by Melissa Chichester
Whether it’s a flowering hydrangea or a cottonwood tree towering above, or the uniquely shaped leaves of the ginkgo tree, these plants are a feast for the eye. And in the roots, leaves, seeds, stalks, and flowers of many shrubs, flowers, and trees are nutritional benefits we humans can take advantage of when they’re prepared correctly.
Many plants are useful as nutritional supplements. Here are some nourishing herbs for men and women – some you might know already, and others might come as a surprise!
Saw palmetto: Saw Palmetto is one of the most popular herbs for men. Native to the Southeastern United States, the saw palmetto plant was prized by Native Americans. Saw palmetto extracts support urinary function in mature men.* It is traditionally used to support prostate health.*
>>Shop all saw palmetto supplements
Tribulus Terrestris: This herb is native to Asia and is an annual plant, flourishing in the summer months. As a supplement, our Tribulus Terrestris is lab-tested for 40% saponins per serving. Tribulus Terrestris is also popular with bodybuilders.
Puritan’s Pride Men’s Vitality with Testofen® contains Tribulus Terrestris. This supplement supports sexual health in men.* It also improves sexual energy and men’s libido.*
Yohimbe: Yohimbe is an evergreen tree found in western and central Africa. It is primarily used for its bark, which contains a compound called yohimbine.
Maca: Maca is a Peruvian herb that grows high in the Andes Mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable related to kitchen staples broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Maca can be used in capsule form or as a powder in smoothies, and it has a nutty taste.
Korean ginseng: Korean ginseng grows in eastern Russia, China, and Korea. It is known for its ability to support sugar and carbohydrate metabolism.* It contains bioactive factors that play a role in well-being, including ginsenosides and flavonoids.* It also provides immune support.*
Black cohosh: Black cohosh is an herb native to North America and part of the buttercup family. Black cohosh has been traditionally used to help support the physical changes that occur in a woman’s body over time.* This includes use for menopause support.*
Red clover blossom: Red clover blossom is a source of plant nutrients that help promote well-being for women.* Interestingly, it is part of the legume family and grows wild in meadows in Europe, Asia, and North America. Native Americans used the leaves for food, and the red flowers are often dried for teas.
Evening primrose: Evening primrose oil is a flowering plant traditionally used by Native Americans for food and health. It is known as evening primrose because the flowers open very quickly at night and only last until around noon during the day.
Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). It supports healthy skin and has been used to provide nutritional support for women.*
Pycnogenol® is the trade name for pine bark extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine trees. Clinically studied for more than a decade, it may support perimenopausal health.*
These are only some of the abundant plants in the world that contain nutritional benefits. As you can see, there is something for everyone. Always speak to your healthcare practitioner before adding new supplements to your routine.
