6 Herbs High in Copper

Copper is a vital element that plays a role in cardiovascular and lung health, blood vessel growth, and more. 

Copper is found in bones and muscles, it must be consumed through a copper-rich diet.  It’s essential to receive adequate copper levels so the body can function at peak capacity. 

Providing the body with a diet of herbs high in copper is a great way to increase your copper intake.

In this article, we’ll review a list of copper herbs as well as the benefits of copper.

Copper Overview:

Copper is an element that naturally occurs in soil, water, and rocks. Its highly beneficial for both human and plant health. 

As one of the essential minerals, copper is important for many bodily functions. It supports the integrity of the cardiovascular system, lung elasticity, and the formation of red blood cells. Copper also helps with iron absorption and metabolism.   

Copper deficiency can lead to weak bones, anemia, reduced immune function, and an irregular heartbeat.  

6 Herbs High in Copper:

Below is a list of herbs high in copper. Add these to your diet to improve your daily copper intake.

1. Mace (Myristica fragrans)

Mace is an herb from the “aril”, or covering, of the nutmeg seed. It has a rich therapeutic history in multiple traditional medicine systems, including Unani Tibb (Perso-Arabic traditional medicine) and Thai traditional medicine. 

This aromatic herb can be found when a nutmeg shell is cracked open. It appears as an orange/red lace that surrounds the nutmeg seed. Mace is dried and used as a “blade” or powdered in culinary cuisine and herbal preparations. 

Mace has a slightly bitter taste of cinnamon, black pepper, and pine. It is commonly used in soups, cakes, pastries, doughnuts, and fish. 

Apart from its widespread use as a kitchen spice, mace has also historically been used to ease indigestion, increase appetite, reduce inflammation, and support cardiac conditions. It is also used as an antioxidant to reduce the effects of oxidative stress and topically to relieve pain. 

It is estimated that 1 tsp of powdered mace contains .042 mg of copper. Mace can be added to various dishes or consumed dry as tea or in tincture form. 

2. Poppy Seed (Papaver somniferum) 

Poppy seeds are tiny, kidney-shaped seeds from the poppy plant. They are most commonly used in various bakes, such as bagels, cakes, and bread. Apart from its copper content, poppy seeds are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium.  

Poppy seeds are also used therapeutically to promote digestion and boost skin and hair health. The seeds’ fiber and mono- and polyunsaturated fat content are responsible for these actions. 

Contrary to popular belief, there are insignificant levels of the alkaloid opium in the seeds. 

It’s estimated that 1 tsp of poppy seeds contains .04 mg of copper. Poppy seed oil is used to make soap, varnish, and paint. Washed poppy seeds can safely be enjoyed in culinary cuisine.

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 

Turmeric is a popular herb in culinary cuisine and is the famous main kitchen spice in the Indian dish, curry. 

This herb comes from the rhizome, or underground stem, of the turmeric plant and is in the same family as ginger – the Zingerberaceae family. Turmeric has a characteristic orange color and can be consumed fresh or dried. 

Research shows that turmeric may reduce inflammation, help with arthritis symptoms, protect the heart, and alleviate allergies. Additionally, turmeric may have antimicrobial properties. 

1 tsp of turmeric is estimated to contain .03 mg of copper.

Turmeric can be used as a culinary spice or consumed therapeutically in tea or capsule supplement form. Additionally, turmeric is the main ingredient in the popular therapeutic beverage, golden milk.