Happy Herb Day: 5 Herbs You Should Know About

Ashwagandha is a perennial, short shrub that’s indigenous to India, as well as additional Asian countries, and parts of Africa. It has also been naturalized to southeastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Middle East. We also grow it on our own Regenerative Organic Certified® farms. Ashwagandha is in the Nightshade family, which means it’s related to Tomatoes, Potatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that’s traditionally used to promote a balanced response to stress. It also provides traditional support for vitality and calm energy. You can find it in our Herbs on the Go: Daily Calming Spray™, Herbs on the Go: Daily Stress Balance™, and Good Mood™. It’s also available in single herb form, as both Ashwagandha extract and Ashwagandha, Alcohol-Free.*

Traditionally, Kava is used as a ceremonial beverage, usually in a group. Indigenous communities in Vanuatu prepared Kava by chewing the roots, then mixing the pulp with water, and filtering it through coconut fiber.

Drinking Kava together is a way to help keep the peace. After all, Kava promotes relaxation, reduces stress and frustration, and provides support for mild, occasional anxiety. We offer Kava in a variety of formats and formulas. You can try Kava liquid herbal extract or Kava capsules. It’s also found in our Anxiety Soother™: Lavender, Anxiety Soother™: Holy Basil, Anxiety Soother™: Orange, and Herbs on the Go: Anxious Moment™.*

The first recorded use of Mullein was in ancient Greece, but it was also widely used in Native American herbalism. Mullein has the common names Aaron’s Rod, Flannel Leaf, and Bunny Ears. The leaves of this plant are so soft, you can see where the last two names come from!

We offer a few different Mullein products at Herb Pharm. Our Mullein Blend is traditionally used to support the respiratory system. It’s also traditionally used as a soothing lung expectorant. We also have Kids Cough Crusader™, which offers traditional support for the respiratory system as well.*

And for those who are interested in topicals, Mullein is an ingredient in our Herb Pharm Original Salve™ , Mullein Garlic Oil, and Kids Mullein Garlic Oil.

Rhodiola looks like a succulent, has humble flowers, and grows low to the ground. The power of Rhodiola is truly in its strong roots. Those roots, which have a lovely Rose aroma, are the plant part that’s used in herbalism. However, at one time, people also ate the raw or cooked young leaves and shoots of Rhodiola. Rhodiola stems were also cooked like Asparagus! 

In herbalism, you might use Rhodiola to promote energy, endurance, and stamina. It’s an energizing adaptogen that also promotes a balanced stress response. You’ll find Rhodiola in products like Herbs on the Go: Daily Stress Balance™, Herbs on the Go: Everyday Focus™, Stress Manager™,  and both Rhodiola extract and Rhodiola, Alcohol-Free.*

Valerian is native to Europe and Asia, but it’s now been naturalized in North America as well. It can typically be found in meadows, scrubs, and woods. Indigenous people throughout the northern United States and Canada have used local Valerian species in diverse ways. These include: as food, in charms, in herbalism for people and horses, as a smoked plant, for incense, and in ceremonies. It’s also worth noting that cats are attracted to Valerian just like Catnip!

In terms of benefits, Valerian is a great herb to enjoy at the end of the day. It promotes relaxation and restful sleep. Valerian can be found in our Relaxing Sleep™ formula, and we offer it as a single herb in our Valerian extract and Valerian, Alcohol-Free.*