Most people nowadays follow some regular health regimen – for some, that means eating right and maintaining an active lifestyle. But for a growing number of people, that also includes taking some medication, vitamins, or supplement. More and more are beginning to favor natural solutions over synthetically produced medications whenever possible. This trend has extended to daily supplements as well – where once you might have taken your Flintstones multivitamin to stay healthy, many people now prefer natural herbal supplements. Below are eight natural supplements that are great contributions to any health regimen. Some of them are pretty widely known, but there are quite a few that are some of the natures best-kept secrets.
Ashwagandha extract is a newer addition to the supplement market in the Western world, but it has been a staple of Eastern medicine for centuries. It is thought to help reduce the effects of stress on the body. It works by enhancing the body’s ability to respond to the physiological components of stress, which makes people feel more relaxed and can even give an energy boost.
Terminalia Chebula is well known in India for its many medicinal uses, such as improving digestion, relieving constipation, and increasing energy. The most important attribute of terminalia chebula is thought to be increased longevity, which is most often observed in those who take it regularly over a long period.
Modern life tends to be fast paced and stressful, which can often manifest in health issues like anxiety and insomnia. Valerian Root is a great supplement to take for those suffering from the effects of prolonged stress. It helps with relaxation and is an effective, non-addictive sleep aid. Valerian Root can be taken in a tea and consumed right before bedtime.
Like Valerian Root, Rhodiola Rosea is another good supplement to take to help relieve stress and mental fatigue. Some studies have also shown it to help alleviate physical fatigue. When taken with sertraline, Rhodiola Rosea is also thought to help reduce some symptoms of depression.
Most people know turmeric as a flavorful cooking spice, but it also has many anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed regularly, it is thought to boost the immune system and act as an anti-mutagenic, which can reduce the risks of developing certain cancers. Try drinking it in a tea – it’ll be one of the most delicious supplements you’ll ever take.
Feverfew has been used for centuries as a minor anti-inflammatory. As an herbal supplement, it is a good way to naturally treat small things such as toothaches (not caused by an infection), stomach aches, and non-allergic reactions to insect bites.
Milk Thistle is commonly used for its anti-aging effects. It is a great way to help your skin maintain its vitality and elasticity. It helps keep skin clear and healthy by drawing away toxins, which also makes it a great supplement to take during a detox or cleanse. You can find Milk Thistle as an ingredient in many natural face creams and lotions.
If there ever were a miracle supplement, Ginseng would be a strong contender. It has been used for thousands of years to treat a myriad of conditions. It is most well-known to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, but it is also often used to aid weight loss. When taken in conjunction with diabetes medication, Ginseng has been shown to help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.