the ancient and medieval world, it gained a reputation for its health benefits, sometimes being used to fight the plague.

Researchers now believe that sage has the ability to improve memory and brain function. It may enhance the presence of acetylcholine and prevent its breakdown. In dementia patients, administration of sage led to improvements in cognition, reducing the progression of the disease.

12. Ashwagandha

If you’re feeling stressed out, you might want to try ashwagandha. This unusual herb is now being touted as a remedy for all kinds of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

The way ashwagandha works is interesting. Researchers believe that it has the ability to return the nervous system to a state of balance. People who consume the root regularly report greater feelings of equanimity than their peers. 

Ashwagandha is a pleasant-tasting herb. You’ll want to consume between a teaspoon and two teaspoons per day. You can safely use it for many months at a time, though you may sometimes want to take breaks. 

13. Parsley

Parsley is known for its many health benefits such as: lowering your risk of contracting cancer, lowering blood pressure, and improving your digestive system. It may also be able to relieve pain from arthritis and headaches.

Parsley is a herb that has been used for centuries as a natural food preservative and is now used extensively in the food industry.  Parsley is a very versatile herb. It can be used for cooking, in salads, or in drinks. But did you know it is also good for beauty and ageing?

Parsley has many types of nutrients that are beneficial for our health. These nutrients include vitamins A, C, E, K and B-complex vitamins like folates and riboflavin. They act as antioxidants that protect your cells from free radicals that can age your skin. They also help with regulating hormones which can help with wrinkles. Parsley also has minerals like calcium which helps build strong bones and teeth to keep your face looking youngish!

Final word

Herbs have been trusted for centuries to promote health and wellbeing, offering natural remedies for common ailments and even improving beauty and vitality. Whether you're looking to boost your immune system, soothe your mind, or enhance your daily diet, these incredible herbs are worth exploring. As with any health decision, consult a professional before introducing new herbs to your routine, especially if you're on medication. Embrace the power of nature, and you might just find surprising benefits in the simplest of ingredients.