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.

a bowl filled with lots of brown pills
a bowl filled with lots of brown pills
brown wooden chopping board with black beans and brown dried leaves
brown wooden chopping board with black beans and brown dried leaves

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Herbs

a pile of nuts sitting on top of a table
a pile of nuts sitting on top of a table
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

yellow flower with green leaves
yellow flower with green leaves
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

a close up of a plant with berries on it
a close up of a plant with berries on it
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

selective focus photograph of green leafed plant
selective focus photograph of green leafed plant
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 sticks and cinnamon powder on a table
cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder on a table
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

A close up of a mixture of brown beans
A close up of a mixture of brown beans
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

a bunch of star anise on a table
a bunch of star anise on a table
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

a close up of a pile of dirt
a close up of a pile of dirt
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:
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