Warning: Don't use foods, plants, herbs, or supplements in any of it's forms if you are allergic, take medication, or have a health condition that could react with it. Ask your doctor before using natural plants, herbs, and supplements especially if you're pregnant/nursing, or want it for young children/infants. Some may not be recommended for long term use.

Some essential oils like citrus, eucalyptus, and peppermint, are toxic to certain animals. Also, herbs like marijuana, garlic, and onion. Talk to your veterinarian.

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. My recommendations are based on research I've done and my own healing successes over the past 15 years. I don't recommend you avoid doctors or prescriptions completely. I believe when possible it's healthier to heal by natural remedies. More sources are saying that pharmaceutical companies don't want you to be healed. And let's not forget the side effects of drugs, including death.

Proven Remedies

In 3,000 B.C. (that's over 5,000 years ago), the Sumerians wrote about hundreds of medicinal plants on clay tablets. Ancient Egyptians wrote about plants for the treatment of disease on papyrus scrolls. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician talked of more than 300 plants as medicine. Every race throughout history has proven that plant remedies can heal the hurt.

For the past 16 years, I've also used plants & foods in various forms to naturally heal my own illnesses & injuries.... well, all except for one. I burst my bursa sack in my elbow - it's a liquid sack meant to protect joints/bones). Within one day I had a baseball size lump on my elbow. It was painful, bright red, and scorching hot. I knew I needed antibiotics.

Sadly though, as medical advancements continue to progress, the general population has learned to "trust" the medical system which has been, and still is, heavily steered by big pharmaceutical companies. We've become "conditioned" to believe that a doctor has all the answers & pharmaceutical pills or injections is the cure.

But.... have you been listening to more & more trusted sources exposing the truth and saying that pharmaceutical companies are not interested in curing you. If they cured you, they'd lose business.

Have you ever wondered why most medical facilities are quick to get you on some kind of pill or injection? If doctor's & medical facilities are heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies, and most pharmaceutical drugs aren't designed to cure you.....

Why do we risk our health on drug chemicals and spend tons of money on them? We'd benefit so much more if we learned to use natural remedies to heal the hurt - for most mild to moderate illnesses & injuries.

My Experience with Natural Cures

My experience with natural cures has allowed me to take control of my own health. I'm also saving time & money on doctors who spend 4 minutes with you & hand you a prescription. And then.... you get the bill. Not to mention - waiting until they open, waiting in the lobby, and more waiting in the exam room. No thanks.

With natural remedies, my rule of thumb is - if I don't start feeling better within 2-3 days, or if my symptoms get worse I'll go see a doctor.

Illnesses & Injuries I've Healed Naturally

First, it's helpful to know that I rarely got sick with colds or anything else. I used to joke about getting a color (or something) just so I could take a sick day.

However, within 2 years after starting a high stress & overworked job, I started getting sick.... at first every 4-5 months, then every month. What I couldn't heal myself from was cracked teeth from grinding in my sleep.

Why natural remedies you ask? It's simple. Your body was not designed to absorb & work properly with consistent & long term chemical drug use. Think about it - if it was good for us, why so many side affects - including DEATH? The good Lord created almost everything we need to heal from illness and injury, and boost our overall health. Then add the extra helpful man-made stuff like gauze, ice packs, x-rays, and other life saving techniques & equipment.

I bet you didn't know there's even natural remedies for some cancers. Western civilization has been slowly over the past few decades, seeing the benefits of "natural" healing. But.... don't get me wrong, if I ever did something like break a leg, I'd be hobbling to the nearest clinic just like everybody else.

With each of these STRESS related illnesses - I used natural foods, plants, herbs, minerals, and marine plants to heal myself: colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, thyroid malfunction, shingles, migraines, hormone imbalances, gum gingivitis, pain & inflammation, low immune system, ear infections.

After I left the overly stressful job, I spent 2 years in recovery mode. I'm back to rarely getting sick, except for one thing. Since having my child, I'm moderately allergic to any type of bug or spider bite. The bigger the bug, the bigger the infection site.... like, baseball size, red, inflamed, and painful infections.

Other than that, I've had one cold and one stomach virus - both cured by natural remedies. Oh yeah, and the onset of menopause which I figured out fairly quickly how to get under control. Some things are just not fair!!! I mean, like women haven't suffered enough since age 11.

Supplements for Optimal Health

Here's a fact for you - if you eat a healthy diet that includes protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and complex carbs - you don't need all those extra vitamins & supplements.

The most common vitamins & minerals that people are deficient in are: vitamin D especially during the winter, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

By adding certain foods to your diet, you'll get most everything you need. If you're diet is lacking - you'll need help. Otherwise, those vitamin/mineral pills are a waste of money. The exception is building muscle & bone especially as you age over 30. My blog is a must read: Build Muscle/Bone, Stay Youthful Beyond Your 60's.

Supplements I take: vitamin C daily for a strong immune system, from acerola cherry + camu camu, not engineered as ascorbic acid. Ground flaxseed for vitamin B3/B6 and digestion. Algae for B12. Kelp for iodine and thyroid function. Whey protein isolate powder & creatine powder for muscle/bone growth & repair. Green tea & ginger tea for overall health & to ward off inflammation.

Important Note: we have dangerously polluted the ocean, emptied our plastic killing fish/marine mammals, and over fished it. Even farm raised fish are more toxic than wild caught. I use algae & kelp instead of fatty fish for these reasons. Algae & kelp can be cleaned and grown in a controlled environment so less contaminated, fish don't naturally produce Omega B3's, fish oil needs are leading to over-fishing, algae doesn't produce waste and is sustainable. Algae/kelp are nutrient rich and better for the marine ecosystem.

Types of Natural Remedies

Natural remedies come from: plants, seeds, trees, bark, leaves, flowers, herbs, fungus, minerals, algae, and kelp. Also, whole foods like meat, eggs, sea foods, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, roots, and green tea.

Some foods and most plants, herbs, minerals, and algae/kelp can be processed into a concentrated form: an essential oil, liquid tincture, or powder. Thank goodness, because who wants to eat raw algae? Ahhh.... GROSS.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are made from parts of a plant (tree, flower, root, etc.) and pressed or distilled into an oil. The liquid that's produced is used for aromatic and therapeutic applications. Essential oils are highly concentrated.

Liquid Tinctures

Liquid tinctures are made from the whole herb - the root, leaf, berry, and bark. The liquid that's produced is highly concentrated.

Powders

Powders can be a loose powder supplement, or a powder within a capsule pill. Many plants like turmeric for instance come in both powder & pill form.

Essential Oils

Not very regulated, choose 100% pure, "therapeutic grade" and for added safety, go organic. Store oils in dark colored glass bottles, away from sunlight and heat.

• Inhaling: add 3-5 drops to water in a cold air diffuser and breathe overnight, or at your desk.

• Apply to skin: add 12-18 drops to every 1 ounce of carrier oil, like coconut oil. Then rub on the inside of the wrists or under the big toes. Sometimes you'll rub the essential + carrier oils directly on a body part, bug bite, or wound.

• Sprays: add 1 teaspoon of salt (epsom or regular) into a 2 ounce glass bottle, add 18 drops of essential oils and fill the rest with filtered water. Shake before using.

Liquid Tinctures

Solvents are used to extract what's needed from the herb. Don't use tinctures with alcohol or ethanol ingredients. Glycerin or vinegar solvents are OK. Follow directions for use.

Powder Supplements

Don't use toxic products in loose powder or pill form. Read this: Danger, May Contain Toxic Ingredients. For tested & safe products, check with: Environmental Working Group & Clean Lab Project.

Top Foods & Plants to Keep on Hand

Essential Oils: Lavender, peppermint, frankincense, clary sage, sweet orange, clove.

Foods/Other: Apple cider vinegar, raw honey, garlic, yellow onions, lemons, baking soda, ginger root for ginger tea, and green tea. Xylitol (white birch sugar), Ceylon cinnamon or cinnamon sticks, 100% pure organic fractionated coconut oil. Willow bark capsules.

Tinctures: Elderberry & echinacea liquid.

Supplements: take Vitamin C daily from whole foods like acerola cherry - not ascorbic acid, an engineered product. See also: "Supplements for Optimal Health" at the bottom of the section.

These babies also pack a powerful punch.... and they're referred to as nature's antibiotics. Not only do nature's antibiotics boost your immune system, they also help prevent infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungus. There's also multiple illnesses or injuries they will remedy. Nature's antibiotics can eaten, drank, or applied to the skin depending on the illness.

Nature's Antibiotics - the most common are: apple cider vinegar, garlic, onions, manuka honey (the very best, but also the most expensive) or pure raw honey, ginger, turmeric capsules (the spice & powder can stain your teeth), lemons, echinacea, tea tree oil, clove oil, 100% pure organic fractionated coconut oil, plain yogurt like Fage, oregano oil (it taste's nasty but it's the most concentrated) or dried oregano leaves, dried thyme, Ceylon cinnamon or sticks.

The power of natural remedies is nothing short of miraculous. After 15 years of using these remedies with pretty much 100% success, I'm still learning and finding more foods, plants, herbs, minerals, algae, and kelp to heal my hurts.

My friends & family have appreciated my recommendations as well, proving time after time that natural remedies work. Another amazing fact is that one simple food or plant can heal & benefit more than one condition.

The following are just a few of the natural remedies I've used over the past 16 years with pretty much 100% success rate. If you'd like more information, shoot me an email. Don't forget - if you're taking medication, have any health issues, are pregnant/nursing, or want it for infants/children - consult with your Doctor first.

• Headaches, Liver, Thyroid

• Hormones, Menstruation, Menopause

• Pain & Inflammation

• Teeth & Gums

• Anxiety & Stress

• Colds & Flu

• Cuts/Wounds & Insect Bites

• Digestive system

1st part

2nd part

• Apple Cider Vinegar ACV - it's antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal so it works in many applications. Mix 2/3 ounce of filtered water + 1/3 ounce ACV + 1 teaspoon raw honey if needed, and drink 2-3 times/day.

• Garlic & Onion - garlic is antiviral, onion is antibacterial & boosts immunity. Add onions & garlic to bone broth and drink 1 cup, 2 times/day.

• Lemon or Ginger Tea + Raw Honey - boil 1 cup of filtered water and add lemon slices and drink 1 cup, 2 times/day. If you let it cool so you can comfortably hold your finger in it for 2 seconds, than you can add raw honey. Or, slice ginger and gently boil in filtered water for ginger tea. You can add honey after it cools. Honey boosts energy & your immune system, reduces cough & sore throat, and is anti-inflammatory. Honey looses most of it's healing power in high heat.

• Plain Fage yogurt - a healthy gut helps boost your immune system. Add Ceylon cinnamon which helps prevent viruses including HIV. Also add raw honey and blueberries which helps with pain & inflammation, and is a super antioxidant.

• Elderberry & Echinacea liquid - the first day I start feeling sick, I take a double dose of both 2 times. I might continue regular doses for 1-2 days more if needed. Another option is "Wellness Formula" liquid tincture which contains several powerful ingredients, however it's more expensive - but it works great.

Colds & Flu

Colds, flu, shingles, and COVID 19 are all viruses and require anti-viral remedies. While strep throat, E.coli, salmonella, and urinary tract infections require anti-bacterial remedies. Increase vitamin C intake at the onset of any illness.

Start on Remedies Early

The moment you feel like you might be getting a cold, sore throat, congestion, cough, or fever, or you're feeling really run down - it's time to boost your immune system. For better odds, I implement several remedies for 2-3 days and I rarely get sick. If you do get sick, continue using the remedies until the cold/flu is gone. If symptoms worsen, see your doctor.

Anxiety & Stress

• Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil - when inhaled by diffusing, it can reduce heart rate, high blood pressure, chronic stress, and depression. Frankincense can also help you relax, fall asleep, and open breathing passages. It's one of the most viable healing agents on the planet, with 4 different types. FYI: Do not use if you're pregnant/nursing.

• Clary Sage Oil - considered the best for reducing the stress hormone cortisol by 36%. Rub it on the inside wrists in a carrier oil every day during high stress times of life. Clary Sage also helps balance hormones, relaxation & sleep.

• Epsom Salt + Lavender or Sweet Orange Oil - a hot bath with Epsom salt reduces stress, relaxes your mind & body, helps you sleep, and reduces pain & inflammation. Lavender oil is known for it's calming & relaxing effects. Or use sweet orange with it's calming & anti-stress properties. Plus, you're getting the benefits of aromatherapy with these oils. You can also just inhale lavender or sweet orange in a diffuser.

Minor Cuts/Wounds & Insect Bites

Cuts/wounds and insect bites are more susceptible to a bacterial infection. However, viruses can also enter the wound site or be carried in by the thing that bit you. Increase vitamin C and protein intake to speed wound healing. Don't do these: Don't soak the wound in hot water, don't apply any skin care products or Vaseline/petroleum products, and don't apply products with alcohol.

Minor Cuts/Wounds

First stop the bleeding, then rinse with a saline solution (mix 1/2 teaspoon non-iodized salt in 1 cup water boiled & cooled). Use a cotton ball to dab on the remedy, and cover with a band-aid. Repeat as many days as needed.

• Coconut Oil - organic 100% pure fractionated coconut oil is amazing - it kills bacteria, virus, fungus, and parasites. It's great for wound healing. Dab on the wound 2-3 times/day. Cover if it's more than a minor wound.

• Raw Honey - manuka or raw honey is also amazing at healing wounds and it's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. You only need to apply it once daily and cover with a band-aid.

• Aloe Vera Plant/Gel - the most effective healing is direct from the plant. If you buy aloe vera gel, check the ingredients to avoid any added junk and get organic. It's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and effective on wounds, burns, and skin issues like acne & psoriasis.

• Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense Oil - all 3 are antimicrobial (kills bacteria, virus, fungus, parasites) and anti-inflammatory. Lavender is great for calming the itch. Peppermint is better for pain. And frankincense is great for healing. Add 2 drops of any of these oils to the above coconut oil, raw honey, or aloe vera for super healing power.

Digestive System

The digestive system is connected to many functions within the body, especially the brain, diseases of the brain, thinking, mood, weight, and sleep. So, if your gut is not healthy - and it lacks enough "good" gut bacteria, and it's inflamed - basic functions & overall health will suffer. One common cause that will harm your gut bacteria is long term use of medication.

• Plain Fage Yogurt & Raw Honey - the honey boosts your immune system, is anti-inflammatory, it's great for gut health and improves digestion & absorption of nutrients. Yogurt helps regulate digestion and a great source of probiotics, the "good" bacteria your gut needs. Get yogurt with low sugar & active cultures. Sugar causes inflammation.

• Diet - ground flaxseed is great for a healthy digestive system. Also eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains & drink plenty of water daily to help your digestive system function properly.

• Lemon & Raw Honey - drink 1 cup of filtered water with lemon slices. If needed add honey. Lemon helps digestion and detoxing your intestines.

• Peppermint/Frankincense - peppermint tea or green tea with 1 drop of peppermint essential oil will help relieve pain from an upset stomach and pain, including pain from IBS irritable bowel syndrome. Frankincense helps the digestive system with elimination, and helps reduce symptoms of IBS and ulcerative colitis.

Bug & Spider Bites

If you're moderately allergic to bee stings, spider bites, and bugs in general like I am - and you get multiple bites - I have to take an over-the-counter allergy pill along with natural remedies. I've also had to take antibiotics for a very large spider's bite. Dab with a cotton ball and apply as often as needed.

• Aloe Vera Plant/Gel or Raw Honey - both are anti-inflammatory and will soothe the itch.

• Peppermint/Tea Tree/Lavender Oil - they're all anti-inflammatory, and help stop the itch, burn, and pain. I prefer peppermint for the pain because it's cooling, but I use lavender as well for the calming.

• Baking Soda - make a thick paste with water to take the itch/sting out.

Hormones, Menstruation, Menopause

Women especially need help to balance hormones throughout menstruation & menopause. Men - you're not getting off that easy because you also need balanced hormones for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Women's Hormones

• Clary Sage Oil - clary sage helps balance the cortisol stress hormone similar to estrogen and can reduce menopause symptoms and menstrual cramps. For cramps, rub it directly on the abdomen (in a carrier oil) for some relief. For menopause and to boost the thyroid hormone rub it on the inside wrists.

• Frankincense Oil - frankincense may help with menopausal systems. Inhaling it will help you relax during the stress of menopause, and it's also good for postmenopausal bone health & joint pain.

• Thyme/Rosemary Oil - thyme is good for hot flashes & mood swings of menopause, and helps balance hormones. Rosemary also helps lower the cortisol stress hormone and improve mood. Add clary sage, frankincense, thyme, and rosemary to a carrier oil and apply on inside wrists once/day.

• Magnesium/Sodium (Salt)/Ginger Tea - take a magnesium supplement during menstruation to help with cramps. Decrease sodium/salt intake to reduce breast tenderness & water retention. Ginger tea helps reduce inflammation which lowers the pain of cramps.

• Peppermint/Clove Oil - peppermint oil helps irritability & mood swings if you rub it on the inside wrists. Rubbing peppermint oil on your belly lowers inflammation and pain from cramps. Clove is also great for decreasing cramp pain if you rub it on your belly - always in a carrier oil.

Headaches, Liver, Thyroid

Headaches

Headaches are caused by various factors - stress being one of the major causes. Stress can cause muscles to tighten especially in the head, neck, and upper back causing tension/stress headaches. Other causes include: dehydration, poor posture, lack of sleep, fatigue, eye strain, hormone imbalance, medication side affects, caffeine withdrawal, etc.

• Willow Bark - willow bark is similar to aspirin and can reduce fevers and pain in the body. Don't use willow bark daily for longer than 3 months, use only as needed. I use it for headaches and it does a great job.

• Ginger Root Tea - it's anti-inflammatory and helps with migraines. Gently boil thin slices of the root in filtered water, then strain out the ginger and drink.

• Peppermint/Lavender Oil - peppermint is good for tension/stress headaches if you rub on your temples & forehead, but don't get it in your eyes. Lavender is also good and it's better when inhaled using a diffuser.

Liver

Everything you eat & drink must pass thru the liver, so it's critical to keep it in good health.

• Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Artichoke - these are in most liver supplements, and VitaLiver has really good ratings.

• Green Tea - drinking green tea often has proven to help prevent liver cancer, hepatitis, fatty liver, and more.

• Turmeric - strong anti-inflammatory & anti-cancer properties that helps liver disease, fatty liver, etc. Take 500 mg capsule/day. Get turmeric/curcumin with Piperine/Black Pepper for absorption. The only other ingredients should be the capsule. Ask your doctor especially if you have a liver or kidney disease, dosage and length of time.

Thyroid

If you don't get enough iodine, your thyroid can't make hormones needed for many body functions = under-active thyroid. Too much iodine = over-active, and can be from certain medications. This is 1 of several common thyroid problems.

• Iodine/Kelp - iodized table salt has added iodine, but no other minerals. I take thyroid capsules with just kelp to get iodine. But after adding more fish, yogurt and eggs to my diet, I only take kelp 2-3 times/week.

• Foods - the best way to get iodine is from wild caught fish, shrimp, tuna, eggs, dairy, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.

Men's Hormones

Guys.... if your hormones are out of whack, you may experience: fast weight loss, can't sleep, headaches, sweating much more than normal, irritable, anxious, dry skin or rashes, etc.

• Diet & Lifestyle - you need protein, healthy fats, fiber, and less carbs & sugar. Get regular exercise including strength training, get good sleep, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress. You too women.

• Supplements - ashwagandha will help with stress, omega 3 fatty acids is great for balancing testosterone (get it from algae, not fish oil due to contaminants in fish). Vitamin D (sunshine) + zinc also help with testosterone production and zinc also with sperm health.

• Sandalwood Oil - sandalwood helps balance testosterone in both men & women, plus it'll help you guys smell nice too. Apply it on the inside wrists in a carrier oil.

• Frankincense, Clary Sage, Thyme Oil - good for hormonal health & stress reduction in both men & women.

Teeth & Gums

Your teeth & gums can tell a dentist whether you have a healthy lifestyle & if you're highly stressed. My new dentist examined my teeth for 2 minutes and then said where's all your stress coming from? SCARY.

Read this: The Truth About Fluoride. It does NOT help your teeth. And, if you look up the ingredients in toothpaste - like fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and saccharin - they're TOXIC.

• Number 1 - reduce stress. Combat Stress and 12 Stress Kickin' Habits.

• Brushing - nobody tells you how to brush correctly. You don't want to use the flat brush on the front of your enamel - you need to brush the front & back of your gum line, and the bottom of the tooth. That's where food gets in.

• Essential Oils - essential oils like peppermint & clove are awesome for killing all the bad stuff in your mouth - plus with added coconut oil they help whiten your teeth and give you that minty fresh breath. You're also keeping gum disease away and reducing plaque & tartar.

Pain & Inflammation

If there's inflammation, you're going to have pain. By eating a fairly steady diet of certain foods, you can help prohibit inflammation from occurring in your body.

• Anti-Inflammatory Foods - eat blueberries, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, olive oil, tuna, salmon, nuts, spinach, and kale. On the flip side, avoid fried foods, white breads, sugary foods, soda & sugary drinks, processed meats like hotdogs, margarine, and red meat.

• Willow Bark - willow bark is similar to aspirin and can reduce both fevers and pain in the body. Don't use willow bark daily for long term, only as needed. I use it for headaches and it does a good job. It's not recommended for children or pregnant/nursing moms. If you have any health conditions with blood, kidneys, liver, or other - consult your doctor.

• Frankincense Oil - frankincense significantly reduces inflammation and pain with conditions like arthritis, IBS, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and other conditions causing pain in the muscles, joints, and tendons. Apply directly to the area of pain, and for digestive issues apply to the abdomen. Don't forget the carrier oil.

• Peppermint Oil - peppermint oil is also a good pain reliever when you apply it directly to the area.

Heal Thy Mouth blend from OraWellness is AMAZING. It cured my gingivitis by getting down into the gum pockets and killing the bacteria that causes disease. It also re-mineralized my teeth and restored my mouth's natural pH levels all while freshening my breath. My dentist was couldn't believe the results.

Regular toothpaste does NOT heal your mouth - Heal Thy Mouth blend does. OraWellness provides "how to" videos and helpful information I wish I knew long time ago. I incorporate their essential oil blend into my home made toothpaste - it's a toothpaste remedy for healthier gums, teeth, and mouth.

• Toothpaste ingredients - food grade Bentonite Clay & diatomaceous earth. Use organic since it's in your mouth at least twice/day. Xylitol, a natural sugar - believe it or not - helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities.

  Also add some pure organic fractionated coconut oil, and of course the Heal Thy Mouth blend. It's a true powerhouse for your mouth.

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