4 Natural Remedies and Where You Can Find Them
As a Naturopath, I advocate, search for, and utilize elements of nature that can be used for our optimal health. I was primarily raised by generations of natural healers, so using nature’s remedies literally comes natural to me. In the quest to facilitate self-health-advocacy, I will to share some of these remedies with you, which in turn will allow you to increase your knowledge to feel confident in your health.
Milk Thistle is a common plant, characterized by its bristly purple flowers and white veins. Native to Europe, it was introduced to North America by colonists and flourishes throughout the Eastern States and California. Traditionally, Milk Thistle extract has been used to treat inflammation and liver problems due to its antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Milk Thistle owes its effectiveness to a group of plant compounds called silymarin, which is known for its benefits to liver health and for helping the body to flush out toxins.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for centuries as herbal medicine, and its effects are well documented. This small, white flower, which looks remarkably similar to a daisy, is dried before being brewed into a tea and it can be found just about anywhere due to its hardiness and voracious ability to grow, provided it receives regular sunlight. The acute medicinal properties of flavonoids found within chamomile mean that it is effective in managing pain (particularly for menstrual pain), treating diabetes and low blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and helping with sleep and relaxation. It is also being investigated for its ability to target cancer cells and assist in the prevention of cancer, as well as its ability to ease common cold symptoms.
Mint is readily available, easy to grow, and has a very familiar scent and taste. From its use in toothpaste to teas to seasoning for food, it is a truly versatile plant. It can be located almost everywhere in the US. The health benefits of mint are vast, part due to its high nutrient value. It is commonly used to help with digestive issues and studies show that inhaling the aroma of peppermint oil can help to improve sinus and brain function.
Marigold
Marigold, also known as calendula, is easily recognizable by its puffy, often yellow flower, and is famous for its cellular regenerative properties. Marigolds are easy to grow, especially in warmer climates. Similar to chamomile, it is often brewed into a tea and is believed to have potent cellular protective properties. In addition, it can be made into an ointment and used to soothe sunburn and other skin irritations, alongside treatment for conjunctivitis and other eye irritation. Marigold is a natural remedy that is in every naturopath’s toolkit.
This is, of course, is far from an exhaustive list, so keep an eye out for future posts where I’m sure to detail some more. Of course, you can also reach out to us here at The Wellness Company, where we will be pleased to help you in your journey for personal health accountability.
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Dr. Jana Schmidt is the Director of Naturopathic Health for the The Wellness Company