ANCIENT HERBS AND REMEDIES PART 1: INTRO

Disclaimer: In the discussion of herbs and natural remedies and their cultivation/sourcing: There has been a very stark shift in the quality of the soil in the United States and in many other countries, this is an ongoing global crisis. The once nutrient-rich topsoil is now not able to provide the same benefits to the plants as it had, and so we’ve seen a steep decline in the quality of our food, but not the quantity. As such, I always recommend finding whatever is within your means, and when possible, try to source organic and local from places such as farmers’ markets or grocery stores. The “artisan” movement for me was not about the rustic aesthetic, but that the nutrients and care were being injected back into that food, providing us with the correct and balanced profile that we need. Make it an adventure, or make it a mission, either way, you have the choice to try! 

Please always keep in mind that while this blog is FOCUSED on ancient herbs and remedies, I firmly uphold that you should always check with a physician before you make any changes to your lifestyle, and always confirm with your doctor regarding prescription medication. I also firmly uphold that you can always ask your physician questions, including if there are other alternatives and reviewing their risks and benefits. Prescription medication may sometimes be the best and fastest route to your health improvement, natural remedies will support your whole system but may take longer to placate any symptoms. Empower yourself with knowledge and make a better-informed decision for YOURSELF.

What can I say, I’m honestly very excited to be writing this particular blog post. One of the mainstays of how I curate programs is the implementation of tested and true science-backed remedies that are all-natural, and to be honest….ANCIENT! 

All around the world, especially now with the advent of technology, we’re starting to receive information and knowledge. What started as a trickle picked up to a full-on waterfall! Growing up in New York City, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to explore the many beautiful and diverse cultures that compromised the city. That childhood was the first introduction of what would come knocking on my door, demanding to be opened, and without hesitation, I knew I would swing that door wide open! 

We may often overlook the natural resources that we have around us, for convenience, and more so for the expense. Most insurance policies don’t cover natural alternatives and prefer to save money by covering generic and brand-label prescription medication. That instantly places a burden on the individual, adversely the multi-vitamin industry has been peddling its products for years, and studies have shown that 70% of those supplements tested had substitutes for the labeled ingredients, with approximately 1/3 of those containing contaminants or filler. This industry is still not being closely regulated, yet grows exponentially every year as millions of people hope to improve their overall health. 

The same argument can be presented for those natural alternatives, that they are not regulated and lack research. However, many of these alternative methods and formulas have been used for thousands of years collectively, and continue to be used today with countless medical studies that tout the efficacies of combination therapies that include herbs (individual or formula), lifestyle changes, and therapy such as acupuncture and more. 

I’ll present one example. Acupuncture Anesthesia is a form of anesthesia that uses acupuncture needles placed at specific points throughout the body pertaining to the operation intended (i.e., neurosurgery, abdominal, etc). This method is being implemented in China and was first recorded in 1960. Since then, or maybe even before, Acupuncture has been offered in hospitals for pre and post-surgical care, therapy, and more (administered by physicians), this is offered to the patient and they have the option to accept or refuse. 

As you can see, these methods (listed below) are thousands of years old, and although we may not have been exposed to them at any point in our lives, it doesn’t invalidate the benefits offered. Nowadays, you can find and order anything to your door. Take that knowledge and pair it with the fact that almost everything worldwide is accessible. 

In my programs, I take a hands-on approach to educating my clients with specific resources that pertain to them. In this post, I’ll be overviewing some of the more recognized cultures and practices!

A few of the most popular Ancient Sources that influence our world now are: 

• Ayurveda (in practice for AT LEAST 5000 years)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (in practice for AT LEAST 2100 years)

• Amazonian Medicine (which encompasses “rainforest” environments such as Costa Rica) (in practice for at least 1000 years)

• Ancient Egypt (in practice for AT LEAST 5000 years)

• Traditions (and here I make a special note to religions and cultural influence) (in practice…well, for always!)

Today, in the Western World, merely 11% of prescription medicine is derived from natural sources, synthetic or artificial being the most economic and efficient for high production. If you take a look at the world outside of that labeled Western World, you’ll find millions of people surviving and thriving on natural remedies, including the scientifically proven fact that being outside in nature really DOES improve your mood! There are countless household remedies and known remedies that are being used on a daily basis, I quickly learned that nearly most countries like to recommend holding your breath for hiccups (what can I say, they attack me!). 

Some of the herbs and remedies being used are commonly found around us, and many of these cross cultures:

• Turmeric (Curcum/Curcumin)

• Ashwagandha/Rhodiola Rosea

• Cumin

• Bitter Melon

• Cardamom

• Astragalus

• Ginger

• Licorice/Licorice Root

• Moringa

• Mint

• Chamomile

• Lavender

• Lemonbalm

• Aloe

• Chili Peppers (cayenne)

• Cinnamon

• Cloves

• Cilantro (Coriander)

Most of these probably look very familiar to you, perhaps growing in your garden (varieties and species), in your local market, and even in many supplements and drinks. They each have a unique property and alleviate a symptom. The benefit of these herbs is that our biological composition is ready for them, the use of herbs traces back to even prehistoric times, so I have to take the perspective that our bodies have evolved and adapted, but the basis of our evolution is our interaction with the nature around us. 

The programs that I develop for my clients, in combination with their healthcare team, integrate the benefits and knowledge of these cultures collectively, reaching what I like to call the perfect balance that lasts! When we endeavor to find the right path, I remember to always practice patience. The years that led up to that pivotal moment cannot simply be erased in 30 days (for example, a quick detox program), but with consistency and tenacity longevity can be attained and sustained. 

This series will continue to expand and really delve into each sector, including the top herbs and supplements benefits and tips!