6 Herbs to add to Your Cabinet, Right Now
Long before I went Vegan, I was the type of person who would EASILY pick up germs and immediately become sick. Whether it was a cold, strep throat, a stomach virus, tonsillitis, bronchitis, etc - you name it, I probably had it at some point of time. I don’t want to mislead anyone and say that being a Vegan equates to being healthier than everyone else because that’s not always the case. Yes, there are Vegans who choose a ‘healthier’ lifestyle, but there are also Vegans who don’t. One can be in a room full of Vegans, but all eat differently. Likkle Vegan Tings is a judgement free zone! On the other hand, since going Vegan 4 years ago, I haven’t gotten sick once and my main belief as to why that’s so is because of the herbs and vitamin supplements I began to take. Becoming Vegan not only allowed me to be aware of what affected my mental state, but also my physical and emotional state too. From then on, I began to explore more Herbs and Vitamins to further strengthen my immune system.
In all honesty, I do take quite a bit of herbs and vitamin supplements on a daily basis. But, I want to encourage all who are reading to add these first 6 herbs to their cabinets. These 6 herbs have helped strengthen my immune system, provides nutrients, boosts my energy, helps reduce stress and anxiety from everyday life and much more.
The 6
Ashwagandha is a popular herb used in traditional Indian medicine for stress and relief. It is grown in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Overall, it has a LONG history of use in traditional medicine. Ashwagandha helps boost energy levels, reduces stress and anxiety and helps calm the mind. I wish I knew about Ashwagandha when I went to school in Michigan because it is the perfect herb to take during the Winter months. A lot of people experience SAD aka “winter blues” (seasonal depression) during the winter months because they aren’t being exposed to the Sun and might also be lacking in Vitamin D. I used to dread the Winter because I knew what was coming, but Ashwagandha has allowed me to take initiative and find the same joy I have in the spring/summer months. So, if you have noticed an ongoing pattern with your mood or mental state in the Winter time, I highly recommend adding Ashwagandha to your cabinets. Note: This isn’t recommended for those who have PCOS, Lupus, Type 1 Diabetes, Hyperthyroid and other conditions. If taken without breaks, it will act as an SSRI. Want all the benefits? You need to cycle. I do 3 months on and then a 2 weeks detox.
Bladderwrack is an iodine-rich brown seaweed that has been a herbal remedy and culinary element in numerous cultures for centuries. It is found around the British Isles, Europe, the Baltic Sea and the eastern coast of North America. From personal experience, Bladderwrack works well as a dream team with Sea Moss and Burdock Root - 2 other lovely herbs I love that are on the list. Sea Moss alone contains 92 of the 102 minerals the human body needs, but when mixed with Bladderwrack, you get the full 102. Bladderwrack decreases toxic food cravings, improves the digestive system, releases built-up toxins, increases energy levels, increases collagen production, high in fiber, fights iron deficiency (VEGANS, *wink wink*), helps clear the skin, suppresses appetites, aids in weight loss, gives relief from bloating and cramps, supports a healthy brain, promotes hair growth, helps with eye health and is known to reduce the risk of heart attacks/strokes. Dietary Bladderwrack is most commonly found as a herbal supplement, capsule form or powder form - I use it in powder form and like it best in hot teas, smoothies or homemade juices.
Burdock Root is a powerful herb that has been employed for centuries as a remedy for a wide range of ailments. It is actually a vegetable that is native to Northern Asia and Europe. Burdock Root is known as an anti-inflammatory that contains antibiotic properties, it also acts as a mild diuretic and helps eliminate the removal of heavy metals. As mentioned earlier, Burdock Root is a part of the ‘dream team’ with Bladderwrack and Sea Moss. Research has shown that it helps detoxify/purify the blood, has anticancer properties and is RICH in Iron. In addition, Burdock Root is also rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, is low in calories, high in dietary fiber and is an aphrodisiac aid. Just like Bladderwrack, I use Burdock Root in powder form and add it to hot teas or in smoothies/homemade juices.
Elderberry is highly valued as a medicinal herb and food in many cultures. It is a dark purple berry that is native in Europe, but can also be found in all parts of the world. In the last 2 years , I’ve grown to really love Elderberry and I STRONGLY believe in its properties. During the rise of COVID, it became more popular as people did their research and found that it helps treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry sparks the immune system, reduces influenza, boosts heart health, relieves nasal congestion, is anti-inflammatory and has been used for centuries to treat wounds when applied to the skin. Not only that, it is high in Vitamin A, B, C, and is in potassium and is said to support Arthritis. With my continuous use of Elderberry, I know for a FACT that it has helped strengthen my immune system. I either take it in syrup form or powder form.
Note: A lot of people make their own Elderberry syrup, so if you’re collecting the flowers or berries yourself, ensure to correctly identify the plant as American or European elderberry - as other types may be more toxic. Be sure to remove any bark or leaves before use to avoid any dangers associated with its consumption. DO NOT eat uncooked Elderberries, but know that any toxic substances found in the berries can be safely removed by cooking.
Oil of Oregano has been used traditionally for respiratory health, but it can be used in different forms depending on your preference. This might come as a surprise, but oil of oregano is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. There’s so much to say about this VERY POWERFUL herb. Oil of Oregano can be used internally as an antiseptic and antifungal for mild indigestion. It can be used to heal mouth sores, as a mouthwash, for gum/teeth infections, helps fight infections, protects against harmful organisms, strengthens the immune system, helps with sinus congestion, treats itchy skin infections, digest and menstrual aid, is a source of essential ingredients, pain killer and even had cancer-fighting effects. In addition to that, it is is described as: anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti yeast, natural antibacterial, anti parasitic, antioxidant, emenagogue(stimulates blood flow in pelvic area and uterus), aids in indigestion and is an expectorant(thins and loosens mucus/makes breathing easier).
Oil of Oregano has personally helped me to relieve any possible beginning stages of a sore throat and has helped topically with skin issues. Last summer, I was diagnosed with 2 forms of noncancerous tumors on my back and when I didn’t know what was going on, I got the idea to dilute my Oil of Oregano and put it on my skin. By morning, I was surprised to see how much it had helped relieve my skin issues. Of course I still went to my dermatologist and got two biopsies, however when I wasn’t able to immediately see a doctor (due to COVID), it was Oil of Oregano that soothed my back.
To continue, Oil of Oregano can be taken in liquid form or capsules. I prefer to take it in liquid form as liquid absorbs quicker into the bloodstream compared to capsules. It is important to read the directions of how to use Oil of Oregano because the strength of this herb can vary. Oil of Oregano is known to have a really unpleasant taste(depending on the strength/percentage you buy), so I use it by dropping it UNDERNEATH my tongue and letting it settle for a few seconds, before drinking any water. I remember the first time I tried it, I placed it directly on my tongue and I wanted to immediately leave my body and pass out, sooooo….definitely take my word for it.
Irish Moss aka Sea Moss is a form of algae that has many purported benefits. It grows in many different locations, primarily between North America and Europe. Sea Moss is normally associated with the Caribbean and wildcrafting, but this doesn’t mean that the Sea Moss found in the Caribbean is THE only type that is good for you. Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica (big up the Motherland) are notable for starting up the Sea Moss movement again, after laying dormant since the Irish Potato Famine in the mid 1840s. There are different types of Sea Moss and there are differences based on the number of levels there are, the kind of water they grow in, the species of seaweed and many other factors. My favorite is Wildcrafted Jamaican Purple Sea Moss!
Now let's get into the benefits of Sea Moss and why you should start adding it into your routine. Sea Moss contains 92 minerals the human body needs and as mentioned before when speaking on Burdock Root and Bladderwrack, when Sea Moss is combined with those two, it’ll give you all 102 minerals. During the rise of COVID, Sea Moss was another herb that has become INCREDIBLY popular because it knowingly helps remove mucus. Within the last year, I’ve seen people hop on the bandwagon of Sea Moss and pretend as if they know what it is and most recently at Whole Foods, it is being sold as a “thickener” of soups….like girl, what? Sea Moss is Sea Moss, it isn’t Cornstarch…let's not gentrify it.
Sea Moss increases energy, removes mucus, oxygenates cells, improves nutrient absorption, strengthens bones, nourishes the skin/hair/nails, it reduces inflammation, is anti-aging, it is high in Zinc and other minerals that support reproductive functions and even increases your sex drive 👀👀
Some other benefits include: helps with anemia, improves mental health, helps with eczema/acne (I’m living proof, I’ve had eczema since I was born, now I RARELY have flare ups), reduces menstrual cramps/produces lighter periods (I never believed this, until it started working for me out of the blue), relieves joint point/muscle pain, relieves respiratory problems, reduces HBP, reduces high cholesterol and so much more. If you’re reading this and happen to be a HEAVY smoker, definitely look into starting to take Sea Moss because smoking is linked with having A LOT of mucus in the lungs.
Where to Buy
Ashwangdha can usually be found in your local health/herbal stores, online herbal stores, Etsy herbal sellers and in regular Vitamin supplement stores. Example online stores include: iHerb.com , shop.organicindiausa.com
Bladderwrack can be found in health/herbal stores, online herbal stores and from sellers on Etsy.
Burdock Root can also be found in health/herbal stores, online herbal stores and from sellers on Etsy.
Elderberry can be found in powder, liquid or in its natural berry form in health/herbal stories, online herbal stores and even from sellers on Etsy as well. Some Elderberry syrups contain Honey, so if you follow a Vegan lifestyle, I definitely recommend making your own Elderberry syrup or look for Elderberry syrup on the market that doesn't contain Honey - but don’t sweat it!
Oil of Oregano can be found in various places. I’ve seen them in local health/herbal stories, online herbal stores, Etsy sellers, your regular Vitamin supplement stores and even Amazon.
Sea Moss aka Irish Moss can be found in specific herbal/health stores(not all of them sell it, but I find that they are mainly in West Indian or Black-owned health stores), there are Etsy sellers sell Sea Moss as well and if you’re like me, you’re able to have it imported from the Caribbean. But, I tend to pick up mine from a local health store in Queens, NYC. There are small businesses who have also started their own selling of Sea Moss as well and it all comes down to research. I DO NOT recommend buying Sea Moss off of websites like Amazon because it isn’t guaranteed to be authentic Sea Moss and you don’t want to get yourself sick either.
All of these herbs are true game changers and I wouldn’t recommend them if they weren’t fulfilling my life in such a big way. I hope that I can encourage all of you reading to lean towards investing in adding these herbs to your home. Again, I’m really just one person and I’m far from a doctor, so it is important to additionally not only consult with your doctor, but to do your own research as well. I can’t wait to continue to speak more on the things that continue to help me in my Vegan journey and to touch on topics that I believe matter!
