Traditional Herbs for Good Health The Great 8

There are many beneficial herbs readily available in health and natural food stores in the U.S. and Canada. Some can be found in raw herb form, while others are available as supplements or herbal teas. Others are blended in combination to work synergistically to promote natural detoxification, immune and digestive health, and to support alternative therapies for a variety of health issues. The following herbs, sometimes referred to as The Great 8 have been traditionally used by the aboriginal peoples of North America. Today, they are often recommended by naturopaths and other health care practitioners:

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) is a cleansing antioxidant that promotes a strong immune system, stimulates good digestion and supports all the elimination pathways of the body. Active ingredients include inulin, calcium, iron, potassium, tannin, mucilage, flavonoids and essential oils. The bitter properties of this herb are important for liver detox and function. Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra) supports the skin, the kidneys and urinary and respiratory systems in their natural elimination processes. It is used to soothe inflammatory irritations and minor gastrointestinal ailments by absorbing toxins from the bowels. It also soothes the digestive tract because of its mucilage content, and it alkalizes the body by balancing pH in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Burdock Root

Slippery Elm Bark

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is an antioxidant with specialized flavonoids that promote healthy cell proliferation and help the immune system suppress harmful bacteria and other invasive microbes. It supports the kidneys as well as the urinary systems. It is also used for bronchitis and for expelling phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract.

Red Clover

Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is used as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and laxative. It promotes tissue oxygenation and is a bile stimulant. This herb contains many vitamins and minerals, and functions as an antioxidant that promotes the growth of powerful immune responders known as killer T-cells.

Sheep Sorrel

Turkish Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmatum) provides detoxification support to the digestive system, colon, liver and blood. It also helps minimize the risk of abnormal cell division by impeding the proliferation of harmful micro-organisms. Mineral content includes calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and selenium as well as vitamins B, C and E.

Turkish Rhubarb

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) helps alleviate indigestion and headaches caused by liver congestion. It has long been used for jaundice and hepatitis. Used as a digestive tonic and a diaphoretic to support skin detoxification, this thorny plant contains B-complex vitamins as well as calcium, iron and manganese.

Blessed Thistle

Kelp (Laminaria digitata) is a mineral-rich seaweed that promotes healthy bowels and proper immune function. It contains alginates that help remove heavy metal contaminants from the body, cleansing and soothing the intestines. High in vitamin content, kelp also contains more than two dozen important minerals as well as proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.

Kelp

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a rich source of chlorophyll, vitamins A and C, antioxidants and many minerals. Traditionally used for its detoxifying and restorative properties, it contains indoles, which deactivate and eliminate excess estrogen from the body. Watercress also contains vitamins A, B6 and C, and is rich in iron, copper, calcium, manganese and carotenes.

Watercress

Your naturopath or local health food store can provide you with more details on these potent natural medicines that have stood the test of time.

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