Incorporating Herbal Supplements into Your Wellness Routine

Incorporating Herbal Supplements into Your Wellness Routine

The world of herbs is packed with incredible benefits from nature. While you can incorporate fresh and dried herbs into delicious recipes, herbal supplements are a convenient way to support your overall wellness. Below are 5 top herbal supplements to consider adding to your health routine and their potential benefits. 

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright orange-yellow spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is in the same family as ginger. When used for cooking, turmeric has an earthy and slightly sweet flavor that works well in curries, soups, and dressings. 

Turmeric also has a long history of medicinal use attributed to its main active compound curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been extensively studied for its benefits in joint, digestive, heart, and brain health. 

To get the most out of a turmeric supplement, it should also have piperine, the active compound in black pepper that boosts the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2000%.1 

For example, Naturelo’s Plant-Based Turmeric Supplement contains BioPerine®, a clinically tested black pepper fruit extract. You can also find turmeric in our Prostate & Urinary Health Supplement with Saw Palmetto designed for men.

2. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are arguably some of the healthiest foods (fungi) on the planet, with countless studies supporting their health benefits. While you can’t go wrong with pretty much any edible or functional mushroom, these three varieties stand out among the crowd:

  • Lion's Mane: Known for its shaggy appearance and potential to support brain health. Research suggests that compounds found in Lion's Mane may enhance memory and cognitive abilities.2
  • Turkey Tail: Named for their distinct rings that resemble the tail feathers of a turkey. Rich in polysaccharides like beta-glucans, Turkey Tail mushrooms boost immune cell activity and support overall immune function.3
  • Reishi: Sometimes called the "mushroom of immortality”. Reishi has adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stressors and supporting overall resilience.4

If you don’t regularly eat these mushrooms, you can easily add them to your routine in supplemental form. Naturelo Mushroom Supplement with Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, and Reishi conveniently contains all three. 

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It has potent adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stressors.

Studies have shown that ashwagandha may reduce cortisol levels — which is often called “the stress hormone” — helping to alleviate feelings of anxiousness. It may also help improve memory, focus, and attention. Some also find that ashwagandha boosts energy levels and supports strength and endurance for active lifestyles.5

Our Ashwagandha Root Powder Supplement contains Bioperine®, as piperine has been found to enhance its bioavailability in the body.6

4. Elderberry

Elderberries are small, dark purple berries that grow on the European elder tree (Sambucus nigra) or the American elder tree (Sambucus canadensis). They grow in clusters and are known for their tart flavor. 

While elderberries are often used to make jams and syrups, they are also a popular supplement due to their antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

Research suggests that elderberry extract may help reduce the duration and severity of viral illness. Their antioxidant activity may also help protect your cells from stress and damage.7

Try Naturelo’s certified organic Elderberry Gummy Supplements for Immune Support, which also contain zinc and vitamin C. 

5. Valerian Root

Valerian root comes from the Valeriana officinalis plant and is best known for its ability to promote relaxation in a way that may help support sleep. 

It’s believed to interact with the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to help reduce the excitability of your neurons and help you calm down.8

Some people like to make valerian root tea, but it’s also available in supplemental form for convenience. 

We’ve paired valerian with other sleep-promoting compounds, including melatonin (a sleep hormone), chamomile, and lemon balm in our Sleep Support with Chamomile, Valerian, & Melatonin one-a-day capsules.

Sources

  1. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92. Published 2017 Oct 22. doi:10.3390/foods6100092
  2. Hersant H, He S, Maliha P, Grossberg G. Over the Counter Supplements for Memory: A Review of Available Evidence. CNS Drugs. 2023;37(9):797-817. doi:10.1007/s40263-023-01031-6
  3. Benson KF, Stamets P, Davis R, et al. The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):342. Published 2019 Dec 2. doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7
  4. Venturella G, Ferraro V, Cirlincione F, Gargano ML. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(2):634. Published 2021 Jan 10. doi:10.3390/ijms22020634
  5. Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, Petro JL, Odriozola-Martínez A, Kreider RB. Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(1):20. Published 2021 Feb 11. doi:10.3390/jfmk6010020
  6. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Mundkur L. A standardized Ashwagandha root extract alleviates stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life in healthy adults by modulating stress hormones: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023;102(41):e35521. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000035521
  7. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):112. Published 2021 Apr 7. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
  8. Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020;25:2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323

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