Everyday Healing Plants.

From ashwaganda, to reishi, to berberine and beyond, there is always a new supplement someone is talking about. I am all for appropriate supplementation but there is medicine in the produce aisles too… and you can add them to your plate.

Here are a few medicinal herbs for everyday use:

PARSLEY— Let’s dive right in with parsley. Often found as a garnish on your plate at a steakhouse, or sprinkled over your dish at a swanky spot, it is easy to overlook parsley. Don’t be fooled… Parsley is actually quite medicinal.

A good source of potassium, consuming parsley may help the body better regulate water levels on a cellular level. On the flip side, parsley may also have diuretic properties. Feeling puffy and dehydrated after a long flight? Add parsley into your routine, ideally consuming it fresh, in a green juice, or smoothie. Parsley is also a good source of calcium and magnesium, alkaline minerals that promote healthy bones and an ideal blood pH, for overall well-being. 

In addition to being rich in antioxidants, parsley is popular amongst holistic health practitioners for its naturally detoxifying and blood-purifying properties, supporting healthy function of the bladder, kidneys, and liver and often recommended to naturally flush heavy metals from the blood. Parsley may also be helpful in eliminating harmful byproducts of meat consumption, like uric acid, which can create inflammation and pain. 

Here is the catch: Both the leaves and the stems can be used but I do not recommend munching on the stems. To use parsley: Simply separate the stems from the leaves and finely chop the leaves and toss in salads, or sprinkle over pastas and proteins. The stems are harder to digest. To enjoy their medicinal properties, you can blend the stems in a high-speed blender to add nutrients (and flavor) to dressings and marinades. By blending the stems, they become easier for the body to digest without discomfort. Blending also makes the nutrients in the stems easier for the body to absorb and assimilate. Not so much into marinades? Try juicing the stems with cucumber, peeled lemon and a green apple for a refreshing and nourishing lemonade. Add a little fresh ginger root for a tasty zing. 

CILANTRO— When I think of cilantro, the first (and only) thing that comes to mind is guacamole. However, unless you are genetically predisposed to the taste of cilantro, (yes, that’s totally a thing) cilantro is something to enjoy regularly for extraordinary well-being. Considered to have antibacterial properties, cilantro may bind to heavy metals in the body so they can be disposed of properly. A team of U.S. and Mexican researchers found that cilantro can leave “questionable water”— cleaner! Heavy metals can easily build up in our systems due to the equipment we cook with, including aluminum, as well as through the mercury we ingest with regular seafood consumption. If that is not enough of a reason to eat cilantro, is a good source of fiber, and has healing properties when both the stems and leaves are juiced with additional vegetables or added to a green smoothie. Cilantro leaves can be chopped and added to salads, vegetable dishes, and of course, guacamole, for an additional mineral beauty boost.

Basil— The pizza plant! Because what is pizza without fresh basil? Basil is so versatile that if you are not utilizing this herb regularly, you are truly missing out. Basil helps maintain skin health, boosts digestion and detoxifies the body. Basil helps fight oxidative stress via antioxidants and inflammation in the body— the root of all disease. 

Fresh basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese and Calcium. Kidney stones? Basil is an excellent tonic for the kidneys. I love basil in fresh salads, pastas, avocado toast, dressings, marinades and sandwiches.

Rosemary— If you are on TikTok, you may have stumbled across rosemary having a moment. That is because rosemary is an underused, under celebrated little herb that seems to be more commonly used around Thanksgiving in stuffing. Rosemary is gaining social media fame for its ability to stimulate hair growth but it is also an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can support the immune system, improve blood circulation and brain function. I personally do not use rosemary enough but you can still gain benefits and clean your space by diffusing essential rosemary oil in a diffuser. 

So before you heads to the supplement section, head over to the produce.

Or! Better yet, grow them at home.