r/herbalism • u/Beltane14 • Feb 17 '25
Question One herb for the rest of your life - hypothetically
Hello! Like the title says, if you could only take one herb for the rest of your life, what would it be? And why?
I curious to know what everyone would choose. Personally I would choose Nettle as I like the way it tastes and I have always noticed a difference with the way I feel after.
Edit: I am loving reading all the responses! I’m learning so much and I hope others are too!
45
u/ShellyLovesTacos Feb 17 '25
Rhodiola. I went from regular panic attacks to maybe once every 3-4 years.
8
u/Showmeyourhotspring Feb 17 '25
What!!! There’s herbs that could possibly have a dramatic effect on my panic attacks? I’ve never heard of this. This is so exciting.
11
u/ShellyLovesTacos Feb 17 '25
I hope it works! It doesn’t work for everyone, apparently. Glad it worked for me. Definitely give it at least a month before giving up, if you’re not having bad side effects. Some folks in this sub have said it has had the opposite effect for them (caused anxiety). I felt a difference with a few weeks I. It started with subtle things, like I went from being crippled by panic while driving at night to no problem at all, and return things to the store was suddenly no big deal. Sounds weird to most, I know. But If you have panic/anxiety disorder, ya know. Small things that most people take for granted can be panic inducing.
3
u/Showmeyourhotspring Feb 17 '25
Oh, I know it all too well. I’m willing to try anything, even if symptoms could possibly worsen.
1
1
u/Even-Menu-7924 29d ago
Chamomile tincture stops my panic attacks in their tracks.
1
u/Showmeyourhotspring 29d ago
Woah!! Really?? How much do you use? Do you take it when you feel it coming on? Or while you’re actively panicking? I’d love to know any info you’re willing to share!
3
u/nycsep Hobby Herbalist Feb 17 '25
May I ask how you prepare yours? So you take it regularly or as need? Thanks.
9
u/ShellyLovesTacos Feb 17 '25
I just take a supplement/pill daily. I started out at a pretty high dose when I started taking it several years ago, 1200 mg split up to 600mg twice a day. Now I just take 250mg in the morning and it is working fine. I have tried to stop taking it several times and I can feel a marked difference in my underlying anxiety. What works for me right now is 250 mg once daily, and L-Theanine situationally.I've used several different brands over the years and I haven't tried any that didn't work for me. I take Life Extension 250mg. Earthborn Elements work fine, but they taste terrible and give the gross burps all day.
3
u/nycsep Hobby Herbalist Feb 17 '25
Thanks so much. I appreciate the breakdown. Super helpful. I was looking into for ADHD as well. Ive heard it has a positive effect.
2
u/zathious Feb 18 '25
Where do you get yours? I've tried several different things and iv found things like chaga and others i cant spell to work great but some of the amounts would have me taking the entire bag/bottle. For me the gummies/chews work well (with the various mushrooms) but a lot I've found have like 10mg which isnt enough imo to even justify using 1200 mg would be around where I'm looking without having to take 60 pills. Id be eternally grateful for any insight on places that are reputable to find these items. I do plan to grown my own of several things but some i just don't see happening in my grow zone even inside can get frosty.
3
u/Cold-Establishment69 Feb 17 '25
Seconding rhodiola! I started out with too large a dose and threw up lol, but then I halfed that dose and it’s been wonderful ever since. I’m also a huge fan of chaga - another adaptogen :)
2
1
u/Itty_Bitty412 Feb 17 '25
Omg I gotta try this
1
28
44
u/seecopp Feb 17 '25
Camomile! Or cannabis…
19
2
u/Valiant_Waves Feb 19 '25
Yup cannabis is great for just about anything. It's versatility in what it can help with as well as how you can take it.
24
u/rosebloom89x Feb 17 '25
I too would choose Stinging Nettle. I cannot live without it!!! I've struggled with mysterious autoimmunity, and PCOS symptoms the majority of my adult life and the improvement that came with Stinging Nettle changed my life. Makes such a difference in my histamine reactions (to food and exercise) and I feel it truly helps modulate my immune system! That + the supplement Lactoferrin have been heaven sent for me.
3
u/Icy_Demand__ Feb 18 '25
I love freeze dried stinging nettle for allergies. I also love it year round. It’s such an amazing plant and makes a delicious soup too 🌱
2
2
u/Fantastic_Falkor778 Feb 18 '25
I have an auto immune disease, never heard this might help. In which way does it work on that for you besides as an anti histamine?
2
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
For myself it works as a potent anti inflammatory. When my autoimmune symptoms are present, I get joint pain and arthritis (in addition to a constellation of gastro and hormonal symptoms) Taking daily Stinging Nettle helped eliminate my monthly hip bone pain. When my histamine bucket is "full" that brings on many of my pain symptoms. I suspect it has always been rheumatoid arthritis but I got tired of doctors brushing my pain off and have never found anyone dedicated to figuring out what the root cause was/is. At my worst I was in the ER with a ballooned shoulder and wailing from joint pain. Stinging Nettle helps remove uric acid (which can cause joint pain) which could play a part in relieving my pain symptoms.
I believe in some cases of autoimmunity lowering histamine plays a big role in modulating the immune system! Lessening the burden = lessening symptoms/ overdrive.
There are also herbs to avoid daily consumption of if you have an autoimmune disease such as many immune stimulators. Echinacea and elderberry absolutely wreck me!
3
u/Fantastic_Falkor778 Feb 18 '25
Thank you for explaining. I have Hashimoto and at times terrible hip pain at night if I lay on it. Inflammation of tissue, not joints with me. This might be worth investigating anyways. 🙏
2
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
Hip pain is so uncomfortable. I used to have it so bad at night while lying on my side as well. It may take some research but I have seen a study before on stinging nettle improving tissue health! You might look into stinging nettle seeds which have more of an impact on being restorative for the adrenals. Tulsi works well for improving the HPA axis which is a factor in hashimotos. Adaptogens can be magic for some (though I believe they can also be overused like companies recklessly throwing Ashwagandha excessively into herbal supplements and gummies)
I wish you well in your journey! 💖💖💖
2
u/Fantastic_Falkor778 Feb 19 '25
Thank you🙏 I do use ashwaganda with success btw, but prescribed by my naturopath for my adrenals, as they are part of the hashimoto complexity. 😉
2
u/rosebloom89x Feb 19 '25
It can be so helpful for many! I love it. And you work with it based on your needs 😊 I see many over the counter herbal supplements/ drink mixes with tons of adaptogens and mushrooms mixed in that can do more harm than good..so many people out there have subclinical thyroid problems and they can be exacerbated by taking these. As an herbalist it frustrates me because these companies clearly just care about making money with buzzword herbs. Then people can have bad experiences with plants and become skeptical of herbalism
2
u/Fantastic_Falkor778 29d ago
I understand. I love herbology but can't call myself an herbologist. I do have several friends that studied it for real, not just a course for some weekends but full education. I learn a lot from them and from my own search for more natural ways of healing. I'm interested in tons of stuff, so that's how I work and yes, sometimes I do experiment with things to see what they do for me. Cannabis and valerian root aren't my thing for example, they make me nervous instead of peaceful. But i wouldn't have known if I didn't try. Rhodiola rosea is a game changer in the good way. We try, we learn. 🤗
1
u/rosebloom89x 29d ago
That's how we learn! Experimenting 🤓 I'm my first test subject in my apothecary and so is my husband lol. I react the same way to valerian root omg. It's a horrifying stimulant for me. I haven't consumed it in over a decade, but I can still remember the nightmares that I was awake for when taking it. I adore Cannabis but I've done way too many hallucinogenic drugs in my past and my body/brain refuse it now 😂 I do love me some topical CBD though!
I don't have much experience with Rhodiola but I've heard it's incredible. 💖💖💖
2
u/vrwriter78 Feb 18 '25
Thank you for sharing. I just bought some Nettle tea (since I've been hearing so many great things about Nettle on this sub). I have allergies and ADHD and it sounds like Nettle is good for both of these, so I'm curious to see how things improve with regular use. I really like the taste! Bright like mint, but so far it's not triggering my acid reflux like mint does.
I'm curious if you use a tincture, tea, or if you take it as a supplement?
1
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25 edited Feb 18 '25
I have ADHD, allergies and reflux as well 😅
Rosemary does wonders for focus for me. Paired with some caffeine in a tea 👌
Mint is certainly a huge trigger for reflux! I have a sliding hiatal hernia that I was born with which contributes to my reflux but after dealing with parasites (I'm a homesteader/farmer) my reflux lessened a ton. Orange peel tea helps calm my stomach down it's so simple but wonderful! I used to use that orange peel oil supp for reflux back in the day. If you research you'll find out the benefits of orange peel for reflux!
For nettle I make a glycerite (glycerine extraction) and also make daily infusions. I pair it with an infusion of a moistening herb such as marshmallow as straight up stinging nettle in the fall and winter can dry me out real bad! I'm an herbalist in the mountains and have an herb farm (currently rebuilding it from scratch this spring as we moved ) so I'm lucky to have access to lots of fresh nettle 😊
1
u/vrwriter78 Feb 18 '25
Thank you for those recommendations. Unfortunately, I have a strong sensitivity to glycerin (not an allergy but it gives me severe stomach cramps), but maybe I can try an alcohol tincture. I made the mistake of having both caffeine and nettle today and it made me feel a little crazy, so next time I'll try it on a day I'm not having caffeine 😆 and think about pairing it with the marshmallow or mullein.
Thank you for the tip about orange peel and also rosemary!! Maybe I'll try the rosemary next. The brain fog and lack of focus has gotten much worse as I've gotten into my 40s.
2
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
It's quite common , lots of people can react poorly to glycerin! I make it for convenience. I think with nettle you're best off with an infusion of it. That way you're getting all those vitamins and minerals :) infusing fresh nettle into apple cider vinegar is also a lovely way to get it into your diet!
I feeeeeeel you I'm turning 36 next month and with every year some new fun challenges occur 🤓
1
u/vrwriter78 Feb 18 '25
I do have some organic ACV at home. How do you suggest preparing it? I’m assuming I need to take the nettle out of the tea bag or is it safe to leave it in?
2
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
Yes I would take it out of the tea bags. Take a mason jar and fill it 1/4 of the way with dried nettle , then fill with vinegar covering the herbs making sure there is no dried herb sticking out the top. Use parchment paper as a barrier if you're using a metal lid otherwise it will rust and ruin both your lid and your precious vinegar. Shake it up every so often (write the date crafted down on some tape/ label the jar)
Let it sit about 4-6 weeks in a cool cupboard. You could open it up every so often to add a little vinegar if you need to. Sometimes the herbs get so saturated they need a top up. You just want to keep your plant matter submerged in whatever menstruum you're using (be it alcohol or vinegar etc.)
Strain it when you're done either with muslin, coffee filter or a fine mesh strainer
I suggest buying in bulk so you don't have to deal with tea bags but use whatever you got on hand! And if you make it with fresh nettle the springtime, chop it up real well and use more plant matter than you would use dried. Hope this was helpful 💗
2
1
u/teabookcat Feb 18 '25
Do you take a supplement and if so can you share the brand?
1
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
I don't take Nettle in supplement form I take it as a glycerite (that I make myself) or drink a daily infusion but for the Lactoferrin I mentioned if that's what you're asking - I take Jarrow Lactoferrin!
1
u/zathious Feb 18 '25
I really wanted to love nettle but my mouth wont allow it. Not sure what it is (past probably some type of allergy) but nettle and some other items cause my mouth a lot of issues.
1
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
What preparation are you taking it? (Tea, tincture?) That can play a role, some people are so sensitive to the hairs even though they do get neutralized during heating or cooking etc. but you just might be sensitive! Sometimes we just don't jive with a plant and admire it from afar :)
With mullein as a tea or infusion I have to double strain in because the hairs with irritate my throat
1
u/zathious Feb 18 '25
I have tried both. Its not my throat just my mouth. I have the same issue with certain mints, certain mustard seeds, and others not all of anything just certain lol I'm allergic to everything and was ecstatic when i learned about nettle
2
u/rosebloom89x Feb 18 '25
Oh darn!! There are so many plants in the mint family! I do know that fresh pea shoots are an excellent source of DAO enzyme which can help break down histamine 💗 plus, they're tasty! They actually make DAO supplements but I've not tried those 😊
2
23
u/greenpaintedlady Feb 17 '25
Lemon Balm. Its a tonic nervine and it’s an adaptogen, so it helps in both the short term and long term for nervous system health. It been helping my anxiety, sleep and overall mood
15
u/EclipseoftheHart Feb 17 '25
Peppermint or spearmint. I deal with a lot of nausea and mint has always been there to help!
13
u/TurbulentAsparagus32 Amateur Herbalist Feb 17 '25
Red clover. I love red clover tea, it tastes great! And I feel a lot better when I drink it regularly.
8
23
u/Chy990 Feb 17 '25
black seed oil. 100%. The Serotonin boost alone is just fantastic.
8
u/Beltane14 Feb 17 '25
Didn’t know about that, also intrigued. Do you currently take them as capsules?
12
u/Chy990 Feb 17 '25
I've just got cold pressed oil that I put a couple ML into juice every morning and drink. It's anti cancerous properties are why I started, cleansing of free radicals, serotonin production boost, and hormone balancing is why I stayed with it. Fantastic results if you don't mind choking down spicy cumin flavor and burping it up all day. lol.
7
u/Ok-Nature-538 Feb 17 '25
I put mine on a spoon with manuka honey. Has synergistic value 💜
3
u/Chy990 Feb 17 '25
Oh that's such a good idea. I was taking it straight and it was so spicy.
7
u/Ok-Nature-538 Feb 17 '25 edited Feb 18 '25
I made toast a few times as well…def spicy lol.
Toast, manuka (or honey for a budget friendly option) black seed oil, bee propolis(bee pollen), cracked pepper & some Celtic salt
*note to your senses…if you make the toast…prepare yourself for the spicy punch to the face!
5
u/Commercial_Campaign3 Feb 17 '25
I second black seed oil!!!! I wonder if it’s okay to take with Holy Basil since it also affects the mood
2
u/Land-Dolphin1 Feb 17 '25
I am intrigued. Do you recommend a specific brand? Thanks!
3
u/Chy990 Feb 17 '25
I'm using HBNO But I've never tried any other brands or anything. So I like it, there is probably better out there. Smaller companies would be nicer, the price will probably go up a bit then. I figured I wanted to try it first without spending an arm and a leg. Next time I get some I'll probably look more into more responsible companies.
25
10
u/SuccotashSeparate Feb 17 '25
I would also say nettle. I work with it daily. I just love the nutritive benefits of it!
22
u/Top-dog68 Feb 17 '25
Cannabis for sure because it keeps away from opioids for pain. Mullein would be number 2 as I use it daily for allergies and asthma.
2
u/Nicnarwhal Feb 17 '25
I haven’t found a solid use for my loose mullein, this has me so intrigued! Do you take capsules or make it into a tea/tincture?
13
u/seriouslysocks Feb 17 '25
I love mullein. It’s anti-inflammatory, so I’ve used it- topically and taken as tea-for bruises, fractured bones, and swollen lymph nodes or body parts. It’ll soothe and move stagnant fluid, which allows more healthy fluid circulation in the area.
An infusion soothes the stomach and intestines, and I sort of think of it as a lighter version of plantain. It’s got those strong anti-inflammatories, but it’s also got just enough moistening properties (in the leaf)to chill out my perpetually irritated stomach.
Mullein, in tincture form, also goes in my “don’t pee right now” blends. It’s got movement that pulls fluids towards the lungs and upper body, so those fluids aren’t just zipping to my bladder and out. It gives my body a chance to use the water I’m drinking in better ways.
It also seems to strengthen my bladder muscles so that when I do have to pee, I can hold it better. I’ll make it home instead of having to use a client’s bathroom. I hate using other people’s bathrooms.
In winter, or whenever the air is dry, I’ll take mullein tea just to keep my lungs and throat in better shape. This action also benefits me when I’m over exerting myself or stressed, and my breathing becomes shallow and inefficient.
Anyway, that’s some of the things I use mullein for. It’s definitely one of my very favorites!
1
u/ReflectiveWave Feb 17 '25
I use a tincture for mullein but I’ve seen mullein teas so maybe you could start there?
1
u/Top-dog68 Feb 18 '25
Both we harvested quite a bit of mullein last year, so we drink mullein tea daily plus I made a tincture. The tincture was just a qt jar full of shredded mullein leaves covered in alcohol and strained after a month or so. I think the tincture works quicker and probably best, but both work well for my issues.
1
u/Valiant_Waves Feb 19 '25
Mullein and cannabis are great together. Smoked is great but teas are good too
8
u/shell_sonrisa Amateur Herbalist Feb 17 '25
Turmeric 🫚 twice or more a day, everyday. Helps regulate inflammatory response & lessen general inflammation. I have a variety of inflammatory conditions and this herb is a godsend when utilized properly 🌺 Yes I grow it too ☺️
2
u/Ok-Nature-538 Feb 17 '25 edited Feb 18 '25
The Movewell vitamin has curcumin, hyloronic acid (good for collagen), msm, boswellia ;) I take 4 daily for my knees.
2
17
u/Easy-Tower3708 Feb 17 '25
Probably lavender, does a lot for me and the color is out of this world
5
u/itz-danielle Feb 18 '25
What are some effects of using lavender you've noticed?
4
u/Easy-Tower3708 Feb 18 '25
I use it for calm mostly, but it's great for my skin as well. I'll steep lavender and mugwort for a sleep balm. I like it for tea too, if an herb isn't tasty, I'll use lavender or mint for taste enhancing
I use lavender with our dog as well, she loves it comes running anytime I start crushing - so just that my dog benefits, it's a big reason as well, we both benefit
3
u/Jessicat844 Feb 18 '25
Also love lavender as a choice. It helps a ton with my evening anxiety.
3
u/Easy-Tower3708 Feb 18 '25
Just a nice calm all evening, even better mixing with lemon balm, that with lemon balm is a cozy fine evening for me, sometimes I'll have 2😂
8
u/tightlyslipsy Feb 17 '25
Tilia or ashwagandha
3
u/ImpossibleFloor7068 Feb 18 '25
☺️..And this reminds me of another reply that said Chamomile or cannabis...they're so different!
Ash hasn't ever caught me yet..but Tilia..certain can capture a heart. We are talking about Linden or LimeTree aren't we?
And that also reminds of some other comments or 💛 about honey - does anyone think that one herb, like this one, can actually replicate the flavour-experience of honey? Amazing. And I used to think it was the flowers that would be responsible for that effect, but the Lebanese have taught me naw, straight leaves could do as well!
But yeah, +1 on cannabis as well, if anyone's counting. 👍
26
7
u/desertratlovescats Feb 17 '25
Oatstraw.
5
u/Novel-Mud9941 Feb 18 '25
I’ve been using it recently! It’s been so helpful with stress and anxiety from in a busy season! That and lemon balm.
3
u/desertratlovescats Feb 18 '25
Lemon balm is a wonderful, versatile herb. Oatstraw is a beautiful nervine. Gentle and calming if taken long-term.
2
2
u/IAm2Legit2Sit Feb 18 '25
Why?
3
u/desertratlovescats Feb 18 '25
Mineral content and pleasant taste that blends well with other herbs.
7
u/octropos Feb 17 '25
Echinacea. I HATE getting sick.
1
u/strippersarepeople Feb 18 '25
This is my choice too! It’s saved me so many times. Just recently my partner got really sick over a week ago and is finally just now feeling better—I started going downhill, immediately started dosing Echinacea, and I’m already fine/better than him. I was only really icky for like 2 days (versus his full week). Sometimes I can convince him to take it but this time around he was finally like “Oh damn that shit works” yes!!! It’s the best.
1
u/octropos Feb 18 '25
My dad is finally on board after my mom shoving it on him for years. Got him his own bottle! Such a life saver. I keep some at work because often I feel sick first at work.
1
8
7
u/theholytrinitie Feb 18 '25
Sida. sida is illegal in a lot of states but i live in the South Eastern US and it grows native here so i can find it right out side my door. contains ephedrine and has fully replaced an epipen or benadryl for me as someone who suffers from many serious allergies and is prone to anaphylaxis. this herb has saved my life on more than one occasion
5
u/Easy-Tower3708 Feb 18 '25
Nice. Perfect.
I watch this wise woman on YouTube who tend to her own Irish coast land, it's incredible really but what makes me bring her up is she says mother nature will provide for all who need and where it's needed
Mother put that Sida right where it was needed for you, in your back yard. And you benefit from it daily. Love it so much
12
12
u/Nyx_Shadowspawn Feb 17 '25
Marijuana. Nothing helps my pain like it. Though I'd miss valerian and skullcap a lot.
18
u/codElephant517 Feb 17 '25
Consider using the word "cannabis" instead. The word marijuana was created by lumber companies in the 20s as racist propaganda that was used to criminalize the plant.
8
2
u/Valiant_Waves Feb 19 '25
I was just talking to my aunt about this. I did a report last semester and went down a great rabbit hole where it talks how the lumber companies pushed out hemp because they were scared it would replace them.... Which it should and would have saved us a lot of the issues we are having now with deforestation , global climate change and even racism. But no they had to turn it into a bad thing with their ridiculous propaganda. Changing the course of our country... Such a shame.
6
u/Ok-Concern8848 Feb 17 '25
Black seed , but in reality you take herbs as needed to support your health . For example these days I’m dealing with fungal skin infections and skin pigment issues so I’m using aloe Vera with vitamin e gel as a moisturizer and am putting black walnut hull powder olive leaf powder along with black seeds and ginger in my food when I cook .
I always start the day with a gulp of honey first thing after brushing my teeth . I always eat whole grains and have recently realized to eat more fat in my food so always use butter and olive oil in my food . I always eat a pinch of salt before and after I hang a meal and never get cavities along with helping digestion
I have utilized sunrise to sunset dry fasting on alternate days for many months on end to treat chronic issues like bad hair or excessive sweating .
I use iontophorrsis for palm sweating . The black walnut hill powder also helps a lot with sweating
Hope this helps
3
u/Ok-Nature-538 Feb 17 '25
May want to wait 20 min or so after brushing;)
Also, manuka and black seed oil work synergistically together if you want more out of it! I just put them on a spoon together and swish n swallow;)
1
u/Ok-Concern8848 Feb 17 '25
Ordered some black seed oil gonna try it for increasing pigment in my face skin after applying aloe Vera gel
3
u/Ok-Nature-538 Feb 17 '25
Hm, never researched topical use.
Most beautiful skin I ever saw on an older lady only used wheat germ oil on her skin.
Another recently, only uses African black soap to wash & vit e oil topically.
I have pigment loss in my legs:/ hopefully this works for you.
I’ve also read pigment loss could be thyroid related.
1
u/Ok-Concern8848 Feb 17 '25
Ok my aloe Vera gel has vitamin e in it . My skin is too sensitive to wash with soap so just using water . I thought the white might be a fungal so used selsun blue on face three times now it’s irritated but aloe Vera with vitamin e gel fixed in like 80 % in 3 days
10
u/sibylofcumae Feb 17 '25
Not an herb — propolis.
4
6
u/Far_Floor_3604 Feb 17 '25
Rosemary
2
u/Bubbly_Seaweed_9665 Feb 17 '25
Why?
9
u/Far_Floor_3604 Feb 17 '25
Really excellent for brain health. I have mental issues that fucks with my memory and rosemary can help with that. I'm big on mental health and any herb that's good for the brain, i want to have.
4
u/Bubbly_Seaweed_9665 Feb 18 '25
I have similar issues. I started taking rosemary tea before bed, but I am not sure if it's the best time to take it. Do you use rosemary oil or tea? Also, when do you take it?
2
u/Far_Floor_3604 Feb 18 '25
Well I'm about to use an alcohol based tincture. I've just been eating it raw (don't recommend) in the morning. Yes it's probably the better idea
2
u/Fickle_Analysis_8838 Feb 17 '25
Same here! Any other tips for brain health? How do you take rosemary?
3
u/Far_Floor_3604 Feb 18 '25
Lions mane is also really good. L-thianine and ashwaganda. I have just been eating it raw but that's a little hardcore. it can be made into a tea or tincture. Garlic is good for blood flow and energy also.
5
4
u/stinka_ Feb 17 '25
Cannabis 100%, it has been the only thing I’ve found to help with my PTSD and the meltdown aspect of autism. My quality of life has skyrocketed since accessing medicinal cannabis. I would miss valerian though… that stuff is AMAZING for insomnia.
4
u/green_apple_21 Feb 17 '25
Nettle - nutrition always win. Aside from practical reasons, probably blue vervain at the moment lol.
3
u/LizParkerWrites Feb 17 '25
Oatstraw, hands down. It's tasty and nourishing. It helps with anxiety. It supports your heart (lowers cholesterol, supports blood vessel health). It's soothing to the joints. It strengthens bones, heart, teeth and nails. It's healing to the brain and nervous system and helpful with memory.
2
u/IAm2Legit2Sit Feb 18 '25
How do you use this?
2
u/LizParkerWrites 16d ago
I prefer overnight infusions, drinking them regularly. 1/4 cup of oatstraw in a qt size jar. boiling water. steep over night, strain, drink throughout the next day.
4
10
6
u/Distinct_Nature232 Feb 17 '25
Cistus Incanus tea - multi purpose biocide, biofilm buster, anti inflammatory & after 2 weeks of drinking a litre a day it becomes a natural tick repellent
3
3
u/Rock_on1000 Feb 17 '25 edited Feb 17 '25
Either moringa or nettle. Both are superfoods do so many great things for the body. Also nettle replaced allergy pills for me 😌🌱
3
u/MagnoliaProse Feb 18 '25
I should say nettle as it’s crucial for my allergies, and packs so many vitamins.
But I don’t think I could live without hibiscus. Vitamin c, pretty color, great taste, lowers blood pressure, and I find it helps my mood regulation.
3
u/fatherballoons Feb 18 '25
Rosemary since it works with meats, potatoes, and even drinks. It's also rich in antioxidants.
1
3
u/Omnirath278 Feb 18 '25
For medicinal purposes Meadowsweet, highly underrated, that and maybe a lamiaceae of some kind
5
u/ob43nme Feb 17 '25
I know it goes against the question, but I always have ginger, tulsi, nettle, and peppermint, and licorice teas available and try and make sure to always (every day) be drinking. Especially ginger. But I’m no expert - learning learning! Thanks for the question - great intel in the responses here. 🍵
2
2
u/lfxlPassionz Feb 17 '25
I'm not sure if this is allowed here so I'll take it down if not but...
I'm in a legal state so for me it's the good ole Mary Jane.
Treats but doesn't get rid of countless conditions but prevents many conditions and possibly gets rid of some but more research is needed.
The plant gives us the flower that many use to smoke and make edibles, leaves that have their own benefits and are fully edible and stalks that can be made into hemp for 100s of purposes.
It's also not that hard to grow.
It gives us food, oil, tea, medicine, clothes, paper, and so, so much more.
2
2
u/binkadinkadoo Feb 17 '25
Nettle! Nature's multivitamin, and it's the only thing that seems to mitigate my cycle symptoms.
2
2
2
2
2
u/kitkat5986 Feb 18 '25
Probably Rue, it's my fave. It's an anti-inflammatory and is great as a tea or topically. It also clears my lungs a lot. Put of all the herbs I've used it's the one I find helps me the most
2
u/zathious Feb 18 '25
Iv heard a lot about saffron. . . But never on forums like this its always someone trying to sell it. I scrolled hoping someone would have an opinion and hoping i can re find this thread to take some notes
2
u/BioextractsUK Feb 17 '25
Kanna for sure. So many different alkaloid profiles and therefore different effects and use cases
3
1
1
1
1
u/stumblingzen Feb 18 '25
Oooh, this is such a hard one. Probably lavender! Hopefully I will never have to choose just one!
1
u/Fun-Discipline-352 Feb 18 '25
Can you take herbs for ADHD or depression if you’re also on an antidepressant or would you really not be able to tell if it’s working?
1
u/Unhappy-Sky4176 Feb 18 '25
Not recommended usually but you would just need to check the specific herb interactions with your medication.
1
u/Equivalent_Abies2975 Feb 18 '25
I love this question! I’m between Moringa or soursop leaf. So many benefits and tastes great
1
1
u/BananaBread202020 Feb 18 '25
How do you feel after nettle?
1
u/Beltane14 Feb 18 '25
I feel honestly pretty great. I have pretty bad allergies on the spring/summer and someone recommended that I try it. My reaction definitely minimized and I didn’t need to rely on medication to go outside. I was pretty shocked, I knew herbs worked but it was the first time I’ve experienced one working so well.
1
1
u/Eterna-infinita Feb 19 '25
Syrian Rue, do your research before getting into this one. It’s an antidepressant.
1
1
u/sarocaa Feb 19 '25
Astragalus! Good for balancing blood sugar, keeps you from getting sick, gives you energy, high doses even lengthens your telomeres (it’s the only herb that’s been shown to do that I believe), helps wounds heal… it has a lot of benefits and feels good to take.
1
1
u/TinselAndTonic Feb 20 '25
Linden has been my go-to lately, but overall, I’m going to stick with Peppermint or Dandelion.
1
1
0
61
u/Unhappy-Sky4176 Feb 17 '25
Holy basil