So you’re looking into holistic medicine, are you? Welcome to the club! Or rather, welcome back. Medicinal Herbs have been used as holistic medicine and natural treatments for common ailments throughout the centuries. Herbalists and many eastern cultures promote the use of medicinal herbs to help support our body’s natural functions.
The reason is that the things we eat have direct effects on our immune functions, allergies, hair, skin, nails, organs, inflammatory responses, and even our moods and mental health. Sure, some herbs may be applied topically for certain benefits, but the majority of benefits from medicinal herbs happen when they are ingested.
I feel it is important to note that there is no one “cure-all” herb. To get the most out of medicinal herbs, you must consider your own body. What may be good for one person, may have a different effect on another, because we are made up differently, and our bodily compositions are not the same from one person to the next.
Depending on if you are using medicinal herbs to cure an ailment, or just build up your immunity over time, think about how you feel. Are you feeling hot or cold? Do you easily sweat, or do you tend to have dry skin?
Based on your answers, look for herbs that have warming or cooling abilities, or herbs that can help with drying or moistening.
Medical Disclaimer: Listen, folks, I am not a doctor, nor a registered herbalist, nor do I claim to be. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical decision.
11. Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal Mushrooms may seem a little strange to westerners, but they have been used for thousands of years in eastern cultures. Many medicinal mushrooms are packed full of antioxidants. They are also known to help with inflammation, hormone regulation, and stress, and some may even help with blood pressure!
A few common medicinal mushrooms are Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail.
10. Echinacea
This is an herb that is native to North America and has long been used by native tribes throughout the centuries. Echinacea is an herb loaded with antioxidants, that help protect the body’s cells building up our immunity and making us stronger. Studies have shown that this herb can lessen the severity of a cold and even reduce the likely hood of someone developing a cold by 50%!
The easiest way to ingest this herb would be in the form of a steeped tea or a capsule.
9. Holy Basil
Holy Basil is a medicinal herb with warming and drying properties. It is an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps the body better deal with stress. When we are more equipped to handle the stress in our lives, our immune systems have a fighting chance to keep us healthy. In addition to helping with stress, and anxiety, holy basil is full of antioxidants and it is particularly great for supporting heart health!
Holy basil may be consumed in the form of capsules or as a concentrated syrup (which can make for some tasty teas!)
8. Cinnamon
What a wonderful herb! Can’t you just imagine the cool fall and winter weather, and running to grab some nice fluffy socks and a cup of tea? This is why cinnamon is one of the most common seasonal smells! It is an incredible warming and drying herb, perfect for teas and tasty recipes! Cinnamon is an herb great for allergies, colds, flues, toothaches, and infections as it is antimicrobial and jam-packed with antioxidants.
I recommend Hot Spice Cinnamon tea for cozy winter days!
7. Astragalus
Astragalus is a medicinal herb most commonly known for its use in traditional Chinese medicine. This herb has been used throughout time to treat colds, infections, allergies, and chronic fatigue. It has warming and slightly drying effects on the body.
Even though there has not been much research on the healing properties of this herb, there is evidence that suggests it aids the body in the production of white blood cells. This means astragalus has the potential to build the body’s immunity by creating cells that help our bodies fight off diseases and viruses.
This herb may easily be ingested through capsules, or powder (great for morning smoothies!)
6. Olive Leaf
Olive Leaf has made this list of medicinal herbs for several reasons. For starters, as with many other herbs on this list, it is chocked full of antioxidants. This herb is also good as a pain reducer, as it has analgesic, neuroprotective, and antinociceptive properties. One more thing we might mention is that olive leaf is also known to have antimicrobial properties, making it great for fighting off infections. Your immune system will be sure to thank you, for feeding your body herbs like this.
Olive Leaf for medicinal purposes is best consumed as an extract, which may be ingested as a capsule, or liquid supplement.
5. Ashwaghanda
This is an up and coming medicinal herb in the western world, but it has long been used and praised for its healing qualities in African and Indian cultures. It is said that this herb will give you the strength of a stallion! Ashwagandha is a sweet, yet bitter plant that has warming and moistening qualities.
When looking for immune support, this herb helps by working as an adaptogen, helping you deal with stress and anxiety. When we are stressed, our immune systems can be easily compromised. Help your body help you. Let go of stress and anxiety with the help of this herb.
Ashwagandha can be consumed as a capsule supplement, for immune support.
4. Oregano
When you think of oregano, think pizza! That is what this herb frequently reminds me of, every time I get a nice whiff. Oregano is a warming herb that is an immunomodulator, which means it’s all-around good for the immune system.
Get ready for this – It is an antiviral, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antioxidant-packed herb. There ain’t anything getting through with this herb by your side!
This herb can be consumed in capsule form, or for me personally, I just sprinkle in some dried greek oregano as a flavorful addition to some home-cooked meals!
3. Ginger
Ginger is another one of my favorite medicinal herbs. It is more commonly used in Asiatic dishes and recipes. This herb is a root herb that can have warming to hot effects on the body, as well as drying qualities.
It is an anti-inflammatory, and expectorant, making it great for colds and flues. Ginger is also a diffusive herb, meaning it spreads in an instant from your head to your toes, kind of like the sensation of eating a really hot chili pepper!
This herb can be consumed in its raw root form (best added in dishes), or as I sometimes prefer, tea!
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a lovely herb, beautiful in color, and ever so tasty in dishes. I love using this spice in traditional Indian curry recipes. This herb is warming and drying, similar to ginger, but with slightly different effects on the body.
Working as an analgesic, as well as an antispasmodic, it is an herb that may help soothe muscle pains. It is also an antioxidant-filled herb, with anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties. It is an amazing herb for immune health.
If you aren’t someone who is familiar with the kitchen, you may easily ingest this herb as a tea, or as a capsule. However, I definitely recommend eating a bit of curry as a viable option for getting your daily dose.
1. Elderberry
Saving one of the best for last, we have elderberry! This herb is among the few herbs with cooling rather than warming properties. Elderberry is an immunomodulator and it is rich in antioxidants. It is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral medicinal herb. It has become increasingly popular to see this herb used in syrups, and daily gummies (my personal favorite) used for immune support!
While we have covered quite a few medicinal herbs in this post, we feel it is important to note that above all self-care plays a huge role in the strength and vitality of our immune systems.
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While we have covered quite a few medicinal herbs in this post, we feel it is important to note that above all self-care plays a huge role in the strength and vitality of our immune systems. If you feel like you may be lacking in that area, please join our 5 day self-care challenge. We will show you in our free eCourse, 7 different, inexpensive, and easy ways you can practice self-care in your daily life! Sign up for free below.
