Replace OTC Vitamins with Nutrient Rich Herbs: The Complete Guide to Herbal Vitamins
Herbs are not only delicious flavor enhancers, but they can also offer a host of health benefits due to their nutritious content
Written by: Daniel Powers, MS
Herbs are not only delicious flavor enhancers, but they can also offer a host of health benefits due to their high nutrient content.
This article looks at a handful of nutrient rich herbs that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve overall health and wellness.
Overview:
Nutrient-rich herbs are plants that are loaded with a variety of essential nutrients that are important for maintaining good health. These herbs can be used in a variety of ways, including in cooking, teas, and supplements.
Some of the benefits of nutrient-rich herbs include boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and aiding in detoxification. They can also help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular health.
List of Nutrient Rich Herbs:
Below is a complete list of nutrient-rich herbs that you can add to your diet to improve your nutrition intake.
Basil – rich in vitamin K, magnesium, and antioxidants. Can help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Parsley – rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Can help improve digestion and support kidney function.
Cilantro – rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Can help reduce inflammation and support liver function.
Thyme – rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Can help boost the immune system and improve respiratory health.
Oregano – rich in vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants. Can help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.
Rosemary – rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Can help improve memory and cognitive function.
Sage – rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Can help improve brain function and support oral health.
35:00 minutes
Herbs Rich in Nutrients:
Below various articles going over the benefits of certain nutrients and herbs you should consume to increase nutritional intake.
• 6 Herbs High in Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nutrient-rich herbs are an excellent way to boost your health and prevent various diseases. Incorporating these herbs into your diet can help you get the essential nutrients you need to stay healthy and feel your best.
So, start experimenting with these nutrient-rich herbs and discover their amazing benefits for yourself!
About Daniel Powers, MS
Do You Really Need a Multivitamin? + Herbal Alternatives
What About Herbal Multivitamins?
Herbs are used in many multivitamin formulas—synthetic blends, whole foods blends, and 100% whole foods multis—because many contain specific nutrients.
The following are some examples of traditional herbs used in multivitamins:
Acerola cherry, Amla, or Camu Camu, Malpighia emarginata may be used as a source of Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa contains calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin K, and other micronutrients
Barley Grass, Hordeum vulgare contains magnesium, calcium, Vitamin A, and various other vitamins and minerals
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale contains calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and Vitamins A, C, and E
Goji Berries, Lycium barbarum contain several vitamins and minerals, such as Calcium, Vitamins A and C, along with antioxidant compounds
Moringa, Moringa oleifera contains various nutrients, including iron, potassium, calcium, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C
Mushrooms and Algaes may be used for their Vitamin D content
Nettles, Urtica dioica May be used as a source of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, beta carotene, vitamins A and K
Oats/Milky Oats, Avena sativa Milky oats are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, B vitamins, and Vitamins A and C
Parsley, Petroselinum crispum contains zinc, lutein, Vitamins C and K, calcium, and other nutrients
Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus contains calcium and other minerals
Sea vegetables, such as brown seaweed, kelp, and dulse, are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and other trace minerals
Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis While technically a type of algae, spirulina contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, copper, and B vitamins
Other herbs, such as Green Tea, Red Raspberry Leaf, Elderberry, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto, Turmeric, and Holy Basil (Tulsi), may be added to various multivitamins for their antioxidants and traditional uses in supporting multiple aspects of health.
Are Herbal Multivitamins Safe?
Generally, yes, given their long history of traditional use and the amounts generally used in multivitamins.
Talk to your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns or are taking certain medications.
So, Do You Really Need A Multivitamin?
Whether to take a multivitamin depends on many factors, including your current state of health, your diet, nutrient levels, genetics, and your health goals.
As we’ve covered, the research on whether a multivitamin can make a difference is mixed.
However, nearly all the experts agree that real, whole foods are your best source of nutrients.
Therefore, focusing on eating plenty of high-quality, nutrient-rich whole foods should be primary in any nutrition strategy.
Incorporating specific herbs, like the ones discussed here, may also be beneficial for supporting optimal nutrient levels.
If you’re concerned you’re not getting enough nutrients or absorbing enough nutrients from your diet, talk to a doctor or healthcare practitioner well-versed in nutrition for individual recommendations.
As stated above, taking a multivitamin is generally very safe as long as the nutrient profile aligns with the standard RDAs.
Additionally, a prenatal multivitamin is always recommended for all pregnant women and people and those breastfeeding.
Whatever you decide, be sure you are sourcing your multivitamins from a company that operates under cGMP manufacturing standards, including end-product testing for contaminants and nutrient levels.
Finally, consider buying brands that do not use synthetic preservatives, dyes, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Stinging Nettle Nutrition Facts
by: NutritionAndYou.com
I make and use Stinging Nettle tincture. Husband and I take the Stinging Nettle tincture in the morning and evening for it’s nutritional content. We do not take OTC vitamins at all. We get all our vitamins and minerals from herbs. Stinging Nettle has vitamin K in it, when we are infected with the BioWeapon from shedding or chemtrails, we take a little extra Cat’s Claw as it is a good Anticoagulant.
Health Benefits of Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle is one of the moderate-calorie leafy vegetables. 100 g of cooked leaves hold 42 calories.
They are a storehouse of several vital phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals that immensely benefit overall health and wellness.
Phytonutrients and antioxidants in the drumstick leaves play an important role that helping reduce some diabetes symptoms, protecting cardiovascular and liver health, and supporting brain health.
Nettle greens are one of the excellent sources for vitamin-K; 100 g provides 499 µg (about 416% of recommended intake). Vitamin K has a potential role in bone health by promoting osteoblastic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet help limit neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has an established role in the treatment of patients who have Alzheimer's disease.
Fresh leaves are a rich source of folates. 100 g of fresh greens contain 40 µg or 10% of folates. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns when advised in anticipant mothers.
Nettles contain 2010 IU of vitamin A, 1150 µg of β-carotene, 4180 µg of Lutein-zeaxanthin/100 g. Research studies suggest that vitamin-A and flavonoid compounds in green-leafy vegetables improve vision, and help protect against skin, lung, and oral cavity cancers.
Stinging nettle are abundant in the B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid that are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions.
Nettle greens are also an excellent source of minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. They pack a small amount of other essential minerals and electrolytes such as potassium, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
Nutritive Herbs Overview
Nourish Yourself Herbal Infusion
Tea Recipe by The Herbal Academy Team
theherbalacademy.com
Nutritive herbs are a category of herbs that contain a significant amount of nutrients and vitamins that help the body to function optimally.
Ingredients
2 tbsp alfalfa (Medicago sativa) aerial parts
2 tbsp nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf
2 tbsp oat (Avena sativa) straw
1 tbsp violet (Viola spp.) aerial parts
1 tbsp peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaf
2 tsp fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed
32 fl oz (960 mL) water
Directions
Place herbs in a heat-safe quart-sized container.
Pour freshly boiled hot water over the herbs, cover, and steep for 4 hours to overnight.
Strain the infusion through a tea strainer and compost or discard plant material.
Sweeten with honey (or sweetener of choice) to taste, if desired.
Serve cold or hot and enjoy!
Drink one 32 fl oz (960 mL) serving throughout the day.
Herbco.com
