5 Herbs with Scientifically Proven Benefits

Are you looking for a delicious way to improve your health? Dig into these five tasty herbs with scientifically-proven health benefits.

Science Says these 5 Herbs can Improve Your Health

1. Sage

People have been using sage as a medicinal herb since the dawn of time, but it really became popular for its healing properties in the Middle Ages. In fact, sage gets its name from the Latin word, Salvere, which means “to save” or “to heal.”

Current research suggests sage can improve brain function and memory. Other studies show sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, may be helpful for reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels and decreasing inflammation.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint also enjoys a long history in folk medicine and aromatherapy. The oily components of peppermint give this herb its distinctive aroma – they also provide health effects. Research shows that peppermint helps manage pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and helps to reduce abdominal bloating. It works by relaxing the muscles in the colon. Peppermint can also soothe nausea, especially in pregnant women after surgery or following a C-section.

3. Turmeric

As with peppermint and sage, turmeric has stood the test of time for its ability to provide health benefits. Used for centuries in India as a medicinal herb, turmeric gives curry its distinctive yellow color. When used as herbal medicine, turmeric can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), a serious type of eye problem known as uveitis, skin cancer, chicken pox, small pox, urinary tract infections, and some liver problems. Turmeric can also speed wound healing.

Turmeric contains several active compounds – curcumin is the most important compound in turmeric. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the free radicals that cause tissue damage and poor health. The curcumin in turmeric is also a potent anti-inflammatory that rivals some medications.

4. Rosemary

Do you have seasonal allergies? Add a little rosemary to roasted potatoes, soups, casseroles, salads, and stews.

The active ingredient in rosemary, rosmarinic acid, can suppress allergic responses and nasal congestion to help ease your runny nose and other allergy symptoms. .

5. Echinacea

Improving your health may be as easy as picking flowers in your garden – literally. Echinacea, also called purple coneflower, is native to North America. Native Americans have used echinacea as herbal medicine for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. Today, it is a popular over-the-counter herbal remedy for colds and flu. You can also use it to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health concerns. It is currently available in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas.

Research shows that taking echinacea may lower your risk for developing a cold by more than 50 percent, and if you do catch a cold, echinacea can shorten the duration of your cold by one and a half days. Echinacea may also reduce your blood sugar level, decrease inflammation, and calm anxiety.

If you want to optimize your health and avoid illness without having to take handfuls of pills every day, take a stroll down the herbs and spices aisle of your local grocery store, or head out to your garden. Herbs may be the most delicious medicine you’ll ever take.