What are medicinal herbs?

Herbs are not only a good seasoning in cooking, but also have medicinal powers. Medicinal or healing herbs have been used for many centuries to fight illnesses and symptoms or just to boost energy and health. Nausea, dengue, diarrhea, fatigue, itching; you can do more with herbs than you think! This makes medicinal herbs a great alternative or supplement to modern medicine. Read more about it here.

What makes medicinal herbs medicinal?

Medicinal herbs are small plants that have been used for centuries in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The active ingredients in these plants include flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols. Alkaloids include caffeine and nicotine. These substances act on your central nervous system and can have various effects; from analgesic to energy-boosting or just relaxing. Flavonoids are potent healers. For example, they counteract inflammation, viruses or cancer.

Advantages and disadvantages of medicinal herbs

The great advantage of many herbs is that they are inexpensive. Much cheaper than chemical drugs at least. This makes medicinal herbs more accessible to many people than a pill from the lab. Especially within indigenous cultures, you will find true herbalists. Also, herbs are pure nature.

That does not always mean it is a better choice than modern medication. Cancer, severe inflammation or brain diseases are of course much better treated with man-made remedies than with herbs. In addition, like medications and supplements, herbs can cause you to interact with other medications or drugs you take. For example, turmeric can enhance the effects of certain medications. This can be an advantage, but also a disadvantage.

Herbs with short-term effects

Herbs, as you read, can have all kinds of effects on health. These may be long-term effects, such as reduced risk of cancer and inflammation. But you can also take medicinal herbs and notice almost immediately. For example, you get more energy and focus. Or you go tripping. Below are some powerful herbs and their effects.

Catnip (catmint)

Catnip is not only fun for cats, but also for us humans! It also makes us relaxed and happy, just like your pet. Namely, the effect on people is euphoria and relaxation.

Valerian

Lots of stress or insomnia? Valerian may well help. This relaxing medicinal herb has been used for generations to lower stress levels and facilitate sleep.

Medicinal herbs for more energy

Just want more energy instead of relaxation? Then cola nut is a good option to try. This is the cocaine among herbs, and thus very potent! You can therefore find cola nut in various energy pills. Another popular herb in energy pills and drinks is guarana . In addition to boosting your energy, this substance also stimulates circulation, and has even more positive effects on health. Not surprisingly, indigenous populations still like to use it today.

Damiana

Besides boosting energy, focus or relaxation, increasing libido is a well-known use of herbs. Damiana is a good example of this.

Kratom

Kratom is a special one. In fact, these leaves can both energize and relax. In addition, it is a good pain reliever. Which effect is most dominant depends on the type of kratom you take and the dose.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful medicinal herb with both short-term and long-term effects. Thus, it gives more energy and focus by improving blood flow to the brain. It can also inhibit inflammation and is a good antioxidant.

Passiflora

Passiflora or passion flower is an herb with interesting uses for you trip-lovers. In fact, because it contains MAOIs, it can enhance your trip. In addition, it is used as a sleep aid and relaxant.

Wild Lettuce

Wild Lettuce (poison lettuce) is an herb that has about the same effects as opium – but without being addictive. It makes you relax and can work as a libido enhancer.

How do you use medicinal herbs?

How best to use medicinal herbs depends mainly on the ailment and in what form you buy them. Skin conditions can be addressed by making cream, tincture or oil from certain herbs.

Do you take herbs orally? Then you can draw tea from them, incorporate them into a dish or buy herbs in capsule form. The herbs in our shop all come with their own instructions. So be sure to follow these to ensure safe use.