The best herbs for different types of healing

For thousands of years people have been using herbs to help address and alleviate physical and mental health concerns. Not only are herbs backed up by history, but scientific research shows that specific herbs provide added benefits to specific health goals.

When it comes to overall healthy living, the Mind is one of the four predominant pillars. Whether your Health Goal is Focus, Gratitude, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Self-Love, or Stress and Anxiety, studies have shown that herbs help contribute to different types of mindful healing.

It is important to note, however, that while herbs can help alleviate and improve healthy living, it is not an overall cure. For significant health concerns, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Below is a list of our favorite herbs based on specific Health Goals.

Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to your overall health. Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being impacts our everyday behavior in how we think, feel, and act. Herbs have been shown to help decrease symptoms of sadness, irritability, and changes in the body and brain that affect daily functioning. Below are two of our favorites.

Bergamot

Several clinical studies have shown that bergamot helps with:

Anxiety and stress reduction
Anti-depression
Pain relief
Blood pressure and heart rate reduction

Bergamot’s fresh and uplifting scent has been found to reduce anxiety by reducing the corticosterone response to stress. As an essential oil, it’s known to promote cheerfulness and to stimulate energy by boosting blood circulation.

Coriander

Coriander has been found to have great anxiolytic attributes. In many cultures, it’s widely used to soothe symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. It promotes feelings of relaxation and calm by replenishing the body with vitamin B.

Products we recommend:

Vitruvi – Bergamot Essential Oil blend
The Nue Co. – FUNCTIONAL FRAGRANCE

Contains: Bergamot and Coriander

Energy and Focus

In our day-to-day lives, we are constantly bombarded with stimulation and stressors that leave many people drained and looking for ways to feel more alert, focused and energized. Studies have found that herbs can help boost energy and cognitive health. Below are a few of our favorite energy and focus boosting herbs.

Sage

As it is high in many potent plant compounds, sage is an impressive cognitive-enhancing herb.

Benefits include:

Improved mood
Alertness
Greater attention span
Improved memory and word recall
Reduced mental fatigue

Bacopa monnieri

This plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments including anxiety, insomnia, and memory issues. With neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, the herb has been shown to help boost brain function, alertness, information processing speed, and reaction time.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea has been used for centuries to improve memory, alertness, and endurance.

Studies have found the herb to be effective in:

Reducing mental fatigue
Boosting brain function and mood
Increasing exercise performance
Improving feelings of exhaustion, impaired concentration, and lack of joy

The herb has been especially helpful for those who experience burnout, which the National Library of Medicine defines as “emotional, motivational, and physical exhaustion as a result of chronic occupational stress.”

Products we recommend:

The Nue Co. – MIND ENERGY

Contains: Sage

Stress and Anxiety

From big challenges to small difficulties, anxiety and stress are quite common. While it can be difficult to navigate all of your anxiety-inducing feelings, research suggests that several herbs may be helpful in relieving symptoms. Here are two of our favorite herbs to combat stress and anxiety.

Lavender

As one of the most popular herbs used to ease anxiety, lavender has a long history of being used in medicine. A study found that one of the main benefits of lavender is that the herb helps calm you down without completely sedating by generating a serene state of mind.

Lavender can help reduce:

Anxiety
Restlessness
Agitation
Disturbed sleep
Nervousness
Depressive symptoms
High heart rate and adrenaline

Eucalyptus

Containing eucalyptol which has been found to possess anti-anxiety properties, eucalyptus can help decrease symptoms of stress. A study of 62 people found that inhaling eucalyptus oil helped significantly reduce pre-surgery anxiety. The herb has also been associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting additional calming effects.

Products we recommend:

Conclusion

Part of overall healthy living involves attention and care to the Mind. Depending on your specific Health Goal, herbs have been found to positively contribute to many different areas of mental health. Although herbs are not a complete cure for health concerns, they have been historically and scientifically proven to help alleviate and improve overall healthy living.