Oregano, Rosemary,
Sage & Thyme
The aromatic herbs oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme possess complementary qualities. Each has a different specialization, and when you consume them all on a regular basis (whether in diet, supplementation, or a combination), their disease-fighting phytochemical compounds and extremely high levels of a broad spectrum of minerals provide a well-rounded, powerful defense against the pathogenic world. (Parsley is another aromatic herb covered in this book, and it gets its own feature, because it’s more of an individual.)
Aromatic herbs get much of their power from being very close to wild, even when cultivated. They need very little care to establish themselves and thrive; when they’re neglected, they’re still able to miraculously get what they need to provide you with the high levels of nutrients you need. It is unknown to scientific communities that aromatic herbs release an antifungal compound from their roots that earthworms love. The roots of aromatics become a gathering place for earthworms, as the worms ingest this antifungal to keep themselves healthy. In return, the earthworms aerate the soil around the roots and leave behind a rich fertilizer that can’t be matched. This symbiosis is what gives aromatic herbs their unique healing properties. (If you grow these herbs in pots, or if you don’t have earthworms in your garden, make sure you use a mineral solution and enough organic fertilizer.)
Here’s a closer look at each of these standout aromatics:
Conditions
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing aromatic herbs into your life:
H. pylori infection; Streptococcus infection; E. coli infection; small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); peptic ulcers; strep throat; ear infections; sinusitis; diverticulitis; diverticulosis; ringworm; megacolon; C. difficile infection; MRSA; influenza; enteroviruses; norovirus; Epstein-Barr (EBV)/mononucleosis; cytomegalovirus (CMV); Lyme disease; all Lyme disease cofactors (including Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, and mycoplasma); respiratory infections; gum infections; tinnitus; vertigo; cholera; sciatica; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); lupus; psoriatic arthritis; multiple sclerosis (MS); shingles; rheumatoid arthritis (RA); edema; migraines; herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1); herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2); HHV-6; HHV-7; HHV-8; HHV-9; the undiscovered HHV-10, HHV-11, and HHV-12; shingles; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); B cell disease; bacterial infections; eye infections; ammonia permeability
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing aromatic herbs into your life:
Stomachaches, food allergies, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, discharge (e.g., vaginal or from the eyes), flatulence, nausea, cough, anxiousness, itching, blisters, rashes, headaches, anal itching, mold exposure, all neurological symptoms (including tingles, numbness, spasms, twitches, nerve pain, and tightness of the chest), appendix inflammation, blisters, bladder pain, balance issues, clogged ears, congestion, ear pain, excess mucus, fever, jaw pain, neuralgia
Emotional Support
In the stressful times we live in, it’s understandable when emotional reactions are heightened. When heightened emotional response becomes chronic, though, and you can’t get yourself out of a cycle of overreacting, turn to oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. These herbs help break the cycle of feeling consistently overstimulated, so that you can take what comes on more of an even keel.
Spiritual Lesson
These aromatic herbs have been around in one form or another, one species or another, since the beginning of humankind. All this time, they’ve been right there beside us, adapting along with the changing world so that we can adapt, too. Oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme are important teachers this way—they remind us of who we are and who we can become. What else in your life, whether a longtime hobby or long-term relationship, can you always count on to cut out the distractions and connect you back with your most essential self?
Herb-Battered
Root Vegetable Fries
Makes 3 to 4 servings
These may be the best veggie fries you’ll ever eat. The trick is to boil the root vegetables and then shake them vigorously before baking. The herbs and garlic generously coat the outside and the smudged edges will turn crispy in the oven. If you’re pressed for time, you can omit the extra steps and send them straight to the oven, though those few extra minutes will yield truly amazing results. Make a big enough batch to share—these won’t last long!
3 pounds assorted root vegetables (such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and celery root)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon each finely minced sage, oregano, rosemary, and thyme
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and slice the root vegetables into “fries.” Transfer the vegetable fries to a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil the fries for 5 to 7 minutes, until just cooked through but not soft. (Watch carefully so as not to overcook.) Drain the water. Add the coconut oil, sea salt, garlic, and herbs to the fries and stir briefly. Cover the pot and shake vigorously until the fries are well mixed with their edges slightly mashed.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the fries on the tray so none are overlapping. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Remove when the edges turn golden and crispy.
While inflammation has been pinpointed as a part of persistent illness, what has yet to be discovered by medical research is the real story about why this inflammation is present in the first place. So often the viral explosion in our modern world is to blame. Various strains and varieties of the Epstein-Barr virus, shingles, HHV-6, and other herpetic viruses, along with bacteria and parasites, are behind a great many people’s suffering. To get rid of this widespread inflammation and the other debilitating symptoms of chronic illness, we have to get rid of the pathogens. Enter cat’s claw, the herb also known by the Spanish name uña de gato. Cat’s claw is one of the most powerful resources for reversing the epidemic of chronic and mystery illness in the 21st century.
Cat’s claw can aid in alleviating almost any symptom, from neurological to digestive. While cat’s claw has gotten some attention for its healing properties, it is as yet unknown to science that the herb contains bioactive pharma-compounds that supersede synthetic pharmaceuticals. All too often, antibiotics are employed against certain illnesses such as Lyme disease. The world would be a different place if cat’s claw took the place of antibiotics; the rate of illness would reduce, and recovery would quicken, regardless of the diagnosis for a given illness. Of course, pharmaceutical antibiotics have their place and purpose. Cat’s claw is unique, though, in that pathogens such as bacteria cannot become resistant to it, as they sometimes can to antibiotics.
Parasites such as Babesia and bacteria such as Bartonella cannot withstand the wrath of cat’s claw. The herb eliminates these and other bugs without the so-called Herxheimer die-off reaction so common with antibiotics, because the bioactive pharma-compounds in the herb regulate the destruction of pathogens so that it’s at a level the individual person can tolerate. Cat’s claw is also incredible at fighting viruses. Eventually medical research will discover a group of antiviral adaptogens, and scientists will realize that cat’s claw is at the top of that list. The herb is the ultimate secret weapon for battling PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections), ALS, strep throat, MS, mystery aches and pains, and more.
Cat’s claw is also remarkable for its ability to rid the body of the infamous strep, which is frequently misdiagnosed as yeast or Candida. Millions of women go on antibiotics and antifungals that only end up making problems worse, because the Streptococcus bacteria that causes urinary tract infections is so often antibiotic-resistant. Cat’s claw lowers strep without issue, making it the ultimate UTI-alleviating herb and a fundamental tool of our time.
Note that if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, keep cat’s claw out of your medicinal regimen.
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing cat’s claw into your life:
Every type of cancer; Lyme disease; all Lyme disease cofactors (including Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, and mycoplasma); small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); laryngitis; PANDAS; strep throat; multiple sclerosis (MS); dyskinesia; rheumatoid arthritis (RA); urinary tract infections (UTIs); kidney infections; lymphoma (including non-Hodgkin’s); Chlamydia pneumoniae; yeast infections; migraines; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); ulcers; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis; shingles; HHV-6; HHV-7; HHV-8; HHV-9; the undiscovered HHV-10, HHV-11, and HHV-12; nodules; herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1); herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2); acne; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); vitiligo; sleep disorders; transient ischemic attack (TIA); plantar fasciitis; psoriatic arthritis; Morton’s neuroma
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing cat’s claw into your life:
Inflammation, aches and pains, ringing or buzzing in the ears, Candida overgrowth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, gastritis, tingles and numbness, neurological heart palpitations, headaches, brain fog, parasitical and bacterial infection, twitches, Bell’s palsy, frozen shoulder, spasms, tics, weakness of the limbs, burning sensations in or on the body, digestive disturbances, pins and needles, tremors, swallowing issues, slurred speech, nervousness, seizures, rashes, restless leg syndrome, dizziness, balance issues, moving body pain, muscle cramping, muscle tightness, muscle weakness, neck pain, joint pain, jaw pain, inflammation
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
When someone is quick to judge or play the blame game, the first step is for that person to be aware that she or he is doing it. The next step is to take cat’s claw. The herb is extremely helpful for reducing a sense of urgency, so that rather than automatically reacting to a situation, you can take some time to think, process, and address what has arisen with a level head.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
People are constantly on the search for the Holy Grail of health. As every new trend hits, we hope that this is the answer, the protection we’ve been waiting for, the discovery that will change our lives. Meanwhile, a miracle medicinal—cat’s claw—sits on the shelf of the health food store, and we pass it by. Or we add it to our herbal tool kit and forget to use it. It comes from the tropical jungle, so you’d think its exotic origin would pique more interest. Yet it’s within reach now, attainable, and so we figure it’s too accessible to be the real thing. If we gave cat’s claw a real chance, we would see that it really is a magical healer.
Throughout life, we overlook similar saving graces. Cat’s claw teaches us to reevaluate them. Have you ever underestimated a person, resource, object, or opportunity, and then realized in hindsight that you’d passed up the gift of a lifetime? What’s out there right now that could help if you let it? Cat’s claw teaches us that sometimes what we seek is within reach. We just need to have the presence of mind to recognize those everyday miracles that have made their way to us, so we can seize them.
Cat’s Claw Tea
Makes 4 cups
There’s nothing like drinking a cup of this cat’s claw tea as you watch the moon rise to activate your body’s healing potential. It’s an especially useful practice when you’ve done yoga or Pilates earlier in the day.
2 teaspoons cat’s claw
½ lemon, sliced
Raw honey (optional)
Boil 4 cups of water. For each serving of tea, use 1 teaspoon of cat’s claw per cup of hot water.* Steep for 5 minutes or more. Serve with lemon slices and raw honey, if desired.
*If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 teaspoons or up to 1 tablespoon of cat’s claw per cup of hot water.
Cilantro, also called coriander and Chinese parsley, is the go-to herb for heavy metal detoxification. Cilantro’s magic in detoxifying the brain lies in the living water in its stems and leaves. This is a critical aspect of how it can travel past the blood-brain barrier; in this living water are mineral salts comprised of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are bound to potent phytochemicals. When they enter the body, these precious salts join natural highways of other mineral salts that travel through the bloodstream, lymph fluid, and spinal fluid. As they come upon the amino acids glycine and glutamine in their travels, the mineral salts bind onto them, forming the ultimate neurotransmitters. The brain is a magnet for mineral salts, and when it draws up these precious mineral salt compounds from cilantro, a surprise package is attached: phytochemicals that deliberately remove toxic heavy metals from the brain, freeing up neurons from toxic heavy metal oxidized residue, so that they can function at their best.
While many people love the rich, savory flavor of cilantro, others get a bad taste in their mouths whenever they eat it. Try not to get caught up in the trend that theorizes that a dislike of cilantro has to do with genes. This genetic concept hasn’t been studied widely enough—if it were, researchers would find that there is not a gene that determines whether or not a person has an aversion to cilantro. There are no genes that tell us not to eat a certain food.
What’s really going on with cilantro aversion? When a person perceives an abrupt, harsh flavor from the herb, it means that she or he has a higher oxidative rate of heavy metals in her or his system. This doesn’t mean the person possesses a higher level of toxic heavy metals. Rather, the heavy metals (in this case, usually a combination of aluminum, nickel, and/or copper, at whatever level) in her or his body are corroding rapidly. Corrosion means that there’s toxic runoff, which makes its way into a person’s lymphatic system and saliva. The moment cilantro makes contact with the mouth, its phytochemicals start to bind onto any oxidative runoff they encounter—if there’s a lot of this debris in a person’s saliva, it can result in a harsh sensation when eating cilantro. In other words, if someone dislikes cilantro, there’s a good chance she or he really needs it.
Cilantro is also very valuable for extracting heavy metals and other toxins from other body systems and organs, particularly the liver. In fact, it’s an amazing liver detoxifier in its own right. It’s one of the best adrenal support herbs, too, and wonderful for balancing blood glucose levels and staving off weight gain, brain fog, and memory issues. And just when you thought cilantro had enough flare and flash, it’s also antiviral—cilantro helps keep down levels of the Epstein-Barr virus, shingles, HHV-6, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and other herpetic viruses in all their various forms, as well as HIV. It’s also antibacterial; it helps to fight off virtually every form of bacteria and flush its waste from your body. Whether you like the taste of cilantro or not, parasites definitely don’t like the taste of it; cilantro is an incredible worm deterrent especially. For any chronic or mystery illness, whether diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or undiagnosed, cilantro is a must-have.
CONDITIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing cilantro into your life:
Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, shingles, HHV-6, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Parkinson’s disease, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Raynaud’s syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis (MS), migraines, vertigo, Ménière’s disease, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism, eczema, psoriasis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), insomnia, all autoimmune diseases and disorders, fibroids, injuries
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing cilantro into your life:
Memory loss, brain fog, confusion, spasms, twitches, numbness, tingles, muscle cramps, foot drop, anxiousness, food allergies, sciatica, back pain, neck pain, jaw pain, headaches, dizziness, liver congestion, weight gain, trigeminal neuralgia, myelin nerve damage, mineral deficiencies, food sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, blood toxicity, nervousness, constipation, inflamed liver, inflammation, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, joint pain, neuralgia, pins and needles, ringing or buzzing in the ears
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
When you find yourself getting easily flustered, a little dizzy when faced with life’s choices, perplexed about your life’s purpose or about how someone in your life is behaving, turn to cilantro. This potent herb brings clarity, so that you can find your path and head in the right direction without getting distracted by other options or others’ behavior.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
Cilantro teaches us that life is an ongoing cycle of extraction. It doesn’t stop at pulling heavy metals out of our bodies—we’re also meant to help our friends and family through life by listening to them without judgment as they work through difficult times. What pain can you help a loved one purge? What negative self-talk can you coach a friend to leave behind? Sometimes we hold on to beliefs or memories that no longer serve us, and we need some extra support to let them go. Just as cilantro is featured in cuisines from diverse cultures, emotional detox is a universal need. The next time you eat cilantro, think about who in your life could use a sympathetic ear. Try reaching out to that person, and—without overriding with your own opinion—let your loved one speak freely.
Cilantro Pesto
Makes 1 to 2 servings
Pesto gets a twist in this cilantro-inspired recipe. Use this pesto as a salad dressing, a veggie dip, or as a thick sauce over your favorite vegetables—it can do anything. It’s a great way to get cilantro’s healing benefits into your day.
2 cups packed cilantro
¼ cup walnuts
½ lemon, juiced
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until well combined. Scoop the pesto into a small bowl and enjoy as a dip, salad dressing, or sauce.
Whether you love garlic or take pains to avoid it, one thing’s for certain: garlic deserves to be heralded as medicine for our world today. Used to enhance vitality since ancient times, garlic is more important for our well-being now than ever before. To give garlic its proper due would take a book on its own. Suffice it to say that like its relative the onion, garlic is multifaceted, playing many different roles in protecting a person’s health, and has substantial reach in what it can do for someone. Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal (including anti-mold), anti-parasitic, and rich in the phytochemical allicin, a sulfur compound that prevents disease.
Contrary to some mistaken theories, garlic does not kill productive bacteria in the intestinal tract. It only kills unproductive bacteria, which runs on a positive frequency. Don’t confuse this with the term gram-positive, which doesn’t actually refer to electrical charge. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria that are harmful to humans run on a positive frequency. On the other hand, productive, beneficial bacteria (regardless of whether they’re gram-negative or gram-positive) run on a negative frequency, the same frequency that humans run on. Not to be mistaken for negative, unfavorable energy, this negative charge is a good thing; it’s our source of grounding. Unproductive bacteria, worms and other parasites, fungi, and viruses all run on a positive charge. When they take hold in our systems, they drain our batteries, and we lose our grounding. Then along comes garlic, which has anti-pathogenic properties that are positively charged. This like fights like, and garlic rids us of the pathogens that were harming us. Because beneficial bacteria in our guts and other microorganisms that benefit us are negatively charged and grounded, garlic doesn’t wipe them out.
While there is a certain abrasive aspect to garlic, it is abrasiveness that’s to your benefit. Rest assured that garlic does not disrupt anything that shouldn’t be disrupted—it does not hurt you. On the contrary, it’s perfect to fight colds, flus, strep throat, pneumonia-causing bacteria, and viral-related cancers. It also extracts toxic heavy metals in the colon and gives you a powerful immune boost.
CONDITIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing garlic into your life:
Strep throat, vaginal strep, strep-induced acne, other conditions related to Streptococcus A and B, yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as bladder infections and kidney infections, staph infections, edema, sties, low reproductive system battery, ear infections, sinus infections, chronic sinusitis, immune system deficiencies, H. pylori infection, common colds, influenza, bacterial pneumonia, breast cancer, laryngitis, intestinal cancers, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma (including non-Hodgkin’s), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, thyroid disease, adrenal fatigue, migraines, sleep apnea, Lyme disease, psoriatic arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), HHV-6, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ulcerative colitis, chronic bronchitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing garlic into your life:
Swelling of the lymphatic system, inflammation, Bell’s palsy, earache, postnasal drip, headaches, digestive distress, canker sores, enlarged spleen, all neurological symptoms (including tingles, numbness, spasms, twitches, nerve pain, and tightness of the chest), appendix inflammation, trouble breathing, back pain, bad breath, cough, chest pain, congestion, chest tightness, eye floaters, excess mucus, fever, fatigue, liver stagnation, headaches, neck pain, sinus pain, Candida overgrowth
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
When you’re at a fragile point and you feel vulnerable and exposed in your workplace, at home, or in a new relationship, turn to garlic. It’s the food to bring into your life when you need protection and shelter.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
Before it can be harvested, garlic needs plenty of time to rest. It thrives on that time of nesting and quiet, covered over by the soil in the garden bed, when it can absorb nutrients and build up its own immune system against the pathogens that go after plant life, such as mold and other fungi, worms, and bugs; it strengthens during the growing season so it can pass on that strength to us. Take a cue from garlic, and stake out your own nesting period each year. In order to build up our physical reserves and spiritual immune systems, we all need a periodic time out from pollutions, pathogens, stress, and those people in our lives who drain our energy. Renewed, we can be better prepared for our own growing seasons.
Garlic Tahini Salad Dressing
Makes 1 to 2 servings
It’s easy to make a big batch of this salad dressing and keep it in your fridge all week long. The classic Mediterranean flavors of olive oil and tahini blend wonderfully with garlic and the subtle sweetness from the dates. Enjoy this dressing atop any greens of your choice or use it as a dip for your favorite veggies.
¼ cup raw tahini
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves
2 medium dates (or 1 large date), pitted
½ cup water
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over your favorite salad greens and enjoy.
In this world, we live by reaction. We start the day with certain goals, and before we know it we get a phone call about a minor emergency, or an appliance breaks, or a client calls with an urgent request. Suddenly we’re in crisis mode—and we may not be able to leave this state for the rest of the day, because the moment one issue is resolved, a new one takes its place. All day long, every day, we’re dying out fires, large and small. This reactivity is what we need to survive the Quickening. At the same time, never winding down can set us up to be hyperreactive—like when there’s traffic when you’re already late to pick up your child from soccer practice, and without even thinking, you honk the horn at the car in front of you for stopping at a yellow light.
Ginger is one of the most important tools for giving ourselves respite from a reactive state. When you’ve been going a mile a minute from morning until night and you finally start to check out mentally and emotionally, the physical body often stays reactive, in a heightened, spasmodic state. This is how stress-related illnesses such as adrenal fatigue, acid reflux, sleep apnea, spastic bladder, insomnia, digestive issues such as spastic colon and gastritis, and chronic muscle pain can get kicked up. Ginger is the ultimate antispasmodic. A cup of ginger tea can calm an upset stomach and relax any other areas of tension for up to 12 hours. Rather than acting as a nerve tonic, it acts as a tonic for the organs and muscles, telling the body that it can let go, that everything is under control.
If your throat muscles are tight from speaking or yelling too much, or from having to hold in something you wish you could say, ginger is an amazing relaxant for the area. It also helps relieve tension headaches and flush excess lactic acid from muscle tissue into the bloodstream and out of the body—because it’s not just strenuous exercise that causes the release of lactic acid; stress does, too. If you sit at a desk all day with stress pumping lactic acid through your muscles, it needs a way out, since you’re not moving around to keep it flowing on its normal path.
Ginger’s antispasmodic properties come from its more than 60 trace minerals, well over 30 amino acids (many of them undiscovered), and more than 500 enzymes and coenzymes all working together to calm reactivity. And as an antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic, ginger deserves all the accolades it gets for promoting a healthy immune system. Ginger is also ideal for stress assistance, DNA reconstruction, enhancement of your body’s production of B12, and so much more. It will be 100 years before research uncovers how much ginger truly holds.
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing ginger into your life:
Pancreatitis, gallstones, adrenal fatigue, spastic colon, sleep apnea, spastic bladder, insomnia, laryngitis, common colds, influenza, hiatal hernia, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, migraines, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), thyroid disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), HHV-6, eczema, psoriasis, anxiety, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), plantar fasciitis, Raynaud’s syndrome, radiation exposure, all types of cancer (especially thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer), celiac disease, chronic sinusitis, ear infections, fungal infections, hiatal hernia, human papilloma virus (HPV), insomnia, lymphedema, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, shingles
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing ginger into your life:
Muscle spasms, muscle cramps, ganglia cysts, muscle tightness, muscle pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, anxiousness, gastritis, bloating, stomach cramps, stomach pain, canker sores, acid reflux, upset stomach, headaches, gallbladder spasms, pelvic pain, back pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, sinus pain, congestion (particularly of the chest and/or sinuses), cough, urinary frequency, incontinence, urinary retention, weight gain, food allergies, abnormal Pap smear results, mineral deficiencies, food sensitivities, belching, diarrhea, brain fog, chronic nausea, colon spasms, cough, congestion, digestive disturbances, high cholesterol, sleeping disturbances, fatigue
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Ginger is ideal for those who feel forced to hold back what they have to say. When you are silenced, there are circumstances where the right course of action is to speak up anyway, and circumstances where you get the sense that saying your piece, however valid, would make the situation worse. Ginger is for the latter. Because holding in your true sentiments can make you feel locked up and stifled—and even put you into muscle spasm—it’s very important to release all that tension, and ginger performs the job beautifully.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
Ginger teaches us that we don’t always have to have an insight, breakthrough, or solution in order to let go of what’s not helping us. We don’t have to process everything or stress ourselves out reliving it. We don’t have to react. There are enough other situations that require our reactions; there’s no sense in taking on extra. Just like we can turn to ginger to work the kinks out of our muscles and the knots out of our stomachs, we can let it work that antispasmodic magic on our souls, cleansing us of wounds and damage without us having to do anything other than let it.
Ginger Limeade
Makes 2 to 4 servings
This ginger limeade is so refreshing. It will be especially helpful to anyone trying to transition off of caffeinated energy drinks. The subtle heat of fresh ginger juice makes this drink one you will come back to time and time again.
¼ cup honey
4 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon ginger juice (from about one 3-inch piece of ginger)
1 cup lime juice (from about 10 limes)
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
Heat ¼ cup of honey and 1 cup of water in a small pan until the honey dissolves completely. Set aside to cool.
Juice the ginger and limes into a large pitcher. Mix in the remaining 3 cups of water. Stir in the cooled honey water and the fresh mint leaves. Refrigerate until chilled.
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa because of its botanical name Melissa officinalis, is an essential herb for calming the nerves—in particular, those involved with digestion. Many people suffer from various sensitivities in the gut, with complicated and confusing misdiagnoses involved. What’s often behind these problems are nerve endings that have become hypersensitive around the digestive organs. Nerves play a role in much of the digestive distress we experience in this day and age. For instance, inflamed phrenic nerves (which control the diaphragm and therefore influence the stomach) and vagus nerves (which run through the diaphragm and govern the stomach and digestion) are sometimes behind digestive sensitivities, as are nerves that connect the spine and digestive tract.
If someone’s stomach or intestines are irritated for no identifiable reason, it’s usually due to sensitive nerves. One common occurrence is that a food (even something very easy to digest) rubs against the lining of the intestinal tract, which causes someone with sensitive nerves to feel discomfort. Nerve sensitivities can also trigger symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and a sudden urgency to eliminate when nervous. Lemon balm is a gift from God and Mother Nature to deal with our frazzling world; it’s wonderful for addressing all of these situations with its soothing properties, which come from bioactive phytochemicals such as undiscovered alkaloids that calm the nerve receptors at the digestive tract so that the nerves become less sensitized and inflammation reduces. This makes lemon balm a valuable herb for stress assistance.
And lemon balm doesn’t stop there. It is a heal-all, with a high contribution factor to almost every part of the body. Extremely high in trace minerals such as boron, manganese, copper, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, and iron, lemon balm also has large amounts of the macromineral silica. Plus it’s a B12-conserving herb—which means that it monitors your stores of this vitamin and keeps your body from using it all up. Anti-parasitic, antiviral, and antibacterial throughout the body, lemon balm fights the Epstein-Barr virus, shingles, and other herpetic viruses such as HHV-6. It’s an amazing herb for tonsillitis, which is inflammation caused by strep bacteria. Plus, lemon balm detoxifies the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and helps reduce bladder inflammation, which makes it a star for alleviating interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing lemon balm into your life:
Nutrient absorption issues, laryngitis, interstitial cystitis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as bladder infections and kidney infections, tonsillitis, hypertension, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, shingles, HHV-6, transient ischemic attack (TIA), staph infections, H. pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), ear infections and other ear problems, hiatal hernia, neuropathy, ringworm, anxiety, depression, thyroid disease, adrenal fatigue, migraines, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), strep throat, autism, nodules on bones and glands, Lyme disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), tonsillitis, rosacea, osteopenia, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Ménière’s disease
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing lemon balm into your life:
Loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, anxiousness, nervous stomach, sensitive stomach, heart palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats, frozen shoulder, stomachaches, gastritis, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nervousness, fatigue, diarrhea, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, weight gain, weakness of the limbs, weak digestion, trace mineral deficiencies, tooth pain, fever, seizures, nosebleeds, inflammation, histamine reactions, brain inflammation
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Stress and insecurities often cause us to feel fearful about what’s around the bend. We find ourselves lying in bed at night, wondering what will happen to us and our families. If you’re worried about what the future holds for yourself and others, lemon balm can take the worry away and replace it with a sense of peace.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
Lemon balm is practically an all-purpose plant, and it teaches us that we are just as well-rounded. We’re not each here for just one reason. Within one lifetime, we have many different lives. We don’t have to live with singular focus; we have many chances to explore different gifts and serve diverse purposes—some of which we’ll discover along the way and some of which we’ll live out without ever knowing how we’re effecting change.
Lemon Balm Tea
Makes 2 to 4 cups
This lemon balm tea is soothing and mild. The lemon doesn’t overpower the herbs’ subtle beauty, though if you want a stronger kick of lemon, go ahead and add more juice or zest to take the flavor to another level.
2 tablespoons lemon balm
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix the lemon balm, lemon zest, and thyme together in a small bowl. Boil 4 cups of water. For each serving of tea, use 1 teaspoon of the blend per 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes or more. Just prior to serving, add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice to each cup.
*If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 teaspoons or up to 1 tablespoon of the tea blend per serving.
Licorice root is a savior. It is the most important herb of today’s world, the camel to carry you through the desert of chronic illness. Why is licorice so critical? Because it is the ultimate weapon against the viral explosion. As you read about in the “Save Yourself” chapter, herpetic viruses (including Epstein-Barr, HHV-6, cytomegalovirus, and shingles) are so often behind mystery illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, Ménière’s disease, and adrenal fatigue, as well as symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, body aches and pains, and nerve pains in the jaw, neck, shoulder—not to mention those conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that are labeled “autoimmune.” (If you’d like full explanations of any of these illnesses, my first book covers them in detail.)
The body does not attack itself; strains and mutations of these herpes viruses do—which is why we need a potent antiviral on our side. That essential antiviral is licorice root. Its phytochemicals and antiviral properties stop a virus from procreating and at the same time push the virus out of the body, making your system as inhospitable as possible for viruses that want to take up residence there. In the autoimmune confusion of the 21st century, licorice root is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal.
Licorice root is also incredible for people with low blood pressure, and it helps soothe the liver by lowering liver heat. Not to mention that licorice is the most important adrenal restorative we have today. Popular herbs such as rhodiola, holy basil, ginseng, and even ashwagandha don’t do a fraction of what licorice does for the endocrine glands. These other herbs are useful because they support the adrenals where they are, so if you have underactive adrenals, the herbs keep them from dropping even lower. Licorice root, on the other hand, acts like a battery charger for the adrenals: it brings them out of a fatigued state and increases their capacity to function to your advantage.
Note that there are conflicting views out there about licorice, including many misconceptions. Try not to get drawn into the negatives—you will be cheated out of healing.
CONDITIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing licorice root into your life:
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Lyme disease, Ménière’s disease, adrenal fatigue, neuropathy, Graves’ disease, interstitial cystitis, diverticulitis, diverticulosis, all autoimmune diseases and disorders (especially Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis), osteomyelitis, migraines, digestive disorders, strep throat, vertigo, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, shingles, depression, insomnia, laryngitis, acne, adrenal fatigue, urinary tract infections (UTIs), sciatica, migraines, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing licorice root into your life:
Dizziness, body aches and pains, anxiousness, nerve pain, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, brain fog, tingles and numbness, constipation, stomach pain, headaches, fatigue, nausea, hyperthyroid, appendix inflammation, hypothyroid, gastritis, food allergies, Bell’s palsy, cold hands and feet, menopause symptoms, canker sores, acid reflux, ringing or buzzing in the ears, frozen shoulder, brain inflammation, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, low hydrochloric acid, vaginal burning, vaginal pain, ulcers (including peptic), tics, spasms, swallowing issues, heart palpitations, stagnant liver, pelvic pain, loss of libido, inflamed spleen
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Licorice root is wonderful for anyone who processes emotions through the gut instead of the head. If you feel like the simplest of misunderstandings give you a stress stomachache, or if you hold tension in your gut, deal with emotional agita, or get butterflies in the tummy, licorice helps prevent and relieve your suffering.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
When used correctly, licorice can bring back the health of people who have been struggling with illness for much of their lives. If you’ve ever been sick, you know that healing is a divine wonder. While those who haven’t suffered may see others’ healing as just getting back to normal, you know just what a miracle “normal” is—and anything that plays a role in restoring someone’s well-being is a miracle in itself. Licorice teaches us that small miracles like these are all around us, though we’ll only recognize them if we don’t have on our blinders. What else in your life seems commonplace, and yet is a marvel of the universe?
TIPS
Makes 4 cups
The rich flavor of this fragrant tea is sure to conjure warm feelings. As you take each sip, imagine yourself as a child eating sweet licorice candy, and let the memory lighten your heart and bring you joy.
2 tablespoons dried licorice root
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon whole cloves
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Boil 4 cups of water. For each serving of tea, use 1 teaspoon of the blend in 1 cup of hot water.* Steep for 5 minutes or more.
*If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 teaspoons or up to 1 tablespoon of the tea blend per serving.
Though it could technically be grouped with the other aromatic herbs, parsley is in a class of its own because of its skill at alkalizing all the body systems. You’ve no doubt heard of the concept of body acidity and alkalinity—that when the body becomes acidic, disease can occur. Well, wherever parsley is sold, it should come with a sign that says, “Fights acidosis more than anything else.” Normally, alkalizing foods only have the ability to promote alkalinity in one or two body systems, so other systems can remain acidic. Used appropriately and on a regular basis, parsley can alkalize the entire body, crossing body systems and driving out acidity across the board. (Note that pH strips don’t give you the feedback on body acidity that you may think they do. For more on this, see the “Harmful Health Fads and Trends” chapter.) Mineral salts are a large part of what makes parsley so alkalizing—parsley’s specialized mineral salts bind onto unproductive acids in the body to drive them out. This alkalizing skill makes parsley helpful for preventing and battling every type of cancer.
The herb is an all-purpose pathogen-fighter; it keeps bacteria, parasites, and fungus at bay. Parsley is amazing for anything mouth-related such as gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth, as it impedes the growth of unproductive microorganisms there. It’s also a fantastic anti-DDT weapon—it has a great chelation effect that pulls out stores of herbicides and pesticides such as DDT that you never knew were hiding in your body and holding you back.
Parsley is full of nutrition, including B vitamins such as folic acid, traces of B12 coenzymes, and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a highly remineralizing food, especially for those low in trace minerals; parsley provides magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, selenium, iodine, and calcium. Parsley is practically a wild food, as it doesn’t need much tending to fare well and provide for you; it can even handle some colder weather, meaning that it has an adaptogenic nature. When you eat it, parsley passes this will to survive and thrive along to you. Parsley is an excellent herb to replenish you when you’re depleted and exhausted. Like licorice root, though it doesn’t usually make the lists of top adrenal boosters, parsley most definitely should.
CONDITIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing parsley into your life:
All types of cancer (especially blood cell cancers such as multiple myeloma), torn cartilage, phobias, anxiety, depression, gum disease, salivary duct problems, thrush, adrenal fatigue, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), migraines, thyroid disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), Addison’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), endocrine system disorders, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), bipolar disorder, Lyme disease, narcissistic personality disorder, fatty liver, ringworm, Sjögren’s syndrome
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing parsley into your life:
Nausea; lightheadedness; dizziness; acidosis; loss of smell; loss of taste; malaise; abdominal pain; tremors; gum pain; dry mouth; headaches; weight gain; nosebleeds; tooth decay; gum recession; cavities; all neurological symptoms (including tingles, numbness, spasms, twitches, nerve pain, and tightness of the chest); mineral deficiencies (including trace mineral deficiencies); chemical sensitivities; inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes; memory loss; poor circulation; pre-fatty liver; shortness of breath; brain lesions; spinal lesions; tooth pain
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
When you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster, turn to parsley. The herb grows in such a way that the stems and leaves on the outside mature first, and new growth continues in the center—so it’s a very centered and centering herb. If you feel like you’re being dragged along on someone else’s emotional roller coaster, offer her or him a dish with parsley in it. When a person gets enough of this herb, you’ll notice a more balanced state of mind and being.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
Too many people miss out on the health benefits of parsley because they’re not wild about the flavor. It’s not an allergy or an intolerance—they just decide to stick with what they know and love. When we don’t like something, even if we know it’s good for us, we tend to avoid it. What experiences, conversations, situations, responsibilities, and actions are you avoiding in your life that would ultimately help you? What valuable lessons are you missing out on? What benefits would you reap if you put aside your initial aversion and approached something you usually think of as unpleasant as an opportunity instead?
TIPS
Parsley Tabbouleh
Makes 1 to 2 servings
This salad is the perfect addition to a big meal eaten around the table with family and friends. It pairs perfectly with hummus and a platter of roasted cauliflower. Traditionally, tabbouleh is eaten inside tender lettuce leaves. Serve it in a huge bowl and use your hands to scoop it up with lettuce cups. Enjoy the tradition of gathering together around this beautiful meal.
¼ cup almonds
4 cups parsley, tightly packed
⅛ cup mint, loosely packed
2 cups quartered tomatoes
2 cups quartered cucumber
½ cup chopped red onion
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ lemon, juiced
Pulse ¼ cup almonds in a food processor until roughly chopped. Set aside.
Place 4 cups parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.
Place the remaining ingredients in a food processor and pulse until chopped and well combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add in the parsley and almonds and mix together. Serve and enjoy!
We often think of raspberry plants for one reason: the delicious and health-promoting berries it produces. The leaves, however, should receive equal credit. When it comes to balancing a woman’s reproductive organs, raspberry leaf can’t be beat. It is the ideal reproductive system reorganizer and protector. Raspberry leaf is also an overall hormonal balancer—for example, it supports adrenal gland production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and it feeds the thyroid gland with critical nutrients for replenishment. Raspberry leaf supports the entire endocrine system in hormone output.
All of this reproductive and hormonal support means that raspberry leaf brewed as tea is one of the most profound tonics to address infertility and prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. It is useful to help prevent miscarriages, and it is a secret tool to address exhaustion following childbirth and postpartum depression. Raspberry leaf is known to enhance production of breast milk. What doesn’t get attention is that raspberry leaf also fortifies the mother’s milk with vitamins and minerals, making it more nutritious for baby.
Raspberry leaf is also beneficial for men, mostly as a blood cleanser and overall detoxifier. For anybody, raspberry leaf’s phytochemicals, including antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins and polyphenols, make it an all-purpose anti-inflammatory, specifically for the organs and glands. It is also amazing for those with iron deficiencies, helps grow hair when needed, and because it helps strengthen the pancreas, those who are dealing with pancreatitis can do very well on this herb. Though it garners very little attention for its adaptogenic qualities, raspberry leaf should be classified as a top adaptogen.
CONDITIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing raspberry leaf into your life:
Infertility, miscarriage, fibroids, postpartum depression, anemia, urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as bladder infections and kidney infections, thyroid disease, pancreatitis, gum disease, low reproductive system battery, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, uterine polyps, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine prolapse, bladder prolapse, human papilloma virus (HPV), endocrine system disorders, bacterial vaginosis
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing raspberry leaf into your life:
Low breast milk supply; gastritis; ovarian cysts; food allergies; fatigue; stomach upset; iron deficiency; hair loss; abnormal Pap smear results; inflamed uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes; hormonal imbalances; hypothyroid; hot flashes; inconsistent vaginal bleeding; vaginal discharge; vaginal burning; cramping
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
For the person seeking comfort, serenity, compassion, consolation, warmth, affection, and a touch of admiration thrown in for good measure, raspberry leaf is an amazing herb. Use it for self-soothing, or offer it to a friend in need.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
A raspberry patch can overtake the garden if you don’t tend it. It is controllable, though, if you have a little bit of time, patience, and education about which canes to cut back. Ultimately, this process results in a healthier, more fruitful plant. In our lives, we encounter other situations that border on chaos. Some of them are outside of our control—not all of them are, though. Raspberry plants teach us to keep an eye out for those situations that we can nip in the bud if we brave the thorns and bring a discerning eye. What in your life, if you tend to it now, could become more fruitful over time?
TIPS
Makes 4 cups
Seeds, leaves, and petals align in this delicious tea. As you sip it, envision an alignment of your own, where your reproductive system and the rest of your body become one.
2 tablespoons raspberry leaf
8 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon rose petals or buds
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Boil 4 cups of water. For each serving of tea, use 1 teaspoon of the blend in 1 cup of hot water.* Steep for 5 minutes or more.
*If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 teaspoons or up to 1 tablespoon of the tea blend per serving.
Turmeric is great for just about every aspect of our well-being. Famous for containing curcumin, a phytochemical with anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a particular asset for conditions such as lupus, in which the body can get stuck in a habitual cycle of reaction, even after the invader (in the case of lupus, the Epstein-Barr virus) is no longer present. Note that inflammation in chronic illness is due to the body’s immune response to a foreign presence such as a virus—not, as many sources mistakenly say, due to the body turning against itself. Sometimes, though, once a cycle gets started, the body needs an ally to come in and break the pattern. Turmeric is ideal for this job, because it contains natural and very beneficial steroidal compounds from the curcumin as well as other aspects of the turmeric that are critical to calm down outsized inflammatory responses to pathogens.
This makes turmeric great for anything in the body that’s inflamed and causing pain, from nerves to joints to the brain. Speaking of brain inflammation, many people walk around with undiagnosed mystery low-grade viral encephalitis, a swelling of the brain on such a minute scale that it’s not detectable by medical testing, though its symptoms are sometimes diagnosed as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). (This is a tag for a mystery illness that’s the result of brain inflammation from Epstein-Barr.) Undiscovered enchephalitis results in mystery pressure in the head, dizziness, deep headaches, blurry eyes that can’t be fixed with a glasses prescription, confusion, severe anxiety, and panic. Turmeric is the ultimate antidote.
At the same time that it attends to inflammation, turmeric’s powerful agents and compounds increase blood supply to areas of the body that need enhanced circulation, which makes this an ideal spice for those who have chronic histamine reactions, or toxic blood due to a sluggish liver or poor circulation. Turmeric’s high level of manganese combined with its curcumin make it great for the cardiovascular system—it lowers bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol, helps inhibit tumors and cysts, and can prevent virtually any type of cancer, especially skin cancers. Plus, the manganese activates curcumin’s ability to extract toxic heavy metals from your system.
CONDITIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing turmeric into your life:
Allergies, lupus, encephalitis, anxiety, high cholesterol, tumors (including brain tumors), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, all types of cancer (especially skin cancers), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), influenza, colds, sinus issues, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), lymphoma (including non-Hodgkin’s), eczema, psoriasis, heavy metal toxicity, bacterial pneumonia, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, celiac disease, cerebral palsy, chronic bronchitis, eating disorders, electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), emphysema, endometriosis, heart disease, insomnia, lipoma, adrenal fatigue, glaucoma, Lyme disease, Graves’ disease, migraines, obesity, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, parasites, Raynaud’s syndrome, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sciatica, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, yeast infections, worms
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing turmeric into your life:
Rashes, hives, congestion, brain inflammation, joint inflammation, nerve inflammation, poor circulation, cysts, sluggish liver, liver heat, mineral deficiencies, dandruff, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, foot pain, hyperthyroid, inflammation, pressure in the head, dizziness, deep headaches, blurry eyes, confusion, panic, congestion, sore throat, cough, body aches and pains, body stiffness, calcifications, enlarged spleen, chemical sensitivities, depersonalization, disorientation, dyskinesia, emotional eating, excess mucus, frozen shoulder, histamine reactions, hormonal imbalances, low hydrochloric acid, intermittent vaginal bleeding, jaw pain, outbursts of anger, leg cramps, low cortisol, menopause symptoms, muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, roving aches and pains, sinus pains, hypothyroid, weight gain
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
For those who have trouble acknowledging their own self-worth, turmeric is ideal. If you find that you downplay your contributions to projects or relationships, are constantly down on yourself, or have trouble accepting compliments, bring turmeric into your life to help you appreciate just what a valuable, shining human being you are, and all the positives you have to offer.
SPIRITUAL LESSON
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are so potent that they’re meant to give us pause and consider what else in our lives could use calming. Inflammation doesn’t just occur on a physical level. We can also become inflamed mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. This often takes the form of judgment, blame, rage, or perpetual dissatisfaction. Like physical inflammation, it can feel very uncomfortable. It could be that the reason for your initial distress is long past, and you’re stuck in a habitual feedback loop that makes you relive your pain over and over. The next time you feel a bout of existential inflammation coming on, honor whatever past experience has brought out this reaction, then take a cue from turmeric and gently try to end the cycle.
Turmeric-Ginger Shots
Makes 2 to 4 servings
These fiery, immune-boosting shots are a tasty variation on the turmeric-ginger serum I mentioned above. A go-to option for the first sign of a cold, these shots will help your body fight back against anything that tries to come against it!
4 inches turmeric
4 inches fresh ginger
2 oranges
4 garlic cloves
One at a time, run each ingredient through the juicer, keeping the juices separate. Combine 1 teaspoon turmeric juice, 1 teaspoon ginger juice, ¼ teaspoon garlic juice, and ¼ cup of orange juice in a small glass. Stir to combine and drink immediately.
Note: the amount of ingredients necessary will vary greatly based on the juicer that is used.
