Wellness Glossary
Unlock vitality & optimize your health through the herbs, supplements, and spices God gave us. Whether you are looking to support your immune system, boost your natural energy, or just fill nutritional gaps, this quick reference guide is for those interested in learning a natural approach to health.
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Herbs
Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra)
Rich in tannins and juglone, which have been observed to expel parasites from the body, particularily at the larval or juvenile stage (best paired with clove & wormwood to help target all stages of parasite growth)
Excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and L-arginine; therefore may help to lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and improve overall cardiovascular health
May help prevent the onset and progression of certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Growing evidence denoting its bioactive compounds may help to inhibit the occurrence and progression of some cancers
May help to target certain fungal infections, such as candida, preventing it from shifting to a more invasive form
Anti-parasitic
Antioxidant
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
Anticancer
Antifungal
Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)
Helps the liver to detoxify
Aids the digestive system with prebiotic properties and by stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing bloating
May help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
Acts as a natural diuretic
Growing evidence denoting its bioactive compounds may help to inhibit the occurrence and progression of some cancers
Helps to improve insulin sensitivity and may help to lower blood sugar levels
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Anticancer
Antibacterial
Antimicrobial
Elderberry (Sambucus)
Note raw elderberries & the plant are toxic. Only consume cooked, commercially processed elderberry products & supplements.
Helps support the body during colds and flus - potentially shortening the duration of the illness by several days
High antioxidant level (rich in anthocyanins) helps to neutralize free radicals, lower oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation
May help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
Nutrient dense - high in vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Note, if applying topically as an oil, be sure to dilute with a carrier oil
Promotes relaxation and peaceful sleep, and may help combat insomnia
Helps ease the feelings of tension and anxiety and reduce overall stress by calming the central nervous system
Helps soothe skin irrations such as cuts, burns, sunburns & bug bites; along with soothing conditions like eczema, psoriasis & rashes
Can naturally combat the bacteria that causes acne and encourage healthy skin overall
Can promote healthy hair growth by improving blood circulation
Provides some headache and migraine relief
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Antiseptic
Calming
Antiviral
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
Promotes emotional balance - may reduce anxiety and depression
Aids in sleep quality
May help prevent the onset of dementia
Promotes healthy blood pressure
Reduces vertigo and nervous disorders
Boosts skin health - may help with eczema, cold sores and herpes
Relieves PMS and mentrual symptoms
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Anti-tumor
Antispasmodic
Antidepressant
Oregano Oil (Origanum Vulgare)
Contains powerful compounds (carvacrol, thymol & rosmarinic acid)
Research has shown the carvacrol in oregano to help stop the growth of several different types of bacteria and to potentially delay viral infection progression
Provides respiratory support, easing coughs and sinus congestion
The thymol is a natural antifungual that when applied topically, may be effective against infections such as candida and athlete's foot (always apply oregano oil with a carrier oil)
Helps promote gut balance, reduce bloating & reduce GI discomfort
Its rosmarinic acid (antioxidant & anti-inflammatory) can help to protect skin from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation
May help improve cholesterol levels
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antimicrobial
Antiviral
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)
Offers digestive relief: bloating, gas, indigestion, nausea
Helps to ease and relax tight muscles
Natural breath freshener
May help ease congestion and support respiratory issues
Promotes energy and alertness through its aroma
Provides temporary relief as a natural anesthetic for canker sores
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antiviral
Antimicrobial
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
Contains thymol to combat bacteria, viral and fungal infections
Soothes coughs and respiratory issues; acts as an expectorant to loosen mucus in the airways
Contains carvacol that helps to boost the immune system and has shown anti-tumor properties
Its potent antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals, lower oxidative stress and reduce inflammation
Promotes skin health with its antibacterial properties by helping against the some of the bacteria that may cause acne
May help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol based on animal studies
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
Spices
Cinnamon-Ceylon (Cinnamomum Verum)
Helps regulate blood sugar as the cinnamon mimics insulin to improve cellular glucose uptake
Can help lower triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
Polyphenols and cinnamaldehyde within help to fight oxidative stress and reduce chronic inflammation
Aids in fighting infections, inhibiting fungal growth and combatting against bacteria
May help brain health and delay progression of neurodegenerative conditions
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Cloves (Syzygium Aromaticum)
Boost oral health via fighting the bad bacteria in the mouth, reducing gum inflammation and acts a natural mild anesthetic for discomfort
Helps stimulate digestive enzymes to sooth digestive issues such as bloating, gas and indigestion
The eugenol within cloves has been shown to help against parasites and believed to help destroy parasite eggs in the gut (best paired with wormwood & black walnut to help target all stages of growth)
May help regulate blood sugar via improved insulin sensitivity
As a potent antioxidant, it can help neurtralize free radicals, protect against oxidative stress and potentially improve liver health
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Antiparasitic
Star Anise (Illicium Verum) *Chinese Star Anise
May help fight off flu strains and other viral infections via the shakimic acid it contains (the same vital precursor use to synthesize TamifluⓇ)
Promotes digestive relief after heavy meals
Has expectorant properties - may help soothe sore throats and clear mucus
May help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria & fungi (like candida)
Being rich in vitamins A, C, quercetin and linalool, its antioxidant properties may act to lower inflammation and oxidative stress
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Antifungal
Anti-oxidant
Antispasmodic
Expectorant
Turmeric Root (Curcuma Longa)
Note that curcumin, the powerful active compound in turmeric is poorly absorbed. Combine turmeric with a small amount of black pepper to increase curcumin absorption by up to 2000%.
Curcumin blocks the molecules that cause inflammation, thereby reducing inflammation and helping to soothe joint arthritis/stiffness
Boosts skin health by helping to neutralize free radicals, reduce cellular damage and aging and helps to treat some skin conditions
Helps support brain function, potentially boosting memory and helping to lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline
Aids in blood sugar management by helping to stabilize insulin levels, and therefore may help with diabetes prevention
May help vascular and cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel function, potentially slowing or preventing blood clots and lowering cholesterol
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antibacterial
Anticancer
Supplements


L-Glutamine
Helps strengthen the gut barrier, assisting with issues like leaky gut and other issues causing gut inflammation
Immune support as glutamine fuels white blood cells
Used by athletes for exercise recovery; and weightlifters to assist with muscle tissue repair. Increased benefit when taken right after exercise rather than before it.
Natural food sources
Eggs
Beef, Chicken, Fish
Milk, Yogurt
Tufo, Lentils
Corn, Red Cabbage


Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium supports the parasympathetic nervous system and regulates GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes deep, restful sleep. Glycine helps to calm the brain and improve sleep quality.
Helps regulate the body's stress response and cortisol levels
Being essential for muscle contractions and nerve transmissions, taking it can help reduce muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, tension headaches and migraine headaches
Aids in calcium absorption supporting bone density and strength
May help lower blood sugar levels & help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Natural food sources
Pumpkin & Chia Seeds
Spinach
Avocado
Beans, Edamame
Whole Grains


NAC
Building block for glutathione, which helps protect against free radical damage
Respiratory support - acts as an expectorant to loosen mucus in the airways
Used for liver and kidney detoxification
Supports overall immune system response
Helps balance glutamate levels in the brain, which affect the excitatory response, helping to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc.
Natural food sources
Pork, Beef, Chicken
Eggs
Beans, Peas, Lentils
Legumes
Whole Grains


Quercetin
Antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer
Provides allergy symptom relief. Known as a natural antihistamine to help stabilize mast cells causing allergy symptoms.
Helps reduce inflammation by limiting the release of inflammatory molecules into the body
Supports cardiovascular health; may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels
Immune system and respiratory support against viral infections as it helps the body get zinc into its cells
As an antioxidant, it can help neutralize free radicals and reduce cellular damage and aging
Natural food sources
Capers
Red & Yellow Onion
Oregano, Dill, Cilantro
Apples, Berries, Elderberries
Kale
Check back for more Herbs, Spices & Supplement information soon! Still building content...
Link to Resources/Citations for Herb, Spice, and Supplement Wellness Glossary:
HealthyRootz
Disclaimer: This site contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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