The beginning of the year is a time when many of you are setting New Year resolutions and embarking on your wellness journeys. If you are looking to add beautiful healing plants to your protocols, here is my list of top 7 to keep you healthy and balanced in 2022.
1) Echinacea
Echinacea is the hero herb to prevent and relieve a wide range of infections. It’s antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal, has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and is particularly useful in cases when patients developed resistance to antibiotics. It’s a key ingredient of my formulas for prevention and early onset of infections.
2) Rehmannia
Rehmannia is an adaptogen from China I use for chronic fatigue, depletion and a wide range of autoimmune conditions. I always include it in my long covid preparations, as in addition to improving energy levels, it reduces phlegm and increases lung energy, which is often the epicentre of covid and is strongly linked to fatigue, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath.
3) St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort is a wonderful mood-elevating herb. It reduces SAD during winter, relives neuralgic pain, is an effective natural anti-depressant and has powerful anti-viral properties. Bright yellow flowers of this plant are an embodiment of sunshine and kindness. Look out for it in summer to make a beautiful infusion.
4) Shisandra
Shisandra is a liver herb and is believed in traditional Chinese medicine to balance all bodily systems. Indeed, liver is responsible for detoxification, hormone clearance and mood, as energetically this is where we hold our emotions. Shisandra enhances glutathione production in the liver, stimulates glucogen and protein syntehthis and may protect against liver cancer. It tastes lovely and is a perfect addition to the smoothie in the morning.
5) Ginkgo
Ginkgo is one of the oldest trees on the planet, hence it is well known for its anti-ageing properties. However, it’s most beneficial effects nowadays are linked to improved blood flow to the brain, clot and stroke prevention. Needless to say, it should be your go to herb for prevention of cardio vascular side effects from vaccination.
6) Wormwood
This is the most in demand herb in my clinic right now, as our ability to digest has diminished significantly due to stress, infections, bad diet and toxins. Wormwood provides digestive support by stimulating the flow of hydrochloric acid and restoring beneficial microbial balance in the gut. If you suffer from excessive bloating, reflux, irregular stool, dysbiosis or SIBO, bitter infusion of wormwood should be part of your morning and evening routine.
7) Brahmi
Brahmi is a beautiful herb many of us can benefit from right now. It is one of the most sattvic herbs known in since Vedic times. In Aurveda sattvic foods are thought to be pure and balanced, offering feelings of calmness, happiness, and mental clarity. Brahmi enhances brain function, improves memory and concentration, calms anxiety and increases resilience to stress. As we navigate through uncertainty, tension and turbulence, Brahmi is there for you to open your mind to new beginnings and possibilities that the change can bring.
Jenya Di Pierro
Herbal Medicine Practitioner, BA, MA, AMH, ANP
@JENYADIPIERRO
Tags: Health, Wellness, Tips, Herbs, Naturopathic Remedies | Author: Jenya Di Pierro, Herbalist & Naturopath