When scientists and doctors disagree, how DO you find a good remedy for your health issue? Most pharmaceutical prescription drugs only mask symptoms – they do not heal or cure. And what about natural remedies?
In my opinion, the number one way to know you’ve found a good natural health remedy is: it resolved your issue. You found relief. If you had a headache and you tried something that relieved your headache, you’re satisfied. Yet, what about all the other remedies you may have spent an arm and a leg on that didn’t work? If you’re reading this, you’ve probably bought a dozen over-the-counter (OTC) or natural remedies that didn’t do much for you (though you may not be willing to admit it).
I am not a doctor or licensed health practitioner, but I am an analyst and I spend a lot of time researching and trying out many natural health and wellness products. Being such a savvy gal in this regard, I can share some of the natural health remedies that have worked for me, and some of them may help you too!
7 ways to know you’ve found the right natural / holistic health remedy
#1- It worked. Admittedly, just because the natural remedy worked for you once, it may not always, or may not work for you in every instance. Also, that same remedy may not work for everyone else.
If you’re like me, you’ve raced out to tell all your friends and family of your delightful natural remedy discovery, only to find a less than enthusiastic response to your new found awareness. Most want want to hear about it, much less try it. Of those who love and trust you enough to try it – far less will experience the same astounding relief as you. Yet, it’s beneficial for you to keep a list of the things that worked for you. If and when others notice your results, they’ll get curious (perhaps) and ask you what you are doing.
#2 – It’s been a successful remedy for centuries. This is certainly a good reason to try something, but until it has proven itself by actually resolving your problem, I don’t think it’s the best reason to rely on a particular remedy. Granted, before anything can work for you – you have to open your mind to try it and then, actually use it.
Just because a natural remedy hasn’t been used in your family, or even in your country, if it’s worked for millions of people, or been used for centuries, it’s probably worth checking into. Favorites are: Prayer (asking), Meditation (listening), exercising your Faith (Read the book, Biology of Belief for the science about how your very beliefs change cells), Acupuncture, Medical QiGong, Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), therapeutic essential oils (food grade quality only such as Young Living or DoTerra brands), consuming whole fresh (or cultured) food as medicine, moving your body–even gently to get your lymph moving, and deep breathing (such as the Yogic breathing called, Pranayama).
Did you know that you can burn Bay leaves (like sage) to use its smoke to clear the allergic response?
#3 – It’s made from common natural ingredients. This doesn’t always mean the remedy will be inexpensive, but if you read the ingredients and you can pronounce each one, you’ve at least narrowed down the list of potential side affects (granted some people are allergic to natural ingredients you can pronounce).
One of the best natural remedies I rely on for reducing sinus congestion is garlic capsules (a little tip from a registered nutritionist). Another I like, is a natural remedy for colds / flu, it’s a mixture of apple cider vinegar, garlic, onions, cayenne, horseradish, and ginger. I’ve tried a few different formulations of this concoction and it works every time. Or, I take a few drops of Young Living Thieves blend of therapeutic essential oil on my tongue and drink some water after a few seconds, or use one drop of P73 Oreganol on my tongue–depending on which oil I have handy.
If those remedies seem too strong for you, try some warm tea and one or two of any of the following: onions, garlic, apples, oranges, turmeric, black pepper, sea salt, ginger, and/or Bragg’s Apple Cider vinegar with the Mother to your diet (one, some, or all – probably not all at the same time) while your experiencing the cold/flu and see if you don’t find some relief. I’ve tried colloidal silver – pretty good stuff, but I cannot say it works on everything every time.
I love the Moringa tree leaf for natural energy and clarity, however, I am allergic to it (and I’ve even experimented with taking a small dose, or every other day)! So, some of these things just must be tried, one at a time, in order to know if they are helpful for YOU. Currently, I am taking Magnolia Extract with Honokiol. Honokiol is being researched in conjunction with Alzheimer’s prevention — A 2012 study showed that Honokiol reduces inflammation in brain tissue and another study indicated that it may reduce neuronal (brain) cell death, a factor of Alzheimer’s disease. As a preventive, I am personally trying hemp CBD oil now.
#4 – It’s been handed down through your family (or your friend’s family) for generations. I know by this time we’re really dealing with “word of mouth” and no one in your family kept a list of who all used the remedy, for how long, and what outcome they experienced. But eh, if it’s a simple remedy and one you can wrap your mind around – why not give it a try? I once had a friend help me easily get rid of a ganglion cyst on my wrist and I am quite sure that saved me a lot of hassle as well as, hundreds of dollars. As well, I didn’t have to take any drugs for it, endure x-rays, or surgery. I was a bit skeptical at first but she swore by the remedy and it was free! I used her procedure myself in the privacy of my own home and it worked! I really love those kinds of natural remedies. My grandmother (of Native American Cherokee Indian ancestry) could take the fire out of burns with a feather light touch to the area along with an intention and prayer (a form of Energy medicine) which, was handed down generation to generation male to female, then female to male. During my youth I experienced her healing touch several times–burns on my skin always healed quickly without a blister or scar.
#5 – it’s been recommended by my alternative, integrative or complimentary doctor, nutritionist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, or other holistic health licensed professional. I’m sure it depends upon how much pain you’re in, or how close to death you feel, but I’ve let it be known for awhile that I’d go to a witch doctor (okay, I think the more appropriate term Shaman) if I thought they could aid my body to heal itself. I believe God always wants what is best for us and will provide us a way, even if to some that “way” seems wacky. We’re meant to live a long, healthy, and abundant life! For those of you who believe, “I’ll only try it if SCIENCE has proven it to work” odds are, you’ll suffer (and die) before science figures everything out! If something works for me – that’s MY science. Case in point, there’s no “flu season”, that’s a marketing ploy from the pharmaceutical companies! I’ve gone out in the cold with wet hair daily for years, and never “caught” a cold or flu! (My mother bought into that myth, but I’ve proven it false). And it’s also been stated that one third of all people healed via traditional medical treatments are due to the placebo effect! (Read Dr. Bruce Lipton’s book, The Biology of Belief.)
I’m an observer too. And I am more than capable to log and track (uh, I’m a writer!) what works for me. I don’t care if it’s anecdotal experience. We are all anecdotes. Each of us are unique!
I’m asthma free because I never gave up until I found a combination of natural remedies that allowed my body to naturally heal from that issue. Oh, and actually I didn’t have to go to a witch doctor. Science changes – and it changes every day. Science is about experimenting, observing, testing, documenting the results, and using the same method, replicating the experiments in order to quantify and validate the results… and yet, many scientists and doctors argue and disagree!! That’s why you can’t just buy the latest book of scientific evidence on any topic. There will always be one group that says it’s quackery and one group that claims their “revelation” (what they are going to reveal) is God’s gift to humanity. Ugh. Everyone has to make money, but no one has to suffer!
#6 – It’s been recommended by my doctor. My husband’s doctor once made a quiet remark of a recommendation to my husband (I was in the room) whereby he stated that my husband “could eat a better balanced diet, OR take a few pills” while explaining that most people just “prefer pharmaceutical drugs” for their ailments. I listened respectfully, thought it really pissed me off. If the doctor would have given my husband a food diary, book on nutrition, maybe a cookbook, or calorie chart of some sort, then I might have believed his feeble attempt to change my hubby’s eating habits. Doctors only get one class on nutrition in all of their years of medical school, why? I have an idea, but you might not want to hear it! (Shhh… follow the money).
#7 – It’s been touted as effective by Prevention magazine, Dr. Oz, Hippocrates Health Institute (HHI), Natural News websites / shows, Dr. Colin Campbell, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. David Perlmutter, Dr. Joseph Mercola, Dr. Gabriel Cousens, etc. I don’t always agree with every article I read from these authors, doctors, or publications, however these experts are scary smart! They experiment, observe, test, and track results from thousands of patients and their outcomes in a systematic way. I often try their advice because I am the brave and adventurous type. However, I don’t take just one of their opinions, studies, or books, as the end all be all. I am also careful when someone says to, “trust me”, because I only really trust my body. If one of these doctors or scientists had all the answers, they wouldn’t disagree with each other! Remember, studies can be interpreted in multiple ways!
For me, I’ve just had too many different experiences from everything I have tried, to believe the one size fits all approach. Nonsense! I’ve tried the low-fat diet and I experienced brain fog, so much so in fact, that it impacted by logical analytical thinking (my job) — and because I’m in a technical industry, I must have a highly functioning brain!
There are many ways to naturally increase beauty – even small changes can have a big impact for your health and well being.
To our feeling great, better health, and longevity,
Sheila Murrey
Your alternative health researcher, joyful wellness guinea pig, and mindful Mind-Body-Spirit guru! Reach out to me if you need a boost, or a boot, to get yourself back in charge of YOUR well-being.
Take it upon yourself to be healthy, joyful, wholly vibrant, and beautiful. And yes, it’s important to take good care of yourself because, We Are All Connected.
UPDATE 9/12/2018:
The book that’s been in the making for 13 years, Take It Upon Yourself to Live a Wholly Vibrant Life, is now available for online sale and distribution (PDF format).
Buy it here: https://beingwhollyvibrant.wordpress.com/2018/09/12/book-launch-take-it-upon-yourself-to-live-a-wholly-vibrant-life/
Be the best version of who you want to be.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
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