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The Best Herbs for Health & Longevity

In today's world of stress, poor dietary choices, and lack of physical activity, it's becoming more challenging to live a healthy lifestyle.

People have been gravitating to herbal remedies for chronic pain, nutrition, and longevity in recent years. Perhaps this is because natural herbs are more favorably received than artificial man-made drugs.

If you're interested in taking natural herbs for health, you've come to the right place. We have created a list of the top herbs for health and longevity to improve your body's performance.

What Are Natural Herbs?

Natural herbs are derived from botanicals and plants and are typically used for health-related purposes. For example, many herbal medicines, supplements, and teas are marketed to help mood regulation, reduce stomach pain, and fight illnesses.

However, just because these herbs are derived from nature does not mean they don't come with some risks. Some herbs can cause you to become sick and have unpleasant side effects, especially when mixed with other prescription drugs.

As a rule of thumb, do your research, consult your doctor, and evaluate the current medications that you're taking to avoid taking supplements that may aggravate illness and leave you with negative side effects.

Are Healthy Herbs Better Than Man-Made Drugs?

Whether herbs or man-made drugs are better for you depends on who you ask, your unique health, and the types of drugs and herbs you're talking about. 

Many people have the false notion that, because something is natural, it's safer and just as effective as other drugs. This is not always the case.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the ingredients in herbal supplements may present the same dangers as pharmacologically active compounds. So, just because something is closely plant-related doesn't mean it's safer.  

Below you can find a list of good health herbs for longevity. Let's dive in! 

1. Hops Flower

Hops are related to the cannabis plant, and the hops flower is known for its calming abilities in helping to reduce anxiety and create a relaxing sensation. Studies show that it has a sedative effect and can promote more restful sleep.

Hop flowers can be found in teas, beers, and capsule forms. Hops are possibly helpful for improving sleep along with some other benefits such as:

  • Stress
  • Pain relief
  • Reduced hair loss
  • Weight loss

2. Valerian

The valerian plant is native to Europe and Asia. It's also known for its calming properties and is believed to help reduce insomnia symptoms or occasional sleeplessness.

Some studies have also suggested that valerian plants may be beneficial for reducing the negative effects of PMS and menopause in some people.

Some of valerian's other potential benefits include:

  • Reduced anxiety
  • Improved OCD symptoms
  • Decreased bloating

Valerian can come in the form of capsules, teas, and tablets.

3. GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the brain, is commonly sold as a supplement, and is also available to the body when you eat certain foods, such as:

  • Seafood
  • Lentils (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, etc.)
  • Brown rice
  • Broccoli
  • Bananas
  • Tree nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.)
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, cabbage, etc.)
  • Yogurt
  • Soy

This amino acid carries messages from one nerve cell to another to help regulate brain activity, support a healthy sleep cycle, manage stress, and maintain good blood pressure.

Increasing the GABA in your body by eating certain foods or taking supplements may help you maintain a healthy body weight and build lean muscle. 

While GABA supplements have worked wonders for many people, more research is needed to test the effectiveness of GABA supplements and support these claims.

4. White Willow Bark

As its name suggests, this herbal ingredient is derived from the bark of willow trees.

The bark contains a chemical called salicin, which functions similarly to aspirin. Some studies say white willow bark helps relieve pain and reduce fevers and inflammation.

White willow bark supplements may also help with the following:

  • Flu
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Fever
  • Arthritis
  • Weight loss
  • Joint pain

As always, check with your family physician before consuming this supplement, as it may not mix well with other prescription drugs.

5. Lavender Flowers

Lavender essence is common in hygiene and home products, and for good reason -- its smell has a calming effect on the body and mind.

Lavender can be consumed as a capsule or as a herbal tea. Lavender plants are considered good health herbs because of their ability to soothe and calm the mind and body.

It's also known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Although claims that lavender can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain have been made, there isn't enough research to back them up.

Some other potential advantages of lavender include the following:

  • Softer, smoother skin
  • Soothe muscle aches and pains
  • Lower high blood pressure
  • Reduce hair loss

Lavender oil is also used for aromatherapy by rubbing it on your temples or wrists. You could also use a scent diffuser to allow the scent to waft through the air. It's also great for adding to bubble baths for a restful bedtime regimen.

6. Frankincense

Frankincense resin comes from certain species of trees and has been used for various purposes throughout history. Many people enjoy the fragrance emitted by it and use it as perfume.

Some scientists claim that frankincense has medicinal properties, including:

  • Improves gut function
  • Produce anticancer effects
  • Reduces symptoms of asthma
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Prevent gum disease

Of course, there's more research underway to help learn more about these healthy herbs and their side effects.

7. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms grow in Asia in hot, humid conditions. They are said to be good health herbs and have several benefits, including:

  • Reduce fatigue
  • Relieve depression symptoms
  • Improve heart health
  • Aid in blood sugar control
  • Strengthen the immune system

If you are allergic to mushrooms, you should avoid taking any Reishi supplements to prevent allergic reactions. If you're unsure, it's essential to speak to your healthcare provider.

8. Mint Leaves

Mint has been used for many centuries to aid in health and wellness. It's one of the most well-known healthy herbs because it has many benefits.

Mint has been used for:

  • Reducing congestion
  • Improving symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Relieving indigestion
  • Soothing sore throat symptoms
  • Providing antibacterial effects
  • Strengthening brain function
  • Easing pain associated with breastfeeding
  • Lessening headache pain
  • Aiding weight loss efforts

Mint comes in many different forms, including teas, powders, capsules, rinses, and oils. 

9. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. This evergreen shrub continues to be seen as one of the good health herbs for treating various ailments.

This healthy herb is known to:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Relieve insomnia and occasional sleeplessness
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Reduce stress and produce a sense of calmness

Of course, more research needs to be conducted on these healthy herbs to understand their other benefits better.

10. Hemp Extract

Hemp, also known as a variety of cannabis, has recently increased in popularity across the United States. Researchers are delving in to discover their benefits as herbs for health purposes.

As regulations surrounding cannabis loosen up, we may begin to see more information about the plant and its benefits for human health and well-being.

Hemp is typically used to:

  • Alleviate PMS symptoms
  • Relieve asthma
  • Improve digestion
  • Reduce anxiety and stress
  • Increase appetite
  • Improve blood circulation

How to Ensure Herbal Supplements are Safe and Effective

Because the FDA does not strictly monitor herbal supplements, you must research them.

You should ensure that the supplement is safe and that its effects on your body support your unique health – everyone's different, and everyone reacts differently to medicines, even if they're popular healthy herbs.

Here are some practical tips to help you select the best herbal supplements:

1. Check Advisories and Alerts

The FDA regularly updates a list of questionable supplements reported to have adverse effects. These supplements are under FDA regulatory review and can be found on their website. You can also report if you have experienced certain effects.

Before consuming new supplements or drugs, you should thoroughly research the product, talk to your doctor, and choose the right herbs for you.

2. Select a Trusted Brand

Choose brands that have research to back up their claims. Read customer reviews to see what other people are saying about the brand. The internet is your friend, so always research companies before buying their products.

3. Thoroughly Examine Ingredients

Read and understand all the ingredients listed on the label. If there's one you're uncertain about, do research on it and consult your doctor before consuming the supplement. 

Choose The Right Supplement For You: Shop MDbio Today!

MDbio was founded by four renowned medical doctors. Our goal was to provide therapeutic, healthier alternatives to harsh drugs. Weoffer 4 types of softgel capsules made with the healthy herbs listed above. 

Our products include MDsleep, MDcalm, MDrelief, and MDimmune+. These natural medicines are made using the safest standards and are rigorously tested. The right one for you depends on your needs and the relief you're searching for!

Meet the Doctors

Babak Larian, MD, FACS

Dr. Babak Larian, Clinical Chief at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is a renowned expert in minimally invasive head and neck surgery. Board-certified and active in global medical missions, he also oversees surgical operations at the La Peer Surgery Center and PathMD pathology laboratories.

Dr. Kiarash Michel, MD

Dr. Kia Michel, a globally acclaimed Urological Oncological Surgeon, founded the Comprehensive Urology Medical Group in Los Angeles, known for his expertise in robotic and minimally invasive therapies. Alongside his medical achievements, he contributes to businesses like La Peer Surgery Center, finding joy in nature and bringing smiles to loved ones.

Kamran Jamshidinia, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Jamshidinia, a certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, founded Tower Foot & Ankle Surgery and co-founded successful enterprises, including La Peer Health Systems. His involvement in medical research and the cannabinoid medicine market, highlights his multifaceted contributions to the field.

Siamak Tabib, MD

Dr. Siamak Tabib, a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills, holds a medical degree from UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA.

He actively contributes to research in digestive diseases, co- founding healthcare entities and advocating for adaptive sports opportunities through his advisory role at Angel City Sports.

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