Products made from botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat diseases or to maintain health are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used solely for internal use is called an herbal supplement.
Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant products, but these products contain only purified ingredients and are regulated by the FDA. Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts.
Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including:
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Swallowed as pills, powders, or tinctures
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Brewed as tea
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Applied to the skin as gels, lotions, or creams
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Added to bath water
The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, the use of herbal supplements is common among consumers. However, they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA, or other governing agencies. It is best to consult your doctor about any symptoms or conditions you have and to discuss the use of herbal supplements.
Common Herbal Supplements
Ginger is a tropical Asian plant. It’s been used in herbal medicines in China for over 2,000 years. It’s also well known in Indian and Arabic cultures. Ginger has always been used as a remedy for:
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headaches
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stomach pain
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nausea
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arthritis
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cold and flu symptoms
Ginger has also shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Peppermint leaves have been usually used for medicinal and culinary purposes. They have shown to help relieve:
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spasms
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toothaches
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gastrointestinal problems
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nausea
Peppermint oil is now available in liquid capsule form and in tea versions for easy brewing.
Ginseng is a trending herbal supplement that is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Ginseng has antioxidant effects and can help protect against liver injury caused by viruses, toxins, and alcohol.
Turmeric and its active component curcumin have demonstrated a variety of amazing health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, which makes this herb a great choice for people who suffer from liver disease.
Top Brands:
Maca is a robust turnip type vegetable root. It grows in four different color ranges, each of which has unique properties and works better for certain purposes. Our organic raw maca powder is a blend of all 4 different roots: 25% red, yellow, purple and black, encompassing all the benefits of the maca powerhouse and offering you a unique nutritional profile. Our Maca contains only pure, 100% raw maca, simply dried and ground into a fine powder. It has a delicious caramel taste that can be used in desserts, sauces, smoothies, and juices.
Youtheory Turmeric
Turmeric supplies one of nature's best-kept secrets: curcuminoids. These powerful phytonutrients give Turmeric its golden-yellow colour and provide wide-ranging health benefits.
Youtheory Turmeric supplies the most clinically-studied turmeric extract on the market (containing 95% total curcuminoids). This formula is enhanced with BioPerine black pepper to boost the absorption and bioavailability of curcuminoids.
Benefits:
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Supports Healthy Inflammation Response
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SDietary Supplement
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With Curcumin C3 Complex
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Powerful Antioxidant Properties
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Healthy Inflammation Response
Superlife Organic Lemongrass Tea
Traditionally used in both Ayurvedic Medicine and Ancient Asian Herbal tradition, Lemon Grass is a beneficial tonic. Its fragrant, bright citrus taste with a mild hint of ginger has made it a staple herb in South Asian cuisine in the form of teas, soups, curries and even desserts. It is a wonderful tea to incorporate into any daily diet with many health promoting benefits. Experience the uplifting and energising effects of this refreshing herbal tea without caffeine or other unnatural stimulants.
Benefits:
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Aids digestion
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High in antioxidants
Naturya Organic Chlorella Powder
Our Chlorella is grown and harvested on a beautiful island in the South China Sea. It drinks from freshwater ponds, drawing water from deep in the ground, which is also carefully filtered to ensure purity. It soaks up natural sunlight while being gently mixed to ensure even distribution of newly formed chlorella cells. Secluded and protected by a dense surrounding forest, there is no risk of contamination from agricultural runoff. The plant is painstakingly sieved from the water with fine mesh screens, capturing the delicate chlorella cells, then hand-washed and fast-dried, to preserve maximum nutrients. The powder is then milled to break down the insoluble chlorella cell walls, which the human gut cannot break down. This vital process makes maximum nutrients accessible during digestion.
Benefits:
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Rich in vitamin B12 which contributes to normal cognitive function, normal function of the immune system and reducing fatigue
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Rich in iron which contributes to the reduction of tiredness & fatigue and promotes normal oxygen transport in the body
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High in protein which contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass
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Source of vitamin E which contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress
FAQs:
Are herbs and botanicals considered natural supplements?
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Yes, herbs and botanicals are considered natural dietary supplements because of their natural origin, which is plant. Most of these herbal supplements have a long history of use in traditional medicine.
What are the different forms that herbal supplements come in?
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Herbal supplements come in all forms such as powdered, dried, liquids, and capsules. They can also be used in different ways such as swallowed (capsules) or added to water (powder) or brewed as tea (dried).
What are the benefits of herbal supplements?
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Herbal supplements have shown huge health benefits such as lowering stress levels, improving sleep, and relieving digestive problems such as cramps, diarrhoea, bloating and stomach sickness.
When is the best time to take herbal supplements?
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It differs from one supplement to another, some supplements can be taken at any time of the day such as chlorophyll and ashwagandha and other supplements are advised to be taken before sleep such as chamomile and lemon balm tea.
Are herbal supplements safe?
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Even though herbal supplements are considered natural, they should be taken with consideration as high doses can lead to different side effects such as diarrhoea and stomach aches.
