Trying to find the right holiday gift for that friend, family member, or special someone, but worried that time is running out? Here’s a novel gift idea that provides benefits throughout the year: Herbs and supplements that help relieve stress, raise your energy level, or boost immunity.
Herbal holiday gifts could be just the perfect thing for the person who has everything, except optimal health — for the holidays and beyond.
“Herbs for energy and stress are great for the holidays and they work fast, too,” says Derek Clontz, founder and chief herbalist at MyHerbs.net. “For energy, there’s nothing better than eleuthero, Siberian ginseng, which will rev you up in minutes without making you jittery.”
Siberian ginseng neutralizes stress hormones to improve response to stress. Clontz maintains that such herbs as kava, valerian, magnolia bark, and oats may work for stress relief within 20 to 30 minutes.
“You can use them, too, to help you sleep and for mild anxiety or simple nervous tension,” Clontz notes.
These 12 herbal holiday gift ideas help avoid last-minute shopping quandaries while providing vigor and health for the people on your gift list.
1. Ginseng/Schizandra Compound by Herbalist Alchemist contains American ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and schizandra (also schisandra) berry to promote energy and balance stress. Ginseng has been widely used to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and even treat sexual dysfunction, according to Dr. Josh Axe, certified doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, and founder of Exodus Health Center.
2. Astragalus Supreme from Gaia Herbs includes astragalus root and schisandra berry. It may help provide immune system health along with improving stamina, endurance and emotional response to deal with stress.
3. An herb basket is ideal as an herb garden in the kitchen. The 4 Herb Rope Basket from the Tasteful Garden features four organic herbs you can choose from 12 selections, including thyme, parsley, lavender, rosemary, sage, peppermint, and sweet marjoram.
4. Skin care products are well-received for the holidays. Facial Recovery Oil from Eminence Organics contains herbs and oils for sensitive and aging skin.
5. Hair care gift sets provide pleasant scents along with hair care. You can choose something simple, such as the Herbal Essences Body Envy Gift Set with shampoo, conditioner and mousse.
6. Herbal teas have been used for centuries because of their healing abilities. The Herbal Tea Gift Set from the KamakaShop includes such choices as lemongrass, ginger, bael fruit, and pandan to treat high blood pressure, headache, fever, and digestive disorders.
7. Schiff’s Digestive Advantage probiotic supplements aid the digestive tract to reduce bloating or abdominal discomfort. The supplements benefit from GanedenBC30, a probiotic strain that is calorie- and gluten-free.
8. Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng), for the loving partner in your life, panax ginseng, may improve erectile dysfunction in men and raise sexual desire for menopausal women, according to research, WebMD reports. Ginger has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Tinctures are convenient ways to improve health when the herbal ingredients enter the bloodstream for relaxation, sleep, or nutritional benefits. The Women’s Balancing Blend from the Mariposa Herb Company contains ginger root, dandelion root, licorice root, red raspberry leaf, comfrey leaf and root, and wild yam.
10. A book on herbal remedies is the perfect give for people who want to understand how herbs may boost wellness and combat health conditions. “Adaptogens — Herbs for Strength, Stamina Stress Relief,” by David Winston and Steven Maimes, explores common and traditional botanicals that are widely available.
11. Scented sleep pillows smell wonderful and provide a good night’s sleep. A sleep pillow recommended by the Florida School of Holistic Living includes such ingredients as chamomile, dried lavender, dried hops, dried roses, and lavender essential oil.
12. Homemade herbal gifts are also a good option. Here’s one possibility: Herbal honey becomes a gift in a half-pint mason jar. You start by placing washed rose geranium, rose petals, lavender sprig, and mint in the jar, according to LoveToKnow.com. Pour warmed honey over the herbs, cap the jar, and let it stand for a day or two. Decorate the jar to your liking.