Take Four

A new year, a new start. Read on for four herbs that could help to boost your health throughout 2012.

1 RHODIOLA

Why? Rising prices and the current economic climate don’t make for stress-free living and too much stress is bad for every aspect of your health. So if you feel the pressure mounting it’s time to take some action fast. And this is where rhodiola comes into its own. It is what is known as an adaptogen herb or ‘tonic’ making it the perfect remedy for reducing fatigue as well as building up strength and energy.

2 VALERIAN

Why? Difficulty in falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to drop off again are common problems. Enter valerian. Extracts of valerian root contain natural compounds known as iridoids that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to relax you, putting you in the mood for sleep. Valerian is often combined with other herbs such as lemon balm and hops, both of which have calming properties.

3 MILK THISTLE

Why? We all like a drink or two but too much on a regular basis can lead to all sorts of problems. Why not make 2012 the year you cut back on  alcohol and support your liver with a dose of milk thistle? This herbal remedy works by enhancing and strengthening the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione, an amino-acid-like compound that is essential to the detox process.

4 DEVIL’S CLAW

Why? Back pain is the most common reason for absenteeism in the workplace in the UK and it affects around 70 per cent of us at some time in our lives. Devil’s claw has been found to bring relief to symptoms. It is also worth trying if you suffer from rheumatic or muscular pain, or general aches and pains in the muscles and joints.

Devil’s claw is found in FlexiHerb – a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain and general aches and pains in the