Top 10 Herbs to Take Charge of Your Health Now
For general health and wellbeing or being mindful as we prepare for any potential health challenges, including the possibility of future pandemics, it’s time to take proactive steps for our well-being. Nature has long provided powerful remedies with antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiseptic properties to bolster our immunity and resilience.
Here are ten potent herbs and natural solutions to empower your wellness routine:
1. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has been valued for centuries as a natural antimicrobial powerhouse. Its active compound, allicin, offers potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Research shows garlic’s ability to combat pathogens, making it essential for immune defense.
Historical Context: During the bubonic plague, grave robbers reportedly used "Four Thieves Vinegar," a blend with crushed garlic, to protect themselves from infection. Similarly, in World War I, garlic served as an antiseptic when medical supplies were scarce.
Modern Use: Incorporate raw or aged garlic into meals or take supplements to strengthen your immune system.
2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Known for boosting immunity and reducing the severity of colds, echinacea enhances the body’s ability to resist infections.
Historical Context: Some Native American tribes were seen to rely on echinacea to treat wounds, snake bites, and respiratory issues. Its effectiveness as a “cure-all” earned it widespread use in 19th-century American medicine.
Modern Use: Add echinacea tea, tinctures, or capsules to your routine, especially during viral outbreaks.
3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
This golden spice, rich in curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and immune modulator.
Historical Context: In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was used to treat wounds and prevent infections. Indian healers even used it during battles to speed up recovery.
Modern Use: Use turmeric in cooking or as a supplement to fight inflammation and strengthen immunity. It’s really tasty eating it raw…just slice the root and eat it. We also take a teaspoon of organic Black Seed (Nigella Sativa - black cumin) Oil every day, bit of an acquired taste, but the benefits of its antioxidant and other bioactive compounds out-way the acquired taste (As with any of these herbs, Avoid black seed oil if you take blood thinners or have a history of bleeding, hypoglycemia, hypotension, or advanced kidney or liver disease. Pregnant women should avoid products from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. Always check with your physician first before taking )
4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is a traditional remedy that may help with mild to moderate cases of motion sickness, including seasickness and car sickness. Its also a natural remedy for respiratory infections, soothing coughs, and reducing inflammation.
Historical Context: Chinese admiral Zheng He included ginger in sailors’ diets to maintain their health during long voyages.
Modern Use: Brew ginger tea or add fresh ginger to meals to boost your defenses against illness.
5. Oregano Oil (Origanum vulgare)
Rich in carvacrol and thymol, oregano oil is a potent antimicrobial agent.
Historical Context: Hippocrates used oregano for respiratory ailments, and during World War II, soldiers utilized it for wound care when antibiotics were scarce.
Modern Use: Oregano can be used fresh or dried in your cooking or in pill form for respiratory support or immune boosting. To use Oregano oil topically for skin issues, dilute one or two drops into a teaspoon of carrier oil in the palm of your hand, then apply this to the skin.
6. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Elderberry is celebrated for its antiviral properties, particularly its ability to prevent viruses from entering cells.
Historical Context: During the Great Plague, villagers planted elder trees, believing in their protective powers. More recently, World War I soldiers used elderberry extracts for respiratory infections.
Modern Use: Elderberry syrup or capsules can reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu.
7. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is an adaptogen that strengthens the immune system and boosts energy.
Historical Context: During China’s Han Dynasty, astragalus was credited with protecting a village from an epidemic, leading to its widespread use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Modern Use: Incorporate astragalus root tea or supplements for long-term immune support. (Stay on the safe side and avoid use: multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other immune system conditions: Astragalus might make the immune system more active. This could worsen the symptoms of auto-immune diseases)
8. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem offers antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic benefits, earning its nickname as the “village pharmacy.”
Historical Context: During the Mughal Empire, Emperor Akbar promoted the planting of neem trees for their health benefits, from cleansing teeth to treating infections.
Modern Use: Use neem leaf tea, oil, or topical applications to protect against infections.
9. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a natural antiseptic with high thymol content, ideal for respiratory health.
Historical Context: During the Black Death, thyme was burned as incense to purify the air and ward off illness. Monasteries cultivated it for its healing properties.
Modern Use: Use thyme essential oil for steam inhalation or add fresh thyme to meals for immune support.
10. Manuka Honey
Derived from the Manuka tree in New Zealand, this honey is rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), a potent antibacterial compound.
Historical Context: Māori people used Manuka tree extracts for medicinal teas and poultices. Today, Manuka honey is renowned for its ability to treat wounds and combat infections.
Modern Use: Take a teaspoon daily to strengthen your immunity or apply topically for wound care.
Empower Your Health Naturally
The natural world offers endless time-tested tools to boost resilience and immunity. By incorporating these remedies into your wellness routine, you can take charge of your health and stay prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.