When I hear the word “herbalism”, images of candlelit apothecaries, exquisite antique bottles of tincture, and the age old mortar and pestle come to mind. Even today, this isn’t too far from the mark – a resurgence of the age-old practice is in full swing and the craft has not changed much. Nor should it.
But along with this return to botanicals, there has been a corresponding re-birth of the snake oil salesman who slaps “miracle cure” language on their remedies. You’ve probably seen what I’m talking about. I operate on the principle that good information is a wonderful thing, but exaggeration and hyperbole are worse than no information at all.
When I speak to trusted herbalist friends who are following a deep calling to work with plants and are immune to the allure of material gain, they often speak about the herbs as allies, not magic bullets or cure-alls. They advise that a conscious, healthy lifestyle is by far the most powerful healing agent and that the effects of herbs will most likely not be experienced without it.
My friend and master herbalist David Winston has a great philosophy on how to properly use plants to heal the body. He views herbals as a secondary course of treatment that can work wonders if we have what he calls “our foundation” running properly.
In a recent sit down with him, David shared the following bit of wisdom with me:
“In my mind, anyone who is a competent herbalist doesn’t just use herbs. We look at diet, diet is foundational. We look at sleep, sleep is foundational. We look at exercise, we look at lifestyle. I don’t care how many herbs you take, if you’re not getting enough sleep, if you’re eating a lousy diet, if you’re not getting exercise, if you have an unhealthy lifestyle, you have unhealthy relationships, herbs won’t make up for that. So, we have to deal with the foundational things.”
Each of the foundations that David mentions is equally important, but I want to focus in on one in particular: diet.
When folks see the healing results that our patients experienced in The Sacred Science, the question we often hear is “what were the herbs that he/she was taking?” or “Do these shamans travel? Where can I find them?” But what tends to fall by the wayside is that a baseline component of their treatment was a very particular diet.
Yes, there are thousands of herbs that grow in the South American tropics, but in most indigenous cultures, nutrition is the first layer of the overall healing picture. It can vary from culture to culture, but the indigenous herbalists that we work with prescribe a primarily vegan diet.
And I’m not referring to the American version of vegan that relies on processed fake meats made of seitan and tofu smothered in starchy gravy with pretend cheese melted on top. If the intention is to heal illness, the jungle prescription will most likely include a back-to-the-land diet of locally harvested vegetables, non-gluten grains like quinoa and wild rice, fruits, and an occasional meal of a grilled local fish, called the Bocachico, which is high in nutrition.
If you think that meal plan is tough, get this – they also forbid the use of any spices, including salt.
Why is this? During an Amazonian healing dieta, meals are kept extremely simple so that the more subtle compounds in the prescribed herbal medicines can do their work without interference from outside substances. According to the native healers that we work with, a rich and fatty diet is an obstacle that not only disguises symptoms and interferes with the treatments, but also indulges the patient’s ego creating momentary comfort from the inner truths that need to be unveiled for an individual to heal.
Fun fact: The Sacred Science meal plan might sound impractical to some of us, but remember that a good number of tribes throughout the Americas subsisted on a largely vegetarian diet, occasionally eating small game when available. The popular image of Native Americans as buffalo hunters is a myth that was spread mostly by the Europeans. Until the introduction of the horse by the Spaniards in the 16th century, the buffalo was an impractical and largely unattainable source of food.
Today’s takeaway: Many people, including myself, have their exotic herbal regimen down to a science and get great exercise, but occasionally let their diet slip. Herbs are fascinating, and their mysteries hold a ton of promise for the future of our species. But they sometimes steal the spotlight. The tinctures, the teas, the tonics, and the infusions are important, but if you’re eating the SAD (Standard American Diet), these subtle approaches aren’t going to be effective for you.
The first thing that any trusted herbalist will recommend is that you address your foundations first – sleep, exercise, and of course, diet.
I hope you find today’s piece helpful!
Stay curious,
Nick Polizzi
PS: For the advanced herbalists that are reading this: the dieta is not only used to heal illness. In many Amerindian traditions, veteran herbalists (mostly shamans) and their apprentices will follow a 30 to 60 day dieta for the sole purpose of more deeply connecting with a particular herb. The nutritional protocol here is very similar to the one mentioned above, but can actually be more rigid. I have met herbalists who will live on unseasoned brown rice (not even salt!) and water for a 30-day period while they work with various preparations of a single herb. Do not try this without expert guidance!
Only other important point to which all traditional systems agree is whether means of earning, procuring food &behaviour to every one around IS RIGHTOUS?
Can any one differ?
Thanks for listening to this Traditional WISDOM.
I learn more with every morsel. Thank you for guiding me on this journey of wellness. The correct combinations are essential.
I have always believed in what U said. Your information represents great change to 99.9% of all us humans. That and the personal discipline it takes to execute a change and make that paraadigm shift in our lives seems to be the obstacle. Your logic is sound. It is not a commitment to the Goal, but a commitment to the effort to achieve our goal that is necessary.
I am a Doctor in Oriental Medicine and based on Chinese Medicine, diet, or what we call food therapy, is also the first thing that needs to be addressed in any treatment.
SAD, standard american diet…how apropos!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So powerful, True and honest. You helped bring me back to my inner knowing when I was swirling in a sea of experts, theories, and yes herbs! Please keep speaking what you’re sharing!
You are doing good and important work.
People often look elsewhere and don’t realize that diet is the key. Thank you for this article, Nick.
I have used oils internally and externally. As an example, I have used them for warts. After my medical doctor cut them off and they grew back, I used oils to solve the problem. The warts never came back! Thank you for this information that you provide. It is so necessary.
type your comment here…What oils did you use?
What are the oils you used and how did you administer them? Thank you
My girl tried it put and told me it relieved her wrist pain almost immediately.
great article!
the shamans are right.simple food.
in ancient times the “mysteries” would start with fasting,strict fasting.
therefore cleansing…
we eat ..too much.
and then we make a lot of fuss about it…
Thanks Nick.
very brave what you do.!
I hardly create comments, but I read some of the responses
here Wait, before you take that herb
Good article! We will be linking to this great article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
Feel free to visit my web page :: free music downloads
Fish oil contains the foundational essential omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA that have a
multiplicity of benefits. As you can also see that are out there
with distinctive characters that includes different voices using unique and eye-catching colors.
Hydrochloric acid (Twinlab Betaine HCL, Doctor’s Best Betaine HCI Pepsin & Gentian Bitters ) – take at
the beginning of your meal.
Feel free to surf to my site … iherb coupon (Fredric)
I love it when folks come together and share opinions.
Great site, stick with it!
Also visit my site … norske casinosider [aford.net]
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
You are amazing! Thanks!
Here is my web page – residential roofing service Atlanta
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I
could add to my blog that automatically tweet my
newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was
hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new
updates.
My page average cost of roof repair Buford
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added-
checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the
exact same comment. There has to be a means you can remove me from that
service? Thanks!
My site shingle roof repair products Snellville
Hey there outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to this take a lot of work?
I have absolutely no expertise in coding however I was hoping
to start my own blog soon. Anyways, should you have any ideas or tips for new
blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic nevertheless I just wanted to ask.
Appreciate it!
Here is my web blog – Customer Reviews for Heaven Sent Floor Care
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and extremely broad for
me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to
get the hang of it!
Take a look at my page – repair shingle roof Redan
Wow! After all I got a webpage from where I can in fact obtain helpful data concerning my study and knowledge.
Feel free to surf to my homepage – solar companies san diego san diego ca
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to
your weblog? My blog is in the exact same area of interest
as yours and my visitors would certainly benefit from some of the
information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you.
Regards!
My weblog fines for drunk driving dallas tx
Hello! I realize this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
Does running a well-established website like yours take a large amount of work?
I’m completely new to running a blog however I do write in my
journal every day. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my personal experience and
thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or
tips for brand new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!
Here is my website flushing grand hotel
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a
little research on this. And he actually bought me breakfast
because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending
time to discuss this subject here on your web site.
My homepage; dentist teeth whitening Dallas
Hello! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share.
Many thanks!
Look at my site: emergency plumbing services Dayton Oh
When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added
I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a means
you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Also visit my blog :: residential roofing contractor Tucker
It’s remarkable in favor of me to have a web page, which is beneficial in favor of my knowledge.
thanks admin
Check out my web site: durham North Carolina new garage door
Heya this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if
blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I
wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
My web-site; find a local dentist newport beach ca
You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the article
you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
Always follow your heart.
Visit my webpage liquid plumber Dayton Oh
hi!,I really like your writing very a lot! proportion we keep
in touch extra about your article on AOL? I need an expert
on this house to resolve my problem. Maybe that’s you!
Taking a look forward to look you.
Also visit my blog post – roof hail damage repair Lithonia
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and
starting a new initiative in a community in the
same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on.
You have done a extraordinary job!
Also visit my homepage; Garage Door Services in Durham
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout
on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s
rare to see a great blog like this one today.
Here is my webpage … repairing asphalt shingles Kennesaw
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Visit my site brooklyn drunk driving penalties
I am in fact glad to read this webpage posts which carries plenty of useful data, thanks for providing these data.
Also visit my blog post :: TX
Just wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity on your publish
is simply great and that i could think you are a professional on this subject.
Well along with your permission let me to take hold of your feed to keep up to date with drawing close post.
Thanks one million and please carry on the gratifying work.
My web page: Tampa FL personal injury firm
I blog often and I truly thank you for your information. Your article has really peaked my interest.
I’m going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new
information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Feel free to surf to my blog post … plumber in spanish Springfield Oh
Hello there! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for your great information you’ve got here on this post.
I’ll be returning to your website for more soon.
Feel free to surf to my web site :: commercial roof leak detection in Fort Worth
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as
you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog site?
The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a little
bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vivid
transparent idea
Also visit my blog – quick cash san antonio
You could definitely see your expertise within the work you write.
The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you
who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
My page – Best Churches Virginia
Your style is really unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from.
Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just
book mark this web site.
my site – free backlink
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you know afterward you
can write otherwise it is difficult to write.
Here is my homepage; roof repair cost Myrtle Beach
Incredible points. Solid arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
Feel free to surf to my page – review of Heaven Sent Floor Care
I believe that is among the so much vital information for me.
And i am happy studying your article. However want to statement on few basic issues, The
web site taste is perfect, the articles is truly nice : D.
Just right job, cheers
Here is my site master plumber license Murrieta CA
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly I’m
looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for you
personally? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write in relation to here.
Again, awesome web site!
my blog post … south jersey plumbers Springfield Oh
Usually I don’t learn article on blogs, but I would like to say that
this write-up very compelled me to try and do it!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you,
very great post.
Here is my webpage – plumbers rates per hour Springfield Oh
At this time I am going to do my breakfast, after having
my breakfast coming again to read further news.
Here is my web blog :: flat roof repairs cost Sandy Springs
Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your site in internet explorer, may test this?
IE still is the market chief and a huge element of other people will pass over your fantastic writing due
to this problem.
Feel free to visit my page – roofing repairs cost Snellville
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
thanks a lot
My website :: credit repair specialist
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Here is my web site residential roofing company Duluth
Great weblog right here! Additionally your site a lot up
fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate
link to your host? I desire my website loaded up as quickly as
yours lol
Here is my webpage residential re roofing contractor Lilburn
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout
on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it
is rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.
Look into my web-site: repairing roof shingles Covington
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your site?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it
better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
Stop by my web-site; New Orleans LA personal injury
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the internet.
I will highly recommend this website!
Here is my site – sun solar panels san diego ca
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this web site on a regular
basis, this website is genuinely nice and the people are genuinely sharing pleasant thoughts.
Have a look at my page … asphalt shingle roof repair Fort Worth
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have
read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
Here is my homepage :: repairing roof shingles Smyrna
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!
Also visit my web blog :: Manhattan dentist
Hello every one, here every person is sharing these kinds of familiarity,
therefore it’s pleasant to read this weblog, and
I used to go to see this web site every day.
Also visit my web blog metroplex roofing contractors Fort Worth
I have read so many articles or reviews regarding the blogger lovers except
this piece of writing is genuinely a fastidious post, keep it up.
my web-site conscious sedation marietta ga
This web site definitely has all of the information and facts I wanted
about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
My webpage :: fish cobalt marine
Wow, incredible weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
you make running a blog look easy. The full look of your site
is excellent, let alone the content!
Also visit my weblog; most trusted roofing company in Fort Worth
Hey very nice blog!
Here is my homepage how to make a web page Modesto
. It is the work of electric professionals to supply electric installation for stores,
residences and offices.
Here is my web page: cabling contractors needed
And because of this there is a need to find new and innovative ways make money online 1 how to sell more cars broaden your customer
base and market their products. Pay-Per-Click: Finally,
a traffic source that many advertisers can easily incorporate into their marketing efforts is mobile pay-per-click.
Always ask the service provider for a demo before making any commitment.
All thanks to you, Christina you have added spice to my
life. The excess glucose when not handled because there’s not enough insulin ends up as fat storage and hence weight gain. This helps to improve
digestion and allows your brain to receive the “I’m full” signal
quicker before you stuff in too much food.
My weblog flat stomach fast workout
A large number of customers will be happy to give their phone number out
if coupon incentives are offered periodically.
Technology providers like us along with VAS players are constantly working to develop innovative
solutions and create awareness among telecom operators and advertisers of next-gen technologies being launched.
She is an expert in the domain of auto mobile code warrior forum wow commerce and
has authored several articles on mobile commerce and mobile marketing trends.
Normally I don’t learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to
take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed
me. Thanks, quite great article.
my web page Best AV Receiver 2015
Appear at your site’s referrer log on a standard
basis to see exactly where visitors are coming from search engine optimization tools and techniques what terms are leading them to your site.
No question about it, you know you want to lose the weight.
The excess glucose when not handled because there’s not enough insulin ends up as fat storage and hence catchy weight loss team names gain.
A major advantage of using a natural pill or other
supplement is that you will even acquire nutrition due to it.
It is no wonder that innumerable women are preferring this kind of surgery.
undergo anesthesia, have scarring and pay for prescription drugs post-surgery.
Greater breasts confidently complement boost your bust customer reviews body to be able to be ok with
yourself, as well as.
Broաseг ffᥱᥱᴢes and сrаѕһеѕ ⅾo ⲟccaѕіonaⅼlʏ ɦapреn ѡіtɦ ߋtɦᥱг ɑрρѕ.
ᎢҺіѕ lіѕt οff աɑуѕ
tο ϲоmmuniсatᥱ ᴡіlⅼl Һᥱⅼp
bᥙіlԀ а ѕtгοng foundatіоn fߋг yоᥙг
cһilⅾгеn tо gгоԝ
uр աitɦ ѕtгօng ѕеlf ᴡⲟгth and ɑ ϲomfortaƄⅼe sеnsе оf cⲟmmսniсаtіօn ԝіtһ օtһегѕ.
Ᏼᥙlк uρ үⲟսr Ьгaіn, ѕharρᥱn ʏοг fоcսѕ, ɑnd
Ьаttⅼе уߋսг fгіᥱndѕ ᴡith thiѕ һandѕ-fгeе сɦɑⅼlᥱngᥱ.
ᒪօοқ aat mу wеb-ѕіtе; angry birds 2 cheats
Do not cultivate deeply to stop damage to the bulbs
and roots. Cut the calla lilies with floral shears and set them into a tall vase
with tepid water. rope and cut it for any natural look and tie the
bunch of flowers together.
Leave the calla lilies plus some rose petals in the bowl and lit the candle.
The calla lily garden ideas Lily Guide(3) strongly urges consumers to keep
the stems providing possible until it will become necessary to reduce the finished
bouquet to size.
Hi there, Ι enjoy reading ɑll օf yolur post.
Ι ⅼike tto ѡrite а ⅼittle comment tо
suppor үⲟu.
Kunjungi halaman web Saya hanya untuk mendapat Informasi lebih lengkap mengenai dafabet .
Terim Kasih
Howdy! I simply woukd like tо ǥive
ʏοu а big thimbs սp fоr tһе ǥreat info
ʏоu’ѵe ցot here οn tҺіs post.
Ӏ ԝill Ье returning tο үоur sote fߋr more ѕoon.
Silahkan Kunjungi site Saya demi mendapatkan Data lebih keren tentang directori alamat email perusahaan .
Τhanks уa
Verry good website ʏοu have Һere Ьut I waѕ curious іf yyou κnew oof any clmmunity forums tɦat cover
tһе same topics talked about here?
Ι’ⅾ гeally love too ƅе a рart οf ckmmunity whedre І сan ɡеt comments from оther knowledgeable
people that share thᥱ saje interest.
Ӏf youu hae any suggestions, рlease lett mᥱ
қnoᴡ. Тhanks!
Jangan lupa unguk Kunjungi blog Kami buat dapatkan Data lebiuh keren tentang cincin pernikahan .
Suwun
I’m trujly enjoying tɦe design andd layout of yοur site.
Ӏt’s ɑ vey easy oon the eyes աhich makess it much more enjoyable foг
mе to cօme here and visit more օften. Did you hore out a designer
tto сreate youг theme? Superb աork!
Silahkan Kunjungi site Ane buat dapat Data lebih komplit tentang chroma-test.net .
Тhanks ya
I have been and continue to be a medical herbalist for the past 38 years and I would like to thank you for your work as communities around the world are seeking a more balanced existence; the pendulum swings! In my podcasts I try to do my little bit however your contribution is on such a great scale.Thank you
I am working through the dozens of emails that daily land in my inbox with promises of quick fix health solutions, and unsubscribing. Nick Polizzis’are among those few remaining who offer authentic, time honoured natural, wise, guidance, that I trust. I shall now have more quality time to focus on them. Thank you.
I have viewed some of your videos regarding different medicinal herbs. And loved it!
I learned about ashwaganda and reishi mushroom tea, which are great autoimmune enhancers.👏🏼👏🏼😍😍😘😘
I followed your series about alternative healing, gut microbiome recently. I have made many changes and watched and read much more. It is a fascinating journey of discovery. Look forward to more