5 Herbs for Wellness You’ve Never Heard Of (and How to Use Them)
Thousands of years ago, our ancestors realized that the herbs around them could heal their ailments and keep them in peak condition. And even today, with all the advancements of modern medicine, medicinal herbs remain one of the most effective ways to enhance your wellness routine. If you’re looking to improve your health in the new year, here are a few herbs you can’t be without.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle is a plant with pointed leaves and small yellow flowers. You’ve probably seen it around your neighborhood, as it currently grows worldwide (despite being native to Europe, Asia, and Western Africa). Research suggests that this plant can help manage a variety of health conditions, including joint pain and dandruff. Simply infuse your nettle into a tea or use it as an ingredient in your soups or stews.
Stinging nettle
Sceletium
Sceletium, also known as Kanna, is a small succulent plant that originates from South Africa. This plant contains special alkaloids that react with dopamine receptors in the brain – acting like an all-natural antidepressant. While the scientific research on Sceletium is still in its infancy, some reports claim that this plant can decrease feelings of stress or anxiety in as little as 30 minutes! Traditionally, Sceletium was chewed raw (it’s local name, Kanna, literally means “to chew,”) but these days you can find the herb in tablet form.
Black cohosh
Black cohosh is a beautiful North American flower with tall stalks covered in clusters of white flowers. For some, simply looking at this lovely flower would be enough to improve their mood – but this beauty can also make many women’s lives easier. When taken in capsule form or brewed into tea, this plant can help relieve symptoms of premenstrual cramps or menopause!
Rhodiola
It’s no secret that managing stress is essential for a healthy life. If you struggle to remain calm under pressure, rhodiola may be your key to becoming stress-free! This yellow flowering plant from the arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America can help balance your mood, and reduce your stress levels. It’s best to take this herb in capsule form – but avoid taking it before bedtime, as it can have energy-boosting effects.
Rhodiola
Chaga
The chaga mushroom may look like a blackened piece of tree bark, but this little fungus is actually a powerful natural healer! Chaga has shown promising anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits in studies on mice, and research also suggests that it can be a useful treatment for psoriasis. Brew it into tea or take it in supplement or powdered form.
As you can see, our world is filled with herbs that can help us live better, healthier lives. Whether you’re new to herbalism or a long-time study of herbs, there’s always something new to discover!
Blissful Bodhi Elixir Bar and Vegan Bites
If you’re in the Bend area, we’d love for you to drop by Blissful Bodhi Elixir Bar where you can try out a variety of wonderful herbal tonics, state altering elixirs, culinary confections and vegan treats! Come ring in the new year with Bend’s first herbal elixir bar at 45 Greeley St. Bend, OR 97703.