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This Is How To Choose the Right Herbs for Your Body and Its Needs, According to an Herbalist

Saanya Ali

October 5, 2021

Consider this your 201-level guide to all the various leaves, seeds, powders, and potions that get so much buzz in the wellness scene—then discover how to actually incorporate them into your life. So whether you want to power up your smoothie with natural supplements, or you're just wondering how to use the cacao powder sitting in your pantry, you'll get the intel you need here. See All

With so many herbs, remedies, and supplements on the market, all with different and numerable benefits, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to creating the right routine for your body and its specific needs. So often patients ask herbalists to tell them "what they need" without asking themselves big questions first. On the latest episode of Plant-Based, herbalist Rachelle Robinett discusses what questions to ask yourself in order to find the best herbal routine for your body and mind.

Experts In This Article

Rachelle Robinett, registered herbalist, educator, and founder of Supernatural

Some of the most common challenges that Robinett sees are digestion and gut health woes, sleep and energy problems, brain health struggles when it comes to mood regulation, stress, and anxiety, general wellness, and hormone imbalances. To start, it's important to understand that there's no one size fits all herbal solution for everyone. It's vital to look at your life and reflect on what support your body, brain, and lifestyle are craving. Do you need help with a specific ailment or a more preventative practice? Both are so important, explains Robinett.

Next, you have to think about what is realistic for you. What sorts of herbs will you actually stick to? How often? When? In what form? Everyone's daily routine is different, so check in with yourself to see what you can commit to, since these remedies work most efficaciously when taken regularly, and there are so many options to choose from—a few big capsules, more smaller capsules, teas, additions to your morning diet, changes to your nighttime routine, etc.

Finally, what do you have around you? See what is available in your area and what role your climate, geography, and environment have in your ailments or concerns. Herbs don't only work if they are ingested. Sometimes it can be helpful to see more herbs or green around you in the form of a house plant, more time outside, lifestyle or diet changes, or more sensory in the form of essential oils. Watch the full episode to learn more about Robinett's opinions as a registered herbalist, but be sure to check in with your physician before starting any new supplements.

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