MEET ARIANA
Here’s your ‘Top 10 Homegrown Herbs for 2020’ that you must have in your own garden, balcony or even windowsill. This could become your tea cupboard. Take your time to read through this article, for it is knowledge based- Rashidat Raji holds an MSc Pharma, BSc in Biology. She provides Palliative care & and she is a Naturopathetic advisor.
In general, it’s still comforting to know that the power of nature is still paramount to our health. There is a renewed interest in drinking teas for health reasons and in understanding more about their medicinal properties taken as teas. So, I am going to give you my version of top ten, these are must have herbs in your tea cupboard
Even though, many herbal teas offer harmless subtle ways to improve your health. Choosing the right plant can seem difficult to someone who simply wants to feel better, this list of my top 10 herbs will not only make you feel better but could help you if you just want to feel healthier. Always use herbs and plants under the recommendation of a professional and if you unsure of the herb plant do not consume in any form.
Number 10: Bitter Leaf, Vernonia amygdalina
Highly used as a folk medicine as home remedies against fever in both children and adults. Studies says that it can treat patients with diabetes condition or liver and kidney problems. Recent research is looking into more components that can help with type II -diabetes and this a option.
Number 9:Thyme, thyme vulgaris
Contains essential oils and is known antiseptic. Very good for colds and coughs and research has shown it helps fight phlegm and infections.This culinary herb as also been known to help with stress and depression and it can help beat a hangover.
Number 8: Turmeric, terra merita (meritorious earth)
In India holistic medicine known as “Ayurveda” this herb is used mainly in plant-based drugs or formulations to treat various ailments, including cancer. It’s used worldwide as a cooking ingredient. This herb is called the golden spice known to have powerful an anti-inflammatory, better than taking prescriptive drugs like aspirin/ibuprofen it can be taken as a supplement and it’s been used topically for people with arthritis who wish to relieve discomfort.
Number 7: Holy Basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum
Holy Basil (scent leaves) are used in traditional medicine to relieve nausea, stomach upset and is thought to have mild antiseptic functions. Special enzyme in this herb makes it an important remedy for symptomatic relief in individuals with who suffer from inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and inflammatory bound conditions.
Number 6: Pawpaw leaves, Carica papaya
Scientists talk about the ability of the leaves at reducing free radical damage. One keep factor is it help break down wheat gluten especially if you like me that find it difficult to digest Gluten based foods. The leaves has the special ability to trap the sunlight rays called vitamin, Vitamin D in its leaves. And this particular vitamin is a good agent against emphysema development, eczema, arthritis and lung sarcoidosis.
Number 5: Ginger, Ginger Zingiberaceae
Ginger is native to part of Africa and Asia, its root, or stem, Research has shown that this herb is a worthwhile alternative to traditional anti-nausea drugs especially in people who are pregnant or undergoing chemotherapy and can’t have or tolerate the standard drugs.Very good pain relief herb, because for centuries is has been used to treat inflammation. Based on this scientist have carried out several studies and have found it helps relieve pain from osteoarthritis of the knee in particular.
Number 4: Soursop leaves, Annona muricata
Soursop tree, also known as graviola, a type of tree native to tropical regions like Nigeria, Jamacia and South America. Interestingly, many parts of the tree are used medicinally, including the leaves, for cooking and can even be applied to the skin. Although research done on the leaves are limited to test-tube studies, in some human case studies it has been have found that soursop could potentially help eliminate cancer cells, lose weight and assist with insomia
Number 3: Lemongrass,Cymbopogon
Lemongrass has been used for centuries even during ancient Egyptian times as a medicinal remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. One of the most popular ways to enjoy lemongrass is in tea as effective antimalarial preventive drink when away at the tropics. The oil is mostly used in aromatherapy to freshen the air, reduce stress, and uplift the mood.
Number 2: Moringa, Moringa oleifera
The seeds and leaves are nutritionally speaking, there is saying that a cup of moringa leaves, has nearly 2 grams of protein, and is also a good source of vitamins A and C. Moringa is very versatile and can grow very well as a potted plant. This herb has been proven in animal and test-tubes studies but also in small pockets of human clinical trial to reduced blood sugar level and may reduce inflammation linked to many chronic health problems including heart diseases and cancer.
Number 1: Hibiscus flower, Hibiscus sabdariffa
Very popular, hibiscus tea has many health benefits. From science-based evidence research in both animal and test-tube, this tea may aid weight loss, improve heart and liver health and even help fight cancer and bacteria. Also test-tube studies have found that hibiscus extract reduces the growth and spread of mouth, prostate and stomach cancer cells. Very versatile tea as it can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike as a refreshing cold drinks because of its tart flavour without comprising its medicinal properties. It can be made and enjoyed from the comfort of your own kitchen/even at the office.
While manufactured drugs have certainly become paramount in our lives, it’s still good to know that nature still has the power to heal us of our health issues. Make time to explore the world of herbs and teas this year.
THIS IS AN AMAZING INSIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH