It’s always fascinating to see how everything in our world works together. Oxygen and hydrogen. Plants and sunlight. Carrots and cake.
And now...herbs and collagen.
There are 5 herbs that help boost collagen production. If you’re taking a collagen supplement already, these may be just what you need to maximize its effects.
But first…
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. There are two upsides and one downside to it though...
The upside: Collagen occurs naturally.
The downside: It begins to decline with age (as early as 25!).
The upside2: With a high-quality collagen supplement, your body will restock its collagen inventory.
Just when you think it can’t get any better—it does.
Collagen production can also be enhanced with herbs...
5 Herbs that Enhance Collagen Production
Collagen is considered the glue that holds the body together—appearing in our muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system, and tendons.
Say hello to a vitality boost—because that’s exactly what you’re going to get when you incorporate these herbs into your collagen ritual.
1. He Shou Wu
Dubbed the “elixir of life”, he shou wu is an herb with the scientific studies and thousands of years of testimonials to back it up.
Chinese legend has it that this adaptogenic root revived the hair color and virility of the man who first discovered the herb. If this legend proves true, this lucky man found a fountain of youth—he supposedly lived to 160 years old.
Liver injury, cancer, insomnia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases are just a few ailments it benefits.
The list of therapeutic traits is extensive—ranging from an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory to an anti-tumor and antidiabetic.
2. Calendula
Calendula—a natural anti-inflammatory—acts as a mender, healer, and bandaid for the body.
One of the traps that hinder collagen production is UV light. And believe it or not, calendula counteracts UV light damage with its bright orange color.
Its color comes from vitamin A-related compounds called carotenoids, and these carotenoids inhibit the breakdown of collagen fibers. Thus, collagen is protected and calendula saves the day.
Calendula can also be used as a pain reliever, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory, among others.
It can also be used to improve the following:
- Gastrointestinal
- Gynecological
- Eye disease
- Skin injuries
- Burns and wounds
- Digestion
- Hypoglycemia
- High cholesterol
Take advantage of one of its many uses by drinking it as a tea with a scoop of collagen.
3. Nettles
Nettles are basically your multivitamin in herbal form. And if you’ve even gone on a hike and brushed up against something that made your skin sting ever so slightly, then you’ve probably experienced nettles (or stinging nettle as it’s also called).
Despite the odd sensation it gives your skin, it has profound medicinal advantages.
One of which is the protection of collagen, which is due to its richness in calcium, silica, sulfur, and antioxidants.
4. Gynostemma
Longevity? Check.
Increased energy? Check.
Gynostemma—an herb native to South East Asia—has quite the combination of compounds that apparently stop DNA from breaking down too quickly.
No wonder it’s called the “herb of immortality”.
Another nickname—“ginseng on steroids”. Ginseng is already a popular herbal remedy, but gynostemma wins, easily.
It comes down to the number of saponins each herb contains. Saponins are naturally occurring compounds that positively affect the immune system, and ginseng contains 28 of them while gynostemma contains a whopping 80.
Looks like gynostemma and collagen are the go-to dynamic duo for vibrant vitality.
5. Horsetail
Horsetail—don’t you just love the names people choose for herbs?
Despite its unappealing name, horsetail acts as a building block just like collagen.
Its high count in silica means that it supports tendons, muscles, bones, skin, and the creation of blood vessels.
Turn your tea kettle on, steep this dried herb in some hot water, and you’ll be well on your way to feeling better from the inside out.
The Bottom Line
Low collagen production? There’s an herb (or 5) for that.
With more and more people turning to bandaid-type fixes, supplementing with natural remedies is a breath of fresh air—and a rewarding one at that.
Some of these herbs can be taken in capsule form, but most come as loose leaf teas that you can steep and enjoy!
As always, be sure to consult a health care professional before adding anything new to your diet, supplement, or exercise regimen. NativePath and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any diseases. All NativePath material is presented for educational purposes only.
1 comment
Tincture how much 2 use of each herb 2 make it, for collagen
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NativePath replied:
Hi Denise! That is a great question, and it’s best to do research on what is safe for you. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns. Have a great day!