Today's blog is on helpful herbs that begin with the letter L. But first I wanted to begin
with why herbs can benefit the overall health and wellness of a person. In learning about herbs and their chemical constituents
I see several key components come up over and over again. I thought we could
break down two of these reoccurring components and see why they help to support
ones system. Flavonoids – they are responsible for a plants deep pigments
like in a blueberry or purple cabbage. The darker the plant the more
antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits that plant has. They support
cardiovascular health and nervous system health. Additionally they detoxify
your body and help to remove tissue damaging molecules and free radical damage. Triterpenoids – they have a steroidal effect, are
anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferation effect, support healthy cellular aging,
and have anti-cancer benefits. These are just two of the several chemical components that
make up herbs and plants that contribute to the overall health and wellness of
a body when taken on a regular basis. The first herb is one that gets used
often for its scent but has numerous health benefits to the body. Western Herb  Lavender(Lavender Angustifolia, L Officinallis)Parts used - Flowers Energy and taste - Spicy, mildly bitter, and cool. Constituents - Oil linalool, lavendulylacetate, borneol,
camphor, limonene, cadinene, courmarins, ursilic acids, flavonoids. Internal uses – It is a nervine, anti-inflammatory,
anti-depressant, antiseptic, analgesic, and good for the lungs and liver. Dose - 10-30 drops of tincture in water, drink as a tea 2 to
3 times a day. You can also add 4-6 drops in hot water and inhale the steam to
help your lungs. Topical uses - Good for burns or eczema, rashes and pain
relief. Can look for in products or place a few drops in a bath, or use the
undiluted oil on burns. Chinese Herb  Licorice (Gan Cao) Radix Glycyrrhizin UralensisParts used - roots Energy and taste - Neutral and sweet Constituents -Glycyrrhizin acid, flavonoids, immune
stimulant sugars. Internal uses - Helps with upper respiratory issues, adrenal
fatigue, boosts prostaglandin production and supports the body’s release of
cortisol while inhibiting some of the more detrimental side effects of
cortisol. Do not use if you are pregnant, or if you have heart issues,
hypertension, kidney, liver or low potassium issues. Dose – Can be taken in teas, tinctures, or capsules. Topical uses - Anti-inflammatory that helps to minimize redness
and inflammation in the skin in conditions like eczema and acne. Look for in
creams, lotions or masks.  Ayurveda Herb Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera)Ayurveda name - Padma, Kamala, Poshkara Parts used - Root and seed. Energy and taste - Sweet, astringent, and cooling. Constituents - Phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, fiber,
high in vitamin C, B complex, cooper, iron, magnesium and manganese. Internal uses - Rejuvenates, is an astringent, hemostatic,
and nervine. Good for the heart and the reproductive system. Dose - Eat the seeds and peel and eat the root like a
potato. It can be taken in tea or capsule form. Topical uses - Purifies the skin, moisturizes and soothes
and is very high in vitamin C and B. Look for it in skin care products as an
extract in creams or lotions. Hope any of the above information was helpful. Always check
with your physician before taking any herbs or vitamins. Next blog post will be
on the letter M. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
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CategoriesGreat ExpectationsHealth and Wellness Healthy Eating Reiki Sensitive Skin Skin Health-inside and out |
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