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The 7 Best Herbs to Strengthen the Body

From the dawn of time, we’ve known herbs provide many fantastic benefits for the human body. After all, many of the core medicines in modern medicine originate from herbs, such as cinchona bark which produces quinine, one of the key agents in fighting malaria. Herbal remedies play a key role in strengthening the body. From the immune system to the brain, herbal remedies have a key role in improving our health.

Herbal remedies have a number of benefits. They generally have reduced side effects compared to prescription medicine. They’re lower in cost, making them effective for people on a budget. They’re easy to access. And importantly, many organic herbs have been proven effective in a number of studies.

With a wide array of uses, these 7 herbs, available at Australian herbs shops, will give you the boost your body needs.

Cumin

Cumin is one of the boldest herbs in the culinary world and is known for its robust taste. That’s not the only effect this herb has. Increasingly, the plant often used in chilli and curry powders, is gaining popularity for its ability to aid in digestive health.

Cumin has also been studied for its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar. The seeds have been tested to have a modest anti-inflammatory effect. Fortunately, cumin is very common. It’s one of the easiest herbs to find from an Australian herbs retailer.

Cinnamon

Our next spice is one that’s familiar to those who love holiday baking. Cinnamon can have a very positive effect on the body, largely due to cinnamaldehyde which is the key compound in this herb. Cinnamon contains a great number of antioxidants such as polyphenols. The herb also has been linked in studies with lowered risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, some studies indicate that cinnamon has been found to lower insulin resistance. In other words, while cinnamon may be a simple herb, it has a great deal to offer!

Coriander

This herb is known as coriander when it’s a seed and cilantro when it’s in leaf form. Coriander is a popular option for treating stomach ailments. In studies that involve patients with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, medication with coriander has been seen to reduce symptoms such as bloating. Several rodent studies also suggest coriander serves as an appetite stimulator.

In seed form, coriander also contains dodecanol–a compound that combats the often fatal salmonella. Animal studies suggest coriander also possesses benefits to the brain with one study finding it comparable to diazepam in treating anxiety. Coriander’s strength in the stomach and in the mind certainly makes it a powerful organic herb.

Fennel Seed

The small crunchy fennel seed is a popular addition to foods with a flavour similar to licorice. The seeds also produce a number of potent health benefits. Fennel seeds are heavy in nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and manganese. Fennel is loaded with powerful antioxidants with the plant’s oil containing polyphenols like apigenin and rosmarinic acid.

One of its strongest properties might be in fighting cancer. Fennel’s component anethole has been found in a test tube to induce cell death in breast cancer cells. An extract derived from the seeds may also prevent cancer in the breast and liver according to animal studies. With such a potent amount of health benefits, these seeds make a great addition to the diet of any person looking to improve their health.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle’s uses vary as much as any plant on the Australian herbs market. The plant derives its power from a set of compounds known as silymarin. One important way milk thistle might benefit the body is in the reduction of amyloid plaques on the brain which animal and test tube studies indicate a positive effect on.

Similarly, experimental studies show milk thistle may potentially prevent bone loss. Silymarin’s antioxidant effects are also being studied as a boost for milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, one study indicated that silymarin may prevent acne lesions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. All in all, milk thistle has an array of uses to strengthen the body.

Peppermint

With its wonderful fragrance, it’s no surprise that peppermint is among the most popular herbs used in aromatherapy. The oil has been studied to be beneficial for memory and concentration. There are other neurological effects. Peppermint tea is a wildly popular sleep aid as it lacks caffeine. Peppermint has been found in studies to reduce mental fatigue on tests.

Of course, one of the most popular uses for the herb is the improvement of hygiene. Peppermint not only smells nice, but also has antibacterial qualities to improve your breath. The herb serves as a positive boost to the entire head from mouth to mind.

Turmeric

A visually brilliant herb once used for dyes, turmeric is a fantastic supplement with a wide array of uses. The central compound in turmeric, curcumin, possesses a large number of positive uses but requires piperine, an alkaloid found in black pepper, for increased absorption levels of up to 2000 percent in the bloodstream.

Turmeric has been found in studies to possess a potent antioxidant effect: an effect linked to the structure of the chemical. Studies suggest that curcumin even boosts other antioxidants–for example, curcumin may fight neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and depression. Turmeric also has been studied as an anti-inflammatory agent though its effects are thought to be somewhat limited. While turmeric is regularly used in cooking, you’ll find that its uses in health are just as varied.

These seven herbs all help to boost the body and make it the strongest it can be. All are readily available from The Herbal Connection: one of the longest serving hubs for Australian herbs. With a wide variety of products in everything from extracts to spices to teas, we have the ideal herbal remedy for what ails you. Give us a look!