Herbs & Supplements

GAPS & Autoimmune Supplements & Herbs

Pregnancy, Post-Partum, Thyroid, GAPS, Root Cause Healing supplements and herbs our family use.

Supplements

Note: use the links below or save this link for future use to get 10% off your entire order using CODE: Kayla10

See this high mineral foods post for more information how to incorporate nutrient dense foods and supplements into your daily menu.

Cod Liver Oil – Cod liver oil has vitamin A which helps support brain, eye, and oral health. According to research by Weston Price, our ancestors who consumed diets rich in vitamin A in traditional cultures did not need glasses and had perfect dental arches (healthy, straight teeth). Cod liver oil also helps activate bioavailable copper.

Adrenal Cocktail – Adrenal cocktails provide electrolyte support, which helps nourish the adrenal glands. When the adrenals are nourished, they support the liver in making bioavailable copper. Much of the body’s vitamin C is stored and used by the adrenal glands, which is why it is so important to use whole food vitamin C (rather than ascorbic acid supplements). Ideally adrenal cocktails are not taken with food and consumed around 10am and 2pm. If this is not possible, take them when you are able.

Mineral Drops – Mineral drops come from salt water and are a rich source of magnesium and trace amounts of 70+ other elements. They contain chloride which combines in the stomach to make hydrochloric acid, an important digestive enzyme that aids in absorbing minerals and vitamin B12.

Magnesium Malate (energizing= take in the morning) and Magnesium Glycinate – (relaxing= take in the evening) – Magnesium is a foundational mineral responsible for thousands of enzymatic actions in the body, including healthy metabolism, digestion, cardiac health, and blood sugar management. Magnesium is rapidly depleted during times of stress or exposures to toxins and must be consumed daily. Take adrenal cocktails to bring the body’s sodium and potassium levels into balance is helpful in preparation for adding in magnesium

Beef Liver – If you can eat beef liver from pastured raised cows cooked fresh, this is the very best. Perhaps you are like me and hate liver, and it gives you the dry heaves particularly during pregnancy! If so, or if you just need a consistent way to eat it, the capsules are a simple add. Liver is an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin A, enzymes, and nutrient cofactors.

Bee Pollen – Bee pollen is a great source of bioavailable B vitamins and copper, which play a role in metabolic activity. Bee pollen also contains quercetin, a natural iron chelator, and has antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.

Herbs

See this healthy herbal tea post for inspiration how to enjoy these herbs and an in-depth explanation of health benefits.

Stinging Nettle – Stinging nettle leaves are high in calcium and one of the greatest sources of vitamin K. This is very important for families who do not yet tolerate dairy. They also contain magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc. They support lymph and sinus drainage, thus provide relief from season allergies. Stinging nettles also supports liver and kidney function and have antioxidant compounds like carotenoids and polyphenols. Stinging nettle has antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-infectious, hypotensive, and antiulcer characteristics, as well as the ability to prevent cardiovascular disease, in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, and seeds) (source).

Dandelion Root – Dandelion root is a strong source of vitamins (A, C, E, K, and B) and minerals calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, silicon, zinc, and manganese. It has a strong detox effect on the liver and gallbladder, and helps support kidney function and the immune system (source). Dandelion root is referred to as an anti-diabetic plant due to its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative properties (source).

Milk Thistle Seed – Milk thistle seed was first recorded in the old testament and used in ancient Greek, Chinese, and Indian medicine to cure liver and gallbladder disfunction. In modern times, it was classified in 1970 as official medicine with hepatoprotective (liver protecting) qualities (source). Animal studies show the silymarin found in milk thistle reduce liver injury caused by acetaminophen, radiation, alcohol, hepatitis, and other toxin-induced liver disease (source). Milk thistle seeds are more powerful if ground just before use.

Rooibos and Honeybush – Rooibos and honeybush teas significantly enhance the body’s ability to make glutathione. Glutathione helps the body eliminate toxins, repair cells, stimulate the immune system, support DNA synthesis and gene expression, and improve insulin resistance and metabolic disease (source).

Licorice Root – Licorice root is much sweeter than sugar or honey. We often brew licorice with a more bitter herb to offset the taste and provide sweetness. Licorice root supports adrenal function and helps balance H-pylori bacteria levels. H-pylori bacteria infections cause a variety of significant digestive problems and are the biggest cause of ulcers (source).

Pau d’Arco – Pau d’Arco reduces yeast overgrowth. According to PubMed, this herb can be taken internally to reduce incident of vaginal yeast infections (source).

Rosehips – Rosehips are an excellent and inexpensive source of whole food vitamin C. Whole food vitamin C can be absorbed and used by the body much better than ascorbic acid. Many supplemental sources of whole food vitamin C (like powders) are made from rosehips. Vitamin C is crucial for preventing and fighting infections and protecting cells against damage from toxins.

Red Raspberry Leaf – Red raspberry leaf is known for its beneficial uterine effects during the third trimester of pregnancy and labor. However, it is also high in minerals magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins B, A, C, and E.

Chamomile – Chamomile is widely recognized for its calming and soothing effect, often used before bedtime to aid in sleep. Chamomile can be used as a digestive relaxant and to treat flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, anorexia, motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. In children, chamomile has also been used to treat colic, croup, and fevers. It is also effective in arthritis, back pain, bedsores and stomach cramps (source). Another study shows chamomile has anti-diabetic properties when consumed daily by lowering blood sugar levels (source).

Caution: Some herbs are unsafe to consume during pregnancy or lactation. Ask you doctor or midwife provider before consuming herbs.