written by Lauren Curl-Ferrell on September 3, 2021.

Create an At-Home Apothecary With These Amazing Herbs + Plants

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest healing methods in the world. There really is nothing more beautiful than utilizing the herbs and plants that we have in our nature to create a holistic and healthy environment for ourselves. 

Nature is incredible. Aside from the mental health benefits that come from spending time in nature, consuming plants and herbs in nature has proven to be healing, nurturing, and a great way to sustain health.

By utilizing medicinal herbs and plants that naturally work together in harmony with our bodies, humans have for centuries and centuries incorporating herbs and plants into our medicine and food culture.

We're going go over our favorite plants and herbs that support vitality, strength, and will connect us to the world around us. 

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is frequently referred to as a form of healing that takes a look at the entire person. From their body, to their mind, and to their spirit. The body, the mind, and the spirit. 

This kind of holistic healing uses a large variety of alternative healthcare practices and complementary medicines. These often still find their way into modern-day western medicine and help to strengthen the mind-body connection. 

Here are some of the most common types of holistic health alternative therapies:

• Yoga and Meditation 

• Massage

• Acupoints + Acupuncture

• Physical Therapy

• Herbalism

• Nutrition

It's amazing what utilizing these small alternative therapies can do for the body. 

What is Herbal Medine?

Herbal medicine (also known as Herbalism) is one of the oldest forms of medicine. It days back thousands of years. You can find traces and mentions of herbalism within the history of Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and even Western Medicine. 

If you were to look up herbalism in the dictionary, you would find this definition:
the study or practice of the medicinal and therapeutic use of plants; herbalism.
Basically, its the practice of using plants to create remedies and medicines. Which is the way nature intended. 

Today there are many practitioners that study Herbalism. From Naturopathic Doctors to Holistic Nutritionists, and so many more. Often times, these specialists will use herbal products, supplements, and whole food to support wellness and health. 

Our Home Apothecary Picks

Anyone can use herbs to support their own health. You probably already do. But what exactly do you need in your home apothecary? Here are our picks.

Flax Seed

Flax seed has many benefits. They're loaded with nutrients. They're high in Omega 3 Fats. Flax seeds are a rich source of lignans, which can reduce cancer risk. They're also super rich in dietary fiber. Check this out, each tablespoon of ground flax seed has:

• Calories: 37
• Protein: 1.3 grams
• Carbs: 2 grams
• Fiber: 1.9 grams
• Total fat: 3 grams
• Saturated fat: 0.3 grams
• Monounsaturated fat: 0.5 grams
• Polyunsaturated fat: 2.0 grams
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,597 mg
• Vitamin B1: 8% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 2% of the RDI
• Folate: 2% of the RDI
• Calcium: 2% of the RDI
• Iron: 2% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 7% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
• Potassium: 2% of the RDI

Flax seed also can help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, and it's a high quality protein. So basically, flax seeds are a good source of plant-based protein and can be an alternative protein source for people who do not eat meat.
Yeah, we're geeked about Flax Seed. That’s why you can find Flax Seed in our Plant Protein+. So needless to say, Plant Protein+ is in our Home Apothecary. 

Olive Leaf Extract

This leaf is pretty powerful and it's great at boosting health. It's a potent source of antioxidants that support your immune system. 

Olive leaf also contains a uniquely powerful polyphenol called oleuropein. 

Oleuropein has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and have antimicrobial effects. It has the ability to attack and to neutralize viruses and bacteria. That's incredible. 

Lots of Mediterranean foods contain Olive Leaf Extract, but if you'd like to add it to your home apothecary, we'd suggest picking it up in the form of the OnSet supplement. In terms of immunity, OnSet has a TON of herbs and plants to support holistic wellness. 

Echinacea 

Nature's healing flower. Echinacea is high in antioxidants. 

Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against oxidative stress, a state that has been linked to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and many others.

But, it's best known for it's effect on the immune system. Which is why it's a part of our home medicinal sitch. 

Numerous studies have found that this plant may help your immune system combat infections and viruses, which could help you recover faster from illness.

Grab some from the market, or simply embrace the holistic supplement OnSet again. That's right, OnSet contains olive leaf and echinacea. We don't mess around when it comes to colds and viruses. 

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is a dietary supplement made by removing, drying, and pulverizing the bitter-tasting seeds of grapes.

It has the ability to reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow, reduce oxidative damage, improve collagen levels and bone strength, it supports an aging brain, it can improve kidney function, enhances wound healing, can improve your liver, oh my goodness- we could go on and on. Lots of benefits to this gem. 

But who has the time to pulverize grapes? Not I. You can snag these in supplement form. Check out OnSet again (are you seeing OnSet as a win? Because I am). It's also found in our ParaEnd.

Chamomile

There probably are not many people left in the world who haven't heard of chamomile and it's benefits. It is an incredible plant to have at your side in your home apothecary. 

Here are just 5 simple benefits of chamomile:

1. It can improve your sleep quality

Chamomile contains antioxidants that may promote sleepiness, and drinking chamomile tea has been shown to improve overall sleep quality.

2. It may improve heart health

Chamomile is a great source of flavone antioxidants that may play a role in improving heart health.

3. It may benefit blood sugar control

Drink some chamomile tea with a meal. The anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile tea may promote blood sugar control.

4. It can protect against certain kinds of cancers

Chamomile tea contains the antioxidant apigenin, which may help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of several types of cancer.

5. May promote digestive health

Chamomile tea may protect against diarrhea, stomach ulcers, nausea and gas, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

You can snag chamomile at any holistic grocery store. If you're using it in the form of helping to promote better sleep, we recommend the melatonin free Power Down. With ashwagandha and chamomile as a part of it's formula- it's a holistic win. 

Milk Thistle

This is such a gorgeous flower. But the magic of milk thistle isn't received when you simply look at it. It's go some amazing healing properties when it's consumed. 

Milk thistle can help protect your liver. It can also help with the prevention of age related decline in the brain function, and it can even improve milk production for breast feeding mothers. 

We include milk thistle in our organic approach with Liver Fend. 

Liver Fend uses a proprietary blend of natural herbs and remedies to detox your body, flush your liver, and cleanse toxins from your body. Milk thistle extract like Liver Fend can ensure your liver has the support it needs to keep doing its job. 

Cinnamon

I feel like we all have cinnamon somewhere in our pantry or spice rack already.

This is one of the most common home apothecary friends. This is one highly delicious spice. 

It's loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory benefits, it can also cut the risk of heart disease. 

It can help lower blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect. 

We're big fans over here of cinnamon and it's anti-inflammatory and blood sugar balancing effects - which is why you can find it in our Digestive Enzyme Complex. 

Pure Vegan Digestive Enzyme Complex also contains Ginger, Cinnamon, & Peppermint.

Ginger is perhaps the best herb for digestion. It helps break down proteins to rid the stomach and intestines of gas. It also aids in the digestion of fatty foods.

Cinnamon aids in digestion and is energizing.

Peppermint promotes healthy digestion by soothing and comforting the stomach. Peppermint also helps improve the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder.

An overall win for the gut world!

Not Everyone Has The Time To Build An Apothecary

Yeah, we get it. That’s why we keep it simple with our vegan supplements to help build a nice little cabinet at home. 

If you'd like to snag all the supplements listed above (personally much easier than having to find all of these at the grocery)- here's the full list:

Flax Seed for it's anti-inflammatory and great source of protein: Plant Protein+

Olive Leaf Extract for it's immune boosting abilities: OnSet

Echinacea for it's immune boosting abilities: OnSet

Grape Seed Extract for its ability to lower blood pressure, promote collagen, and increase blood flow: OnSet / ParaEnd

Chamomile for it's anxiety, stress, and insomnia relief: Power Down

Milk Thistle for a natural liver detoxifier: Liver Fend

Cinnamon for it's anti inflammatory, and blood sugar balancing benefits: Digestive Enzyme Complex

Detoxify your entire system with Total Body Cleanse

Most people’s diets do not provide the levels of folate that the body needs, and folate deficiency can cause serious health problems, including congenital disabilities, nerve damage, and mental disorders.