Many herbs have a long history of use in traditional wellness practices, including lavender, ginger, ginkgo, and milk thistle. Chances are you’ve probably heard these names many times before, but how much do you really know about some of the most popular herbs used in the wellness world today? Let’s explore how these popular herbs were used throughout history and how they show up in our modern life, as well as Nature’s Way long, trusted history with herbal supplements.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial flowering plant and herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It’s widely known and recognized for its beautiful purple hue and strong, aromatic scent.
How it was used in the past:
Lavender has been used for thousands of years. The use of lavender can first be dated back to ancient Egypt, where it was supposedly used in the mummification process. Lavender was thought to ward off evil spirits, so people would hang it above their doors to protect themselves and their families. It also had an association with love and good fortune, so it was sold as a good luck charm in the 19th century.
The name lavender comes from the Latin verb “lavare,” which means “to wash.” The ancient Greeks and Romans used it in their baths. They believed that it helped “purify” the mind and body. In traditional Asian wellness practices, lavender has long been believed to “cool” the mind.
How it is used today:
Today, it is used to add fragrance to soaps, candles, and perfumes, as well as a flavoring in foods and beverages. It can be used topically and for aromatherapy. As a dietary supplement, Nature’s Way offers clinically-studied lavender oil to help reduce feelings of stress, tension and occasional anxiety.* It can also help support restful sleep disrupted by occasional anxiety.*
Shop Nature’s Way CalmAid® made with lavender oil here.
Ginger
Ginger comes from the root of Zingiber officinale, the ginger plant. It’s closely related to turmeric and cardamom. It originates from Southeast Asia and was one of the earliest spices to be cultivated and traded, which is how it came to Europe.
How it was used in the past:
Ginger has been used as a spice and in the wellness world for thousands of years. Ginger was first written about in the Mediterranean world in De materia medica, which was published in the 1st century CE. The usage of ginger for its wellness properties, however, can be dated back to about 5,000 years ago in ancient China and India. There, it was used in Ayurvedic wellness practices to promote digestive support.*
How it is used today:
Now, ginger is utilized in a variety of ways. One of its most common uses is as a culinary ingredient. Both fresh ginger and powdered ginger are used as a spice in cooking, and ginger can be added as a flavoring to food and beverages. As a dietary supplement, ginger root promotes digestive comfort and has been clinically studied to help relieve nausea due to motion.* It’s also used traditionally to soothe occasional digestive upset.*
Shop Nature’s Way Ginger Root here.
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as the coneflower, is a beautiful pink and purple flower that’s part of the Aster family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. The echinacea plant is native to North America, specifically the Midwest and Plains regions. It grows in prairies and in open woods.
How it was used in the past:
Echinacea, specifically the species E. purpurea species, was first discovered by Native Americans centuries ago; they used the plant for toothaches, snake bites, and more. It was used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Eclectic medicine, which utilized botanical ingredients for wellness purposes.
How it used today:
Today, echinacea is known for its immune support benefits.* It can be consumed as a tea, in capsules, in herbal drops, and other forms. Three specific species of echinacea are mainly used in herbal supplements: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia,andEchinacea pallida.
Shop Nature’s Way Echinacea here.
Ginkgo
The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) tree is one of the oldest tree species to still exist today. The species is linked to a primitive family of trees that have been around for 200 million years and are primarily found in east Asian countries like China and Japan. They are so old that they’re considered a “living fossil.” They are strong and drought and pest resistant, so they can live for thousands of years and reach great heights. These trees are considered sacred.
How it was used in the past:
Ginkgo has a long history of use in ancient Chinese wellness practices and was considered a symbol of longevity and vitality. The leaves of the ginkgo have also been used for thousands of years to support memory and concentration.*
How it’s used today:
Today, gingko leaves are used as an extract in dietary supplements. These dietary supplements made with extract from ginkgo biloba leaves are used to support memory, focus, blood circulation, and concentration.* Ginkgo can also provide antioxidant support.* Ginkgo trees are present around many Buddhist temples and gardens in Japan.
Shop Nature’s Way Ginkgo Premium Extract here.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a tall plant native to the Mediterranean region that boasts pretty violet flowers and spiny leaves. Its genus name comes from the Greek namesilybon,which means “tassel” or “tuft.”
How it was used in the past:
Milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years. Dioscorides, a Greek physician and botanist, was the first to describe milk thistle's healing properties in the mid-1st century CE. Milk thistle was primarily used to aid liver function and to try to promote breast milk production.* It’s sometimes referred to as holy thistle or Saint Mary’s thistle because it was said that the white veiny leaves of the plant were created by a drop of the Virgin Mary’s breast milk.
How it is used now:
Today, milk thistle extract is available as a dietary supplement. There is a specific substance called silymarin in milk thistle that’s been shown to support liver function.* Silymarin is usually derived from the seeds of the plant and is the active component of milk thistle. It also supports antioxidant pathways in the body.*
Shop Nature’s Way Milk Thistle here.
Nature’s Way herbs history
At Nature’s Way, our journey with herbs began in 1969. Inspired by traditional Native American wisdom about the power of plants, our founder became passionate about herbs to support his wife’s health. Since then, herbs have been the cornerstone of our brand. We craft our herbal supplements to honor tradition while embracing innovation. Over the decades, our formulas and packaging have continually evolved to always meet the highest quality standards for our customers. Explore our full collection of herbal supplements here.
