When it comes to good health, having a robust immune system is critical. Consuming herbs is an excellent way to keep the body healthy, as well as provide it with the vital nutrients it needs. Here are the top 5 common kitchen herbs and their amazing benefits.

Top 5 Kitchen Herbs

Herbs add more than flavor to foods and dishes. They also pack a powerful nutritional punch:

1. Oregano

Oregano is a plant from the mint family, commonly found in the Mediterranean and Eurasia. It was first used by the ancient Greeks, who called it the “joy of the mountains.”

For centuries, oregano has been used to treat the following ailments:

• Asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Indigestion
• Coughs
• Bronchitis
• Headaches
• Diarrhea

Extensive studies have been performed on the benefits of oregano as well:

• Type 2 diabetes. Oregano contains several powerful antioxidants: thymol, limonene, terpinene, ocimene, caryophyllene, and carvacrol. Carvacrol, in particular, has shown to reverse symptoms of diabetes in rats. ¹Properties in oregano are also believed to improve insulin resistance.
• Depression. Oregano may help to improve mood and mental wellbeing, partly by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Oregano essential oil, in particular, was discovered to act as an antidepressant in rats. ²
• Cancer. Oregano can decrease the growth and even the death of colon cancer cells. Researchers believe oregano increases the production of glutathione, which plays a significant role in this process. ³
• Anti-inflammatory. Oregano has anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting "the levels of many inflammatory and tissue remodeling biomarkers." The same study found that oregano essential oil could be used with skincare products that have anticancer and snit-inflammatory properties as well. ⁴



2. Sage




Sage is part of the mint family and has been used for thousands of years. The herb has had many uses: as a meat preservative by ancient Greeks, the French used sage in tea, and the ancient Egyptians used it to boost fertility.

Other benefits of sage include the following:

• It lowers cholesterol and glucose levels. A study focusing on both cholesterol and glucose levels in diabetic patients found that sage was beneficial for reducing both. Studies indicate sage might be used to help prevent type 2 diabetes when consumed as a food supplement because it decreases the plasma glucose.⁵
• Inflammation. Sage contains ursolic acid, which is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The herb has been described as a “quality control measures for the anti-inflammatory effects of different solutions.” ⁶
• Mental health. Sage has been used for centuries to treat depression, memory disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. Sage has helped improve memory, alertness, and mood. It has also shown to have calming effects in studies.⁶ Simply smelling sage via essential oils has shown to improve memory as well.⁶ The same study found no reported side effects from the usage of sage. ⁶
• Cancer. Sage is believed to inhibit angiogenesis, a process that allows abnormal cells to grow uncontrollably, often spreading to other parts of the body via new blood vessels. One of sage’s main ingredients, ursolic acid, inhibits the invasion of tumor cells, metastasis and inhibits angiogenesis.



3. Rosemary




First discovered by the ancient Greeks and Romans, rosemary has been used as a medicinal herb for over 5000 years. Rosemary is a symbol of loyalty, remembrance, and friendship. Rosemary extract has been given a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the European Union, and in the U.S. by the FDA.⁷

Benefits of rosemary include the following:

• Indigestion. Rosemary has been approved as a treatment for indigestion by Germany’s E Commission.
• Cancer. Rosemary extract has been shown to “drastically decrease” the colony formation of colon cancer cells.⁸
• Heart health. A study on rats found that rosemary extract reduced the probability of heart failure after a heart attack.
• Macular degeneration. When combined with zinc oxide, rosemary extract was an effective treatment for macular degeneration and helped prevent retinal light damage.⁹



4. Chamomile




Chamomile was first discovered in Ancient Egypt as a cure for fever. The Romans added chamomile to drinks as a flavoring and a medicinal herb. Today, chamomile works great for the following:

• Canker sores
• Ulcers
• Diaper rash
• Poison ivy
• Sleep aid
• Inflammation
• Colds


• Decrease menstrual pain. In addition to relaxing the uterus, chamomile is believed to decrease the production of the inflammation-causing hormone, prostaglandins.
• Stomach issues. Chamomile tea has been used to treat motion sickness, indigestion, upset stomachs, nausea, and vomiting.
• Cancer. The ingredient apigenin in chamomile has been shown to inhibit the growth of a variety of cancer cells, including those of the breast, prostate, skin, and ovaries in preliminary studies. ¹⁰



5. Parsley




Parsley’s official name is Petroselinum. It is derived from the word “petro,” which means stone. (It was given this name because it was first discovered on the rocky hillsides of Greece). Contrary to popular belief, parsley is more than a plate decoration. It has many health benefits, as well:

• Antibacterial. Parsley may help prevent the growth of listeria and Salmonella on food, two common causes of food poisoning.
• Bone health. Parsley is high in vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in keeping bones strong. A study using a combination of parsley, basil and chicory found a decreased risk of glucocorticoid osteoporosis. ¹¹
• Cancer. Parsley contains high levels of apigenin, which has been shown in many studies to suppress various cancers in humans via immune response and autophagy. It has also shown to eliminate cell migration and cell apoptosis.
• Antioxidants. Parsley contains vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other powerful antioxidants. Each is believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease, damage from oxidative stress, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
• Eye health. Parsley contains lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin, which are essential for eye health. Lutein, in particular, has been shown to improve (or, in some cases, prevent) age-related macular disease. This is the most common cause of vision impairment and blindness.¹²



Nutrition Facts




Herb	Nutrient	Micronutrients	Amino Acids
Oregano	Vitamin K 14% Manganese 4% Iron 4% Calcium 3% Fiber 3% Vitamin E .37 mg Calcium 31.94 mg Vitamin C .05 mg Folate 4.58 mcg	Vitamin B3 .16 mg Vitamin B6 .02 mg Folate 4.74 mcg Carotenoid 3.40 mcg Beta carotene 20.41mcg Lutein & Zeaxanthin 37.90 mcg Choline .65 mcg Potassium 25.20 mg	Alanine .01 g Aspartic Acid .02 g Glutamic Acid .02 g Glycine .01 g Leucine .01 g Proline .03 g Threonine .01 g Valine .01 g Lysine .01 g
Sage	Vitamin K 27% Vitamin C .45 mg Vitamin A 82.60 IU Vitamin E .16 IU Calcium 23.13 mg Magnesium 5.99 mg	Vitamin B1 .01 mg Vitamin B3 .08 mg Vitamin B6 .04 mg Folate 3.84 mcg Beta-Carotene 48.79 mcg Lutein & Zeaxanthin 26.53 mcg Omega 3 fatty acid .02 g
Parsley	Vitamin K 554% Vitamin C 54% Vitamin A 14% Folate 12% Iron 10% Copper 6% Magnesium 4%	Vitamin B3 .40 mg Choline 3.89 mg Lutein & Zeaxanthin 1691 mcg Calcium 41.95 mg Manganese .05 mg Phosphorous 17.63 mg Zinc .33 mg	Alanine .06 g Arginine .04 g Aspartic Acid .09 g Glutamic Acid .08 g Glycine .04 g Leucine .06 g Lysine .06 g Proline .06 g
Chamomile (Tea)	Vitamin A 1% Thiamin 2% Folate 1% Riboflavin 1% Zinc 1%	Carotene 12 Ug Iron .08 mg Potassium 9 mg Magnesium 1 mg Manganese .044 mg Carotene-B 12 ug Calcium 2 mg
Rosemary	Vitamin B2 .01 mg Vitamin B3 .04 mg Vitamin A 122.81 IU	Folate 4.58 mcg Carotenoid 12.28 mcg Calcium 13.31 mg Iron .28 mg Magnesium 3.82 mg Manganese .04 mg Phosphorous 2.77 mg Potassium 28.06 mg Omega 3 fatty acids .02 g	Aspartic acid .02 g Glutamic acid .02 g Lysine .01 g Serine .01 g Valine .01 g Isoleucine .01 g Alanine .01 g Glycine .01 g Arginine .01 g




Nutritional Supplements 




One reason herbs are so powerful is that they contain a large variety of vitamins and antioxidants. In addition to consuming healthy foods and herbs, there are many supplements that contain many of the nutrients bodies need:




Systemic Formulas: #184 - Rox - Super Antioxidant With Resveratrol






The Rox - Super Antioxidant With Resveratrol is specifically designed to protect and stabilize cellular functions using natural ingredients. This product is high in antioxidants, minerals and amino acids, including oregano oil, turmeric, lotus seed, beta carotene, cardamom, thyme, tyrosine, and many others. 




Systemic Formulas: #820 - Epic - Metabolic No/Onoo Micro Antioxidant






Epic - Metabolic No/Onoo Micro Antioxidant stimulates the body’s production of glutathione and S.O.D. (superoxide dismutase). Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants, protecting the cells, detoxifying the body and helping the body fight free radicals. Superoxide dismutase is important because it neutralizes potentially dangerous oxygen molecules that could damage the tissues in the body. Ingredients include the following: 

• Vitamin C
• B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, and B6
• Vitamin E
• Arginine
• L-Carnitine
• Carotenoids
• Omega 3
• Citrus Flavonoids



Summary




Traditional medicine focuses on treating a person after they become sick. This treatment often relies on medicine from the doctor or the drug store for the relief of various symptoms. In most instances, this method does not get to the root cause of the problem. On the other hand, herbs can be consumed at any time, and are designed to strengthen the body, keeping it better prepared to ward off illness and disease. They have been used to treat various ailments as well.

The key to good health is a strong immune system. By adding herbs to their daily diet, getting adequate rest and exercise daily, a person is one step closer to attaining the good health they desire. 




References




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