Ancient Herbs and Their Role in Modern Wellness Trends

Around the early 20th century, conventional medicine became the first port of call for millions seeking treatment for the simplest ailments. However, that has since changed as more people rediscover the healing magic of ancient herbs.

So popular are traditional herbs that the global herbal industry is worth billions of dollars, with the sector poised to register astronomical growth in the near future.

However, alternative herbs aren’t made equal. It’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the therapeutic benefits of each medicinal plant before adding it to your wellness regimen.

We’ve compiled a list of the most potent ancient herbs and their role in modern wellness trends.

1. Kratom and Pain Relief

Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia noted for its opioid-like effects. Although the plant has received widespread attention in the Western world more recently, locals in its native range have been chewing or smoking its leaves from at least the 19^th century to remedy pain.

Emerging research indicates that kratom may attenuate body aches by increasing pain tolerance. Much of the plant’s therapeutic properties are due to its interactions with various opioid receptors in the brain.

However, we should point out that kratom also contains mild stimulant abilities. As such, access to the herb is criminalized or restricted in several jurisdictions worldwide.

For Canadians, it’s reassuring to know that kratom is legal throughout the country. You can sell and distribute kratom legal in canada, provided the products’ labels are free from definitive medical claims.

2. Sunflower for Inflammation

Whenever you stumble upon health forums discussing the adverse effects of saturated fats, you’ll also find anecdotes recommending unsaturated options like sunflower oil.

Sunflower oil is notably high in oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat), linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated fat), and vitamin E. All three compounds are renowned antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin E-rich herbal extracts like sunflower oil may alleviate inflammation by suppressing cytokine production.

Sunflower oil’s ability to combat inflammatory parameters might explain why humans have used it since at least 3000 B.C.

3. Cannabis and the Munchies

Marijuana has traditionally been associated with the munchies. However, it was not until recently that researchers discovered how the herb – which enjoys a history of human use spanning over 12000 years – may stimulate appetite.

It turns out that cannabis contains over 100 naturally occurring therapeutic compounds known as cannabinoids. The two most common ones are the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non-psychoactive substance cannabidiol (CBD).

THC stimulates the munchies by inducing the release of ghrelin, the hormone that regulates hunger sensations. When used alongside CBD, THC may also regulate appetite, guarding against overeating.

4. Chamomile for Mental Relaxation

Chamomile is another centuries-old plant whose popularity has rebounded in the recent past, and understandably so.

Millions worldwide consume chamomile tea for various therapeutic benefits. The herb is widely regarded as a tranquilizer, inducing sedation after a long and stressful day in the office.

The flavonoid apigenin accounts for chamomile’s anxiolytic properties. When consumed, this compound promotes relaxation by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.

One intriguing fact about chamomile is that its effects are non-dependent on the formulation. Various experiments have shown that the plant is nearly as powerful when administered in aromatherapies and massage oils as when ingested.

5. Lavender and Sleep Deprivation

People have historically administered lavender to relieve sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Insomniacs typically stuffed their pillows with lavender flowers not only to shorten their sleep latency but also to extend their sleep duration.

Lavender’s age-old sleep-aiding benefits were exemplified in archaeological findings dating back over 2500 years ago, which uncovered traces of the herb in ancient Egyptian tombs. Today, the plant’s extracts are a staple ingredient in topicals and deodorants. A systematic review of 15 studies found that inhaling lavender essential oil could address sleep disturbances, lending credence to the herb’s anecdotal sleep-aiding claims.

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Sophia Bennett

Author at Ecigator

Sophia Bennett has dedicated her career to monitoring and analyzing the regulatory landscape and news within the vape industry. With a keen eye for the evolving policies that shape this dynamic market, Sophia brings a critical perspective to her commentary and reports.

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