How herbal remedies can support your wellbeing

We’re all feeling the pressures of modern-day living and more than ever we’re looking to the past to guide our health and wellbeing.

In a bid to manage the pressures in our lives, there has been a move towards holistic wellness solutions as well as natural preventatives for specific health-related issues.

Traditional Ayurvedic healing techniques and supplements – such as yoga, meditation and curcumin – have grown in popularity. Ayurveda, Sanskrit for “life knowledge”, is a health practice native to India. More than 5000 years old, it aims to create harmony between physical, mental and spiritual health.

Ashwagandha and triphala are two important Ayurvedic herbal remedies.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb said to help the body adapt to stress and ageing. It may also help reduce stress on the endocrine system.

It is the herb of choice for people who find stress leaves them unable to focus, and it may also help those who are exhausted, anxious, depressed, or have insomnia.

Triphala is a blend of three native Indian fruits – amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki. It is used as a digestive and detoxification tonic, and is said to support rejuvenation.

While those seeking relief from constipation, including the elderly and vegetarians, may use it it is important to note triphala should not be taken during pregnancy.

Herbs that support health and wellbeing

Traditional Chinese medicine is also playing a major role in modern-day wellbeing, and astragalus and ginseng are two herbs used often for their healing benefits.

It is claimed astragalus helps prevent colds and flu by supporting the immune and endocrine systems. There is evidence it may also help prevent post-viral fatigue.

Siberian ginseng is often used to increase mental alertness. It is said to improve athletic performance and increase muscle strength.

These traditional remedies may help students, shift workers, those wanting to boost energy levels, improve concentration, or lose weight and tone their bodies.

Combining ginseng and matcha, which is a fine powdered tea, may also help support energy and alertness.

Meet your new matcha

Matcha, a ceremonial green tea from Japan, is more nutrient dense than regular green tea.

There is research to suggest the mix of caffeine and theanine in matcha improves cognitive ability, focus and alertness. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded quality matcha has thermogenic properties (thermogenesis is the rate at which the human body burns calories), and exercising immediately after drinking matcha resulted in 25 per cent more fat burning during exercise.

More wellness news for you

SHARE THIS

RELATED ARTICLES