Ancient Herbs

They may be ancient, but herbal supplements are an important part of any modern wellness regimen. By definition, herbal and botanical supplements fall under the category of dietary supplements. Unlike essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids or other categories of supplements, herbal supplements have long been used in what's known as traditional medicinal remedies, with uses dating back to various ancient cultures such as eastern Indian culture, where herbs have been used for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

With so many dietary supplements available today, it's no wonder some opt to include these tried-and-true herbal supplements into their wellness regimens. With such a vast history, this ancient approach to wellness focuses on maintaining physical and emotional wellness through natural products.* This blog highlights ashwagandha, one of the oldest herbal supplements, as well as a few of our other favorite herbs.

Ashwagandha

Use of this ancient herb dates back over 6,000 years, with traditional preparations often found in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is an herb from India. Its long, tuberous roots have been used for centuries as a supplement to general wellness.* It is considered an adaptogenic herb, or one that adjusts the body's response to stress.* Here are a few benefits of ashwagandha:

Stress Support

Adaptogens, like ashwagandha, can help the body cope with external stressors such as toxins in the environment or poor diet, as well internal stresses such as anxiety or emotional turmoil.* Because it ashwagandha as a natural adaptogen, ashwagandha can help promote relaxation, anxiety relief and stress relief* Because it may reduce stress, ashwagandha may also reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, which is made in the adrenal glands.*

Anxiety Relief

Approximately 30% of Americans suffer from some form of anxiety, which often coincides with stress levels.* Studies show that ashwagandha, which acts as a natural adaptogen to reduce the body's stress response, may also support healthy anxiety relief.* 

Restful Sleep

Not only can adaptogens, like ashagandha, potentially balance cortisol, they support healthy equilibrium (including stress and anxiety regulation), which in turn works to promote restful sleep.* Because of this, ashwagandha can help support healthy sleep naturally without a drowsy effect.*

Nature's Lab Ashwagandha

While there is no standard recommended dosage of ashwagandha, 500 mg - 600 mg daily has been studied for its effects on relaxation and anxiety relief.* Nature's Lab Ashwagandha contains 800 mg of ashwagandha root powder. Carefully sourced, Nature's Lab Ashwagandha is Non-GMO Project Verified, and certified kosher, halal and gluten free.

Echinacea

Commonly found in North America, echinacea has been used for hundreds of years in botanical and herbal remedies. Echinacea contains phenols, alkylamides, and other plant compounds that help support immune system health.* These are highly bioavailable compounds naturally present in echinacea that help support inflammatory health.* The body’s inflammatory system works synergistically with the immune system by signaling the immune system to heal and repair damage tissues to promote wellness.* Try Nature’s Lab Echinacea, formulated with 760 mg of organic echinacea powder.

Turmeric Root

The use of this ancient herb dates back nearly 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was well regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties.* Turmeric contains many plant compounds, but curcuminoids- namely curcumin- are renowned for their health-promoting benefits.* Turmeric (and its active compound curcumin) is well-regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties.* This ancient herb may also support immune, digestive, and liver health.* Click here to shop Nature's Lab's variety of turmeric root supplements.

Other Notable Herbs

Maca Root
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a plant originating from the high mountains of Peru. Maca is an excellent source of many beneficial nutrients and supports endurance and energy regulation.* Try Nature's Lab Maca Root Powder.

Green Tea
The origination of green tea dates back to 2700 BC, where it was used in ancient Chinese herbal preparations. Now, the extract of this plant is widely used in supplements to support metabolism and healthy antioxidant levels.* Try Nature's Lab Green Tea Extract.

Chia Seeds
The first recorded use of chia seeds dates back to the Aztecs in 3500 BC. This whole grain superfood offers a wide range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Rich with essential omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants and amino acids, these ancient seeds can promote energy regulation and general wellness.* Try Nature's Lab Organic Chia Seeds.

Valerian Root
Similar to ashwagandha, valerian root isn't an adaptogen, but rather a nervine herb.* Nervines are herbs that help support the nervous system.* Valerian is classified as a relaxing nervine in traditional medicines, and is well-regarded for promoting restful sleep.* Valerian root also works to promote healthy stress and anxiety response.* Try Nature's Lab Valerian Root.