Selenium is a nonmetal chemical that is toxic in high doses but necessary in trace amounts for your cells to function. When selenium interacts with proteins in your body, it creates antioxidant enzymes called selenoproteins, which help protect your cells, tissues and organs from free radical damage. Many herbs contain trace amounts of selenium, but the actual amount will vary depending on the soil in which the herb was grown. You should get the soil or herb tested if it's important to know the exact amount of selenium you are ingesting. Consult your health-care provider before starting herbal treatment.
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Selenium acts on your body in various ways. In her 1999 book, "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs," nutritionist Nicola Reavley explains that, as an antioxidant, selenium helps control inflammation and prevent organ tissue damage. It is an immune stimulant, enhancing white blood cells and increasing antibodies, and helps maintain normal liver function. Selenium also helps maintain hormonal balance and reduce mood swings. You will only receive trace amounts of selenium in herbs, so check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage before starting herbal therapy with selenium.
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla, or Smilax aristolochiaefolia, is a woody vine that grows throughout Central America. Traditional healers use the roots to treat skin disorders, rheumatism, venereal disease and leprosy. The roots contain selenium, saponins, flavonoids and plant sterols. Selenium and selenoproteins may contribute to sarsaparilla's medicinal effects on inflammatory skin disorders. In their 2001 book "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that sarsaparilla is an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying herb that benefits eczema and psoriasis, and may reduce inflammation in dry and cracked skin. Do not use this herb if you are taking digitalis, as it may enhance the effects.
Catnip
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a Mediterranean perennial with clusters of tiny white, pink or purple flowers. Herbalists use the leaves and flowers to treat insomnia, indigestion, diarrhea, headache, rheumatism, arthritis and eye inflammations. All parts of the plant contain selenium, which may be involved in catnip's calming and mood-stabilizing properties. Hershoff and Rotelli recommend catnip to relieve restlessness and anxiety in patients suffering from ADHD, or adult attention deficit disorder. They also suggest using it to relax stomach cramps and combat insomnia. Do not combine catnip with other sleep medicines.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal, or Mentha pulegium, is an ancient European herb in the mint family, used in cooking and medicine. Traditional herbalists use the aerial parts to ease indigestion and relieve anxiety. The whole plant contains selenium. In his 2003 book "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, states that pennyroyal's main action is as an emmenagogue, or menstrual stimulant. Menstrual irregularity can be due to hormonal imbalance, which is one of the deficiencies selenium may help correct. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant. Do not ingest pennyroyal essential oil, as it can be toxic even in small doses.
References
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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