Herbal supplements can enhance a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.  Moreover, adding extra nutrients to your health where you may be lacking or targeting a specific need like inflammation and stress.  The most common herbal supplements are for stress, insomnia, inflammation and immunity boosting.

Herbal medicine has been around for thousands of years.  The use of medicinal plants dates back about 60,000 years.  The Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese and ancient India all used herbal supplements and plants for medicinal purposes.  Even today a large part of Asia and Africa use herbal supplements and plants as part of their primary medical care. 

So why use herbal supplements?  Well, because most are safe, affordable and can offer additional benefits when your diet is less than stellar or you have a certain health condition like cancer or diabetes.

What are herbal supplements? Medicinal plants that have been turned into powders, elixirs or capsules. The FDA does not consider them a “food”. Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA as dietary supplements.

Here are  some adaptogens to consider adding to your healthy lifestyle:

Adaptogens are

Herbal supplements that aid our bodies in reacting to or recovering from short- and long-term stress while also boosting immunity and overall well-being.

Ashwagandha – an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa most commonly used to treat stress, pain, inflammation, and insomnia.  Typically it comes in powder form and capsules.  Powder can be mixed with water.

Ashwagandha enhances the body’s response to stress and reduces the impact of stress.

Turmeric – a relative of ginger most commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking.  This vibrant orange super food treats inflammation in the body as well as fights cancer and depression.  Turmeric can be consumed as gummies, tea, powders and capsules.  Obviously, be sure to sprinkle some in your cooking!

It is important that Turmeric has enough curcumin to fight inflammation in the body. Curcumin is found in the turmeric and has medicinal properties. Most Turmeric supplements today have enough curcumin in the to fight inflammation.

Elderberry – a shrub that produces flower and berries packed with antioxidants and vitamins that gives your immune system a boost, reduces inflammation, lessens stress, and helps protect your heart.  In addition, Elderberry is considered one of the most versatile adaptogens and is good for pretty much whatever ails you including allergies, cold and flu.  Commonly consumed as gummies, tea or syrups.

Other Important Supplements

Pre/Probiotic

I can’t stress enough the significance of taking a supplement that is beneficial for your gut. For this reason, I highly recommend a Pre/Probiotic that contains multi-strains of healthy bacteria.  To emphasize the importance of gut health, our gut is considered our second brain and needs to be fed the “good” stuff to protect our overall health, keep our mood regulated and the gut in balance.

Here’s what I am considering taking in the near future:

CBD Oil Joint Supplement – to keep my knees and hips in tip top shape for running and hiking.

Quercetin – for inflammation, cardiovascular disease and allergy relief.

As with all supplements and vitamins, do your research on both the manufacturer and lab.

Ask for recommendations from friends who take supplements regularly, your doctor or other health professional.

Furthermore, follow the manufacturer’s directions and start slowly.  If the dosage directions state to take two per day, start with one.  Same for scoops – start with half the amount suggested by the manufacturer.

Most importantly, if you are taking prescription medicine under your doctor’s care, please consult with them before beginning any herbal supplements.  There is a potential for side effects and reactions.

With this information in mind, most of your nutrients and vitamins should come from a healthy, clean diet. Herbal supplements will help you reap additional wellness benefits from a healthy lifestyle.

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