Throughout history, generations before us have made use of botanicals to help promote health and wellbeing. Botanicals are potent allies in restoring health and balance thanks to it's impressive adaptogenic properties.

The Basics: What Are Botanicals Exactly?

Simply put, they are botanical ingredients, or plant-derived ingredients made simply from plants. Botanicals include powerfully healing and nourishing plant extracts and oils derived from the fruit, roots, flowers, barks, leaves or seeds of plants. They've been shown to help with everything from stress to sleep, and may even give your immune system a helping hand!

It’s well known that plants are packed with hundreds of unique compounds that work in synergy with our bodies. If you’re looking to introduce botanical ingredients to your wellness routine, here are five botanicals that you won't want to miss out on.

Ashwagandha Root

The root of Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is one of the most treasured botanicals in traditional Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine.

There are more than 35 chemical constituents of ashwagandha that have been isolated and studied, including alkaloids, saponins and lactones (all thought to possess numerous therapeutic properties). The most researched active constituents are known as withanolides, and a range of research suggests that they may contain potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-stress properties - this may help explain ashwagandha’s adaptogenic abilities.

Many people praise Ashwagandha for its ability to help rejuvenate physical and mental wellbeing through its ability to help the body cope with daily stress.

A growing body of research suggests that this powerful herb may be effective in supporting the adrenal glands to reduce stress, as well as increasing energy levels and stamina, and also may even help strengthen the immune system by increasing the activity of disease-fighting immune cells to help ward off infections.

Turmeric Root

Turmeric root is derived from the flowering plant known as Curcuma longa, and the root has been celebrated for its potent botanical properties.

A lot of turmeric’s health properties are derived from the compound called curcumin. The compound, which gives turmeric its yellow colour, has been found to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help curb inflammation, protect joints from wear and tear and may even help support the gut!

It’s worth noting that turmeric isn’t easily absorbed in the gut. In fact, over 90% of it is excreted out of the body. To help boost the absorption of curcumin, I’d recommend pairing turmeric with black pepper. Some studies have found that black pepper can increase the absorption of curcumin by more than 2,000%.

Our Turmeric powder has been sourced organically from India, and the Turmeric capsules have been manufactured in the UK. Our product has gone through rigorous checks and has been thoroughly tested to acquire all necessary approvals to be certified Organic by the prestigious Soil Association.

Turmeric with Black Pepper & Ginger

Ginger Root

I’m a huge fan of this ancient super-root. Ginger is crammed full of nutrients and contains powerful medicinal properties – you’re really missing out if this root is absent from your diet.

Ginger is often used to relieve indigestion that is caused by the slow emptying of the stomach, as it’s believed to speed up the digestion process. It is also considered to help alleviate symptoms of colds by encouraging perspiration and may even help calm mild nausea and morning sickness.

Our superior supplement contains 1000mg of Apple Cider Vinegar plus added Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric and Ginger Root. Furthermore, our supplement comes with a 90 day supply. 

Apple Cider Vinegar with Pepper, Turmeric and Ginger

Elderberry

Elderberries are the fruit of the Sambucus tree and are well known for their immune nourishing antioxidant content (primarily made up of flavonoids).

This health-boosting botanical is known to help keep free radicals in check, and may also protect the immune system. It’s also high in vitamin C (great for the immune system) and research has demonstrated that elderberries carry antibacterial and antiviral activities that may help fight against nasty viruses and bacteria present in the body.

Our vegan Black Elderberry Complex supplement is suitable for men and women, and contains a number of minerals and vitamins to support the immune system. We have expertly chosen a blend of key ingredients to maximise the benefits of our supplement.

Black Elderberry Complex

Chamomile

This gentle herb belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is one of the most well-known medicinal plants around.

Chamomile has been found to be useful in improving sleep quality thanks to its calming effects on the nervous system. Scientific research suggests that chamomile may help support sleep due to its phytonutrient content, specifically a compound called apigenin. Apigenin attaches itself to specific brain receptors that boost sleepiness to help get in a good night’s sleep.

Research also suggests that chamomile may even help ease anxiety, promote a sense of calmness, and might even help with digestion.

Our Natural Night Complex has been formulated with carefully selected botanicals and minerals such as calming Lemon Balm and Chamomile; 5HTP and L-Theanine; and Magnesium, Vitamin B12 and Biotin.

Natural Night Complex

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Written by Riya Lakhani ANutr

Riya Lakhani ANutr is a registered nutritionist and health writer with a special interest in plant-based nutrition. She has completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, and has developed a passion for writing about all things plant-based.