"Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates
Using food as medicine is as old as humanity and arguably just as important now, as it has been for our ancestors. According to the CDC, the top 10 killers in the united states are:
Heart Disease
Cancer
Covid
Accident
Stroke
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
Alzheimer's
Diabetes
Pneumonia and Influenza
Nephritis/Neprhosis (Kidney Disease)
Of these top 10 killers, the only one that isn't impacted by nutrition is accident. Each and every other killer has a nutrient / dietary component. Boosting our health using the tools of nature combined with whatever other remedies, medications and solutions we choose can be the difference between life and death.
My top 9 favorite herbs, and their benefits are:
Basil - smelling basil leaves helps to relieve tension headaches and migraines, soothes menstural symptoms; eating the herb can reduce bloating and stomach cramps.
Parsley - parsley is a natural breath freshener, packed with Vitamin C. this antixodiant herb helps prevent cell damage.
Sage - sage is not only for smudging, and is considered anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and a strong antioxidant.
Mint - mint is cooling, calming and can erase stomach upset and digestive complaints, relax the mind and reduce headaches.
Bay leaves - these are energizing and helpful in a detox program.
Dandelion - this diuretic herb helps with kidneys, liver, digestion and overall detoxing.
Thyme - reducing the number of fats in the cell, treats nose and throat illness and digestive upset.
Coriander seed - this antibacterial herb helps with neuralgia and rhematism.
Garlic - this anti-microbial, antiparasitic, anticancer and anti-inflmmatory herb helps boost the immune system, reduce parasites, lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Herbs as medicine doesn't have to be gross and hard to ingest. Many of these can be added to your salad, sauce or recipe. Eating for your health can be fun and tasty!
Why not eat to live healthily, instead of simply eating?
In health,
Gloria Jensenius
Natural Scientist