Natural Nurse – The Natural Nurse

Natural Nurse Books: Herbs, Weight Loss, Arthritis – A Look Inside

Ellen Kamhi — Fri, 22 May 2015 00:06:50 +0000

The Natural Nurse, along with Dr. Eugene Zampieron, ND has produced radio shows, offered private consultations, formulated nutraceuticals and written many books over the years, on topics surrounding Herbal Medicines, Weight Loss, Sexual Health, Arthritis, and the Cycles of a Woman’s Life.

As a professional Nurse Herbalist, Ellen Kamhi has years of personal experience in teaching others to be able to employ natural health techniques for themselves. Whether it is learning how to apply an Edgar Cayce Castor Oil pack, making your own dandelion root tea, or preparing homeopathic remedies, The Natural Nurse will guide you step by step on how to connect with nature to enhance health.

Preparing for disasters can also be fun, as The Natural Nurse shares how to forage, recognize and process wild plants into food and medicine. Using common household spices such as ginger as tea or a topical healing pack is explained in easy to follow instructions, but is also supported by scientific literature.

Perhaps you would like to focus on weight loss strategies such as creating a fast and easy grab and go healthy food cabinet, or taking lemon juice with aluminum free baking soda to support alkalinity, Natural Nurse Tips will open immediate access to lifestyle enhancing health strategies for yourself your cells and your family!

The Natural Medicine Chest: Herbs to Keep You and Your Family Healthy

Weight Loss: The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide –

Arthritis: The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide– Pain free living the natural way, herbs, foods, fasting, enemas, colonics, natural anti-inflammatories,exercise techniques- all supported with mainstream evidence based literature references

In this video Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, offers an ‘inside look’ at her books.

For more information on Ellen Kamhi’s books, please visit the Books page on this website.

These books are available at Amazon.com

Diabetes and Hypoglycemia Natural Help

Ellen Kamhi — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:57:20 +0000

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 23.6 million children and adults in the United States—8% of the population—have diabetes, with numbers probably rising in the next few years !

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness, kidney failure and nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations among adults. When we add in figures for ‘pre-diabetes’, including hypoglycemia,the numbers look even more alarming. However, there is really good news! While some people think it may be inevitable for them to suffer from diabetes, because “it runs in the family” research shows that while people may inherit a susceptibility to diabetes, they do not inherit the disease itself—making healthy choices and prevention more important than ever.

There are many ways to tremendously decrease your risk of getting diabetes, along with ways to modify its effects if you have already been diagnosed. These include:

Dietary Choices
Assessing Food Allergies
Underactive Thyroid Assesment
Emotional Influences
Daily Exercise

In this article we will review supplements and Herbal Botanical Medicine that can bring down blood sugar levels. CAUTION- IF YOU ARE TAKING MEDICATION FOR BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL, BE SURE TO DISCUSS THE USE OF ALL SUPPLEMENTS WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also called ALA or simply Lipoic Acid. This supplement decreases free radicals that can lead to nerve damage- one of the negative effects caused by diabetes. ALS also helps muscle cells to absorb glucose from the blood, which helps to increase energy. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar, and has been shown to decrease nerve pain, numbness, and burning. Typical dose: 600-800 mg per day.

Bilberry is a small relative to the Blueberry fruit. It is loaded with various anthocyanidins which act as antioxidants that protect small blood vessels from damage. This can help to minimize retinopathy and nerve pain common in diabetes. Dose: 100-300 milligrams per day.

Bitter Melon is a vine that grows on all the fences around Century Village! It is also called Cerasee. They don’t call it “Bitter” for nothing. This plant can be made into a tea and allows glucose to be used efficiently by the cells, and may lower blood glucose levels. Dosage : 50 – 100 milliliters or 3 to 6 tablespoons per day.

Chromium is involved in the body’s metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates, and may help to enhance insulin’s action on the cells. People use chromium as part of weight loss protocols as well as to assist with blood sugar disregulations such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. Dose 200 micrograms per day.

Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found in many natural sources and is especially high in evening primrose oil. Supplementing with GLA may be helpful to prevent and reduce the nerve pain that can occur in individuals with diabetes. Dosage is between 250-550 milligrams per day.

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb from India- its name translates to ‘sugar destroyer’. Put some on your tongue to decrease cravings for sweets. It is helpful for blood sugar control by increasing enzyme activity for glucose utilization by cells, and increasing insulin production. A typical dose is 200-250 mg twice a day.

Magnesium is often low in people who have blood sugar disregulation. You can request that your level be tested by your physician. The most accurate test is to evalulate Red Blood Cell Magnesium Level. Forms of supplemental magnesium vary in terms of usefulness in the body. Magnesium Oxide is poorly absorbed, which Magnesium Glycinate if a better form. Dosage : 250 – 350 mg per day.

Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit is a beautiful pink colored fruit that grows on the Prickly Pair Cactus. These fruits are available for purchase at certain seasons in specialty grocery stores, and extracts and juice is available in health food stores. If eaten for blood sugar balance ½ cup per day of cooked fruit is recommended. If you pick your own be sure to watch out for the stickers on the plant! It is high in fiber and contains natural constituents that act in a similar way to insulin.

5 Supplements You Need , But May Not Have Even Heard About

Ellen Kamhi — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 20:55:22 +0000

5 Supplements You Need , But May Not Have Even Heard About

Ellen Kamhi , PhD, RN, The Natural Nurse, is a medical school instructor, master herbalist and author of THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Facebook/NaturalNurse

Eating healthy whole foods is the best way to be sure you are getting all the nutrients you may need. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle often makes it difficult to eat correctly. In addition modern farming methods have depleted many nutrients from the soil. In addition to the ‘every day’ requirements of common vitamins , such as Vitamin B and Vitamin C, there are many other nutrients that the body requires in order to thrive at optimum levels.

1. Quercetin—Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid (vitamin C helper) found in many species of plants, including the oak, onion, and blue-green algae. As a bioflavonoid, it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used by alternative practitioners for many years in the treatment of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and cataracts. Quercetin blocks inflammation that can otherwise lead to leaky gut syndrome. Quercetin represents one of nature’s most perfect medicines. By decreasing the rapid opening of mast cells and basophils—white blood cells which release histamines—quercetin stabilizes the gut and decreases permeability. Recommended dosage: 200 mg, 2-3 times daily between meals.

2. Glutamine—The amino acid glutamine is an important nutrient. An increase of L-glutamine in the diet has been shown to support intestinal and overall health. Glutamine reduces unwanted movement of bacterial forms into general circulation, where they can often end up in the joints and instigate or aggravate arthritis. Glutamine is used in the synthesis of an important nutrient known as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), which is fundamental to the production of the protective mucus lining the digestive and respiratory tracts. Glutamine supplementation also enhances glutathione, an important antioxidant.

3. Glutathione—Glutathione is a tri-peptide, a small protein consisting of three amino acids, that functions as a principle antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and toxins that would otherwise damage and destroy cells. Further, glutathione regulates the activities of other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C can also help increase glutathione levels. When the body is overrun by free radicals, supplies of glutathione become depleted. This condition, known as oxidative stress, negatively affects the musculoskeletal, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Glutathione exerts another protective and scavenging role in concert with the liver, the body’s primary organ of detoxification and internal cleansing. In the liver, glutathione combines with toxins, carcinogens, and waste products as a way of neutralizing them and then more effectively securing their elimination from the body. In addition, glutathione helps red blood cell membranes retain their structure, and must be present for white blood cells to perform their function of immune regulation.

4. N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine—N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) is a sugar that is important to the formation of a type of mucus, glycocalyx, that protects the delicate intestinal tissues and acts as a first line of defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These disease-causing microorganisms attempt to adhere to the cell surface and invade the intestinal walls. NAG also functions as a decoy sugar, attracting and binding dietary lectins, which then prevents them from attaching to the gut. People with a compromised gastrointestinal lining are more likely to experience the irritation caused by food allergies, dietary lectins, and bacterial, fungal, and viral organisms. Also, they are more susceptible to the damage due to aspirin, NSAIDs, and the contents of their own intestines, such as bile acid. Again, elevated levels of circulating immune complexes are the end result, which cause inflammation. NAG promotes the growth of friendly bacteria and is quickly digested by healthy intestinal bacteria.

5. Essential Fatty Acids—The kind of fats and oils that we take into our bodies are of paramount importance in determining the amount of inflammation we experience. A significant reduction in lab indicators of inflammation after using omega-3 fatty acids has been verified in clinical studies. These fatty acids are found in fish oils and certain vegetable oils, such as flaxseed and hemp seed oil. In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, borage seed oil and evening primrose oil, which contain large amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 oil, cause clinical improvement.

6. FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)– known popularly as “fast food for probiotics.” FOS is a natural sugar found in food sources such as Jerusalem artichokes, onions, barley, honey, asparagus, and garlic. It provides a growth medium for beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

HEALTHY EATING COMES OF AGE!

Ellen Kamhi — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 11:51:08 +0000

The Times they Are A-Changing- Eating Healthy is Becoming the Mainstream Rage!

I have been choosing healthy food since 1964. That is when I became aware of the negative effects of pesticides, processed foods, artificial flavoring and coloring, and began to choose ‘organic food’ whenever possible. Of course, I was called a ‘health nut’, which now sounds like a term of endearment! Over the last few years, our area here in South Florida, has become the home to MANY absolutely fantastic places to eat excellent, delicious healthy food!

Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Just the other night I was enjoying a fabulous meal that included SPAGETTI SQUASH ( never thought I would see that in a restaurant). I looked around and was astounded- here I sat at a very conventional hotel ( Wyndham Hotel on Military Trail in Boca Raton), eating incredible natural whole food, for a very reasonable price, but the real shocker was that EVERY TABLE was filled, and there was a line out the door!

That is when the concept of this article came to me! Here was the quantum change that I always had dreamed of. Of course, I have sought out healthy restaurants and eateries all these years, but the clientele was limited and many of these locations could not sustain business for very long.

I see we have now reached the 100th Monkey Effect! (The hundredth monkey effect is a supposed phenomenon in which a new behavior or idea is claimed to spread rapidly from one group to all related groups once a critical number of members of one group exhibit the new behavior or acknowledge the new idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_monkey_effect )

This is great news! It means that a quantum shift has occurred in the knowledge of how we can attain more years of life and more life to our years, by recognizing and enjoying the power of choosing to eat real, unprocessed, Non GMO, “unchemicalized” food. I am going to include some information about a few of these excellent establishments that I often frequent.

I am so greatful for their existence and for their success, both on a personal and planetary level. The descriptions are taken from the restaurant’s websites. Visit them to view menus and for more information- better yet- visit the restaurants to enjoy the best meal of and for your life!

Juice and Java Natural Food
http://www.juiceandjava.com
21316 St Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Phone:(561) 852-2230
This cafe is aimed at informed consumers who treat their bodies well and understand proper nutrition, but at the same time do not want to sacrifice taste.

Do you eat whole foods full of vitamins, enzymes, and phytonutrients, to nourish and provide all day energy?…Or do you consume empty calories that make your blood sugar levels volatile and abuse your waistline? You should feel strong and invigorated after a meal, not stuffed, or bloated.The way you feel on a daily basis, as well as your frequency of illness, depends tremendously on what you put into your body. Its completely up to you.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!
YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE! TREAT IT WELL!

Farmers Table
www.farmerstableboca.com
corner of Northwest 19th Street and Military Trail, inside the Wyndham Hotel
1901 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561-417-5836

Home of “feel good food” : nutritious and nourishing to the body without depriving you of flavor or satisfaction. Furthermore, it’s good for the community, as we support local farmers and artisans. Finally, it’s good for the planet, because we use eco-conscious purveyors and also implement environmentally friendly practices in our kitchen. Truth in food. Our commitment to fresh, honest food begins with sourcing exceptionally clean ingredients from the best local farms so we know exactly where and how everything is produced. We believe the preparation and creation of a dish is just as important as the taste, which is why our focus is real food: fresh, healthy, delicious, satisfying dishes without excess fat, sodium or preservatives. Our food energizes the spirit and satisfies the senses, supporting the wellness of people and the planet. You will pass our herb garden on the way in our front door, which supplies fresh herbs for your uniquely prepared meal.

Dig
http://www.digdelray.com/
777 East Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone:(561) 279-1002

Here at DIG (doing it green), we strive to provide amazing flavorful food by utilizing fresh seasonal organic fruits and vegetables + naturally fed and ethically tended products. We actively pursue and strive to be environmentally friendly and efficient, to leave as small of a footprint on the Earth as possible. We support local and independent businesses and are actively involved in our community. We have a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as free range and grass fed meats and sustainably sourced seafood. All of the tables were from Greenfields on Atlantic, and were redone with a Formica top that has bamboo threads throughout. The comfy armchairs and booths have been recovered with recycled material. All the paint and glue is VOC free. All of our plates do not match. We purchase them from Goodwill stores and thrift shops. By doing this we reuse and also give back to the community. We have a working garden on the side of the restaurant, which was planted by Farmer Jay, who supplies us with produce and eggs. DIG supports the local and state farming community. We will serve you the purest foods available, with the best flavors!

Christophers Kitchen
http://www.christopherskitchenfl.com
On the Plaza at Midtown
4783 PGA BLVD
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Phone: (561) 318-6191
Our mission is to serve you only the highest quality, certified organic plant based food. We take an honest approach using techniques and ingredients that maximize real nutritional value for healthful results. Our passion is providing genuine foods of superior nutritional integrity and delicious taste. We sincerely appreciate your everyday support of our family owned restaurant. Christopher’s Kitchen is wildly popular, expanding after its first year of success. The CK brand is growing, consisting of Christopher’s popular juice cleanse, specialty retail goods and hand made desserts. Chris hopes to inspire others to celebrate a high energy lifestyle eating clean, delicious, organic plant based foods.

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, AHG, AHN-BC , The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She is available for group presentations, answers consumer questions and has a private practice. www.naturalnurse.com (954) 418-2388

CUCUMBERS – More than a salad veggie!

Ellen Kamhi — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:27:14 +0000

Cucumbers have a long history of use as both a food and healing plant. Scientists agree that this fruit originated in India, and has been grown by humans as a cultivated plant for at least 3000 years. Are you surprised to see cucumbers referred to as a fruit? The truth is, that it actually IS a fruit, just like tomatoes, since “Fruit” is the part of the plant that contains the seeds- although, both tomatoes and cucumbers are often thought of as vegetables. Cucumbers have been grown in the United States since the 16 th century, quite possible as a result of Christopher Columbus bringing cucumbers to Haiti in 1494. Cucumbers are mentioned in the Bible in Numbers 11:5, as a food that was available to the Isrealites in Egypt. Other foods mentioned along with cucumbers are leeks, onions, melons and garlic, so it might be fun to put all of these together in a delicious, nutritious biblical salad! Some early medicinal uses of cucumber include treating insect bites and eye problems. That’s interesting because to this day, putting cucumber slices over the eyes is a well recognized cooling and relaxing spa treatment that can be easily and inexpensively used at home! An interesting fertility ritual included tying a cucumber around the waist to help induce pregnancy. It does not take a giant leap of visualization to see how cucumber can be a phallic symbol!

Today, cucumbers have been scientifically studied to determine the nutrients that they contain. Cucumbers are high in silica, which is an essential mineral that is part of the skin, ligaments, bones, muscles and cartilage tissue. In addition to silica, cucumbers are also a rich source of Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Cucumbers contain specific phytonutrients known as cucurbitacins. This family of nutrients are under scientific investigation for their role as cancer cell signaling pathway inhibitors. This can help the body offset the development of cancer. Cucumbers also contain compounds such as secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol and lariciresinol, which are known as lignans. Lignans may offer the body defensive mechanisms against prostate, ovarian and breast cancer, as well as cardiovascular health issues.

Cucumbers are included in many topical preparations. They contain nutrients such as naturally occurring ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which aids in decreasing swelling due to water retention, by drawing out excess fluids. It can also offset the inflammation associated with sunburn and other skin irritations.

Since Cucumbers are grown by conventional methods they may be sprayed with a variety of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides. The BEST thing to do is grow your own, if possible. If bugs are an issue, make a strong garlic tea and spray the plants for nontoxic pest control. If you cannot grow your own, choose ORGANIC at your local health food market, or visit a local Farmers Market or Farm Stand and ask if the vegetables are sprayed. If you can only get commercial cucumbers, peel them well, since some of the pesticide residue will remain on the waxy covering, rather than the soft inner part.

If you make your own vegetable juice- highly recommended in any optimum wellness program- cucumbers are great! They make the juice making process go faster, since each cucumber contains a lot of water and makes a lot of juice! Also, the alkaline pH of cucumber juice is great to help with detoxification.

Try this delicious and nutritious Natural Nurse® Cucumber Salad-
Cut up one peeled cucumber and mix with diced tomato and red onion. Add chopped cilantro and sprinkle with lemon juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar- great healthy snack or side dish!

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She is available for consultations. www.naturalnurse.com (954) 418-2388

Edible and Medicinal Herb Walk Slow Foods iEat Green

Ellen Kamhi — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:36:03 +0000

Edible & Medicinal Herb Walk

Join: Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The NATURAL NURSE®

As we walk through the woods and fields on Long Island, gathering edible and medicinal wild plants!!

When: Sun June 3, 2012

Time: 4 pm- 6 pm Herb Walk( slide show if raining)
6 pm-8 pm Pot Luck ( bring a dish)

Where : Old Westbury, NY- call 516-238-3616

To REGISTER AND GET DIRECTIONS

Donation request: $20.00 ( $ 10.00 Slow Food Members)

Information: (954) 418-2388 www.naturalnurse.com

Skin Health Naturally

Ellen Kamhi — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:52:25 +0000

By James Heilman, MD (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Skin ailments, such as Acne, or other skin issues afflicts as many as 70 million people. Although acne occurs most often during the teenage years, adults can experience it as well. Skin outbreaks can occur on the face, back, chest, shoulders and neck.

There are several root causes of skin outbreaks, including overproduction of oil, irregular shedding of skin cells, buildup of bacteria, stress and liver toxicity often caused by prescription pharmaceuticals.

Changes in hormone levels also cause skin problems, which is often seen around puberty, but also in the golden years when hormone levels are once again in flux. Hormones regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, which is located at the base of the hair follicle. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called “sebum”. Under
normal conditions, “sebum” combines with keratinous cells, traveling along the hair follicle to the surface of the skin. Acne occurs when the flow of sebum is restricted, leading to a build-up of sebum and cell debris, which contribute to the growth of bacteria.

There are many natural topical therapies for addressing skin conditions. Most treatments are designed to reduce surface sebum: Facial cleansing using mild surface
active agents including exfoliants ( almond seed) , digesters( papaya enzymes), anti-inflammatory ( white willow) and anti-bacterial ( oil of oregano) ingredients are useful.

Natural protocols for healthy skin recognize the interplay between spiritual, physical and emotional factors that all play a part in the cause and treatment of this condition. Although conventional medicine does not recognize the role that diet and food allergies have in skin conditions, natural healers believe there is a direct correlation.

It is wise to focus on a diet low in milk products, wheat and animal fat, and high in organic leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and Omega-3 oils, such as flaxseed and hemp oils. Herbal remedies for skin care fall under the category of herbs known as “Alteratives”. The Eclectic doctors at the turn of the century referred to Alteratives as ‘Blood and Lymphatic cleansers. ‘ Alteratives are non-toxic herbs which assist the organs of detoxification and elimination (liver, bowels, kidneys, skin, lungs, and connective tissue, by removing deleterious substances such as environmental toxins as well as those generated internally by the body.

Many botanicals have been historically used for helping to promote clean and healthy skin.

Arnica Flower (Arnica montana) is an emollient and contains
sesquiterpene lactones, the chemical constituents responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica is helpful for promoting healing and reducing general skin irritations.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) root is commonly used in herbal steams and poultices. It is helpful for treating blemishes and reducing scaly skin.

Chamomile Flower (Chamomilla recutita) is well-recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal steams and poultices help reduce puffiness, cleanse pores of impurities and abscesses and both strengthens and heals tissues, naturally.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a mild potassium sparing diuretic, that helps the detoxification organs, such as the liver and the kidneys. When these organs are functioning optimally, it enhances the clarity of the skin.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea) has been recognized for its healing actions. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Key chemical constituents responsible forthe herb’s healing actions include glycosides, eichloric acid,
chlorogenic acid, isobutylamines, alkylamides, phytosterols and sesquiterpene esters.

Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a native American medicinal herb introduced to the early settlers by the Cherokee Indians, who used it as a natural “wash” for the skin. The active chemical constituents, hydrastine and berberine
deliver antibacterial support.

Lemon Peel is high in natural bioflavonoids which enhance healthy skin cell growth, and also has mild astringent properties. It refreshes the skin and tightens pores.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)is used in herbal steams and poultices for addressing inflamed or swollen skin. It is also applied to red veins on the neck and face. Witch Hazel is styptic and contains natural cleansing properties; an exceptional astringent.

Incorporate healthy fats into your diet to increase the strength and health of skin membranes. These include avocado and Coconut Oil. Choose unrefined, organic coconut oil in a glass jar. This is readily available at most health food stores. Take 1-2 tablespoons a day of the coconut oil, or allow it to melt on steamed vegetables for a healthy coconut flavoring. Also apply the coconut oil directly to the skin for increased strength and to offset dry skin.

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including The Natural Medicine Chest.. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She is available for group presentations, and has a consultation private practice. (954) 418-2388

Women and Plant Medicine A Herstorical Perspective

Ellen Kamhi — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:35:25 +0000

Women and Plant Medicine: A Natural “Herstory”

September 30th, 2011

A historical perspective on the role of women as healers

By Ellen Kamhi PHD, RN, AHN-BC

Women use herbs as they progress through cycles of life in every corner of the globe. Plants nourish, heal, protect, lift spirits, give solace, strengthen, provide joy, offer hope, and provide every conceivable system of support to both the “selves” and “cells” of women everywhere.

Energy healing, the interlacing of the human psyche, nature, and the subtle eminence that permeates all matter, has been used to balance and support healing since the dawn of history. Plants have traditionally been used both as medicine and good-luck amulets. For example, ancient warriors in both China and North America wore ginseng root around their necks for power and protection. Flower essence remedies, such as the Bach Remedies, effectively bring balance to human emotions and come from the essence of various plants.

No historian really knows the exact time when our ancestors first used herbs to heal themselves from sickness or injury. Archaeologists exploring a Neanderthal’s gravesite in Iraq (formally known as Mesopotamia) discovered pollen from eight species of plants, which turned out to be more than 80,000 years old. Hemp seeds were also found at an ancient birth site from more than 10,000 years ago. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) was used for pain and relaxation from ancient times until it was outlawed in the US in the 1930s. Herbal medicine is as old as humanity itself. But how did all of the herbal knowledge co-evolve with humanity? How did people know which herbs to take and which ones were toxic?

The ancient people used many techniques to ascertain and develop their repertoire of medicinal plants. Presumably, trial and error played a major role in discovering medicines. This information was recorded and remembered, usually by the oldest and most experienced community members—a task often relegated to women.

It is well established that many species of animals are instinctively drawn to graze upon a particular plant to soothe their ills. Many of us have personally observed our cats and dogs, when feeling “under the weather,” eating grass to induce vomiting. Chimpanzees are known to eat certain species of plants only when they are ill with a particular malady. This information is taught to others and handed down through generations until a huge body of information is amassed on healing. Perhaps our primordial ancestors observed this in other animals and emulated this practice, known as “instinctual dowsing.”

Many shamans and healers with knowledge of the ancient ways report that the information was originally obtained through communication with the Divine, in a dream state, a vision, or during the shaman’s communion with the spirit world. Others report that the creator left clues, hints, or a “holy signature” on the plant creations, a type of instruction manual indicating the plants’ medicinal value for humanity. Today, herbalists refer to this concept as the Doctrine of Signatures. Gingko biloba is a good example of a signature; both its leaves and a cross section of the fruit resemble a human brain. Scientific research has proven that gingko can help brain function.

History notes that women were the “guardians” of herbal knowledge, which at times caused them a great deal of duress. During the Middle Ages, it was the wise weed women and midwives who kept herbal traditions intact, passing them from generation to generation. Actually, one of the most famous woman healers of this era was granted sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a gifted herbalist who authored a treatise on healing entitled Liber Simplicis Medicine, where she discussed hundreds of botanical medicaments. Unfortunately, she, as well as millions of other women, was persecuted for this and actually burned alive at the stake as a “witch!”

The wise women’s knowledge of herbal remedies was often the only resource for poor people to get any kind of health care. However, these herbal healers’ practice was viewed as devil worship and political subversion, and they were accused of using supernatural powers. Despite the “witch hunts” of both medieval times and today, wise women traditions survive, and modern women everywhere can learn to incorporate the power of natural healing into their daily lives.