The Most Beneficial Herbs You Should Know

In an age where almost everything you consume is processed and refined for hours in factories, or “improved” artificially, herbs provide a welcome reminder of nature's goodness. There always seems to be something good hiding in leafy greens, right?

Even controversial herbs, like kratom, have numerous testimonies of being used to treat chronic pain, increase energy, and boost sexual desire. It has even been used by some to wean themselves off addictions of opioids and other substances.

However, it's not only controversial herbs like kratom that pack a wallop of nutrients and health benefits. Even regular everyday herbs have some pretty impressive qualities. Here are the best every day, beneficial herbs you should know:

Turmeric

Probably one of the most beneficial herbs we have around, this ginger-related natural wonder contains many compounds with health benefits.

Top of the list of compounds in turmeric is curcumin. It's a powerful antioxidant that helps the body boost its own antioxidant enzymes.

Some of the benefits of turmeric are its use as an anti-depressant, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory agent. It's also reported to be useful in arthritis management, diabetes management, gastrointestinal treatments, and as a natural treatment for cancer.

Not too bad for an herb you can get next door!

Rosemary

Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is another herb that has become very easily obtainable and for a good reason, too. Its active ingredient, known as Rosmarinic acid, has been reported to help suppress allergic responses and nasal congestions.  

It can also help improve one's mood and relieve stress, strengthen the immune system, and even freshen your breath. Rosemary can even help you detoxify your body, and act as an anti-aging agent.

Sage

Besides being an excellent front-porch decoration, sage has a ton of medicinal properties, too. In fact, it bears so much resemblance to the rosemary that they are called “sister herbs”.  It has been used for ages to treat snakebites, boost fertility, among others.

Sage is remarkable for its ability to stimulate brain function and boost cognitive ability in people. SO it's an excellent choice for people with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.

It also contains Vitamin K, which is essential for developing bone density and improving the integrity of our bones.

Holy Basil

Popularly known as tulsi, this is also another easy to find but highly beneficial herb. It's believed that just keeping it planted in a pot indoors can protect you from infections, coughs, and colds. Putting just a few leaves in drinking water and food can purify it by killing germs within.

Other benefits of holy basil include its usefulness in treating fever, asthma, lung or respiratory disorders, heart diseases, and stress.

Oregano

This is more popularly known as the ‘pizza herb' for its use in spicing up the popular Italian staple. Oregano is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. Some of the nutrients packed in its green leafy suitcase are vitamins A, C, and E complex, calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, and copper, to name a few.

It's useful for treating the common cold, nasal congestions, and the flu virus. PMSing? Oregano can even be used to relieve menstrual cramps as well.