A Simple Guide to Herbs

A Simple Guide to Herbs

Pungent Herbs:

Black Pepper –

Increases nutrients you absorb

Supports healthy digestion

Cayenne-

Increased metabolism

Increased circulation

Heart health

Lowers blood glucose /maintain insulin levesl – type II diabetes

Colds/sinuses – in a tea

Capsaicin (part of cayenne) relieves pain

**Fire Cider** **Cayenne Salve**

Cinnamon-

Increases circulation

Warming (chills for cold and fever)

Healthy teeth and gums

Type II diabetes and insulin resistance – lowers glucose levels

Lower blood pressure

Sore throat – make in a tea

Fennel-

Gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea

IBS symptoms – cramps, constipation and diarrhea

Menstrual cramps

Colic

Tea, roasted veggies

Garlic-

Immune support – antimicrobial for infections (doesn’t affect healthy gut flora like antibiotics)

Preventing and treating colds and flu

Lower blood pressure

Type ii diabetes to lower blood glucose levels

Eat parsley after eating garlic to reduce bad breath

Ginger-

Increased circulation

Promotes digestion

Reduces inflammatory pain, arthritis (topical and internal use)

Topically for bruising

Menstrual issues (clots, delayed menses, fibroids)

Migraines- use at onset of aura (drink 2 tablespoonsful powder in water)

Cold and flu- rids mucus and congestion (tea or infused homey)

Helps nausea

Reduces blood glucose and A1C markers

Use as a tea, in food, massage oil

Holy Basil-

Reduces stress and anxiety

Mental fog (think menopause brain)

*Decreases blood glucose levels for Type II diabetes

Lower cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides)

Blood thinner

Increases circulation

Pain relief for inflammatory pain like arthritis

Improves digestion, gas, bloating, nausea

Colds, mucus, allergies (with long term use)

Immune booster

Lavender-

Relaxation, stress and sleep

Depression and brain fog

Improves digestion

Wound healing

Pain reliever

Bug bites

Mustard-

Reduces DNA damage > cancer

Heart health – high levels omega 3

Bronchitis – rub over lungs to expel mucus

Pain from sprains and strains and sore muscles and arthritis

Nutmeg-

Warm milk with nutmeg for sleep several hours before sleep

Bloating and gas

Diarrhea

Parsley-

Diuretic (lower blood pressure)

Improves digestion

Improves bad breath

Heart health

Decrease risk blood clots

Peppermint-

Improved mood and alertness

Relieves pain/tense muscles and headaches

Diabetic neuropathy pain

Sunburn

Fever

Chest congestion

Rosemary-

Heart health by increased circulation and decrease inflammation in cv system

Pain

Memory-short and long term

Improves digestion/gas/bloating/nausea

Sore throat, congestion

Hair restoration

Sage-

Memory and attention (anticholinesterase properties)

Reduces blood glucose levels

Reduces cholesterol

Sore throat

Mouth health

*hot flashes

promotes digestion – especially fatty meals

inflammatory skin conditions – topical use

Thyme-

Infection fighter

Colds, flu and cough

Aids digestion

Pain

Tumeric-

Digestion, diverticulitis, colic and ulcers

Liver health- improve liver function

Heals wounds

Pain and inflammation

Lowers fasting insulin – type II diabetes

Heart health via anti-inflammation

SALTY:

Nettle-

Healthy bones, teeth, and hair

Contains iron and magnesium

Helps with seasonal allergies – start a month before allergy season

Type II diabetes – improves A1C, decreases hyperglycemia

Detox organs

Prostate health

Sour:

Elder-

Respiratory infections

Flu and fever

Hawthorn-

Healthy cholesterol aid

Lowers blood pressure

Improves heart function in mild to mod disease

Lemon Balm-

Improves mood, relieves stress

Helps with sleep

Antiviral – cold sores

Rose-

Decreases blood pressure and cholesterol

Heal wounds

Astringent

Pain and inflammation

Green Tea-

Diabetes – glucose control and fasting insulin

Healthy teeth and gums

Reducing stress

Bitter:

Artichoke-

Healthy digestion

Stimulate bile production and high in antioxidants – good for liver

Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol

Cacao-

Protects against heart disease

Reduce blood pressure

Lowers cholesterol

Increases insulin sensitivity so lower risk diabetes

Improves mood

Improves brain function

Fights fatigue

Chamomile-

Anxiety and insomnia

Pain relief via muscle relaxation

Healing wounds

Aids in digestion

Fevers and infections

Coffee-

Fatigue and depression

Decreseases risk for parkinsons and alzheimers

Improved reaction time, memory recall

Liver detox

Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation so decrease risk for type II diabetes and heart disease

Dandelion-

Digestion via increases saliva and stimulates gastric secretions

Diuretic

Supports healthy digestion by action on liver

Hormone balance – especially women with cramps, mood swings, irregular periods

Arthritis

Sweet:

Ashwagandha-

Improving sleep and anxiety

For energy

Reproductive health

Memory enhancer

Supports immune system

Builds and supports overall health so good for those with wasting, chronic disease like arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue- help regain their strength

Astragalus-

Strengthens immune system

Helps with adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue

Increased energy

Improves congestive heart failure

Can help repair damage to kidneys and liver