Properties:
Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Antidepressant Liver Stimulant Anticoagulant Cardioprotective
Turmeric seems to show up everywhere, heralded for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. But did you know that turmeric also has positive effects on mood and well-being and is known to lift the cloud of brain fog as well? Turmeric was compared to Prozac in a small trial and shown to be as effective, likely due to increasing a substance known as brain-derived neurotrophic factors which can exert anti-depressant activity. Another study showed that one-hour after consuming curcumin, study participants showed improvements in working memory tasks and sustained attention, and after four weeks, subjects showed reduced psychological stress-induced fatigue. How’s that for a brain boost?
Properties:
Hypoglycemic Hypolipidemic Hypotensive Cardioprotective Nootropic
Green tea, another herb with a multitude of medicinal uses, is supportive of the brain in several ways. Firstly, containing a smaller amount of caffeine balanced with the properties of theanine, green tea can improve aspects of brain health including mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. However, unlike coffee which can make many people feel overstimulated or jittery, because green tea also contains l-theanine, it can be calming. L-theanine crosses the blood brain barrier and increases the activity of GABA which is known to be calming and to reduce anxiety. Furthermore, the catechin compounds in green tea are neuroprotective and can shield neurons from oxidative damage, something we can all benefit from.
Properties:
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Carminative
- Cholagogue and Choleretic
- Nootropic
One of the most pleasant parts of brewing a cup of peppermint tea is the smell; the aroma is unmistakable and stays with you for quite some time. Now, recent studies have shown that this smell is more than simply uplifting—it can actually increase memory and alertness. Furthermore, in a different study, participants exposed to higher concentrations of peppermint essential oil described less mental fatigue after cognitively demanding tasks.
Properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Peripheral Vasodilator
- Nootropic
Ginkgo has been found in fossils going back 270 million years and has long been used as a food and traditional medicine. Ginkgo is understood to increase blood flow, and therefore oxygen, to the brain and is used to improve mental performance, memory and cognition and as a treatment in conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and fatigue. Ginkgo has also been shown to boost stem cell production in the brain while promoting repair to damaged brain cells. It is with good reason that gingko has been used for thousands of years as a staple medicine in a wide variety of healing traditions.
Properties:
Anxiolytic Antidepressant Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Antispasmodic Cardiac Tonic
Rose is another popular plant that elicits its action both through ingesting the herb as well as through its intoxicating smell. Rose is known for its ability to calm the mind and encourage a sense of peace. The aromatics of rose have been shown to decrease moodiness, anxiety, stress and depression. Furthermore, rose petals are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and polyphenols, all of which are powerful antioxidants, reducing oxidative damage in the nervous system and protecting our neurons and brain to boot.
Properties:
Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Venoprotective Antifibrotic Neuroprotective
Gotu kola has been widely studied and clearly shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects, protecting against cognitive impairment, improving cognitive function and mood, and alleviating generalized anxiety disorder. The leaf and root help the body to maintain healthy neurotransmitter function and promote alertness. Gotu kola also helps the body to adapt to temporary stress. Finally, gotu kola also promotes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, encouraging new brain cell formation, and making it an essential herb to add to any nootropic blend.
Properties:
Adaptogenic Anti-asthmatic Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Immunomodulating Hepatoprotective
Tulsi, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since at least 1000BC and has been referred to as “the incomparable one.” It is most known for its adaptogenic qualities, helping the body to adapt to the stresses of everyday life. Research shows holy basil can help with stress-induced symptoms including forgetfulness, exhaustion and insomnia. Holy basil offers important support to the thyroid through supporting the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis which helps regulate the thyroid. To treat the thyroid effectively, it’s necessary to treat the adrenals and holy basil does a wonderful job of supporting adrenal function and increasing resilience to stress.
Properties:
Astringent Carminative Hemostatic Antibacterial Hypoglycemic Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulatory Anti-estrogenic
Cinnamon acts as an antioxidant, hypoglycemic and also modulates the immune system. Regulating blood sugar is an important step in supporting the thyroid and cinnamon does this effectively. Studies have shown that elevated blood sugar can affect the conversion of T4 to T3, the more bioactive form of thyroid hormone. Furthermore, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid condition, is all too common; antioxidants and immunomodulators are essential to treating autoimmune disease. Cinnamon can increase T regulatory cells which help to suppress autoimmunity and had inhibitory effects on advanced glycosylation end products which can increase oxidative stress and inflammation.
Properties:
- Hypoglycemic
- Galactagogue
- Hepatoprotective
- Diuretic
- Laxative
- Bitter
Dandelion is widely used in herbal medicine for its lipid-lowering, diuretic, liver-supporting and antioxidant activities. Many individuals with thyroid disease have issues with lipid levels or constipation, two ailments dandelion can effectively treat. Dandelion also has a bitter taste which can stimulate digestive enzymes and transit times which can help with the sluggish digestion that may accompany hypothyroidism. Finally, because dandelion supports the liver in detoxification, and environmental toxins and chemicals can act as an insult on the thyroid, dandelion can aid the body in eliminating toxins that may affect the thyroid’s ability to function optimally.
]]>Properties:
- Anxiolytic
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Cardiac Tonic
Intoxicating rose is a popular plant that calms the mind and encourage a sense of peace. The aromatics of rose have been shown to decrease moodiness, anxiety, stress and depression. Rose can uplift the spirit and stave off the low mood and sluggishness that often accompany thyroid disease.
Properties:
Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Antidepressant Liver Stimulant Anticoagulant Cardioprotective
Turmeric is well known for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, but new research seems to support the notion that it also aids the liver in detoxification. A study looking at levels of mercury, a known toxic heavy metal, in rats, showed that those treated with turmeric had a reduction in mercury concentration in their tissues, supporting the idea that turmeric helped the liver to filter and remove mercury. Furthermore, a similar study looking at a the effects of alcohol-induced liver damage showed that those treated with turmeric showed almost no pathological effects of alcohol, a known oxidative stressor, on the liver.
Properties:
Astringent Carminative Hemostatic Antibacterial Hypoglycemic Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulatory Anti-estrogenic
The process of detoxification, while essential, creates problematic byproducts that result in oxidative damage to our body. Enter cinnamon, a powerful antioxidant shown to have the second highest antioxidant content of 26 different herbs and spices assessed. Cinnamon can help to squash these oxidative molecules before any damage is done. Furthermore, cinnamon is also know to reduced blood sugar through helping insulin to move glucose into cells. Because elevated blood sugar over time can impair our main detox organ, the liver, anything we can do to unburden our liver’s ability to detoxify will support our overall health and vitality.
Properties:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Relaxant
- Diuretic
- Immune Modulating
Rooibos, or red tea, is rich in minerals and as such, rooibos acts as a diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluid as in the case of fluid retention or swelling. Rooibos is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has been shown to enhance the activity of glutathione-S transferase (essential in the production of our body’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione). Glutathione is readily used up through phase II detoxification in our liver, the process by which metabolized toxins are removed from the body. If our body is not able to properly perform phase II detoxification, we are left with a build up of toxic metabolites that can cause our body harm. All the more reason to pour yourself a cup of our delicious Detox Tea!
Properties:
- Hypoglycemic
- Galactagogue
- Hepatoprotective
- Diuretic
- Laxative
- Bitter
Dandelion is widely used in herbal medicine for its diuretic, laxative, and liver-supporting activities—all essential in times of detox. Dandelion has been shown to decrease enzymes and other molecules associated with liver damage in the face of organ insult. Furthermore, as a diuretic, dandelion helps us to excrete excess water, possibly due to its potassium content. This can be especially useful when our diet has steered towards processed foods or we’ve been inactive, causing water retention. Finally, as we excrete many toxins and excess hormones via our digestive tract, having regular elimination is essential. Dandelion can help support this through sesquiterpene lactones, bitter constituents that stimulate our digestive tract and also offer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Properties:
Carminative Diaphoretic Antipyretic Antiinflammatory Antimicrobial Antispasmodic
Ginger is an obvious herb to add to any detoxification regimen for its role in supporting digestion, circulation and sweating—essential processes to eliminating unwanted byproducts from the body. Ginger has been shown to increase bile secretion and increase the activity of digestive enzymes, helping in the breakdown and assimilation of macronutrients as well as the removal of waste from the body. Ginger is warming and in great quantities can cause sweating. In lesser quantities, it can cause vasodilation and support the circulatory system encouraging the movement of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues and the removal of waste products for elimination, essential in any detox.
Properties:
Antipyruetic Antioxidant
Cornflower, a beautiful blue flower, has a high antioxidant potential countering reactive oxygen species, again formed through the detoxification process. It has been used to treat constipation and water retention, essential actions for any detox, and is a liver and gallbladder stimulant, helping with effective digestion. Blue cornflower contains minerals, vitamin C and naturally occurring folic acid, all of which support phase I and phase II detoxification in the liver, the two main physiological processes by which we neutralize and eliminate toxins. And they are beautiful to boot!
Properties:
Astringent Carminative Hemostatic Antibacterial Hypoglycemic Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulatory Anti-estrogenic
Cinnamon is not only comforting, but a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Hydroxycinnamaldehyde, an active component of cinnamon, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production through inhibiting NF-kappaB. As leaky gut can easily increase systemic inflammation, having this powerful anti-inflammatory on board is essential. Cinnamon is also a powerful carminative and can be used to reduce the uncomfortable bloating that so often accompanies leaky gut.
Properties:
- Demulcent
- Adrenal modulator
- Anti-inflammatory
- Nutritive
- Spasmolytic
- Immunomodulator
- Mild laxative
Licorice is most known for its soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. By replenishing this mucosal lining, licorice helps to repair the barrier that is damaged in leaky gut. One study comparing licorice to a pharmaceutical medication designed to stop the recurrence of ulcers found that licorice was as effective as its synthetic counterpart. This is due to licorice’s ability to preserve that mucosal barrier. Licorice is also used as an adrenal modulator (great for reducing the emotional stress that often contributes to the formation of leaky gut). Glycyrrhizic acid, one of the main constituents of licorice, also decreases inflammation by enhancing movement of leukocytes towards inflamed areas.
Properties:
- Demulcent
- Emollient
- Antispasmodic
- Antiinflammatory
- Mucliagenous
Marshmallow is a nutritive demulcent (moistening) herb used for soothing mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract. It reduces inflammation, soothes ulcers, alleviates both diarrhea and constipation, and restores the integrity of tight junctions (so important in leaky gut). Marshmallow can also prevent heartburn, stomach ulcers, diarrhea and constipation. It also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, essential in reducing the effects of any autoimmune disease. And if you’re wondering, yes: the original marshmallows were made from marshmallow root sap, so much healthier and more delicious than what’s manufactured today.
]]>Properties:
- Immune Modulating
- Adaptogenic
- Cardioprotective
- Mucilagenous
Rose hips, the underappreciated fruit of the rose plant, are a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids. Vitamin C supports the immune system, enhances the integrity of connective tissue, and reduces inflammation. Rose hips also have antioxidant properties which support the cardiovascular system. One recent study showed that obese individuals given rose hip over 6 week’s time showed an improvement in the markers for heart disease including systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Lastly, rose hips are mucilaginous and coat and soothe the mucus membranes including the throat, stomach and intestines. Studies show that rose hips reduce the risk of ulcers by altering the pH balance of the stomach and slow the contraction of intestinal muscles in cases of diarrhea or spasm. Lastly, rose hips also contain pectin which can bind toxins and metals allowing for detoxification.
Properties:
- Anxiolytic
- Neuroprotective
- Antidepressant
- Sleep Aid
- Anodyne
- Antimicrobial
- Spasmolytic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Carminative
One of the best-known and most popular medicinal herbs, lavender is popular all the world over for its relaxing and calming properties, while at the same time improving mental alertness and accuracy. The constituents, linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to induce anxiolytic effects and may reduce anxiety by increasing GABA inhibitory effects in the amygdala. The anxiolytic effects may also occur via reduced serotonin-1A receptor binding. A general nervous system tonic, it can be used to treat states of nervous debility and exhaustion. Lavender flowers are also neuroprotective through upregulating catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Lavender need not be taken orally to be effective; the smell alone has been shown to have calming and reassuring effects.
Properties:
- Relaxant
- Antispasmodic
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Immune Modulating
Rooibos is a popular tea high in minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc. As a result, it exerts relaxing effects on muscles and a calming effect on the mind. Rooibos is also immune modulating, strengthening or dampening the actions of the immune system. Rooibos is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has been shown to enhance the activity of glutathione-S transferase (essential in the production of our body’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione).
Properties:
Nervine Sedative Sleep Aid Antiinflammatory Cerebral vasorelaxant Anxiolytic Anodyne Antispasmodic
Passionflower is a nervine used for anxiety as well as as a general relaxant. A small, but important, pilot study looking at the effect of passionflower for generalized anxiety showed comparable efficacy to oxazepam. The alkaloids harman and harmaline are thought to produce monoamine oxidase inhibition while maltol and gamma-pyrone derivatives cause activation of GABA receptors that may account for anxiolytic and sedative properties. It is popular for its sedative and soothing properties and to relieve insomnia and improve quality of sleep. Passionflower is known to ease the transition into restful sleep without causing any next day “hangover.” The pharmacologic actions of many of the flavonoids, such as apigenin, are well known, and include antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Properties:
- Anxiolytic
- Antidepressant
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Cardiac Tonic
Rose is another popular plant that elicits its action both through ingesting the herb as well as through its intoxicating smell. Rose is known for its ability to calm the mind and encourage a sense of peace. The aromatics of rose have been shown to decrease moodiness, anxiety, stress and depression. The volatile oils of rose also have antimicrobial properties.
Properties:
- Carminative
- Antifungal
- Nootropic
- Antimicrobial
Spearmint is a popular species of mint native to the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey. Spearmint is a nootropic, improving brain function, memory and alertness overall. It is also widely used as a carminative, helping to alleviate digestive disorders, particularly nausea, gas and bloating. Spearmint also contains the terpenoid carvone which has been shown to inhibit tumors as well as possess antimicrobial activity.
Properties:
Peripheral Vasodilator Antioxidant Antiinflammatory Nootropic Ginkgo has been found in fossils going back 270 million years and has long been used as a food and traditional medicine. Ginkgo is understood to increase blood flow to the brain and is used to improve mental performance, memory and cognition and as a treatment in conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and fatigue. Ginkgo also is also used for migraines due to its ability to stabilize platelets and serotonin levels in the brain.
Properties:
- Protective to kidneys and liver
- Antiallergy
- Antiinflammatory
- Hypotensive
- Hypoglycemic
- Diuretic
Nettles are mineral-rich and for that reason have been widely used to make nutritive teas and infusions. Nettles have been shown to reduce allergy symptoms through interfering with the histamine response and the degranulation of mast cells. Stinging nettle is also hypotensive and hypoglycemic, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar of people with advanced type 2 diabetes.
]]>Properties:
Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Neuroprotective Vasorelaxant Anxyolitic Erythropoiesis-Boosting
Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Southeast Asia and has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Through inhibition of IL-1beta, proteasome and NFkappaB, along with inhibiting the release of inflammation markers in neutrophils and macrophages, lemongrass squashes inflammation. Lemongrass also combats anxiety through the GABAergic system and relaxes the circulatory system through antioxidants that lead to vasodilation. Finally, lemongrass is anti-cancer through a compound called isointermedeol upregulating TNF receptor 1 leading to abnormal cell death through the Fas pathway.
Properties:
Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Antidepressant Liver Stimulant Anticoagulant Cardioprotective
A powerful ant-inflammatory and anti-oxidant to boot, turmeric is a go-to for anyone with autoimmune disease. Turmeric exerts its anti-inflammatory properties by blocking NF-kappaB, a molecule that can turn on genes related to inflammation, and also squelches TNF alpha, IL-12, nitric oxide and numerous other molecules involved in the inflammatory response. Curcumin is the most potent bioactive component in turmeric; in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was more effective at reducing symptoms of inflammation than anti-inflammatory drugs. Turmeric also has positive effects on mood and well-being and has been shown to be comparable to Prozac in a small trial. It is thought that turmeric exerts this effect by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor which exerts anti-depressant activity.
Properties:
Astringent Carminative Hemostatic Antibacterial Hypoglycemic Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulatory Anti-estrogenic
The smell of cinnamon alone is enough to brighten anyone’s spirits but it is also a superstar antioxidant. Oxidative damage is paramount in much of autoimmune disease and cinnamon has been shown to have the second highest antioxidant content of 26 different herbs and spices. Hydroxycinnamaldehyde, an active component of cinnamon, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production through inhibiting NF-kappaB. Cinnamon is also a powerful carminative (goodbye gas and bloating) as well as an astringent, stopping diarrhea in its tracks (so helpful for Crohn’s or Colitis). Lastly, cinnamon is great at lowering blood sugar and decreasing insulin resistance by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into the cells.
Properties:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Relaxant
- Diuretic
- Immune Modulating
Rooibos, or red tea, is a popular tea due to the fact that it is rich in minerals and devoid of caffeine. Due to the mineral content of rooibos (high in calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc), it exerts relaxing effects on muscles and a calming effect on the mind. Also thanks to the minerals present, rooibos acts as a diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluid as in the case of fluid retention or swelling. Rooibos is also immune modulating, meaning that it can strengthen or dampen the actions of the immune system (so important in any autoimmune disease) Like the other herbs featured in our Anti-Inflammatory Blend, rooibos is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has been shown to enhance the activity of glutathione-S transferase (essential in the production of our body’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione).
]]>Properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Lymphogogue
- Astringent
- Choleretic
- Antibacterial and antiviral
- Protective effects on liver, kidneys and heart
Calendula is another powerful anti-inflammatory, especially in the digestive system. It is also a lymphagogue—an herb that promotes the flow of lymphatic fluids. This is particularly important as our lymph carries waste products and cellular debris that need to be filtered and removed. Calendula is also great support for the GI tract where it acts as an antispasmodic, supports the function of the gallbladder, and is astringent. Calendula is also antibacterial, antiviral and prevents the formation of cancerous cells and tumors. Finally, calendula is protective to the heart through modulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways by activated Akt and Bcl2 and down regulating TNF alpha.