Herbal Supplements: Herbs and Plants for Your Health

16 february 2022

For thousands of years, herbs have been traditionally used to support our physical health. We are familiar with Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices, where herbs play a significant role. In Europe too, we recognise the medicinal properties of various herbs. However, as Western medicine began to develop and penicillin (the first antibiotic) was discovered around 1930, herbal medicine receded into the background. Nevertheless, many medicines have been developed based on substances from different herbs. Despite the decline in herbal use over the past 100 years, they are still used daily worldwide. In this herbal dossier, we will discuss some of the most popular herbs used today to support health.

Turmeric

Turmeric is not only a delicious flavour enhancer but also has several positive properties that can benefit your body:

(Provisional) authorised health claims*

it promotes digestion
it contributes to flexible joints
it has a positive effect on the gallbladder and liver function

*Health claim awaiting approval by the European Commission

In supplements, turmeric is often labelled as curcumin. The bioavailability (the amount actually absorbed by the body) of curcumin is naturally low. This means that a large portion, approximately 40 to 80 percent, is excreted through the digestive tract. Fortunately, the development of turmeric supplementation is advancing rapidly, and there are now well-absorbed supplements available. By combining curcumin with black pepper in the form of black pepper extract, absorption is improved. The bioavailability is also enhanced by offering curcumin in lipid (fat-like substance) form. This involves using curcumin packaged in fat-like particles made from specially selected fats that naturally occur in our diet.

Rhodiola

The succulent plant Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic comes from the English word "to adapt," meaning to adjust. Adaptogens help the body and mind adapt to changes in the environment. It provides support during stressful circumstances and enhances endurance and muscle strength in athletes. In China, for example, the plant has traditionally been used by athletes.

(Provisional) authorised health claims*:

rhodiola provides support during stressful times/situations
rhodiola is beneficial for a good mental balance
rhodiola enhances endurance and muscle strength in athletes

* Health claim(s) awaiting approval by the European Commission.

Rhodiola Rosea has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine in various regions such as Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia, and Scandinavia, where the Vikings used the herb during their many raids. The herb thrives in cold places such as the Arctic and mountain ranges in Europe, as well as the Rocky Mountains and the mountains of Central Asia.

Scutellaria

Scutellaria baicalensis has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries due to its 'cooling' properties. It is especially popular during the spring when trees, grasses, and plants come into bloom.

Scutellaria has been used for centuries (over 2000 years) in traditional medicine. It is particularly popular in traditional Chinese medicine. Specifically, the root of the skullcap is used in traditional medicine. The root is dried and processed into a powder that can be easily ingested. The unique effects of Scutellaria stem from the various flavonoids contained in the root. Flavonoids are substances naturally found in plant-based foods that support health.

Echinacea

A well-known plant still widely used as a medicinal herb today is Echinacea. The herb is extremely versatile due to the many different active substances contained in the root and the above-ground parts. Echinacea is particularly suitable for short-term (a few days to weeks) support of the immune system.

The name Echinacea comes from the Latin "achnos," meaning '(sea) urchin,' which is derived from the Greek word 'echinos,' also meaning '(sea) urchin.' This name was given to the plant because of the prickly scales of the dried seed heads. Echinacea is a genus of plants with nine different species originating in the eastern part of North America. Three of these species are specifically used in herbal preparations: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, and Echinacea pallida. The most famous of these is perhaps Echinacea purpurea, also known as the Purple Coneflower.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda, India's traditional herbal medicine. Ashwagandha is (like Rhodiola) an adaptogenic herb and has a relaxing effect.

(Provisional) authorised health claims:*

Ashwagandha has an adaptogenic effect
Ashwagandha is beneficial for a good mental balance
Ashwagandha has a relaxing/calming effect

* Health claim awaiting approval by the European Commission.

Ashwagandha comes from Sanskrit, and the Latin name for Ashwagandha is Withania somnifera, with somnifera meaning something like sleep-inducing. The roots and also the leaves of Ashwagandha are used for their active substances. The main active substance is withanolide, which is a flavonoid. Flavonoids (as mentioned earlier) occur in plant-based foods such as herbs, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The leaves of the Ashwagandha herb also contain a substance called withaferin A. This substance is best avoided as it does not have a positive effect and can even negatively influence the efficacy of withanolide. It is therefore best to choose an Ashwagandha supplement that is free of withaferin A and contains an Ashwagandha extract, so you know exactly how much active substance is in each capsule.

Boswellia

Boswellia refers to the dried (gum) resin of the tropical tree Boswellia serrata. A lot of research has been conducted into the positive effects of boswellia. Boswellia contributes to:

the maintenance of flexible muscles and joints
a normal stomach function and bowel movement

This makes boswellia very suitable for use by seniors, for example, but of course, anyone can benefit from the advantages of boswellia. The positive outcomes of the research show that boswellia has been popular for centuries, and today this gum resin is gaining even more popularity, especially in the Western world.

Herbs and Medication Use

If you want to start using herbs but are already on medication, it is important to get well informed by your doctor, pharmacist, or therapist beforehand. Herbs can sometimes interact with regular medication. The Health Coaches at Vitaminstore are ready on the chat to provide advice on using herbs and plants in supplement form.

Written by: Noëlle van Seggelen