Medicinal Herbs
Medicinal Herbs
Humans have been using medicinal herbs since our beginning. After the rise in pharmaceuticals in the 19th century, natural medicines were largely
forgotten as they were replaced with synthesised drugs. However, people are now realising the importance and benefits of using natural plant medicines as
they are being rediscovered.
Some ingredients I grow myself in my organic garden, some I forage from my local area away from pollutants and some I buy from local growers.
Here is a list of herbs and roots used in Vigouroots ferments and their reported benefits. I have added links to other websites so you can find out more.
Ginger
- Reduces gas and improves digestion
- Relieves nausea
- Aids recovery from cold or flu
- Pain relieving
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Antioxidant
Turmeric
- Active component is curcumin with many scientifically accepted health benefits
- Powerful anti-inflammatory
- Increases antioxidant capacity of the body
- Linked to improved brain function and lower risk of brain disease
- Can contribute to the death of cancerous cells
- Lower risk of heart disease
- May be useful in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease
- Treats arthritis symptoms
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-aging
Beetroot
- Packed with essential nutrients
- High in fibre
- May slow cognitive decline
- Supports the liver
- Improves blood flow
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases exercise performance
- Not recommended in high doses for those who suffer with kidney stones
- May make your pee (harmlessly) red!
- May be an irritant to those who suffer with IBS (Irritable Bowel syndrome)
Chilli
- Loaded with nutrients
- Chilli's are high in vitamin C - more than oranges. Great to eat when you are run down or sick to speed recovery.
- Studies show that the capsaicin in hot peppers can reduce inflammation and decrease the chances of heart disease.
- Promote weight loss - Studies show that the capsaicin in chili peppers can increase metabolism and help you burn off calories
- Chilli's aren't for everyone - they may irritate existing bowel or digestive conditions.
Horseradish
- Provides a variety of nutrients
- May have anti-carcinogen effects
- Antibacterial
- May improve respiratory health
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Antioxidant
- Horseradish is very pungeant, it is not recommended to be taken in large doses. It may be especially bothersome to people with stomach ulcers, digestive issues, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Apple Cider Vinegar
- Contains amino acids, antioxidants and small amounts of magnesium, potassium & calcium
- Some studies have shown ACV may:
- Manage blood sugar levels
- Aid in weightloss
- Reduce belly fat
- Reduce cholesterol
- Act as an anti-microbial, reducing the overgrowth of pathogens and bacteria and yeasts which casue infections
- Consumption of ACV will not suit everyone. It is best avoided by anyone taking any diuretic medication or water pills.
- For those suffering with gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying, where the movement of food between the stomach and small intestine is slowed, apple cider vinegar may make the symptoms worse and should be avoided.
Hibiscus
- Packed with antioxidants
- High in polyphenols (ideal food for gut microbes to catalyse important health processes and inhibit growth of bacteria that can cause infection)
- Reduce high blood pressure
- May help lower cholesterol
- Bacterial infections
- Fever
- Upset stomach
Aloe Vera
The Medicine Plant
- High in vitamins, minerals, amino acids & antioxidants
- High in polyphenols (ideal food for gut microbes to catalyse important health processes and inhibit growth of bacteria that can cause infection)
- Reduces dental plaque
- Helps to heal mouth sores
- Reduces constipation
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Helps cure skin conditions
Nettle
- Anti-inflammatory
- Treats arthritis symptoms
- Antimicrobial (pathogens)
- Antioxidant
- Pain-relieving
- Anti-ulcer
- Reduces seasonal allergies
- Shown to reduce symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- May aid treatment of diabetes
Goosegrass/Cleavers
- Traditionally used as a cleansing food after winter as it is one of the first edible plants to pop up in spring in temperate climates
- Antioxidant
- Diuretic
- Can help treat swollen lymph glands
- Can help treat viral infections including tonsillitis, glandular fever and recurrent throat infections
- Can help treat eczema, psoriasis, arthritis and seborrhoea (overly oily skin)
Mugwort
- Improves digestion
- Emotional relaxant – anti-anxiety
- Aiding PMT and menstrual issues such as cramping
- Effective diuretic
- Detoxify the liver
- Enhancing dream states and easing into deeper meditation or trance states.
- Please note, due to claims of mugworts' effect on the menstrual cycle, it is NOT recommended for women during pregnancy as it is thought to induce labour.
- Not advised for people with allergies
Harvesting Mugwort in 2020
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