Nature’s Apothecary: 5 Healing Herbs For A Balanced Life

Are you interested in exploring the healing power of plants? You’ve come to the right place! From ancient roots to modern-day practices, we dive into the world of herbalism, learning more about how you can embrace plants and a balanced lifestyle.

In a nutshell, a healing herb (or medicinal plant) is grown for its curative properties. The plant’s bark, leaves, stems, flowers, roots, or seeds can create a variety of herbal remedies.

Read on to discover our top five healing herbs, their benefits, and how to take them.

1. Kratom

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree that originates from Southeast Asia. This plant boasts unique leaves that contain mitragynine, a chemical that works similarly to opioids like morphine. Another psychoactive ingredient this herb contains is hydroxy mitragynine.

Traditional uses

Due to its pain-relieving effects, it’s a popular choice for a healing herb.

There are various kratom canada store vendors to choose from when sourcing this plant’s leaves, which, in low doses, boast stimulant effects, including heightened energy levels and alertness, and in high doses, soothing qualities.

Preparation

When the leaves are crushed, they can be brewed, smoked, or taken as gel capsules.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, an evergreen shrub, part of the Withania somnifera plant, is more commonly referred to as Indian winter cherry or Indian ginseng. Native to Asia and Africa, it grows in various parts of India and the Middle East.

Traditional Uses

For thousands of years, Ashwagandha has been used for its medicinal and healing properties. Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, this versatile herb is renowned for its energy-boosting abilities and ability to lower anxiety and stress levels, as well as pain and inflammation.

Studies show this powerful herb lowers cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone). How? Through helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Because of this reason, it is recognized as an adaptogen (a stress protector).

Another use for Ashwagandha is to heighten testosterone levels in males. The root can heighten libido, support erectile dysfunction, and enhance sexual pleasure as a whole.

Preparation

Ashwagandha comes in capsule form as a powder, tincture, or dietary supplement. Due to its bitter, earthy flavor, many will mix this herb into a dessert, smoothie, coffee, or tea, adding ghee or honey to sweeten it slightly.

Ashwagandha can be taken at any time of day. For best results, it’s recommended you take it 30 minutes before a meal. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t feel the effects of ashwagandha immediately; it can take a few weeks to kick in.

3. Chamomile

Native to India, Asia, Western Europe, and now parts of the USA, the Chamomile is a flower that is a popular herb for those wishing to create a balanced lifestyle and unwind after a long day at work.

There are two varieties of chamomile. These include Roman and German. The former is a perennial that boasts an apple fragrance. The latter is a variety that grows in the Midwest.

Traditional Uses

Chamomile is a prevalent herbal remedy in the United States, traditionally used to lower anxiety levels and heighten relaxation.

In Europe, this herb assists in reducing inflammation, swelling, and wound healing. This is due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidepressant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal effects.

Due to this, many patients use it to manage premenstrual syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Preparation

Chamomile can be applied as a compress, brewed as a tea (both hot and cold), or used topically to treat skin irritation. It can additionally be taken in capsule form.

4. Echinacea

Another flowering plant, Echinacea, comes from the daisy family. Native to eastern and central North America, the flower’s oversized, magenta petals bloom in early to late summer.

Various parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. These include the stalk, leaf, and root.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, Echinacea has been used to treat bowel pain, toothache, seizures, cancer, seizures, skin irritation, arthritis, and even snake bites. Today, it’s a popular home remedy used to prevent or shorten cold and flu symptoms. In addition, it’s often used to promote wound healing. This is due to its pain and inflammation-reducing properties, which boast antioxidant and antiviral effects.

Research suggests another advantage of this herb is preventing upper respiratory infections.

Preparation

Echinacea can be taken in capsule form, as a tea or tincture. This herb has no recommended dosage and can be taken at any time of the day. Many will sweeten it with honey.

5. Gingko

Ginkgo biloba (commonly referred to as just ginkgo), native to Asia, is one of the oldest surviving tree species. It’s also a hugely popular herbal remedy in the USA.

Traditional Uses

For thousands of years, Ginkgo leaves have been used in natural medicine. It treats ailments including asthma, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, and tinnitus.

Ginkgo is said to boast powerful brain-boosting properties and can be used to embrace a balanced lifestyle. It is especially popular with those who have busy lives to contend with.

Preparation

Ginkgo leaves can create capsules, liquid extracts, and tablets. This herb can also be consumed as tea. In addition, the nut from this plant is popular in traditional Chinese medicine to treat wheezing.

The dose is dependent on age and ailment. For best results, begin with a lower dose and give the effects up to six weeks to take place.

The Bottom Line

We live in a fast-paced world, which often means we need a little help now and again to boost energy levels, alleviate painful symptoms, and combat the common cold or flu. This is where herbal remedies come to the rescue. When taken correctly, they boast numerous benefits, from brain-boosting powers to anti-inflammatory effects.

Those wishing to achieve a happy balance between work, play, and relaxation can use the power of plants to help them do so.