HERBS
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is an Arab term which means “Father of All Foods,” named as a result of its astounding health benefits. It can be consumed as a sprout; however, it is also available as a mineral supplement in liquid extract form. Alfalfa is an excellent source of the minerals, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium which work to alkalize and detoxify the body.
Recommended for:
Weight Loss
Arthritis
Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb that has been used to stimulate the immune system. It has demonstrated anti-viral activity as well as shortening and alleviating systems of the common cold.
Recommended for:
Certain Cancers
Colds and Flu
Immune deficiency related problems
Basil
Basil comes in over sixty varieties, with the most common being; sweet, lemon, anise and cinnamon basil. It is an aromatic herb, available fresh or dried. Best known as an addition to pesto, it is a very versatile herb that can be used in tomato dishes, salads, sauces, butters, pasta dishes and much more.
Health Benefits:
Aids in digestion
Helps to protect cell structures
Fights off free radicals (great anti-cancer herb)
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a powder made from anthers of flowering plants gathered by bees. It contains protein, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, carotene, calcium, cooper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium, plant sterols and simple sugars. Bee Pollen has been shown to suppress appetite, increase a person’s lifespan, as well as be an effective immune booster.
Recommended for:
Weight Loss
Seniors
Blueberry / Huckleberry Leaf
Blueberry & Huckleberry leaf extract has been used to help individuals maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It has also been shown to reduce elevated liver enzymes, which helps to lower liver inflammation associated with many health problems.
Recommended for:
Diabetes
Burdock Root
Burdock root is used to boost immunity and strengthen digestion. It purifies the blood while reducing fat and regulating blood sugar.
Recommended for:
Candida
Weight Loss
Chamomile
Chamomile has been shown to be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, diuretic, nerve tonic, and sleep aid.
Recommended for:
Stress
Weight Loss
Anxiety
Insomnia
Indigestion
Chickweed
Chickweed, also called Starweed, provides a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients such as cooper, phosphorus, vitamins B6, B12 and vitamin D. It can reduce mucus buildup in the lungs as well as reduce blood lipids.
Recommended for:
Weight Loss
Dandelion Root & Leaf
The leaves, roots and tops of dandelions have been shown to cleanse the bloodstream and liver as well as be an effective diuretic.
Recommended for:
Weight Loss
Diabetes
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, has been shown to boost the immune system and detoxification pathways. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Echinacea can be taken fresh, dried, as an extract, liquid, tea or capsule.
Recommended for:
Certain Cancers
Colds and Flu
Garlic
Writings from ancient Egypt display garlic as a remedy for headaches, heart disease, and tumors. The antioxidant organosulfur compound found in garlic is reported to hinder cancer growth. Garlic also decreases total serum cholesterol levels, therefore, inhibiting heart disease. It is a pantry essential that is available fresh or ground as powder.
Nutritionals:
Vitamin B6
Manganese
Selenium
Calcium
Phosphorous
Health Benefits:
Opposes allergies
Fights heart disease
Clears infections
Reduces ulcers
Ginger
Ginger is often referred to as “the universal medicine” because of its ability to promote healthy digestion. It can be used to eliminate intestinal gas and soothe the digestive tract. To aid digestion, sprinkle a thin slice of fresh ginger with lemon juice and salt, and eat one-half hour before a meal. It is also available as a powder made from the dried ginger root that can be used in baked goods and Chinese, Caribbean and Japanese cooking.
Nutritionals:
Potassium
Magnesium
Copper
Manganese
Vitamin B6
Health Benefits:
Aids in digestion
Calms the nerves
Alleviates nausea
Reduces arthritis pain
Boosts the immune system
Ginseng
Ginseng is a beneficial herb that has been shown to boost the immune system and detoxification pathways. Researchers have found that ginseng slows carbohydrate absorption, increases cells’ ability to use glucose, and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas.
Recommended for:
Diabetes
Oregano
Oil of oregano, extracted from wild oregano plants, contains two key compounds carvacrol and thymol. These compounds have been found to have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties that work to reduce pain, inflammation as well as fighting off infections.
Recommended for:
Candida
Primrose
Primrose, also called Evening Primrose, contains a healthy dose of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid. It aids weight loss and reduces blood pressure.
Recommended for:
Diabetes
Weight Loss
Yarrow Flowers
Yarrow flowers are used to help reduce inflammation, improve blood clotting, increase perspiration and be a diuretic.
Recommended for:
Diabetes
Source: https://www.swiig.com/swiig-life/food-for-life/whole-foods-the-basics/herbs-spices/herbs