Panax ginseng is perhaps one of the most studied medicinal herbs in the world — and might be one of the most widely used. It’s used to promote a sense of well-being and endurance, as an anti-depressant, for memory and calmness, for energy (it’s one of the ingredients in most energy drinks)… and even as an aphrodisiac!
Rhodiola, also called “golden root” — is used mostly to treat stress, depression and fatigue, and is also believed to increase mental performance. Its popularity is growing, in large part because of what an incredibly versatile and relatively inexpensive herb it is.
Holy Basil comes from the lowlands of India. It’s called “holy” because it is believed by Hindus to be the avatar for the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealthy, wisdom, and light. Holy Basil has a wide variety of uses, stemming back thousands of years. Within the tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to alleviate stress, headaches, colds, digestive problems and inflammation. Recent studies have also shown that it’s also a powerful antioxidant and may even be able to reduce blood glucose levels and cholesterol.
Ashwagandha is one of the premier restorative herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps stabilize mood and supports optimal physical and emotional well-being. It is known to improve memory, focus and endurance and is believed to reduce the effects of stress on the body.
Schizandra berries promote liver function, support the immune system, relieve anxiety, increase energy, and can improve mental clarity. It’s sometimes called the “five flavors berry,” because it tastes sour, bitter, sweet, salty and acrid all at once.
Reishi Mushroom is used to “calm the spirit.” Reishi, (literally “supernatural” mushrooms) have been used for more than 2,000 years, making them perhaps the oldest mushroom to be used medicinally. They can be helpful to reduce anxiety, alleviate insomnia, combat fatigue, and lower blood pressure.