The first few months of 2022 is a time when many will be looking at ways to get themselves in tip-top shape, both physically and mentally. One way to do this is by introducing healing plants into one’s life. Below is Herbal Medicine Practitioner Jenya Di Pierro’s list of top seven plants that will help to keep you healthy and balanced in 2022.
Make no bones about it, nature is magnificent. Over that past year, we’ve highlighted how being outdoors can be a huge boost to both physical and mental wellness. However, not everyone has access to wide open green spaces and need to look at other ways to get into tip-top shape. One way is to introduce healing plants into one’s day-to-day life and for this guide, we got the advice of leading herbalist Jenya Di Pierro on which are the best ones.
Echinacea is the hero herb to relieve a wide range of infections. It’s antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal, has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and is particularly useful in cases when patients develop resistance to antibiotics. It’s an essential ingredient of my formulas for prevention and early onset of infections.
Rehmannia is an adaptogen from China I use for chronic fatigue, depletion and a wide range of autoimmune conditions. I always include it in my long covid preparations. In addition to improving energy levels, it reduces phlegm and increases lung energy, which is often the epicentre of covid and is strongly linked to fatigue, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath.
St John’s Wort (main image) is a wonderful mood-elevating herb. It reduces SAD during winter, relives neuralgic pain, is an effective natural anti-depressant and has powerful antiviral properties. The bright yellow flowers of this plant are an embodiment of sunshine and kindness. Look out for it in summer to make a beautiful infusion.
Schisandra is a liver herb believed in traditional Chinese medicine to balance all bodily systems. The liver is responsible for detoxification, hormone clearance and mood, and the place where we hold our emotions. Schisandra enhances glutathione production in the liver, stimulates glycogen and protein synthesis, and protects against liver cancer. It tastes lovely and is a perfect addition to the smoothie in the morning.
Ginkgo is one of the oldest trees on the planet; hence it is well known for its anti-ageing properties. However, nowadays, its most beneficial effects are linked to improved blood flow to the brain, clot, and stroke prevention. Therefore, it should be your go-to herb to prevent cardiovascular side effects from vaccination.
Wormwood
This is the most in-demand herb in my clinic right now, as our ability to digest has diminished significantly due to stress, infections, poor diet and toxins. Wormwood provides digestive support by stimulating the flow of hydrochloric acid and restoring beneficial microbial balance in the gut. If you suffer from excessive bloating, reflux, irregular stool, dysbiosis or SIBO, bitter infusion of wormwood should be part of your morning and evening routine.
Brahmi
Brahmi is a beautiful herb many of us can benefit from right now. It is one of the most sattvic herbs and has been used since Vedic times. In Ayurveda, sattvic foods are pure and balanced, offering feelings of calmness, happiness, and mental clarity.
Brahmi enhances brain function, improves memory and concentration, calms anxiety and increases resilience to stress. As we navigate through uncertainty, tension and turbulence, Brahmi is there for you to open your mind to new beginnings and possibilities that the change can bring.
About Jenya Di Pierro
Jenya is a qualified professional herbalist and a naturopath. She also founded Cloud Twelve, London’s leading wellness and lifestyle club. Jenya focuses on enabling the body’s self-healing mechanism through the power of plants and herbs. Her mission is to give people the option to use plants, feel their huge regenerative power, and see how calmer, happier, and more balanced they can be.
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