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Herbs For Body Growth and Fitness-Offering mind-body Nutrition
Remaining healthy implies being fit. It also means attaining of proper growth of body and parts of body particularly in case of children and growing persons. This can be achieved only if proper nutrition is obtained i.e. adequate portions of the different nutrients are taken in from foodstuff consumed. Alongside, of course, it must be ensured that a suitable exercise regimen is adhered to and no debilitating conditions arise. Herbs, the gifts of nature, can be resorted to for meeting the purpose of obtaining good nutrition as well as for preventing the onset of debilitating conditions, illnesses etc.
There are several herbs that contain the various nutrients needed by the body in sufficient amounts. Indeed, the herbs are rich reserves of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Besides, they also have the property of acting as curatives to various ailments. Intake of herbs in a judicious manner can well supply the ingredients for bringing fitness and ensuring optimum body growth and functioning. We obtain most of our carbohydrate needs from plant sources (like wheat, rice potatoes etc.) as also much of the requisite fat (vegetable oils extracted from seeds of herbs) and proteins (soybeans, pulses etc.). The other nutrients of crucial importance- the vitamins and minerals can also be obtained from the right herbal sources.
Herbs providing vitamins and nutrition
There are quite a few herbal sources from where most of the vital vitamins and minerals can be obtained. Alfalfa, dandelion and the Indian gooseberry (Amla) are three such wonder herbs. Other than these there are some specific herbs that contain the several vitamins in particular. Vitamin A, for example, is found in abundance in comfrey, paprika, nettle, raspberry leaf and red clover apart from alfalfa and dandelion. Again, the various B vitamins have their own respective rich sources. Bladderwrack, catnip, alfalfa and dandelion are rich in Vitamin B1 while chamomile, chickweed, ginseng, alfalfa and dandelion are rich Vitamin B2 sources. Ginger and licorice are important Vitamin B3 sources while catnip, eyebright and red clover are special sources of the Vitamin B5. The other crucial B vitamins- B6 and B12 are abundantly found in catnip, licorice and alfalfa and dandelion and alfalfa respectively.
The citrus fruits- lemons etc. and the Indian gooseberry (Amla) are rich Vitamin C sources while Vitamin D, E and K can be sourced from vegetable oils like almond oil and olive oil. The herbs mentioned are also rich sources of the minerals that are needed for optimum functioning of the body and for ascertaining growth and fitness.
Essential oils of herbs for ensuring a fit mind and body
Alongside providing good nutrition it is also useful to help out by working on the emotional plane towards effecting physical benefits. The essences of flowers and herbs can prove helpful in achieving this. The essential oil obtained from the California pitcher plant can help enhance physical vigor and alleviates listlessness. The oil from California wild rose seeks to address apathy and listlessness. The improper eating habits associated with bulimia or anorexia nervosa can be effectively checked by the cherry plum or manzanita oils. In an effort to control excess weight pink money flower and yarrow are medicines of choice. The essences of peppermint, rosemary and old man banksias can prove suitable for enhancing metabolic functioning. Tansy essence seeks to address the causatives underlying the manifestation of lethargy and procrastination.