A Natural Approach To Healthy Living

By Lucinda Jenkins HCLPN

Discover the Nutrients in Herbs.

We know herbs are used to flavor our foods and used to treat mild to severe illnesses. Have you ever considered the fact that herbs also provide nutrition to the body?
Herbs do provide important vitamins and minerals but yet this wonderful fact is overlooked. I have listed below some of the nutrients found in herbs. Keep your eyes open for herbs that appear in more than one listing such as alfalfa, dandelion. This tells you what a powerhouse these plants are. Many herbs have several minerals and vitamins.
This week we have listed the A and B vitamins, next week more vitamin and mineral information.

Vitamin A

This helps to prevent skin diseases, night blindness and even skin cancer because it acts as an antioxidant.It also helps to repair mucus membrane cells and skin cells. It helps the body to use protein and slow down the aging process

Herbs with Vit A:

alfalfa, black cohosh,borage , burdock root, cayenne,chickweed, comfrey, dandelion, echinacea, elder ,eyebright,fennel, goldenseal, hops, kelp, lemongrass, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley,peppermint, plantian, raspberry leaf, red clover and rose hips

Vitamin B1

This is also known as thiamine which supports healthy circulation,helps with carb. metabolism and helps to create stomach aids such as hydrochloric acid. Anytime you see "helps with carb. metabolism" that is a key to weight loss.

Herbs with Vit B1

alfalfa, bladderwrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, fenugreek, hops, nettle , red clover, sage, yarrow

Vitamin B2

This is known as Riboflavin and plays an important part of antibody and red cell formation. It also aids in the metabolism of carbs, fats and proteins..(keyword!) Consuming enough riboflavin can prevent cataracts and birth defects.

Herbs with Vit. B2

alfalfa, bladderwrack , burdock root, catnip,cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,dandelion eyebright,fennel,fenugreek, ginseng, hops, nettle, oat straw, parsley,peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover and rose hips and sage

Vitamin B3

Vit.B3 or Niacin is needed to support healthy circulation and skin, and again this nutrient helps with breaking down carbs,fats and protein. The B Vitamins are very helpful in regulating the metabolism! This also helps with memory and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Herbs with VitB 3

alfalfa,blue cohosh, burdock root, catnip,cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright,fennel, ginger, hops , licorice,mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley,peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover ,slippery elm

Vitamin B5

This is required by all the cells of the body and is known as Pantothenic acid. It helps with proper nerve function and is called the "anti-stress vitamin" again like most of the B vitamins this one also helps with metabolism.

Herbs with VitB5

Black Cohosh, Catnip, Eyebright, Red clover

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine is a very important nutrient. It helps to retard the formation of homocysteine a toxic chemical which attacks the heart muscle and causes cholesterol deposits around the heart. A lack of Vit B6 has been found to be a contributing factor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, This vitamin also helps to maintain the potassium and sodium balance.

Herbs with VitB6

Alfalfa, Catnip, Oat Straw,Hawthorn Berries,Licorice

Vitamin B12

This is needed to combat anemia, by helping to create red blood cells and utilizing iron. It also helps to protect nerve endings and is linked to the production of acetylcholine a neurotransmitter that assist in memory. Alzheimer's victims have a lower amount of this neurotransmitter.

Herbs with Vit.B12

alfalfa, bladderwrack,dandelion, hawthorn berries, hops, mullien,white oak bark

* The information in this article should not replace the advice of your medical practitioner.
Lucinda Jenkins is an LPN & HC as well as a Reiki Practitioner.
She is the owner and Master Soapmaker at Glenbrook Farms Herbs and Such, an on-line herb and tea shop.
Copyright © 1998, Lucinda Jenkins

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