Supplemental
Jul 13, 2023Vitamins, Powders, Drinks, Shots!
What's your supplement of choice? Vitamin pills, protein powder, energy drinks, energy shots? Something you might not have considered is that supplements are often extracts of a whole food focused on one nutrient or active ingredient. Let me open your mind to a full-bodied supplement you might have overlooked.
What is this full-bodied supplement? Herbs. What herbs have going for them is they are actually a whole food containing natural amounts of nutrients just the way nature created it. Balanced nutrition. Not one nutrient has been artificially enhanced or is out of proportion to the other nutrients. Nature's got it going on! Nature is balanced!
Whole Food
There are a few ways to supplement with herbs.
The best way for you to get herbs in, is any way you can. Well, it may depend on what outcome you are looking for. Are you interested in enjoying the flavor and making it a moment or just trying to get it down? Here are a few methods:
- Most popular is herbal tea/infusion. This is a great way to enjoy flavor and the experience of something warm and soothing. Make an herbal tea when you want to relax, savor the moment, and enjoy the flavor. To make an herbal tea:
- Bring water to a boil, add tea bag and let sit for about 15 minutes.
- Remember herbs are gentle - you usually don't boil the herbs, just the water. If you want to keep those essential oils from evaporating, cover your infusion. Leaving the tea bag in longer will strengthen and enhance the flavor and medicinal benefits.
- If you like, sweeten with a little honey, or stevia (the green kind).
- Capsules - if you are taking larger doses of herbs, and you want the plant material and fiber, and you don't have the time to enjoy the experience of a cup of tea, or don't want to taste the herbs - you just want to get them down - take capsules. Make sure to dink lots of water with them! Remember, they are dried plant material. All of their natural moisture has been removed. They need water to digested and be absorbed. I often take capsules with food. This seems to help keep them down. Sometimes capsules have a tendency to float. Taking them with food is a great way to help them make their way to your stomach.
- Tincture - tinctures are great if you are interested in speed. They are quick and easy to ingest and are often taken in medicinal doses which just means you will be taking smaller amounts. Tinctures are concentrated. Herbs have been steeped for long periods of time in a menstruum like vinegar, alcohol, or glycerin, to extract the medicinal components. Depending on the herb, the dose could be a few drops or a few droppers. Tinctures are a great way to preserve and extend the shelf life of your herbal medicines. They are especially great for first aid kits.
- Powdered herb - probably the least favorite way to ingest. But a very effective way to get things in. Why is this method the least enjoyable? If you are ingesting spicy or strong tasting herbs tasting them can be off-putting. Kelp comes to mind. If you want to feel like you are taking a swig of the sea, add a little kelp to your morning drink.
- But Sometimes you want that biological response, and tasting it is necessary. When you ingest something spicy like cayenne or bitter like Oregon Grape Root, your mouth notices immediately and your whole body responds.
- For me, taking powdered herbs in a morning drink is a quick and painless way to supplement. They can easily be added to a breakfast smoothie, but really, I'm lazy and usually just mix them in water and drink them down. If you're lazy too but could never imagine yourself drinking something that looks and might smell like swamp, start out slow. Dilute a little apple juice in water and add a small amount of a mild, non offensive herb, like alfalfa. I never thought I would ever be able to do this, but over time, I've become accustomed to the texture and flavor. In fact, my green drink is pretty thick these days. I just want to start my day off with a big nutrient boost!
I started supplementing with herbs because they are whole - whole food, containing all the natural components in all their natural amounts.
Here at It's In Our Nature we love sharing nutritional truths and helping you in your efforts to live life well! If you are experiencing negative symptoms it is time to take your health seriously! You were born with one body, and one life to live. We believe life is meant to be lived well!
Kristi Taylor is a Master Herbalist, Clinical Herbalist and Natural healing Guide®. She endeavors to share her knowledge and passion of natural healing with whomever will listen – because nature’s wisdom never ceases to delight and amaze!
References
Bishnoi, Sunil. (2016). "Herbs as Functional Foods". Sources & Health Benefits. (Scientific Publishers, India: 2016).
Opara EI, Chohan M. Culinary herbs and spices: their bioactive properties, the contribution of polyphenols and the challenges in deducing their true health benefits. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Oct 22;15(10):19183-202. doi: 10.3390/ijms151019183. PMID: 25340982; PMCID: PMC4227268.
Rautio, Sarah. "Increase intake of fresh herbs for everyday health". Michigan State University, News: 27 Feb 2017.
Tapsell LC, Hemphill I, Cobiac L, Patch CS, Sullivan DR, Fenech M, Roodenrys S, Keogh JB, Clifton PM, Williams PG, Fazio VA, Inge KE. Health benefits of herbs and spices: the past, the present, the future. Med J Aust. 2006 Aug 21;185(S4):S1-S24. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00548.x. PMID: 17022438.
