Used in health traditions for millennia, Herbal Supplemens supply over 12,000 beneficial phytochemicals. They include leaves, roots, flowers, seeds and spices that promote wellness benefits such as:
- Modulating the body’s inflammatory response.**
- Supplying a diverse range of anti-aging antioxidants.**
- Optimizing cognitive function, immunity and heart health.**
What are Herbal Supplements?
Long before the health benefits of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients were discovered by science, people all over the world relied on plants to support wellness. In ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, China and other regions, herbs were used for a range of health issues, with centuries-old texts extolling the value of certain plants. As botanical health practices developed, particularly in China, India (as Ayurveda), and among Native American tribes, herbs became an integral part of traditional wellness systems.**
Although conventional approaches to health became prominent during the 19th century and beyond, botanically sourced wellness practices have remained overwhelmingly important throughout the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization has found that approximately 80% of the international population incorporates plants or herbal supplements into their day-to-day health routines.**
Herbal supplements represent a wide array of botanicals from all around the world. These plants, fruits, spices, seeds and roots support healthy function of the body’s many systems, and appear to help with a diverse array of wellness concerns. Among the many aspects of health that have been associated with herbal supplements are cardiovascular, cognitive, immune system, digestive, urinary tract and aging health.**
Researchers are increasingly investigating herbal supplements for their potential to optimize health and wellness. One scientific review has estimated that a minimum of 12,000 natural compounds from plants have been isolated, an amount considered to be not even 10% of the worldwide total. Within the past few decades, thousands of studies have investigated the possible health benefits of herbal supplements. This number continues to grow.**
Some of the most popular herbal supplements include:
- Flaxseed oil: Flax is a seed-producing plant that has been used by various cultures around the globe for centuries. Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseed oil encourages cardiovascular wellness and helps to support gender-specific health needs of both women and men.**
- Turmeric: Long valued as a spice, particularly in Asia, turmeric has also been regularly used for ages in Ayurvedic and Chinese health practices. Turmeric herbal supplements, abundant in antioxidant compounds, promote optimal inflammatory function and maintain ideal cognitive, digestive and immune health.**
- Cranberry: An extract derived from the renowned small North American fruit, cranberry is high in antibacterial and antioxidant activity and is most famous for promoting urinary tract wellness and women's health.**
- Saw palmetto: The berries of this Southern palm plant are a staple of Native American wellness traditions that feature health-supporting nutrients such as fatty acids and bioflavonoids. Research shows that saw palmetto herbal supplements encourage prostate and urinary tract health, along with men's reproductive function.**
- Ginkgo biloba: A tree that has existed for millennia, ginkgo biloba has been a part of Chinese health practices for thousands of years. Widely known for its ability to promote circulation and cognitive wellness, ginkgo in herbal supplements is associated with clear memory, sharp mental focus and optimal mood.**
- Echinacea: One of the most popular herbal supplements, echinacea is a member of the daisy (Asteraceae) family with a long history in Native American health traditions. The flower's various natural phenols, which include flavonoids and polysaccharides, support ideal immune and inflammatory responses.**
- Ginseng: One of the most widely known herbal supplements in Asian wellness practices, ginseng is sourced from the root of the plant and valued for its adaptogenic qualities. Containing compounds called ginsenosides, ginseng promotes peak energy levels and ideal physical and cognitive performance.**
- Milk thistle: Milk thistle extract is sourced from the seeds of the plant, which has an extensive history of use in various health traditions. Known primarily for encouraging liver wellness, milk thistle herbal supplements feature a compound known as silymarin, a potent antioxidant that aids the body in detoxifying.**
Herbal supplements complement the essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that all people require. For optimal overall well-being, herbal supplements should be combined with a healthy and well-balanced diet that is abundant in fruits, vegetables, fiber and protein.**
Herbal Products
Herbal product supplements are available in a wide variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, softgels and liquids. Some herbs are often combined due to their similar properties, such as echinacea and goldenseal. Other herbs are united in potent complex supplements designed to focus on specific areas of health, such as prostate health or menopausal wellness. Herbal supplements are sometimes “standardized.” This means that the supplement has been formulated to guarantee a minimum level of the herb’s “active ingredient” compounds.**
Herbal Supplements Directions for Use
Prior to taking herbal supplements or starting any regular supplementation, it is important to consult with your health care provider. There is no suggested herbal supplements dosage; suggested intake can vary greatly based on individual ingredients.**
