It’s no secret that pharmaceutical companies use a variety of ingredients to make various kinds of medication. A little research and you’ll find that botanical extracts feature strongly in medication of all kinds. They are taken from the natural world and used to help people get over sickness and get their lives back on track.
Sadly, this doesn’t agree with everyone. Often, the botanical extract is mixed with other ingredients that are not so natural and this can cause adverse effects. There is good news on the horizon, however, as it is possible to use the botanical extract directly and get the same benefits without the other not so great side effects.
So, which ones should you use?
The golden rule is to use botanical extracts that address health issues you have or aspects of your health that you want to improve. What follows is a brief guide to botanical extracts that should be on your health radar.
Types of Botanicals
Botanical extracts are gaining attention as an effective way to improve health and wellness. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but now science is revealing that they have a wealth of benefits. In this article we will explore the different types of botanicals and discuss why they should be on your health radar.
There are many different varieties of botanicals available, ranging from fruits and vegetables to herbs, spices, and even flowers. Some popular examples include ginger root, bacopa monnieri, ashwagandha, elderberries, lavender flowers, chamomile flowers, rose hips extract and chia seeds. Each one has its own set of unique properties that can help support a variety of physical ailments such as digestive issues or skin conditions.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri grows in wet tropical climates and thanks to the fact it can grow underwater are often used in aquariums. It is a staple of traditional Ayurvedic medicine and practitioners believe it has a host of benefits such as reducing anxiety and stress, helping with epilepsy, and improving memory.
The research suggests that powerful compounds called bacosides are what give Bacopa monnieri its healing effect.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known for its stress relieving properties, boosting energy and improving concentration and as such is classed as an adaptogen. It is known by other names such as winter cherry and Indian ginseng.
Athletes often use Ashwagandha after intense workouts as it helps to increase oxygen in the blood supply and the capacity of the peripheral system. There is also evidence that Ashwagandha can help people cope with depression.
Coleus Forskohlii
Coleus Forskohlii is found to help a range of conditions including heart issues and high blood pressure.
Arguably, its main use is that it can help with hypothyroidism. Coleus Forskohlii helps to maintain the natural thyroid function by activating an enzyme called adenylyl cyclase. In turn, the cellular regulator called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is increased. cAMP is important to your thyroid gland as it boosts energy metabolism, helps with long term weight loss, and keeps the thyroid gland healthy.
Olive Leaf
Extracts from olive leaves are found to have a range of benefits. The Mediterranean diet which uses olive oil together with plenty of fresh vegetables and fish are considered to be among the healthiest in the world.
Olive leaf extract is known for containing plenty of antioxidants which are important for repairing cell damage, which is a cornerstone of a healthy immune system. Other properties of olive leaf are anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects.
Final Thoughts About Botanical Extracts
As people continue to look for natural ways to improve their health and wellbeing, botanical extracts have become increasingly popular. From organic energy drinks to herbal supplements, these plant-based ingredients offer a plethora of benefits. But as with any supplement or health product, it is important to educate yourself on the potential risks and rewards before adding them into your diet.
When it comes to botanical extracts, research has shown that they can help promote better overall health. Many contain powerful antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation and protect against disease. In addition, some botanical extracts have been found to provide heart-healthy minerals such as potassium and magnesium while also supplying essential vitamins like Vitamin C and B complex vitamins. Furthermore, certain botanicals can be used as an alternative treatment for a range of conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.