The only way to restore your body to good physical health is by living a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, detoxification, and exercise are all essential. The human body is miraculous. It is a system of checks and balances, a system built to endure and heal itself, if given what it needs.  It doesn’t need a quick fix or a magic bullet.

Health is never achieved by covering up pain or symptoms of disease. It is never achieved through treatment of a disease without addressing the needs of the whole body, even if that treatment is a natural remedy. Remember, health is systemic and holistic. All health and all disease are created on a cellular level.

Yes, natural remedies are a safer, healthier choice than pharmaceutical treatments but they will never be a substitute for overall health. If you effectively treat an ailment with natural remedies but ignore your overall health, your body will eventually manifest disease in new ways, possibly more serious ways. Pain and acute illnesses tell us something is wrong. Are you listening?

Before you try a natural remedy, you need to know a few things.

First, herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals, tinctures, etc. are not all created equal. I have never found decent Echinacea at Whole Foods. I’ve never seen a high quality multi vitamin at GNC. Most of the herbs sold are weak and ineffective. Most of the vitamins sold are indigestible or downright toxic. We highly recommend Thorne and Standard Process supplements, Medi-herb and Dr. Shillington for tinctures, and Rose Mountain Herbs for organic and wildcrafted herbs.

Secondly, our bodies are unique. For instance, you may find you respond better to acupressure than aromatherapy. Personally, aromatherapy does very little for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful.  I’ve seen it work. I’ve seen a pregnant woman sniff sage oil and start contractions, months before she was full term.

Be smart. Be safe. Do it right. If you suffer from a chronic illness or poor health, take the leap, change your lifestyle. You have only one body.

And finally, our disclaimer: Natural remedies may backfire. While prescription and over the counter drugs have a far greater likelihood of dangerous side effects, since big pharma has such a stranglehold over our society, we have to warn you that that no remedy is always safe. And we also recommend you consult with your doctor or health care practitioner for any serious health issue. Hopefully, your doctor is a naturopath. Remember, your health is your responsibility, and no one else’s.

Michael Edwards

Editor in Chief