If you’re health-conscious, then you are probably aware that vitamins and herbs can supplement dietary nutrition in valuable ways. And if you’ve been following this blog series, then you have already read about the benefits of basil and curcumin among other herbal supplements. Here is Part 4 of our series dedicated to healthy herbs and spices.
Herbs and Spices Contribute to a Healthy Diet
Throughout this series we have iterated the basic context from which herbal and spice supplements are sourced and the manners in which they contribute to a healthy dietary pattern. To recap, herbs and spices are utilized as a form of functional food (not to be confused with an actual food ingredient) according to at least one published comprehensive scientific review. Their main utilization as functional foods is in their medicinal properties. Many herbs and spices are viewed as herbal medicines for their ability to fight disease and infection, in effect enhancing overall well-being.
To expound on the categories of benefit offered by these functional foods, their most valuable usage is therapeutic through their protective properties against various forms of chronic disease. This includes cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and other forms of disease. Another wide-ranging benefit of herbal medicines is their antioxidant effects. Yet another type of benefit which herbs and spices provide is their antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can apply to a wide range of pathogens and viruses, depending on the product being used. In essence, herbs and spices used medicinally have great ability to support human health.
Two Morfe Herbs with Health-Related Benefits
St. John’s Wort is a plant which produces yellow flowers. Its colloquial name has to do with its history of usage, and it is named after John the Baptist. It has been historically used in Greek and Chinese traditional medicine, and is recognized for a variety of uses in modern, western herbal medicine. Research has affirmed the utility of St. John’s Wort for treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression. The usefulness of St. John’s Wort for depression is well-established, as it has been compared to some prescription antidepressants because of its effectiveness. For this reason, a St. John’s Wort supplement has often been marketed as a product that benefits waking mood. Separately, other research suggests that St. John’s Wort could mitigate the symptoms of menopause. This use is beneficial to menopausal women because, while menopause is a natural part of life, its uncomfortable symptoms can be mitigated through healthful means.
Thyme, scientifically named Thymus vulgaris, is an herb commonly used in cooking because of its appealing flavor. Its value related to actual wellness is in its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties Research has found that there are an assortment of antioxidant properties in thyme, equipping it to reduce cellular damage throughout your body. Its anti-inflammatory properties have potential to reduce inflammation associated with heart disease, arthritis, and COPD. Thyme could also reduce coughing during an upper respiratory infection. Thyme is often combined with other herbs, as well as vitamins, in complex supplements designed for your well-being in one area of health or another.
The multiplicity of herbs and spices available in supplement form speaks to their established usefulness in promoting good health. Consider how St. John’s Wort and/or thyme could benefit you, even in a limited role as a component among other constituents in a supplemental product. Be sure to discuss with your personal physician or other healthcare professional your possible first-time use of any herb or supplement to make sure it is safe for your particular use, such as if you are on prescription medications.