help the body heal, some of the most effective ones are as easy to obtain as heading to the kitchen or going to the market. Forget ordering ancient healing herbs online, where days of waiting can delay combatting things like blood pressure or anxiety. And not everyone likes having to sort through the barrage of endless information wondering if certain lesser-known ones are ideal choices for them. Chances are, the power to heal is right under people's noses. It's that easy!Mark Sisson, fitness author and blogger, says that natural, everyday herbs such as basil and sage are ". . . seemingly inconsequential things people have been adding to food for thousands of years, [but] they also happen to have some fascinating health benefits."
Health benefits of everyday herbs
1) Basil. Sisson urges people to get a bagful, even better if they buy a basil plant. It's been shown to reduce blood pressure and has been encouraged for diabetics since studies have shown that it can lower fasting and glucose levels. People can also find relief from acid reflux by chewing on a few leaves. It's even perfect for helping with tooth discoloration; simply crush about 10 basil leaves and mix with the rind of one orange to create a tooth cleaner and results should appear within one week.
2) Oregano. This herb is considered a very good alternative for those needing to watch their sodium intake. Not only is oregano sodium-free, but it contains carvacrol, a phenol antioxidant that has been known to reduce blood pressure and reduce inflammation. So powerful is oregano that the USDA has ranked its natural antioxidant capacity up to 20 times higher than any other herb. Oregano has also been found to suppress cancer cell production and destroy pathogenic bacteria and yeasts.
3) Sage. Phyllis Bach, a leading nutritionist, author and advocate of natural therapies, says sage can work wonders for issues related to the mouth and throat. For women experiencing hot flashes during menopause, she suggests sage tea for relief. Sage has also been shown to play a role in blood purification, providing headache relief and protecting fats from oxidative damage.
As always, be sure to choose fresh, organic herbs.
