By: Maliyah Franklin M.S.

The Health Factory is introducing a new series called "Herbs and Their Uses: A-Z". This series will explore the many medicinal herbs available to us, from Alfalfa to Zucchini. We will discuss its various uses in herbal remedies and therapies, contents and nutrients, and parts of the herb used. This series aims to educate people about the benefits of using natural resources for health restoration, one herb at a time. Herbs are an important part of holistic wellness, and it's worth taking the time to understand each one's potential before selecting a remedy. This series aims to educate people about the benefits of using natural resources for health restoration, one herb at a time. We will be posting herbs beginning with the letter A and ending in Z every week from February 27th, 2023 onward for your convenience. In addition, we have compiled educational information starting today on how these plants can help improve specific concerns. We will discuss the following plants: Alfalfa, Aloe Vera, Anise, Astragalus. It is important to note that these herbs should only be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Alfalfa: Medicago Sativa

About

Alfalfa is a well-known legume product that has been used for a long time because of its high nutritional value (Medicago sativa). It is a perennial with tiny, delicate foliage that is frequently grown for fodder and as livestock feed. It tastes hay-like, bittersweet, and grassy. Proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients can all be found in great abundance in alfalfa. Because of its ability to fix nitrogen, which improves the health and fertility of the land, it is also a useful edible product. Various herbal products, including teas, tinctures, tablets, powders, and dried herbs, can be made from alfalfa.

Parts Used

• Flowers
• Leaves
• Petals
• Sprouts

Chemical and Nutrient Content

• Alkaloids
• Alpha-carotene
• Amino acids
• Beta-carotene
• B-complex vitamins
• Bioflavonoids
• Biotin
• Calcium
• Chlorophyll
• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Minerals
• Phosphorus
• Phytochemicals
• Phytoestrogen
• Potassium
• Protein
• Riboflavin
• Saponins
• Sodium
• Sterols
• Vitamins A, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E and K
• Zinc

Actions and Uses

Alfalfa detoxifies and alkalizes the body. It also, has diuretic effects, reduces inflammation, decreases cholesterol, regulates hormones, and supports pituitary system function. Antimicrobial substance is also present in the herb. Excellent for anemia, clotting issues, bone and joint issues, gut and stomach issues, skin issues, and ulcers. Alfalfa must be used in fresh, raw form to provide vitamins. Sprouts are especially effective. Given that alfalfa is a natural diuretic, it can also aid as a diuretic for dogs. Also, alfalfa is a natural anti-inflammatory which can aid in arthritis or joint pain. The herbs suffers from a variety of insect and disease pests, so efforts have been made to create varieties with the appropriate autumn dormancy and a wide genetic basis for pest resilience in order to improve adaptation, endurance, and production. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume alfalfa in any form. Also, individuals taking blood thinners or have a autoimmune disease should not consume alfalfa. Being that the alfalfa sprout contains an amino acid called L-canavanine can trigger inflammation with certain autoimmune diseases. Due to the herb having estrogenic effects, individuals with cancers such as breast, prostate, cervical or uterine cancer should not consume alfalfa. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before consuming any herbs for medicinal use.  

The proof for their use in treating medical conditions is limited, despite some studies on their alleged health advantages. Due to the impacts on the immune system and the presence of phytoestrogens in alfalfa, people with autoimmune diseases and tumors linked to hormones should exercise caution when consuming it. Alfalfa can also be combined with a wide range of drugs, hormones, herbs, and vitamins. It is important to note that for medicinal purposes, herbs should be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Aloe Vera: Aloe barbadensis

About

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a shrub with thick leaves that produces a substance that resembles gel. It has a soothing and cooling effect when applied to the epidermis. It is employed to treat cutaneous wounds and burns. It has been used for thousands of years because of its healing properties. It supports healthy hair and a good head in addition to being good for the face. Known for its healing properties, aloe vera is a fleshy, perennial plant that resists dehydration. Numerous industrial uses have made use of aloe vera's advantageous medicinal properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing qualities, it is frequently used in skincare products. You can also combine aloe vera with basil, chickweed, dandelion, echinacea, eucalyptus, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and Korean ginseng.

Parts Used

• Pulp from insides of succulent leaves

Chemical and Nutrient Content

• Aloe emodin
• Aloin
• Amino acids
• Anthraquinone
• Beta-carotene
• Beta-sitosterol
• Calcium
• Choline
• Enzymes
• Folate
• Glucose
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Phytochemicals
• Phytoestrogen
• Polysaccharides
• Potassium
• Protein
• Saponins
• Selenium
• Sodium
• Sterols
• Vitamin B2, B3,B6, B12, C, D, E, K
• Zinc

Actions and Uses

Applying aloe vera topically promotes cell regeneration, repairs burns and ulcers, and has astringent, emollient, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities. The plant is also beneficial for AIDS, dermatitis, and digestive problems. To nourish and repair dry, damaged hair, massage aloe vera into the skin and hair. Blood sugar levels are lowered, ulcers are treated, vertigo is treated, oxidative stress is decreased, diabetes is prevented, radiation side effects are healed, cancerous development is inhibited, hair growth is encouraged, and signs of acid reflux are soothed. These are also things aloe vera can aid in. It increases longevity, treats gum illnesses, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, enhances cardiovascular functions, and eases joint and muscular discomfort. 

Numerous advantageous effects of aloe vera have been reported, including its immunomodulatory, wound- and injury-healing, hypoglycemia, anticancer, gastro-protective, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The beneficial medicinal properties of aloe vera have been used in a number of commercial applications. Aloe vera juice's ingredients can offer a few health advantages. Aloe vera leaves contain the yellow-red substance beta-carotene. It has antioxidant properties that can promote eye health, including ocular and photoreceptor function. Antioxidants, which aid in the battle against free radicals, are plentiful in aloe vera leaves. Your body experiences less oxidative stress as a result, which decreases your chance of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

The results of current studies on the health advantages of aloe vera are conflicting, and some data even suggests that it may be carcinogenic to experimental animals. Aloe vera must be consumed as a nutrient or juice because it cannot be found in food. The plant comes in a variety of types, some of which are better to consume than others. Remember to consult with your healthcare providers before consuming any herbs for medicinal use. 

Anise: Pimpinella Anisum

About

As a health and wellness blogger, I must say that anise is one of the most versatile and popular herbs in the culinary world. Its distinct aroma and flavor make it a go-to ingredient for many dishes, but did you know that it is actually a fruit and not a seed? Aniseed is what we commonly refer to as the fruit of the anise plant. This herb has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties, including aiding digestion and relieving coughs. Moreover, it's a key ingredient in certain alcoholic beverages like Ouzo and Absinthe, as well as in seasonal treats like Pfefferneusse and Springerle. Overall, anise is not only tasty but also has some great health benefits!

Parts Used

• Essential oil
• Fruit
• Seeds

Chemical and Nutrient Content

• Alpha-pinene
• Anise Aldehyde
• Calcium
• Dianethole
• Essential oils
• Fatty acids
• Flavonoids
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Mucilage
• Phosphorus
• Phytoestrogen
• Potassium
• Proanethole
• Protein
• Sugar
• Vitamin A, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E
• Volatile oil
• Zinc

Action and Uses

Anise and its essential oil are used in traditional therapies for a variety of ailments, such as the treatment of skin infections, the relief of coughs, respiratory congestion, migraines, gastrointestinal distress, and colic, as well as for aphrodisiac and tranquilizer effects and to enhance lactation. The effectiveness of herbs for menopausal heat flashes, dysmenorrhea, and diabetes has been the subject of limited and early clinical studies. Additionally discovered were the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities of anise. Anise can be helpful because it aids in digestion, clears mucus from the airways, fights illness, and encourages milk production in breastfeeding moms. In addition, it helps with congestion and dyspepsia. Women who suffer from menopause may also benefit from anise seeds. Another use of anise herbs is in many popular products as a fragrance and flavoring. Anise is frequently used as a flavoring ingredient in a variety of foods and drinks and is regarded as safe when eaten in the quantities typically required.

Although the Romans were the first to consume anise seed cakes as a digestive aid after meals, anise has been used in cooking since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Anise is also used as a breath freshener and a customary digestive aid in India. Anise is simple to cultivate in gardens and acts as a natural pesticide. There is a long tradition of using anise and its essential oil in natural treatments for a range of health issues. 

For susceptible people, such as expectant and nursing mothers, infants, and those with weakened immune systems, care should be exercised when using greater doses of anise as a medicine. Tea made with anise is a popular beverage among those who think it can help with cold and respiratory symptoms.

Astragalus: Astragalus Membranaceus, Astragalus Propinquus

About

Astragalus, a widely used herb, is indigenous to northern China, Korea, and Mongolia. The herb can also be called huang qi. The root of this perennial plant, which grows to a height of about 3 feet, has been collected for use in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia for tens of thousands of years to fortify and defend the body against a wide range of illnesses. Although there are many Astragalus varieties, Astragalus membranaceus is the one that is most frequently used in medication. Astragalus root, an adaptogen, is a helpful aid in avoiding a wide range of ailments, both bodily and mental. The plant's dried root, which is used for medical purposes, is taken from grown plants. The herb should not be taken in the presence of a fever. Astragalus root can be found as a capsule, liquid extract, or tea. Some recommend boiling the astragalus directly into tea to release its active compounds. While there's no official recommendation for the most effective astragalus dosage, 9 to 30 grams per day is a typical dose. However, you should consult a doctor if you’re looking to use astragalus to supplement treatment for a medical condition, as some doses may be more effective than others. Additionally you can combine astragalus with burdock, cinnamon, dong quai, echinacea, ginger, and Korean ginseng.

Parts Used

• Root

Chemical and Nutrient Content 

• Amino acids
• Astragolosides
• Betaine
• B-sitosterol
• Calcium
• Choline
• Dimethoxy isoflavone
• Essential oil
• Flavonoids
• Folic acid
• Glucuronic acid
• Kumatakenin
• Sucrose
• Saponins
• Potassium
• Polysaccharides

Actions and Uses

Astragalus roots function as an immune system stimulant. Additionally, it aids in the function of the adrenal glands and digestion, boosts metabolism, causes involuntary sweating, encourages mending, and gives people energy to fight lethargy. Excellent for issues linked to immune deficiency, cancer tumors, and AIDS. Effective against persistent respiratory weakening. Even though there hasn't been much research on them, astragalus contains a number of active plant compounds that may be the reason for its possible health benefits, including strengthening the immune system and decreasing inflammation. Saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which are all active substances found in some plants, including some fruits and veggies, are the three components of astragalus that enable the plant to have such a beneficial effect on human health. Saponins have a reputation for lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system, and preventing cancer. Flavonoids, which support healthy cell communication and have health advantages, They exhibit antioxidant properties, manage and remove free radicals, and can guard against heart disease, cancer, and immunodeficiency viruses. Numerous health advantages of polysaccharides include their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Engage with Us