Nutritive herbs are an herbal category of herbs that help the body to function optimally. They contain nutrients and vitamins in significant amounts. Including nutritive herbs in a person’s diet can help increase overall health and wellness. In this blog we will learn about the nature of nutritive herbs and give examples of some nutrient dense herbs.

Weeds Can Be Nutritive Herbs?

Picture this! A little girl, armed with a special fork, was eagerly digging up weeds in her grandmother’s yard to earn some spending money. These weeds were bright yellow that eventually became puff balls that were fun to blow and watch the seeds float away in the breeze. I bet you can guess who the little girl was- me. Did you guess the plant? The plant was Dandelion. When I started studying herbalism, I learned that the little yellow flower that grew as weeds around my grandmother’s yard was a nutritive herb that could be consumed for culinary and therapeutic purposes. Let’s see what we can learn about nutritive herbs. 

What Do Nutritive Herbs Contain?

Nutrient content in the soil and water varies depending on the environment and geographical location the herbs are grown in. This affects the nutrition contained in the nutritive herbs. 

Many nutritive herbs contain vitamins A, B, C, and E. 

The minerals in nutritive herbs include iron, magnesium, and potassium.

These vitamins and nutrients may help the body by reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, providing antioxidant effects, and relaxing the body. 

Nutritive Herbs to Consider 

Basil, Ocimum basilicum: Basil is a nutritive herb that is used as a kitchen spice that contains vitamin K and minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Research shows that it may support digestion, help reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health. This kitchen herb can be enjoyed in pasta, in pesto sauce, and on pizza. 

Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum: It is the leaves of the coriander plant that are used in cooking and as a nutritive herb that supports health. The leaves contain vitamins A, C, and K and the minerals copper and potassium. The seeds contain the same vitamins, and the minerals magnesium and zinc. 

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale: The nutritive herb I mentioned above has vitamins A, B, C, and minerals like iron, potassium and zinc. It is a bitter herb that may support liver health and digestion. It can be used in dishes like salads, sandwiches, and sauteed with butter and garlic.  

Nettle, Urtica dioica: Nettle is a nutritive herb is I use daily. It is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, some B, C, and K; minerals, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Research has shown that nettle may benefit seasonal allergies and reduce inflammation though its anti-inflammatory properties.

Mint Family Nutritive Herbs

Many of the plants in the Lamiaceae family are nutrient rich. I have grown each of the following nutritive herbs in my garden and often enjoy them in food and as teas. 

Oregano, Origanum vulgare: Oregano is a common Mediterranean herb that many people have in their spice cabinet and used fresh or dried in salad dressings and sauces. Basil oil can be found in healing salves. Oregano has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is rich in antioxidants, quercetin, and zinc.

Peppermint, Mentha x piperita: Peppermint is a nutritive herb that is known for its simultaneous cooling and warming effects. It may be enjoyed as a tea or in a wide range of desserts, like candy, chocolate, and beverages. Peppermint leaves have potassium and antioxidants. Clinical studies have shown that it may improve digestion when consumed after a heavy meal. I may also improve concentration and cognition.

Sage, Salvia officinalis: Sage is a nutritive herb everyone thinks of as a Thanksgiving stuffing herb. It may support digestion, so you can see why it might have found its way into a Thanksgiving meal. The sage leave has potassium and B3, niacin, in it. 

Spearmint, Mentha spicata: Spearmint is a nutritive herb that is popular in toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum. It also makes a great tea. Its leaves have copper, magnesium, potassium, and volatile oils that are beneficial to the body. 

Action Step

All the above-mentioned nutritive herbs provide body support for good health. Consider adding nutritive herbs to your diet after verifying that they are a good choice for you. Please reach out to me if I can help you determine a good match for you. 

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. What experience do you have with using nutritive herbs?