This week we celebrate Earth Day, an internationally-celebrated day celebrating the wonderful gifts of Creation. We celebrate the abundance of life we have through the resources given to us by the hand of our Creator. People all over the world will be hosting events to promote conservation and environmental protection.
But we’d like to use this day to celebrate the incredible natural gifts with which we have been blessed.
Earth has been equipped with everything that we need to live happy and healthy lives. From veggies and herbs to minerals and elements, our planet was designed to provide the essentials for natural healing and wellness.
There may be no wellness system more perfect for celebrating Earth Day than Ayurveda. Thousands of years old, Ayurveda is a wellness and healing practice that treats the body as a whole and emphasizes harmony between our inner bodies and the outside world. Focused on conscious, natural, and holistic living, it works to enhance physical and psychological well-being, promoting longevity for the body as a whole. If used correctly, nature’s bounty can bless our minds and optimize our lives in ways that we could never have imagined.
To celebrate, here are our top 5 favorite Ayurvedic herbs and minerals and how they help us achieve health, healing, and balance.
#1. Turmeric
A member of the ginger family, turmeric is used heavily in Ayurvedic medicine. Its main active ingredient is curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. While inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, chronic inflammation can lead to a host of diseases. Antioxidants help prevent the creation of free radicals, which cause cell and tissue damage.
Turmeric has also been shown to help improve brain function. Beta-amyloid protein is a toxic protein, formed in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Promisingly, in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, low doses of curcumin reduced beta-amyloid protein levels in their brains by around 40%.
A follow-up study conducted at UCLA in 2006 found that curcumin helps macrophages to clear amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s patients as well. This makes it potentially very useful as part of a future therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
It also helps digestion, which is essential for detoxification and a strong immune system. Digestion is where all the magic happens. Our bodies absorb all of the essential nutrients from our food while separating toxins and waste and flushing them out of our bodies.
Here’s a tasty recipe for eggs Florentine that utilizes turmeric>>
#2. Ashwagandha
Known more commonly as ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, withania somnifera has long held a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine. Its use dates at least as far back as 4,000 B.C. The traditional Indian approach to healing involved using ashwagandha as a “Rasayana.” In Sanskrit this literally means “that which negates old age and disease.” The life essence, so to speak, of Ayurveda, and one of functional medicine’s most precious herbs.
Ashwagandha’s many benefits include its narcotic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, astringent, stimulant, thermogenic, and tonic properties. It also has benefits of adaptogenic nature. Adaptogens are herbs that modulate the body’s stress response, adjusting hormones and other substances either up or down depending on what the body needs.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs and other therapeutic substances that directly alter a specific cellular function or gene expression in order to address a particular set of symptoms, ashwagandha helps the body to self-adapt.
#3. Amalaki
Also known as known as Indian gooseberry, Amalaki is a small fruit that’s loaded with vitamin C. This gives it incredible antioxidant power and helps to aid digestion. It also supports collagen production, which helps promote healthy skin. This includes the “inner skin,” which lines the gut and other mucous membranes throughout the body.
A healthy gut is imperative for a strong immune system. Your gut contains a delicate system of over 100 trillion organisms – fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and other microbes – collectively known as your “microbiota.” Each of these organisms has a purpose within the symbiotic community that is your microbiome.
The intimate relationship between gut microbiota and the immune system is admittedly complex. But it can be summed up like this: for your immune system to work effectively, your microbiome must be in tip-top shape at all times. And the best way you can ensure a healthy gut, besides avoiding the exposures that threaten its integrity, is to seek out foods and supplements that will help enrich it.
Amalaki is an Ayurvedic staple for maintaining a healthy gut and eliminating harmful toxins from your body.
#4. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most commonly used roots in the world and is featured prominently in Ayurveda. It aids digestion and is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition to being a tasty and versatile ingredient for cooking, Ginger has been used for centuries to soothe upset stomach and relieve muscle soreness and joint pain.
This is likely because of the main active ingredient: Gingerol. Gingerol reduces nitric oxide production associated with inflammation and other cellular disturbances, protects against free radical damage, and possesses powerful neuroprotective capabilities. Studies show that gingerol stimulates antioxidant defenses and pharmacological pathways for healing.
To reap maximum benefits of gingerol, try using ginger in your tea, adding it to meat marinades, shaving it on vegetable dishes, and including in coleslaw and salad dressings to improve the chemoprotective properties of your meals. You can also consume fermented ginger, which is commonly used in sushi and kimchi.
#5. Boswellia
Extracted from the Boswellia serrata, a tree that looks a bit like an overgrown bonzai tree, you may also know Boswellia by another name: frankincense. In Ayurveda, frankincense is prized as one of the most valued herbs in existence. The gummy, resinous portion of its derivative has traditionally held a prominent place in the treatment of conditions like diarrhea, parasites, skin and blood diseases, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory infections, hair loss, hemorrhoids, and asthma.
In more modern times, frankincense has proven scientifically to fight inflammation, help control blood lipids, prevent coronary plaque, protect the liver, and help relieve pain. It’s also widely regarded amongst those who are familiar with its uses as being a powerful stimulant, both internally and externally. This is why patients who are weak from illness often inhale its essence as an aromatherapeutic.
Crafted by Design
We were created intentionally by God, and our bodies are designed to be in balance. The earth provides the best natural tools to keep our bodies healthy and balanced. Many illnesses can be traced back to a lack of proper nutrition or an overload of man-made toxins. You can help your body’s natural systems function well by ensuring that you get all of the nutrients and minerals that you need.
From reducing inflammation to aiding digestion, we should celebrate and take advantage of the abundance of life-giving gifts God has sprinkled all over the earth for our enrichment, nourishment, and healing.
Article Summary
From veggies and herbs to minerals and elements, our planet was designed to provide the essentials for natural healing and wellness.
Our top 5 favorite Ayurvedic herbs and minerals:
- Turmeric
- Ashwagandha
- Amalaki
- Ginger
- Boswellia
It is important to note that ashwagandha and certain types of gooseberries (in addition to other foods/herbs like eggplant, tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers and regular potatoes) can cause significant inflammation and pain in people with nightshade allergies.
This is true. Another reason why people should take the time to learn all aspects of their own personal health care and body. Care for self is not a one day thing. It is a lifetime of loving the vessel that is you in a sacred place. Most people have no clue how to care for their own body on a personal level.
Well said, Bonnie!
Thank you for the information.
Am battling a stage IV carcinoma Nasopharynx with metastases to the bones. I have been through chemotherapy and radiation but it keeps coming back,I was diagnosed in 2015.
Kindly tell me the natural protocol I can use to beat thus cancer.
Thank you.
Hi Bernard –
We appreciate you reaching out to us about this.
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis – I’ll be sure to pray for you.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors we interviewed in the Global Quest series.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
I’m also attaching the info about the Hope4Cancer clinic in Tijuana, MX if you’d like to reach out to them.
http://www.hope4cancer.com/
https://hope4cancer.com/schedule-a-call/
Please also see the resources below in case they will be helpful to you.
From our beginning, we have supported charities that really help these cancer patients.
HealingStrong:
http://healingstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/healingstrong
HealingStrong supports MANY cancer patients and are amazing. HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization, is supported 100% by volunteers, who are experienced in using natural strategies. The organization’s mission is to educate, encourage, equip, and empower those seeking comprehensive natural strategies to heal strong and stay strong.
HealingStrong Connect Groups meet monthly in various areas of the U.S. and South Australia to link others interested in natural strategies, holistic protocols, and local resources. Their groups focus on mind, body and emotional healing based on Biblical promises, as they believe the God of the Bible is our healer. For more information on how to start a group, or become involved in one, please go to: http://www.healingstrong.org/groups, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healingstrong.
Cancer Crackdown is so awesome and helps patients without a lot of money get supplements and treatments and even helps them raise money:
http://cancercrackdown.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CancerCrackdown
Also, the Independent Cancer Research Foundation is another charity that we support, also known as Cancer Tutor. They have been a TREMENDOUS help for cancer patients and have a TON of life saving information they give out freely and they do real research into treatments for cancer that are outside of the toxic Big Pharma Big 3:
http://www.theicrf.com/
The best that we can suggest is to contact Healing Strong and Cancer Crackdown for any need in financial resources.
We also support Mary Beth’s “Nick Gonzalez Foundation” which is bringing Nick’s protocol to the people…which is one of the most powerful cancer killing protocols out there.
I hope this is helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again if there’s anything else we can help with.
Wishing you endless blessings and love!
I am so impressed with the way you answered Bernard. You truly, truly care deeply.
God bless you both
Barbara
I Bernard – please check on line – MMS
Hope that will help :))) good luck :)))
Bernard: Very sorry to hear of your cancer return. I have found Jane McLelland’s book “How to Starve Cancer” (updated version on Amazon) to be very informative and invaluable help in trying to beat all types of cancer. I am currently living with 3 types of diseases: a severe immune imbalance, metastatic melanoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Jane’s book, in great detail, explains how cancer keeps coming back and what you can do to stop it from doing so. Even if you happen to get a cancer under control, it will try to find an alternate way of finding the energy to supply the quickly replicating cells and if those are under control, it will stimulate the spread of cancer’s stem cells to initiate new metastasizing cells. So all cancer’s do this and we as informed patients have to do our homework and research what is going to work for us. Stage four cancer has been stopped but most people cannot afford it or cannot keep up with the regimen. Do what you can and don’t stop with just one modality. If one doesn’t work try another as quick as you can. Jane gives you a VERY thorough scientific rundown on what you need to do with different cancers and how they will try to avoid treatment by finding an alternate energy pathway and what to do about that scenario. She also takes emails and can arrange phone calls (she lives in England) for consultations, especially for stage IV cancer survivors. Give her a read; it is well worth the $25. US.
Oh, I almost forgot, there is a YouTube lengthy discussion with her that Chris Wark did. Give it good looking at…most informative.
Good Luck,
Tim
Thank you for being bold in your faith and giving credit to the Lord Most High for this amazing planet!
Such amazing information in all of your articles.
It sounds great. But, where do I find amalaki and Boswellia and ashwangadah?
Thank you
Hi Yolene –
Thanks for your note.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a specific supplement recommendation at this time. But I would be happy to pass along this question/request on your behalf.
In the mean time, you could start with doing some research on USDA certified organic supplements available in a local shop or an online store. I know Amazon does sell this as well. 🙂
If you have any further questions/concerns, please let us know as we are happy to help.
Blessings and love!
WHAT IS THE OIL THAT IS USED FOR MASSAGES IN INDIA & THE OIL USED FOR THE FOREHEAD & TOP OF THE HEAD IN INDIA
hey Tamara! Indian use many oils for masaages, but most popular are ‘Mustard oil” and ” coconut oil” . “Mustard oil” is especially beneficial if cold and cough and joint pains.
There are herbal oils which are an infusion of mixed herbs.
Hi Ty and Charlene
Thankyou for your email and life saving information. I heard about Ayurvedic medicine many years ago and it truly is a remarkable healing system that treats the whole person ” mind body and soul” My health is still good. As you know I was diagnosed with stage three and developing into stage four cancer a year after my wife died, The oncologist and nurses put me on palliative care as I refused to have radio or chemo therapy. I was not given the option of surgery as the oncologist thought that I was too Ill to survive the operation. I will be 74 years old on my birthday and have been in good health for my age and condition. I have tried a mixture of Ayurvedic medicine Chinese Medicine and a vegetarian diet. My grandchildren keep me young and fit too as they love to play football,although I cannot run about like I used to in my youth. The proof of the pudding is in the eating they say and that is so true. Life threatening and shortening illnesses, traumatic and helpless and hopeless feelings, loss of loved ones causes something to change in us..By the grace of God I have been given a few more years on this Earth to pass my love on to my children and grandchildren and I know that when my time comes that I will join my soulmate wife and many other loved ones beyond the veil of the spiritual realms. In Eternal Love Light and Life John
Thank you
Thank you so very much Ty and Charlene for all your time, energy and love to mankind. I have been following the two of you for years and you both are earthly angels who are living your faith and not afraid to continuously acknowledge and give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We are blessed and grateful to have access to all your “truthful” and “transparent” information you have acquired over the years from many leading homeopathic minded medical professionals worldwide.
I hold a BS degree (was pre-med) and studied Eastern medicine and nutrition for over 25 years and am a friend of Cherie Calbom, MS, CN in Nutrition, Bastier University (as I recall, you are also friends with her as well) an excellent juicing expert and nutrition consultant based out of Scottsdale, AZ for people to seek assistance, as well as attend her holistic juicing retreats based on Christian principles. Cherie and her husband Fr. John, Eastern Orthodox Christian Priest and her team of experts run these 5 day retreats which I understand are incredible! She has written over 30 books on nutrition and juicing and is an absolutely amazing “old school” expert, as well as a beautiful soul!
Another recommendation for almost everyone is a very effective mode of therapy known as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which 100% heals any past traumas (large or small). It is the most scientifically proven mode of therapy and ties in with REM sleep and has been used very successfully worldwide with men and women in the military which have been exposed to combat, as well as victims of rape, etc. Each trauma only takes 1-4 sessions to be completely healed of the negative emotional attachment to the given trauma. We have all been exposed directly or indirectly to traumas in this fallen world which gets trapped in our psyche and effects our daily lives and well-being in one way or another. I am living proof, as I was an innocent victim of a drive by shooting at 7 1/2 months pregnant (braised in the head twice) including the loss of my dear friend and had PTSD symptoms for 19 1/2 years as a result until I was 100% healed recently. I recommend the book EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma to read before and/or during treatment. Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer, MD, (late and forever great), Dr. Leonard Coldwell, NMD DNM PHD D.HUM CNHP, Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO and Dr. Joshua Axe, DNM, DC, CNS to name a few EXCELLENT “IN-THE-KNOW” doctors whom often speak of the negative effects of stress on the body frequently causing or contributing to cancer.
Most important for all of us is to live the Ten Commandments and honor God the Father of all Creation every day (regardless of your religious beliefs) through prayer, fasting and reading scripture. Our lives as we know it can end at any moment that God allows… God bless you all and best wishes to your health and well-being!
Thank you so much! Lord bless you for your heart and wanting to help us in every single way, it is so deeply appreciated! The Lord bless you and keep you both!
Thank you so much, Karen.
We’re so blessed to know you recognize our hearts.
Wishing you and your family endless blessings! Thank you for being here with us.