Ancient Secret of Youth

This common organic household and culinary spice has been lurking around kitchens for quite some time. It's vibrant yellow properties and flavor have been used for both it's color and flavor, and is used in 1000's of products in the US alone. Yet many of use are still unaware of it's natural healing powers, in fact it was largely ignored in western culture until the 1970's, when research confirmed it's abilities as an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and even possible anti-cancer properties.  Many household herbs have an exceptional medicinal purpose, many ward off infection and disease, but not all are quite as powerful as this unique herb of which we will be discussing. 

This relative of the ginger root has made quite a name for itself over 1000's of years usage.  In many eastern countries this root has been a common tool in medicinal culture. Used for many centuries in India as a blood purifier,  a treatment for skin conditions, morning sickness and liver disorders.  In China it is known as jiang huang, or yellow ginger, and is considered a cure, in that country for abdominal pain, jaundice, bloating and more.  In modern uses this root is recognized for it's beneficial effects in treating upset stomachs, joint pain, and several digestive disorders.  

Modern science has discovered the healing properties of this herb are link to what are called currcuminoids, one of which, perhaps the most prominent of these curcuminoids is known as curcumin.  Curcumin is shown to increase the bile production and flow from the  liver, which leads to a quicker breakdown of fat, and this may even protect from liver damage caused by alcohol (although I would not test this).  When studied on animals it was also found to reduce stomach acid secretions and this could protect the lining of the intestines and stomach.  However, the most powerful purpose of this herb may be it's ability to alleviate pain, especially pain related to joint-inflamation, a.k.a arthritis.  Curcumin not only alleviates mild pains similar to aspirin (which was derived from white willow bark), curcumin has also been found to thin the blood in much the same way as aspirin as well, and it is less likely to have the long term side effects of aspirin.* Beyond thinning the blood and relieving mild pain, this root is also an anti-inflammatory and appears to be as effective as NSAID's and cortisol** at reliving inflammation.

Ok if you haven't figured it out by now I will share with you the name of this powerful herb, I am sure the suspense has been getting to you.  The name of this herb is Turmeric root, and you more than likely have seen this herb in your kitchen or in the kitchen of someone you know, perhaps you even used it today. 

Many of my friends and family have used this herb and seen amazing results in joint pain, even without a change in diet.  It's effectiveness in pain relief is not only due directly to it's ability to relive mild amounts of pain, but is also due to it's anti-inflammatory properties, as inflammation often leads to pain.  It's important to note that the properties of turmeric are only supplementary and the only way to permanently reduce inflammation and joint pain is an all around change to diet.  A diet which avoids inflammatory foods all together will lead to a permanently "uninflammed" body.  Inflammatory foods include but are not limited to; meats, animal milk, oily and greasy foods, and even too much cooked food. And, hey spring for the organic food, in the long run you will thank yourself.

Although it is modernly taken in capsules, my favorite way to use this herb is in a coconut milk mixture, recipe below:


TURMERIC COCONUT MILK-

1. Coconut Milk-                             3/4 cup
2. Turmeric Root Powder -             1-1/2 teaspoons 
3. Cinnamon-                                  1/2 teaspoon 
4. Raw Honey-                                1 teaspoon 

Place coconut milk,Turmeric Root, and Cinnamon in a small sauté pan and heat till warm, while constantly whisking with a fork. Once warm turn off burner and whisk in honey and pour the mix into your favorite mug, and your done!  If steam begins to rise the milk is getting too warm, and use a mug with some dark color as turmeric tends to stain.  Do your best to get organic as well, especially wight the Turmeric Root, it is typically much fresher than its conventionally produced counterpart.

I use this recipe a few times a week right before bed, especially when I am experiencing muscle pain or even stress. 


Turmeric root is a powerful medicine and it is important to note that it should not be taken with blood thinners or pain killers as they can interact and cause too strong an effect on the body. If you are taking ANY medications you need to discuss with your doctor about supplementing turmeric root or any medicinal herb into your diet as the interactions can be serious!




If you would like to purchase some turmeric capsules you can find them at my store here. 



*Although turmeric has less side effects than synthetic medicines, it does has a few of it's own when used to often or for too long. Turmeric is only a supplement, a supplement to what? A healthy diet, without a healthy diet the healing effects of turmeric (or any herb or medicine for that matter) will not   remain.  Supplement require a change in the lifestyle patterns that caused to disease to begin with or their effects will not last!

** From Complementary and Alternative Medicines, page 781, written by Doctors of Pharmacy C.W. Fetrow and Juan R. Avila.

The Herb of Creativity - A Winter Depression Solution

St. John's Wort A Winter Depression Solution

Winter can be tough; less work, more time indoors, less sun, cold and money can often be tight.  All these different factors that winter brings can be overwhelming and cause depression, anxiety and a myriad of other mental disabilities.  There are many ways to deal with the winter blues, but one of my favorite time proven methods of improving mental health is St. John's Wort.  I take St. John's Wort during the winter to stimulate creativity and to help organize my thoughts and put them motion.

The first time I tried St. John's Wort I was suffering from the heaviest depression I had ever experienced,  I had been hitchhiking the country for 2 years and when I started to setts down and make a home it was not an entirely pleasurable experience to say the least. I had been studying herbalism during my travels and decided to give St. John's Wort a try.  Within 1 hour of taking St. John's Wort I was inspired to start writing poetry, I hadn't been inspired to do such a thing in such a long time.  I continued to take it everyday for 3 months during and after that time my depression vanished.   Now that I am older I still take St. John's Wort to inspire creativity during the winter months as it is not easy for me to keep myself occupied for hours at a time.

Don't take my word for it though, clinical studies have shown St. John's Wort is as powerful as leading antidepressants at relieving mild to moderate depression.  For severe depression studies suggest that St. John's Wort is as ineffective as leading antidepressants, neither appear to have a strong effect on this kind of depression.  I would suggest that improving diet by intaking less sugar and caffeine as well as other factors, as well as increased exercise (even just a brief daily walk outside), and mental training, in conjunction with St. John's Wort would inspire creativity in even severe depression, although I can not prove this, it's just intuition. 

Beyond clinical studies St' John's Wort has been in use for 1000's of years and is very well known for it's effects.   Dr. Jonathan Zuess, in his book, “The Natural Prozac Program,” states:

 “In the crumbling pages of ancient texts on healing, hidden amongst the dusty basement shelves of a neglected Old World library, there are stories of a flower whose tears are magical.”

Even the slightest scent of St. John's Wort was said to scare off evil spirits.  Although the terminology has changed over time there is no doubt in my mind that St. John's Wort is a powerful medicinal herb that has helped me overcome my depression (evil spirits) by inspiring me to express myself creatively. 

St. John's Wort is a medicinal herb that can inspire  creativity within yourself, which enables YOU to overcome mental disorders. I do not suggest that it directly cures depression.  

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Disclaimer- Do not take St. John's Wort with antidepressants or if you are taking any medications ask your doctor for his or her permission before taking any herb classified as medicinal.