Know Your 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.
Listed here are Vitamins A and B.


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 Vitamin 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. Any time you see "helps with carb. metabolism" that is a key to weight loss.


Herbs with Vitamin B1:

Alfalfa, Bladderwrack, Burdock Root, Catnip, Cayenne, Chamomile, Chickweed, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Hops, Nettle , Red Clover, Sage and 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. Consuming enough Riboflavin can prevent cataracts and birth defects.


Herbs with Vitamin B2:

Alfalfa, Bladderwrack, Burdock Root, Catnip, Cayenne, Chamomile, Chickweed, Dandelion, Eyebright, Fennel, Fenugreek, Ginseng, Hops, Nettle, Oat Straw, Parsley, Peppermint, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Rose Hips and Sage.


Vitamin B3:

Vitamin 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 Vitamin B3:

Alfalfa, Blue Cohosh, Burdock Root, Catnip, Cayenne, Chamomile, Chickweed, Eyebright, Fennel, Ginger, Hops, Licorice, Mullein, Nettle, Oat Straw, Parsley, Peppermint, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover and 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 Vitamin B5:

Black Cohosh, Catnip, Eyebright and Red clover.


Vitamin B6:

Pyridoxine is a very important nutrient. It helps to retrack the formation of homocysteine, a toxic chemical which attacks the heart muscle and causes cholesterol deposits around the heart. A lack of Vitamin 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 Vitamin B6:

Alfalfa, Catnip, Oat Straw, Hawthorn Berries and 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 Vitamin B12:

Alfalfa, Bladderwrack, Dandelion, Hawthorn Berries, Hops, Mullien and White Oak Bark.

Wisdom Emotion

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~ John Burroughs