Herbal remedies have been treating common human conditions for centuries. Made with natural ingredients and deep historical knowledge, natural supplements are a must for anyone wanting to focus more on self-care this year. We’ll review what herbal supplements are and some of the best options based on your self-care goals.
What Are Herbal Supplements?
Before getting into the many different types of supplements and how they can help in your day-to-day life, it’s important to first review what they are. Herbal supplements or dietary supplements include natural herbs. These herbs come from plants or plant parts and are infused into gels, creams, or over-the-counter supplements to ease symptoms or improve lifestyles.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies herbal supplements as food rather than medication. This means that supplements don’t undergo the same testing as pharmaceuticals do. Additionally, the scientific research on some herbal supplements is limited, meaning they’re not typically used to treat conditions, and they’re not a replacement for medical care.
However, herbs and supplements have been used for centuries to treat common ailments or minimize symptoms.
Herbal Remedies for Mental Health
Nutrients aren’t just essential for physical health but also mental health. The foods and herbs that we put into our bodies directly influence mood. B Vitamins, for example, help relax the body’s sympathetic nervous system, which is highly elevated during times of stress. Certain B vitamins can also help detoxify and regulate hormones for more consistent moods.
St. John’s Wort has long been recognized for its mood improvement capabilities. Chamomile infused in hot tea can help with anxiety or stress. Passionflower and Korean Red Ginseng are also undergoing current clinical trials to study their impact on mental health and mood disorders.
Natural Medications for Sexual Health
Herbal remedies have also been used for years to assist in sexual health. From painful intercourse to a lower libido, sexual health can impact our relationships and overall health and well-being. Natural libido supplements for females can help through the use of prebiotics, probiotics, nutraceutical proteins, and vitamins and minerals. Certain plant extracts also help enhance mood and comfort.
Certain lifestyle changes can also help boost sexual health for both females and males. Diets rich in whole grains and fruits with limited toxins can increase sexual desire and overall enjoyment. Of course, other lifestyle habits are also important for a healthy sexual life. Regular exercise, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and relaxation or meditation can all improve sex health. A lower libido or painful intercourse could also come from medical conditions, so it’s also important to know when to talk with your physician.
Natural Supplements for Boosting Focus and Energy
Most people would agree that they could use more focus and energy, and supplements may be the most natural way to do that. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extracts have been used as a natural source of energy in China, Korea, India, and Japan for centuries. American Ginseng is a root native to America that has been shown to help with headaches and a lack of energy.
For focus specifically, Ginkgo Biloba extract has long been a trusted herb. Ginkgo Biloba has been used in Chinese medicine for many years, with some claiming that it’s capable of reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. B vitamins also offer the body a source of natural energy that doesn’t lead to the same energy crash you get with caffeine or sugar.
The best results for boosting focus and energy are combining an active lifestyle with natural herbal remedies. A healthy diet paired with frequent exercise is a great way to stay focused and energized throughout the busy week. Learning the best timing for natural sleep supplements can also be helpful. For some, it can take hours for natural sleep-inducing herbs to work, whereas others may notice a difference in minutes.
Herbal Remedies for Better Sleep
Good quality sleep is important to both physical and emotional well-being. Sleeping pills are typically made with harsh chemicals that can be habit-forming. Some experts agree that it may be best to first try herbal remedies for better sleep, including Lavender, German chamomile, or passionflower. Melatonin is another natural supplement that can help improve sleep quality.
Combining herbal remedies with a sleep-improving environment is also important. Good quality bedding paired with a quiet room free of distractions is necessary to promote good sleep. Many experts also agree that avoiding the blue lights from phones and TVs right before attempting to sleep can lead to better quality sleep.
Herbs have been used for many years throughout history to ease stress and anxiety, improve sexual health, boost focus and energy, and promote a good night's sleep. Natural supplements and herbs tend to be less harsh on the body and have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical drugs, making them worth trying as you begin your focus on self-care.
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