The Importance of Herbs and How to Approach them
Herbal medicine is our past and our future
With prescription medications, we say “take 2 and call me in the morning”. With herbs we say “take 2,000 and call me in 2 months.”
While the effect of many herbs can be felt instantly, the key with herbal approaches is consistency and compliance. Over time you begin to build an immunological momentum and what herbalist Ron Teeguarden characterized as “health beyond danger”.
What Are Herbs and How Are They Distinct from Food?
Herbs can be thought of as “medicinal” foods and the differences between herbs and food are often blurred. Herbs typically have higher concentration of bio-active compounds, alkaloids, antioxidants and phytochemicals than food which typically has a higher ratio of fats, proteins and carbs and fewer medicinal compounds.
Think of ginger, ashwaganda, chamomile and ginseng as opposed to potatoes, rice and apples. You only need a small amount of the herbs for a desired effect.
Are Medicinal Herbs Safe to Take?
Herbs may have higher concentrations of toxic plant compounds compared to their food counterparts.
Caffeine is present in coffee beans, yerba mate and green tea is considered a mild toxin to the central nervous system. Tannins in black walnut and saponins in ginseng can be beneficial in small amounts but toxic to the digestive system in larger amounts.
According to the Journal of Clinical Toxicology, there were 10 reported cases of herb-related deaths in the U.S. over a 10-year period, but these were largely due to contaminants or gross misuse.
In comparison, prescription medications can be downright dangerous. It is estimated by the CDC that prescription drugs account for ~100,000 deaths per year and 1.3 million emergency room visits.
Herbs Improve Cellular health. Prescription Drugs Do Not**.
Herbs have countless mechanisms of action and an intelligent essence that is difficult (or near impossible) to pinpoint with modern scientific methods. Consider how it is possible for Ginseng, Holy Basil, and Ashwagandha to both lower high blood pressure and raise low blood pressure?
Pharmaceutical medicines, by comparison, typically have 1 mechanism of action that alters a target pathway in the body to shut off a symptom and one of the hidden secrets of pharmaceutical medicine is that they DO NOT improve the functioning of the human cell***.
**~3 possible exceptions exist…Metformin, Rapamycin, and some thyroid hormones…
Herbs do improve the functioning of the human cell which is why the right combination of herbs can actually improve your baseline health.
Herbs improve cellular functions by:
Providing antioxidants which cells need to defend themselves (Turmeric, Green Tea, Rosemary)
Reducing inflammation which leads to a healthier cell environment (Turmeric, Boswelia)
Improving cellular detoxification and removal of waste (Milk Thistle, Dandelion)
Supporting mitochondrial function (Rhodiola, Ginseng)
Balancing Hormones (Maca, Holy Basil)
Protecting cell membranes (Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed oil)
And the list goes on….
But if herbs are so great, why has western medicine abandoned them?
Modern medicine shifted away from herbal remedies in the early 20th century, largely due to John D. Rockefeller’s influence and the Flexner Report (1910), which reshaped medical education to favor petroleum-based pharmaceuticals. Rockefeller, who profited from petroleum, invested heavily in pharmaceutical companies and medical schools, ensuring a drug-based curriculum while suppressing homeopathy and herbal medicine. Ironically, he personally relied on homeopathy, but the system he helped create became a profit-driven industry focused on petrochemical-based drugs. Fortunately, high-quality herbs remain widely available and affordable, offering powerful natural alternatives to modern pharmaceuticals.
How to use herbs in your day-to-day life
Drink Tea
Tea may be one of the most ancient vehicles for herbal medicine and one which is easily accessible in most grocery stores. Always choose high-quality, organic teas and find the types of tea that you most enjoy.
Here is a simple guide to choosing tea based on different health concerns.
1. Sleep
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile is often used as a natural sleep aid.
Lavender Tea: The soothing effects of lavender are well-documented for improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia.
Valerian Root Tea: Valerian root is commonly used to promote relaxation and help with sleep disorders.
2. Anxiety
Chamomile Tea: Besides its benefits for sleep, chamomile can also help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Lemon Balm Tea: Known for its calming effects, lemon balm has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Passionflower Tea: Passionflower is often used to reduce anxiety and improve mood, making it a good option for stress relief.
3. Immune Health
Echinacea Tea: Echinacea is a well-known herb for supporting immune function and helping to fight off infections.
Ginger Tea: Ginger has immune-boosting properties and helps reduce inflammation, which can support overall immune health.
Elderberry Tea: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to boost the immune system and help reduce cold symptoms.
Digestion
**For digestive issues, sip small amounts of tea with meals or drink in between meals. Do not drink excessive amounts of liquids during large meals as this interrupts digestion.
Peppermint Tea: Peppermint is well-known for its ability to soothe the digestive system, relieve bloating, and help with indigestion or nausea.
Ginger Tea: Ginger promotes the production of digestive enzymes, helps alleviate nausea, and can reduce bloating and gas.
Fennel Tea: Fennel is often used to relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion by helping to relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
4. Focus
Ginseng Tea: Ginseng is known for improving cognitive function, memory, and focus, making it a great choice for mental clarity.
Green Tea: Green tea contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which together promote alertness and concentration.
Peppermint Tea: Peppermint is stimulating and may help with mental clarity, focus, and alertness.
5. Lung Health
Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint helps open airways, making it easier to breathe, and can be soothing for those with respiratory congestion.
Eucalyptus Tea: Eucalyptus is known for its ability to help clear mucus from the lungs and promote better airflow, making it beneficial for respiratory health.
Thyme Tea: Thyme has antimicrobial properties and can help with respiratory infections, coughs, and bronchial health by acting as an expectorant.
6. Heart Health
Hibiscus Tea: Studies suggest that hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, green tea can help improve cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Hawthorn Berry Tea: Hawthorn has been used traditionally to support heart health by improving circulation and regulating blood pressure.
7. Liver health
Dandelion Root Tea: Dandelion root is known for its detoxifying properties and its ability to support liver health.
Milk Thistle Tea: Milk thistle contains silymarin, a compound that helps protect liver cells and support detoxification.
Turmeric Tea: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory effects and supports liver health.
8. Kidney/bladder health
Nettle Leaf Tea: Nettle is often used as a natural remedy for kidney health and supports kidney function by acting as a diuretic.
Dandelion Root Tea: In addition to liver support, dandelion root can help detoxify the kidneys and promote healthy urine flow.
Parsley Tea: Parsley is another herb that can support kidney health by promoting urine production and aiding in detoxification.
Food Herbs
Hippocrates said “let food by thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” It is the second part of this quote that is often misunderstood or forgotten completely. Not only should we eat a nourishing diet but we must include significant amounts of….HERBS! Food (rice, potatoes, legumes, chicken etc…) alone is not enough to be healthy. We need herbs and we need them in large quantities and different forms. So if we want to use parsley as a detoxifier and diuretic, we don’t just add pinch to our food, we add a whole handful. Then we start drinking parsley tea. Then we take an tincture extract of a herbal blend that includes parsley.
Use food as a vehicle for herbs and experiment to find the ones that have the right flavor profile for you. For spices, buy in bulk and always buy organic. Non-organic spices carry a high load of pesticides and can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and heart-health benefits, garlic also helps improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and promote detoxification.
Ginger: Offers digestive support by alleviating nausea, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune health.
Cayenne Pepper: Rich in capsaicin, cayenne pepper promotes circulation, aids digestion, boosts metabolism, and supports heart health by reducing cholesterol and improving blood flow.
Basil: Has anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties, supporting mental clarity, reducing anxiety, and aiding digestion and respiratory health.
Turmeric: With its active compound curcumin, turmeric supports anti-inflammatory responses, enhances liver health, boosts brain function, and promotes heart and immune system wellness.
Oregano: Packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, oregano supports immune health, digestive function, and has potential cardiovascular benefits.
Thyme: A natural antimicrobial and expectorant, thyme supports lung health, respiratory function, and helps with digestion and inflammation.
Cilantro: Known for its detoxifying effects, cilantro helps eliminate heavy metals, supports digestion, and promotes overall immune health.
Parsley: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, parsley supports kidney function, helps with digestion, and has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Fennel: Fennel aids in digestion by reducing bloating and gas, supports hormonal balance, and promotes respiratory health with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Find the Right Herbal Remedy For You
These come in the form of capsules, powders or tinctures. These can be very powerful for both healing and promoting health. At this point, it is worth reaching out to a trusted practitioner to understand the right herbs at the right dose in the right order.
For a methodical approach, I can help you.
However, if you want to do-it-yourself then you should have access to the highest quality herbs.
Reputable companies include Gaia Herbs, HerbPharm, and Mountain Rose Herbs. My personal favorite herbal company (and supplement company overall) is Global Healing. They use the highest quality standards for supplement manufacturing and have herbal formulations that have been effective for myself and my clients. Here are a few favorites.
The liver is perhaps the most important internal organ and is responsible for over 500 vital functions. Poor liver function can show up many ways but especially as:
Fatigue and Low Energy – Persistent tiredness due to inefficient toxin clearance and poor nutrient metabolism.
Waking up between 1-3 am - This is the time when liver function is most active as blood is directed to this crucial organ and away from the periphery of the body. Many people with congested livers will be jolted awake at this time.
Digestive Issues – Bloating, constipation, or nausea, especially after eating fatty foods, due to poor bile production.
Skin Problems – Acne, eczema, or itchiness caused by toxin buildup that the liver struggles to process.
Brain Fog and Mood Imbalances – Difficulty concentrating, irritability, or depression linked to poor detoxification of waste products.
Unexplained Weight Gain – Slow metabolism and fat accumulation due to impaired liver function.
This formula includes dandelion, milk thistle and gingko biloba and gently but effectively regenerates and cleanses the liver. I would recommend people use a formula such as this one 2-3x/year (meaning go through 2-3 bottles with breaks in between) to improve the health of their liver and address the above issues.
The kidneys are our lifeline and are constantly working to clean our blood, regulate our fluid balance, and produce critical hormones.
Signs of poor kidney function include
Frequent or Painful Urination – Difficulty urinating, burning sensation, or increased urgency.
Night-time urination - Usually increases with age and is a reflection of weakened kidney function or a kidney/bladder irritation or infection.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria) – Can be a sign of kidney stones, infections, or kidney damage.
Swelling (Edema) – Fluid retention in the legs, ankles, or face due to impaired filtration.
Fatigue and Weakness – Caused by toxin buildup and anemia from decreased erythropoietin production.
Lower Back or Flank Pain – Especially sharp pain that radiates, which may indicate kidney stones or infections.
This formula includes cranberry, juniper berry, horsetail and uva ursi and both strengthens and cleanses the kidneys. If you have known kidney troubles or any of the above symptoms, you would do well to include this tincture 2-3x/year and drink kidney teas (dandelion, nettle, parsley) throughout the year.
Fungal overgrowth is common due to high refined carbs diet, antibiotic use, birth control, alcohol consumption and more…
Fungal overgrowth can present as many symptoms in the body but tell tale signs include:
White coating on the tongue (oral thrush)
Bad breath (halitosis)
Chronic sinus congestion or postnasal drip
Frequent infections (sinus, ear, or urinary tract infections)
Itchy, red, or flaky skin (especially in skin folds)
Athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
Chronic dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis
Rashes or eczema-like symptoms
Cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates
Chronic fatigue
This formula includes Pau D’arco which is a potent immune booster and anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic herb. Anyone with chronic fatigue, low immunity, skin issues, or digestive issues should consider strategies to lower their fungal load periodically throughout the year. They may also consider parasite cleansing as parasites and fungus can cause similar symptoms. In addition, they should reduce or eliminate alcohol and refined carbs.
The Conventional Approach vs. the Herbal Approach
The conventional approach is wait-and-see. The herbal approach is based on personal responsibility for one’s health.
Let’s say you have a chronic cough and are prone to lung infections. With little knowledge of natural health and herbs, you wait until the infection is so bad that you have to go to urgent care or the emergency room to receive antibiotics and steroids. While this treatment may relieve your symptoms or clear the infection temporarily, research now shows that it can further weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of a more severe infection in the future.
From an herbal perspective, someone with recurrent pneumonia and lung issues realizes that they need to be proactive about their lung health and begins to take full responsibility for their lung health. Overtime, they begin formulating a multi-pronged strategy to improve the functions of their lungs.
They might consider the following:
Create a safe home environment
Install HEPA air filters
Regularly clean air ducts
Inspect home for mold (**mold is one of the major reason for lung issues, from pheumonia to cancer)
A low inflammation diet
Reduce dairy which can be congesting to the lungs
Reduce or eliminate refined sugars and breads
Avoid fried foods
Deep breathing and exercise
Deep breathing, walking, and jogging are critical to strengthen and cleanse the lungs
Time in nature will also help to improve lung health
Manage emotions
Grief, sadness and unresolved loss are emotions that can suppress the energy of the lungs leading to shortness of breath, chest tightness and chronic infections.
Incorporate herbs
Eucalyptus and thyme tea help reduce mucous and detoxify the lungs
Use basil, ginger and oregano on food
Consider herbal blends like Global Healing’s “Lung Health” to be used throughout the year and especially during months where you are prone to infections
Buy a nebulizer
Can be used to nebulize essential oils like eucalyptus or other compounds like hydrogen peroxide, iodine, sea salt…
This is a powerful way to reduce the chance of infection
Closing Thoughts
If we don’t have a strategy for our health (and one that includes herbs) we will often have to default to the heavy-handed and higher-risk medical system. While trauma care is excellent, we need to invest in lifestyle, diet and herbal approaches to prevent and treat chronic disease/symptoms.
🙌 thank you!