An Introduction to Herbs

Herbal adaptogens help to reduce stress, target the herpes virus, and bring the body into better balance. All herbal adaptogens help support your immune system. However, some work best for specific conditions, such as fever, respiratory illness, or digestive complaints, while others work better as preventatives. 

 

 

The Benefits of Using Adaptogenic Herbs

 

Adaptogens help your body adapt to ongoing and chronic stress and adjust their function to your needs to improve your health and wellness and keep your body in balance (homeostasis). For example, adaptogens nourish and support your adrenal glands, helping to manage neurotransmitter and hormonal responses to stress, easing anxiety and fatigue. Unlike popular Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants that jolt and crash you, they work gently. 

 

 

Can Anyone Use Herbal Adaptogens?

 

There are instances where you are better off avoiding specific herbal adaptogens. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, you'll want to prevent taking herbal adaptogens that are immuno-stimulators, such as echinacea, as these could worsen your symptoms. Instead, you'll want to focus on herbs that can help reduce stress and calm your mind and body, such as lemon balm. There are four categories of herbal adaptogens. I've listed a few in each category below. 

 

1.    Normalizers (immune amphoterics): American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, cordyceps, holy basil (tulsi, jiaogulan, licorice, reishi (mushroom), rhodiola, schisandra, and shilajit

 

2.    Nourishers & Stimulators: Eleuthero, codonopsis, prince seng, rhaponticum, and shatavari

 

3.    Adaptogens with Antibacterial & Antimicrobials: Holy basil (tulsi), licorice, schisandra, and shatavari

 

4.    Antivirals: Holy basil (tulsi), licorice, reishi, lemon balm (melissa targets herpes), and rhodiola

 

 

Some herbs aren't adaptogens but have immunological activity and anti-inflammatory properties, which can also inhibit excessive immune response.

 

  • Boswellia (NOT to be taken internally)
  • Cinnamon 
  • Cordyceps (a systemic adaptogenic mushroom that boosts the immune system and cellular energy)
  • Gotu kola 
  • Sarsaparilla 
  • Turmeric 

 

While some herbs are "universal" and may work for a specific symptom or condition for most people most of the time, such as chamomile or lavender (to relax) or peppermint or ground fennel (for soothing digestive complaints), most herbs are best selected and used with others for a synergistic effect based on your symptoms and constitution.

 

Additionally, when you're coexisting with a virus, you might think that an antiviral herb would be the appropriate choice to make. However, this isn't always so. For example, suppose you suffer from chronic stress or take an antiviral prescription medication. In that case, you might be better off using an herbal adaptogen (or combination of herbs) that helps reduce the adverse effects of stress. Herbs that relax the body can help reduce the chance of breakouts that stress would otherwise trigger.

 

NOTE: Just because an herb is natural doesn't mean there are no side effects. Please research any possible adverse reactions before trying any new herb or spice. When in doubt, use the Interactions Checker at Drugs.com.

     

     

    Adding Herbs to Meals & Beverages

     

    You can add antiviral herbs to meals. While standard culinary measurements don't nearly add up to what would be considered a total dosage, the herbs will still provide your immune system with additional support. For example, you can add lemon balm to chicken, fish, pesto, roasted potatoes, salad dressing, punch, cookies, and cake. See The HSV Remedies Recipe Guide for tea recipes that use lemon balm and more. 

    How to Hang-Dry Herbs

    How to Store Dried Herbs & Flowers

     

    You can store dried herbs in capped, dark glass jars in a cool place. Fresh herbs can be refrigerated or frozen in closed containers or Ziplock freezer bags. However, you should use flowers and leaves within 2-3 days. Roots, bark, and berries will last a few weeks. 

     

     

    Herbs That Can Potentially Harm the Kidneys & Liver

     

    Herbs that can Be harmful to the kidneys and liver when taken long-term are, Aloe Vera, Black cohosh, Cascara, Comfrey, Ephedra, Horsetail, Licorice, Nettle, Turmeric, and Wormwood.

     

     

    Suggested Reading 

     

     

     

    Suggested Classes

     

    If you'd like to study herbs (and gain a certificate for your efforts), I suggest The Herbal Academy or Lost Skills Academy. Another wonderful resources is Learning Herbs. I'm not an affiliate, but I have taken excellent classes in both. 

     

     

    Also, see the following: 

     

    «   »

    Add comment

    Comments

    There are no comments yet.