4 Reasons to Start Using Herbal Supplements

Herbs (and spices) have been used for thousands of years, not only in the kitchen, but also to support health. Although we eat more and more from packets and bags these days, many people realize that natural products can nourish our bodies much better. Herbal supplements have many benefits and in this blog you can read the 4 reasons to start using them daily.

Back to nature?

Herbs have been our natural pharmacy since time immemorial. From herbal poultices to stop bleeding and help heal wounds, to birchbark for headaches and warming herbal drinks for flu. Today we understand more about which substances promote healing and can reduce fever. There are also all kinds of chemical medicines that work quickly, which you can put in your medicine cabinet. So why would you choose herbal supplements?

There are various reasons to use herbal supplements (initially). For example, many regular remedies have side effects. In some cases, natural remedies can work better, or you have already tried all kinds of medication and it was not effective. Many people see herbal remedies as healthier, and they are also better tolerated. Below, you can read the reasons why herbal supplements can be a good choice.

1. Natural herbal supplements: accessible and versatile in use

Herbal remedies are accessible: you can buy them yourself, without a prescription from the doctor. People often feel a threshold to tackle a complaint, because they first have to make an appointment with the doctor. There are probably a lot of herbs that you already have in your kitchen cupboard. Think of ginger, sage, thyme or garlic. Others you can easily buy in the supermarket or online.

Herbs are also very versatile. You can take them in the form of powders, capsules or tinctures. For example, if you have trouble sleeping, you can use valerian, in capsule form or as a nice, relaxing cup of tea.

2. Natural herbal supplements: fewer side effects

One of the main reasons people prefer natural herbal supplements is that they have fewer side effects. Be aware that it is still possible that you will suffer from side effects. You may be sensitive to certain substances or have an allergic reaction. In addition, you should always adhere to the prescribed dosages.

However, if you are not hypersensitive to the components of a herbal remedy, the chance of side effects is small. This is mainly because regular medicines often use a single substance, in a very high dosage. Herbal natural remedies contain the entire plant, the leaves, stems and roots. All of these substances work together in the body and the dosage can therefore also be lower.

Although herbal supplements are often considered safer than regular medicines, it is important to be aware of possible risks. A review study shows that herbal remedies can also cause side effects, although these are usually mild and rare [source].

3. Herbs have a broad effect

In addition to the above, this also means that natural herbal supplements can often work on more levels in the body. Because the entire plant is processed, the remedy contains many more different active ingredients. This allows them to help restore balance and support the body's own healing power.

4. Good absorption of herbal supplements

Another good reason to use herbal supplements is that all bioactive substances are easily absorbed by the body, precisely because they are natural. The body recognizes them and as a result the substances quickly end up in the right place and can do their work.

Which herbal supplements can you use?

There are a great many different supplements that you canfor you to choose when looking for natural remedies. Some of them you may have in your kitchen. Others you may never have heard of.

• Ginger: has anti-inflammatory effects and can help with digestive complaints.
• Adaptogenic plants, such as Ashwagandha, help with stress. They ensure that your body can better adapt to stressful circumstances.
• Yerba mate is a tea that comes from South America. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can use it if you suffer from fatigue and a lack of energy.
• Turmeric is a medicinal spice that is suggested to be used for mood complaints. It is rich in antioxidants, helps detoxify and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Alpinia Galanga or Laos is a plant from Asia, which is related to ginger. The root of this plant is used in the kitchen, but contains many powerful substances that can boost health. It provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps support the health of the heart, blood vessels and nervous system.
  
  

Using herbal supplements for your health

This is just a small selection of all the herbal remedies available. Whether it concerns sleep problems, pain, inflammation, immune system problems or mood, there is an herbal remedy that you can use.

You can use a supplement, but it is of course also very nice to make herbs part of your healthy diet. Use some more natural herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint in your food. Drink a healthy herbal tea and put tasty spices on your meat. In this way you are also working on your health.

Be aware that herbal remedies are not official medicines and that they are used as a supplement. In addition, in some cases they can also interact with your regular medicines. Therefore, always consult your doctor to see if it is safe for you to use a herbal supplement. All information about herbs mentioned here is not intended as medical advice.