Just Say No to Synthetic Vitamins and
Processed Foods!
by Cori Young
For some time now there has been a sort of gross
reductionism going on in the field of health and
nutrition. Part of it is due to the type of research
being done, and the way that it is interpreted
to serve the corporations sponsoring it. Specific
nutrients that are shown to be beneficial in clinical
studies are isolated, often in synthetic form,
and heralded as new weapon against cancer, heart
disease, old age, etc.
There
are some rather disturbing marketing trends going
on right now that are geared towards women and
children. Television and print advertisments show
smiling, athletic women racing from one place
to the next while nibbling on a "just for
women" candy bar that has been "fortified
with a bunch of synthetic vitamins and minerals
as well as a whole host of other artificial addditives
and preservatives.
Children have 'fortified juices, cereals, ceral
bars, and even flouridated 'nursery water'.
What these ad campaigns don't show is no matter
how fancy these products are dressed up and displayed,
they are still dead, processed foods that may
contain harmful ingredients like hydrogenated
oils, preservatives, and neurotoxins.
Even in the field of "alternative health"
we find this same sort of reductionism going on.
Herbal compounds are isolated, extracted and ingested
in inappropriate quantities, without the synergy
that the whole plant provides.
We've all heard the alarming research showing
that a specific herb has been found to be toxic
- comfrey, ephedra, kava, etc. Yet somehow Native
peoples managed to use these herbs very successfully
for many generations. Many of us still do. There
is something to be said for using plants and foods
in their whole forms and for cultivating a relationship
with the different energies offered by the plants
around us.
It's very hard to improve on a diet of wild foods
and herbs. Well-nourished bodies and minds enjoy
balnaced hormones and hearty immune systems.
Many of us commonly turn to herbs in times of
imbalance - but the use of herbs can also be a
wonderful preventative ally. Daily infusions of
nourishing herbs such as nettle, raspberry leaf,
oatstraw,and lemon balm are a wonderful way to
add extra nutrients to your diet.
I say we trade in the food labels showing the
isolated synthetic ingredients provided in the
de-natured, processed products for a diet rich
in wild foods and nourishing herbs.
Unlike synthetic pills, daily herbal infusions
provide essential nutrients in a highly assimilable
form.
Vitamins & minerals are abundant in many common
herbs:
~VITAMINS~
VITAMIN A Enhances immunity, prevents eye problems
and skin disorders. Important in bone and teeth
formation. Protects against colds and infection.
Slows aging process. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
borage leaves, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed,
eyebright, fennel seed, hops, horsetail, kelp,
lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika,
parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaves,
red clover, rose hips, sage, uva ursi, violet
leaves, watercress, yellow dock.
VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine) Promotes growth, improves
mental attitude, aids digestion, helps strengthen
nervous system and prevent stress. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, bladder wrack, burdock root, catnip,
cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel
seed, fenugreek, hops, nettle, oat straw, parsley,
peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose
hips, sage, yarrow, and yellow dock.
VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin) Needed for red blood cell
formation, aids growth and reproduction, promotes
hair, skin and nail growth. Important in the prevention
and treatment of cataracts. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
bladder wrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne,
chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed,
fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, mullein,
nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry
leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, yellow dock.
VITAMIN B3(Niacin) Essential for proper circulation
and healthy skin. Increases energy, aids digestion,
helps prevent migranes. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
eyebright, fennel seed, hops, licorice, mullein,
nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry
leaf, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm, yellow
dock.
VITAMIN B5 (Panothenic Acid) Enhances stamina,
prevents anemia, helps wounds heal, fights infection,
strengthens immune system. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
burdock root, nettle, yellow dock.
VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine) Needed to produce hydrochloric
acid. Aids in absorption of fats, and protein.
Mildly diuretic, helps prevent kidney stones.
Helpful in treating allergies, arthritis, and
asthma. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, catnip, oat straw.
VITAMIN B12 (cyanocobalamin) Helps prevent anemia.
Protects nervous system, improves concentration,
aids digestion. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, bladder
wrack, hops.
VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid) Helps calcium and iron
formation. Enhances immunity. Helps prevent cancer.
Aids in production of anti-stress hormones. Antioxidant
required for proper tissue growth and repair,
and adrenal gland function. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, fennel
seed, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, kelp, peppermint,
mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley,
pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover,
rose hips, skullcap, violet leaves, yarrow, yellow
dock.
VITAMIN D Essential for calcium and phosphorous
utilization. Prevents rickets. Needed for normal
growth of bones and teeth. Helps regulate heartbeat.
Prevents cancer and enhances immunity. Aids thyroid
function and blood clotting. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
horsetail, nettle, parsley.
VITAMIN E Antioxidant which helps prevent cancer
and heart disease. Prevents cell damage. Reduces
blood pressure and promotes healthy skin and hair.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, dandelion,
dong quai, flaxseed, nettle, oat straw, raspberry
leaf, rose hips.
VITAMIN K Promotes healthy liver function. Helps
bone formation and repair. Increases longevity.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, green tea, kelp, nettle,
oat straw, shepherds purse.
~MINERALS~
CALCIUM Builds and protects bones and teeth. Helps
maintain regular heartbeat. Prevents muscle cramping.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne,
chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, eyebright,
fennel seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, hops, horsetail,
kelp, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw,
paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry
leaf, red clover, rose hips, shepherd's purse,
violet leaves, yarrow, yellow dock.
CHROMIUM Vital in the synthesis of glucose and
the metabolism of cholesterol, fats and proteins.
Maintains blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
HERBAL SOURCES: Catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle,
oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam,
yarrow.
COPPER Converts iron to hemoglobin. Protects against
anemia. Needed for healthy bones and joints. HERBAL
SOURCES: Sheep sorrel.
GERMANIUM Helps fight pain, detoxify the body,
and keep immune system functioning properly. HERBAL
SOURCES: Aloe vera, comfrey, ginseng, suma.
IODINE Needed in trace amounts for a healthy thyroid
gland , and to help metabolize excess fat. HERBAL
SOURCES: Calendula, tarragon leaves, turkey rhubarb.
IRON Essential for metabolism, and the production
of hemoglobin. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock
root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, chicory,
dandelion, dong quai, eyebright, fennel seed,
fenugreek, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, licorice,
milk thistle seed, mullein, nettle, oatstraw,
paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry
leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, shepherd's purse,
uva ursi, yellow dock.
MAGNESIUM Prevents calcification of soft tissue.
Helps reduce and dissolve calcium phosphate kidney
stones. Helps prevent birth defects. Improves
cardiovascular system. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa,
bladder wrack, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
dandelion, eyebright, fennel, fenugreek, hops,
horsetail, lemongrass, licorice, mullein, nettle,
oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, raspberry
leaf, red clover, sage, shepherd's purse, yarrow,
yellow dock.
MANGANESE Minute quantities of this mineral are
needed for healthy nerves, blood sugar regulation,
normal bone growth, and thyroid hormone production.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip,
chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel
seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, lemongrass,
mullein, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf,
red clover, rose hip, wild yam, yarrow, yellow
dock.
MOLYBDENUM Small amounts of this mineral are required
for nitrogen metabolism. Supports bone growth,
and strengthens teeth. HERBAL SOURCES: Red clover
blossoms.
PHOSPHOROUS Needed for teeth and bone formation,
nerve impulse transfer, normal heart rhythm, and
kidney function.
HERBAL SOURCES: Burdock root, turkey rhubarb,
slippery elm bark.
POTASSIUM Regulates water balance, and muscle
function. Important for health nervous system
and regular heart rhythm. HERBAL SOURCES: Catnip,
hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover,
sage, skullcap.
SELENIUM Provides an important trace element for
prostrate gland in males. Protects immune system
and helps regulate thyroid hormones. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile,
chickweed, fennel seed, ginseng, garlic, hawthorn
berry, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, milk thistle
nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry
leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, uva ursi, yarrow,
yellow dock.
SULFUR This mineral helps skin and hair. Fights
bacterial infection. Aids liver function. Disinfects
blood. Protects against toxic substances. HERBAL
SOURCES: Horsetail.
VANADIUM Needed for cellular metabolism and formation
of bones and teeth. Improves insulin utilization.
HERBAL SOURCES: Dill.
ZINC Promotes growth and mental alertness. Accelerates
healing. Regulates oil glands. Promotes healthy
immune system, and healing of wounds. HERBAL SOURCES:
Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, milk
thistle, mullein, nettle, parsley, rose hips,
sage, sarsaparilla, skullcap, wild yam.
Nourishing Daily Brews
Daily infusions
of nourishing herbs such as nettle, raspberry
leaf, oatstraw,and lemon balm are a wonderful
way to add extra nutrients to your diet. Children
and toddlers can benefit from them as a healthy
alternative to sugary juice drinks. Herbs that
help tame stress and anxiety can also play a huge
part in keeping our systems in balance. A convenient
way to prepare your daily brews is to make them
in the evening and let them steep overnight. In
the morning you can strain out the plant material
and refrigerate your infusion if desired, or carry
it with you to drink throughout the day.
For permission to reprint this article,
contact us at: susunweed@herbshealing.com
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