Every path to health begins with a healthy gut, which refers to the digestive system, primarily the large intestine. The microbiome is the bacteria that populate the gut. In fact, bacteria cells are thought to outnumber human cells, so you could say we are as much bacteria as we are human! These bacteria are key to immune function, working with the body to consume and kill viruses, toxins, and harmful bacteria. They produce vitamins and hormones, and they influence personalit

Honey is mentioned many times in the scriptures, including John the Baptist living off honey while living in the wilderness and Christ partaking of it after his Resurrection. For those familiar with the Book of Mormon, God guided two different civilizations across the ocean to the promised land (North America), bringing with them honey bees to provide nourishment and healing. All of this leads me to believe raw honey is a pretty important nutrient, healer and gift from God

Rejuvelac is a cultured beverage that was traditionally made with wheat berries, but you could substitute any grain you choose. As with all cultured foods it contains a variety of probiotics, as well as enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. All of which help with colon health, digestion, building the healthy flora in the gut, boosting the immune system, and nourishing many parts of the body. It also contains protease enzymes which can break down the protein coat on certain viruses

Ghee is clarified butter – meaning all the milk solids are taken out, leaving just the oil. Because it is now in an oil state it can be stored in a cupboard like oil. It has a high smoke point, making it the perfect cooking oil…and it tastes so good! Ghee can be used in place of oil or butter in recipes. I like to spread it on my toast and use to sauté veggies and for roux. Instructions Start by melting a pound of unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold or make my own from raw mi

Blackstrap molasses is the dark liquid that comes from processing raw sugar into refined sugar. Because it is minimally processed it retains a number of trace minerals that give it many healing benefits. Make sure to purchase unsulfured molasses to ensure you are receiving all these nutrients for building in the body. Benefits Rich in calcium for bone and teeth building. Iron for enriching the blood and helping with anemic conditions. Potassium can ease muscle cramps. Magnes

Raspberry leaf is one of the most nutritive herbs out there for building all systems in the body, including the immune system. When someone is not feeling well, this is the first herb I turn to, to strengthen the body and get the systems back in working condition. It is a great addition to any herbal blend. Rubus idaeus Family: Rosaceae - rose Parts used: leaves What's in a Name - Rubus idaeus Rubus - translates directly from Latin to “bramble”. It may also be rooted in the

Ginger plays a close second to garlic for all of its natural healing benefits just check out how long the healing actions list goes! Not only is this a powerful healing herb, but it also tastes great which makes it easier to take and enjoy. Studies have shown that the healing benefits are the same whether fresh or dried, however dried ginger tends to be more "hot" than fresh. Zingiber officinale Family: Zingberaceae - turmeric, cardamom Parts used: rhizome Actions Antibacte

Garlic has been used since ancient times for food and medicine giving it many names such as heal all, the stinking rose, and nature's antibiotic. It can be easily incorporated into meals for daily use while increasing to medicinal dosages when its powerful antibiotic properties are needed. Allium sativum Family: Amaryllidaceae - onion family Parts used: bulb Actions Alterative Anthelmintic Antibacterial Antifungal Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Antispasmodic Ant

Borago officinalis Family: Boraginaceae - comfrey, forget me not Parts used: leaves, stems, flowers Actions Anti-inflammatory Astringent Demulcent Diuretic Diaphoretic Emollient Energetics/Body Systems Affected Cooling Moistening Adrenal Liver Kidney Skin Uses Cleanse and detox, rids the body of toxins Supports the liver and kidneys Induces sweating which can lower fever Blood purification Renew and revive adrenal glands Coughs and colds Softens skin, varicose veins, bruises,

Actions/Properties Anti-inflammatory Tonic High in iron, calcium, magnesium and other minerals High in plant protein; 15%-18% protein, when combined with wheat or rice it becomes a well absorbed, complete protein. Antioxidant rich Amino acids; lysine and methionine Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 Folic acid Cholesterol inhibitors. Uses Strengthens the cardiovascular system, which helps in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Can lower cholesterol Digestive support; also helps with u

A mixture of healing foods and herbs to soothe and heal an ulcerated stomach. I love it when medicine tastes so good! Ingredients Pineapple Bananas Blueberries Cinnamon powder Clove powder Ginger, fresh Raw honey Instructions Cut up pineapple and bananas and place in a bowl, then add the blueberries and stir together. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon, cloves, and fresh grated ginger. Drizzle honey over all and stir well.

In addition to soothing and healing the digestive tract, aloe vera juice has been used for hydration, skin health, mouth sores, inflammation, stomach and digestion issues to name a few. You can add other juices, herbal tea, flavored stevia drops, or a drop of two of culinary essential oil such as lemon, tangerine or lime. Instructions Cut one aloe leaf off the plant and set upside down in a jar of water for 15 minutes to drain the latex. Cut all the green leaf off so only th

Legend tells about a group of four thieves that would go through the homes and bodies of plague victims, looking for anything they could steal. When they were finally caught, the authorities wanted to know what they used to protect themselves from the plague. In order to have a less painful execution for their crimes, they revealed their secret: antimicrobial herbs and spices. Whether this story is true or not (hence the designation of a legend) no one knows, but what we do k

Elderberry syrup is one of the classic, go to remedies for illness of all kinds due to the immune boosting properties of both the berry and the raw honey. It's a delicious way to receive any of the benefits of elderberry. Ingredients 2 cups dried elderberries (4 cups if using fresh berries) 4 cups distilled water 1 cup raw honey (or sweetener of choice) Optional: ginger, cloves, cinnamon, orange, vanilla, etc. Directions Combine berries and water in a pot, bring to a boil. Re

Bone broth is made by simmering bones, joints, organs and other animals parts to create a nourishing superfood. Healing benefits including boosting the immune system to aid your body in fighting off illness and promoting a healthy gut . It is also packed with many nutrients and minerals your body is in need of during time of sickness, especially when your body only craves liquids. There is no set recipe to making bone broth, I usually just throw in whatever I have in my frid