As I sit here near the open windows, the scent of the ocean wafting in on the gentle summer morning breeze, I think about how blessed I am to be here in this beautiful place, healthy and alive.

Throughout Spring my health was not so good. I was trying to manage a flare up in all the ways I knew from past experiences and medical advice, but it was not working as it had before. It finally culminated in a late night visit to the emergency room and sudden surgery. That was five weeks ago today and I am happy to say I have made a wonderful recovery. In fact, I can’t think of a time I have felt this good physically!

The surgeon told me I did not require any dietary changes, but the experience was so extreme that I decided otherwise. I changed my primary care physician to one whose practice is mostly holistic. He gave me a few tips which I immediately put into action and have worked very well for me.

Altering my eating habits would not have been so easy had I not gone through such intense prolonged pain and a very scary blood pressure reading. But, making it a priority has made me feel like a brand new person! I have drastically reduced gluten, refined sugars, dairy, red meat and fatty meats. I have completely eliminated highly acidic foods, processed foods, fried foods, carbonated beverages, and anything with high fructose corn syrup.

You might wonder what’s left to eat? Well, my diet now is mostly chicken, turkey, fish, veggies, fruits, gluten free pasta/bread and pretty much anything paleo. My taste buds have come alive and I haven’t felt the least bit sluggish in the afternoon!

I’ve also been learning a lot about medicinal herbs. The local garden center had a plentiful variety in order to start a small, but quite useful container garden. Whatever was on my list that I couldn’t get at the garden center I was able to find in dried form on Etsy. (I love supporting small businesses on Etsy!)

Two to three times a day I make a blend of fresh and dried herbs to use for tea. I’ve discovered some quite tasty recipes. Even my husband is now drinking tea after dinner!

As far as the medicinal benefits…all I can say is a few weeks ago everyone in our house caught a cold except me. I didn’t feel even the slightest symptom. The only thing I was doing different was drinking fresh herbal tea. Obviously I’m not a doctor and would never assume myself in a position to give medical advice. I can only share my experience and say how happy it has made me!

Currently growing in my little garden:
Bee Balm
Lavendar
Sorrel
Anise Hyssop
Sweet Mint
Chamomile
Wooly Lamb’s Ear
Lemon Balm
Lemon Thyme
English Thyme
Oregano
Sweet Basil
Marigold
Cardamom
St. John’s Wort
Lemongrass
Lemon Verbena
Marjoram
Comfrey
Chives
Dill
Echinacea
Edelweiss

Dried Herb Collection:
Angelica Root Powder
Bilberry Powder
Black Cohosh
Calendula
Dandelion Root
Fennel Seed
Hawthorn Berries
Hibiscus Flowers
Beet Root Powder
Saw Palmetto
Yarrow Flower
Slippery Elm Bark

Extracts:
Motherwort
Reishi Mushroom
Turkey Tail Mushroom

There are many online resources to learn about herbs and what they have been known/used for over many centuries. Here are the books I refer to almost daily:

Additionally, I use the PictureThis app on my phone to identify plants when I’m out and about. I found three wild medicinal plants in my own yard that I thought were just weeds!

If you’ve read any of my previous posts you also know how spiritual I am. Above all, I truly believe this new way of personal health has helped clear many stumbling blocks on my path of spiritual growth and evolution.

Raising my teacup in a toast to your health and well being, in mind, body and spirit.