WHOLE HEALTH TALK

Reclaim Your Superpower with Herbs

by Latricia Wright

When it comes to nutrition, much attention is given to fat, carbohydrates, and protein. While these macronutrients are certainly important––antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and other micronutrients are also tremendously important when it comes to health and wellness. Often thought of as merely a flavoring agent, herbs are actually a tremendous way to add much needed micronutrients and their accompanying health benefits to your daily diet. In honor of National Nutrition month, let's take a look at the top herbs and the way they can enhance your health and nutrition with their super powers.

  1. Garlic: Garlic is widely hailed as one of the best foods out there. In large, the stellar reputation is due to garlic’s natural antibiotic. The antibiotic properties are so potent that it has been used in this capacity for centuries. Even better, garlic does not seem to build up resistant bacteria as commercial antibiotics.

  2. Parsley: It’s time to move parsley from a mere decorative garnish to a regularly consumed herb. Parsley contains potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and loads of vitamin K. Parsley’s natural diuretic effects make it especially helpful for kidney health.
  3. Dandelion: If you only think of dandelion as an unwelcome weed, you’re missing out on all the antioxidants, vitamin C, luteolin and more this humble herb offers. Dandelion has a compound in it that help to stimulate the liver and move bile, making it key for liver support.

  4. Stinging Nettle: If you are looking to reduce your use of anti-inflammatory medicines, incorporating stinging nettle into your dietary regime may be the answer. Full of potassium, fiber, iron, magnesium, and more, stinging nettle also has the power to reduce inflammation and interfere with pain signals.
  5. Horseradish Root. If you’ve ever felt as though the pungent flavor of horseradish helped to clear out your sinuses, you were right! Along with aiding in digestion, this cruciferous vegetable has glucosinolate and is an expectorant, to clear out mucus secretions.

So, there you have it, five great healing herbs that can help you reclaim your superpowers.  I add one pressed garlic clove to my water everyday.  How do you take your fresh garlic?