Herbs that Contain Iodine

Iodine tablets are flying off health food store shelves as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan which caused damage to nuclear plants, and what some fear are excess levels of radiation in the air...all the way to the US - especially in California. People that are affected are taking it because it protects important functions in the body, like the thyroid gland. Iodine treatment like that being given to those exposed to radiation in Japan may be necessary, but to take it out of fear, not knowing how much to take, what the side affects are, and more, is not wise.

Iodine is added to salt to make sure that people get some in their diet, and it is also found in some herbs.  Kelp was, and still is my herb of choice for it's iodine-containing properties...it is natural, used by the body with less side affects, but still, it is important to be sure that your source of kelp or other herbs that contain Iodine is safe.  Those who prepare supplements have many tests available to them in order to do tests to assure product safety, you can read more about that here, and since that was written I am sure there are more quality assurance tests available.  In fact, the company that I purchase herbs from discovered that a batch of chicory that they received to process contained radiation from the Chernobyl incident years ago, and had to find another source. I can provide information about that company on request, please contact me through a comment, they are moderated and I don't have to approve it if you would prefer I don't.

Please don't panic, and don't take iodine pills to prevent symptoms of radiation sickness without careful guidance from a health care provider.

What does Synergy Mean?

What does the word synergy mean? What is "Herb Synergy"? For some the word may be new, or you may not know the meaning, so after a few years of posting to this blog, I thought it would be a good idea to take a moment to explain the meaning again.

Wikipedia provides a very simple and easy-to-understand explanation; "Synergy, in general, may be defined as two or more agents working together to produce a result not obtainable by any of the agents independently".  So when we use the word in reference to herbs, we are saying that by blending certain herbs with one another, you are getting something that provides benefits that would not be there had they not been combined.

Over the years, we have talked about many such combinations, along with ramblings about other things.  Some of those posts include the following:


Remedy Sinus Infections
Kidney Health
Natural Kidney Stone Remedy
Glandular Health
Breast Health
Intestinal Flu or Stomach Virus
Giving Hair, Skin and Nails a Boost
Mouth Sores

I know there are other posts as well, these were a few I was able to find fairly quickly that include herbal combinations with more than one herb in them, giving them abilities beyond what one single herb could do on it's own....synergy.

Blissful Sleep - Are you Getting Yours?

Insomnia is something many are experiencing due to stress because of the economy, job loss, and other life or physical changes that naturally unsettle us and cause worry and lack of sleep. Some have to take medications for help, others find that single herbs, or combination of herbs that work in synergy to promote sleep.

Personally, I use and provide a combination of Herbs that contains Hops, Valerian and Passion Flower and is very affective. My husband is helped by taking Valerian, made from the root of the plant, alone. Please inquire if you would like fact sheets about these. We also turn our worries and concerns over to God in prayer who comforts on a spiritual level which benefits the physical. But still, we are human, and our human bodies sometimes fail and need physical support as well.

I enjoyed the following article about herbs that promote sleep, and thought it appropriate to share here, I hope you will enjoy it, too.

Natural Cures For Insomnia - Herbs That Promote Healthy Sleep

by Janet Bugby

Herbs have been used as natural insomnia cures for centuries and many are very effective and safe. The following are tried and tested herbs that can have a real effect on your insomnia.

Lavender has been used for centuries to calm the nerves and lavender essential oil can be added to the bath water for a soothing, calming effect. Lavender can also be used as a massage oil or lavender sachets placed on the pillow to inhale as you fall asleep.

Passion Flower is often recommended by herbalists as an important herb in the treatment of insomnia especially when it is caused by stress or nervous exhaustion. It can be used by both children and adults and is an excellent sedative that has no known side effects.

Chamomile is a safe herb that can be used by children and adults. In the form of chamomile tea it can soothe restlessness and irritability, especially in children. Have a relaxing bath with chamomile oil added to the water before bed. It can also be used as a massage oil.

California Poppy is found in many herbal natural insomnia cures and helps to promote sleep by easing anxiety and helping you to relax. It is mild and can be used by both children and adults. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of California poppy in promoting sleep and helping to reduce anxiety.

Valerian is used by many herbalists for as a natural cure for insomnia. It is a good sedative for those suffering from restlessness and nervousness that is causing difficulty in sleeping. It helps to reduce waking during the night and helps you to fall asleep more quickly. It has no side effects and is often used in combination with other herbs such as passion flower or California poppy.

St. John’s Wort has been used for many years for insomnia and anxiety and is now used by many herbalists to help with mild depression and insomnia. It is not an instant sure and may take a few weeks before you being to feel any benefit. It can cause sensitivity to sunlight to increase so take care to avoid exposing the skin to bright sunlight or wear a sunscreen whenever you are out of doors.

Wild lettuce has been used as a mild sedative for many years and contains an opium related chemical plus small amounts of hyoscyarnin which is an anti cramping agent. It is found in formulas for both chronic and acute insomnia.

Promote Healthy Sleep

Ensure healthy sleep by having a calming bath before bed to which you have added some fragrant lavender essential oil. Sleep pillows containing a mixture of aromatic herbs can also be helpful in promoting sleep. Eat a small meal containing carbohydrate with small amounts of protein before retiring. This combination makes tryptophan more available to the brain. This promotes the production of melatonin and serotonin which are important chemicals that regulate sleep patterns. Meals that contain the appropriate combinations include cereal with low fat milk, yogurt with granola, peanut butter and crackers and an apple with cheese.

Avoid eating foods that are stimulating late at night. This includes spicy foods that may induce heartburn, caffeine and alcohol. Foods that are high in protein contain tyrosine, an amino acid that is a brain stimulant. Also foods containing monosodium glutamate and foods high in refined sugar which can lead to a sharp increase in blood sugar levels that can disturb the sleep by causing a burst in energy.

Author Resource: For more information visit http://natural-cures-for-insomnia-info.blogspot.com/ or read http://natural-cures-for-insomnia-info.blogspot.com/2009/02/causes-of-insomnia-how-can-natural.html

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