As a follow up to my last post on iron deficiency, I wanted to share the top 3 plant sources of iron from nature’s original medicine: herbs!
I don’t recommend taking a strong iron supplement like the one I mentioned in that post unless you have the okay from your doctor based on blood tests. So in the meantime, if you are struggling with hair loss and fatigue, these herbal allies are a gentler, more nourishing way to increase your overall mineral/iron levels slowly and naturally.
They are especially helpful when brewed as a tonic before and during your menstrual cycle!
- NETTLE LEAF – Nourishes and rebuilds the adrenals, kidneys, blood vessels, skin and hair. Nettles are a tonic for the whole body, especially the blood, making them a helpful tool for PMS, skin conditions like eczema, and reproductive ailments. Nettles are iron rich, but also have a high vitamin C content which aids in the absorption of the iron.
- DANDELION ROOT – Dandelion is a bitter herb used as a tonic for the liver and digestive system. It has a gentle laxative effect, and is traditionally used for skin issues as it cleanses the liver and blood. Rich in vitamins & minerals, it contains vitamins B, C, D, A, potassium, choline, and iron.
- YELLOW DOCK ROOT – Yellow dock supports the stomach, liver, and bowels, making it a gentle treatment for constipation and poor digestion. It also stimulates the production of bile, which assists in the break down of fats into smaller, more digestible building blocks.
HOW TO BREW AN IRON + MINERAL-RICH TONIC:
- Add 3 cups of water to a pot along with 2 tbsp dried yellow dock root and 2 dried tbsp dandelion root. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer on low for 20 minutes. This is important because these two herbs are dense roots, which must be broken down with heat and time to extract all the minerals.
- Afterwards, add 2 tbsp dried nettle leaf to the pot, remove from heat, and cover with a lid. Allow the nettle to infuse with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Strain the herbs, enjoy a cup, and store the leftover tea in a mason jar in the fridge for the next day! You can also make a bigger batch to last you 3-4 days.
You can also make a straight up nettle overnight infusion, using the directions found in this post. It’s even easier and tastes delicious when sweetened with some honey and lemon!
