Every year, I travel to spend the holidays with my family. The holidays are a special time of year filled with food, fun, conversation, and, of course, libations. It is a time to let go of the everyday stress of the year and to recharge your batteries. That said, it is the only time of the year that I overeat that much, indulge in excessively fatty foods and sugar, and drink too much alcohol. As a healthcare professional, I shouldn’t admit to that, but we all have to cut loose a little here and there. So now that the holiday is over, how do we recover from having too much fun? These four herbs will help you get back on track with your physical health for the rest of the year, so please read on.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is an herb that has over 2000 years of documented medicinal use in the Mediterranean region (1). It is a thorny plant with purple flowers and white-veined leaves. The active constituent in Milk Thistle that contains these healing properties is called Silymarin.
Silymarin has antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The biggest benefit of Milk Thistle, however, is its positive effects on the Liver. This herb increases bile production in the Liver (detoxification) and reduces markers of liver inflammation and damage (2, 3). In addition to this Silymarin moderates and potentially reverse changes associated with: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Poor diet), excess Alcohol intake, and it may increase beta cell function in type 2 Diabetes patients (4, 5, 6).
Propolis
Propolis is a product bees produce to seal openings in their hive. In addition to this, it creates a protective barrier against predators and also forms an antimicrobial environment inside the hive. This unique compound combines bee saliva, pollen, and resins from various trees. It is not a substance that is normally thought of as an herb, especially considering that it does not come from a plant, but it does have significant healing properties.
Due to its unique combination of different resins, Propolis has a very broad antimicrobial action (7). It is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. In terms of holiday eating, this herb will help to get your gut bacteria back into balance. Typically, with overconsumption of sugar, non-beneficial strains of bacteria and fungus begin to overpopulate the intestines. Propolis will kill off these harmful organisms and give healthy bacteria a chance to repopulate the intestines (8).
Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Gynostemma, known in Chinese as Jiaogulan, is an herb that is a member of the cucumber family. This herb became well known due to the Chinese census in the 1970s. Government officials were collecting data from different regions of China when they learned that people in a particular region of southern China regularly lived to 100 years of age. When officials interviewed people in this region, it was found that the villagers regularly drank Jiaogulan instead of green tea, hence its current popularity.
Modern research on this plant has shown that Jiaogulan has a hypoglycemic effect on blood sugar. In addition to this, it appears to increase insulin sensitivity (9,10). Jiaogulan also has liver protective effects and raises HDL Cholesterol while lowering LDL (11, 12, 13). With overdrinking and indulgence in fatty and sugary foods, this tea is an excellent herb to help with recovery post-holidays.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is an herb that grows in mountainous regions worldwide but especially in the Siberian region. It has a long history of use, and it is known in popular culture as Siberian Ginseng. However, it is not a member of the Ginseng family. It has earned this name due to its adaptogenic effects on the endocrine system.
Research shows that Rhodiola has a restorative effect on the endocrine system, helping to normalize endocrine function after periods of mental and emotional stress (14). Rhodiola is also known to have neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-depressive, and anti-fatigue properties. It also has a positive effect on cognitive function and mental performance (15). With all the stress that can come with the holidays, this herb is perfect for recovery from your vacation.
Holiday Conclusions
Holiday fun is followed by a new year to make positive changes to become a new you. Part of being able to make positive changes with New Year’s resolutions is feeling healthy and functioning optimally. These herbs will allow you to recover and feel your best as you enter the possibilities of a new year.
All herbs listed in this article are safe when used properly and within recommended dosages. Please research these herbs more thoroughly and consult a healthcare provider before taking any of these substances.
