Try Nutrition First! And a recipe for herbal vitamin powder.

I'd like to start by sharing a brief story with you. I tell this story because it is my experience that led me to seek holistic practices for preventative care. Since I began my journey I have encountered many people with similar disappointing tales of medicine that did not serve them properly. Specifically the diagnosis to treatment plans that include invasive treatments before attempting lifestyle changes. Often resulting in addressing some symptoms but almost never resulting in locating and addressing the root cause of the underlining issue. Here goes...

When I was eleven years old I got a really very bad headache, this same type of headache showed up between 11:30am and 1pm everyday for the next five years. At first the grown ups thought I was trying to avoid a particular class, teacher, or student. Then I had headaches through the summer, no avoidance issues, okay then let's see a doctor. The first doctor suggested that I was addicted to caffeine and that I should start eliminating sodas, and coffee from my diet. I can't say that lasted very long. Little did I know that 3 doctors later this would be the closest to useful advice I would be given to treat my pain. Though it was still lacking.

Eventually when I was 16 I drove my father to the optometrist (I was learning to drive and he was having his eyes dilated 2 birds) before we left, we set up an appointment for me. It had finally occurred to someone that my headaches may be because I needed glasses, after all I read all the time. Mind you I had already been treated for hereditary migraines by this point. It was at this appointment that we found the cause of the headaches, and started down the nightmarish diagnostic process. 8 weeks later we had a diagnosis Pseudotumor Cerebrae, for me it means there is a pocket of spinal fluid build up applying pressure to my optic nerve. There was also evidence of a small stroke in the eye closest to this pocket, when they told me about the stroke damage I could pin point the day that must have happened. A treatment plan included a lumbar puncture to drain the excess fluid and release the pressure to prevent further damage.

So what caused this and how can I avoid a repeat in the future? By now I was being treated by a neurologist and he suggested several likely culprits I would just have to avoid from now on 1 birth control, which he said extended to all hormonal therapies including steroidal medications. 2 a sodium based preservative found in most frozen meals, though it's difficult to say which best just keep sodium to under 1500mg a day. And that's pretty much it- careful of hormones and sodium, have a nice life.

What disappoints me most about my story is that 5 doctors men, women, old, young, 5 degree holding medical professionals (3 GP's, 1 Optometrist, and 1 Neurologist) looked at me and heard my complaint and not a single one suggested that it may be food or diet related. Oh sure avoid caffeine that's decent advice for an 11 year old anyways, but couldn't they all see that I was chubby, and in need of some proper nutrition. In more recent years I have discovered an intolerance to nightshades, as a child by far my favorite food was anything tomato. Still is, LOVE me some tomato, now though when I break down and satisfy that craving I can feel the inflammation all over, it also makes my face very very red and itchy when sweating. I was also diagnosed with Rosacea as a teen (cough cough). I was shocked to discover I could no longer eat my favorite food so I talked about it a lot, come to find out I had always had this intolerance, as a baby in a high chair I would break out in a rash where raw tomato juice touched my skin. My family said they figured I built up a tolerance because you couldn't keep me away from the cherry tomato bushes or ketchup and eventually the rash stopped occurring. What happened instead was an internal reaction that I had no idea I was suffering through most of my life. Constipation, itchy red skin, constantly looking fat even when I was working hard to lose weight. I must say while I believe this was a contributing factor to my pseudotumor, I actually think it was cigarettes. Again 5 doctors none of them smelled the smoke on me? None of them wanted to cross the line with my parent by pointing out I was clearly smoking?

Well folks I'm sorry to say that 16 year old me didn't care about my health and I continued to live as I wanted to for another 6 years. I first quit smoking cigarettes at age 22, during the year leading up to my wedding (24) however I picked up the beast once more. After the stress from the occasion settled I slowed my smoking considerably maybe 2-4 cigs a week for a long time. I was bumming not buying during this time, but eventually life got me stressed out again and before you know it I was back to almost a pack a day.

Now for the driving reason for my decision to become my own doctor. It happened again, the first time all this went down I was under the age of consent which means my father not myself made my medical decisions (and they had him terrified I had a brain tumor) so he did what they suggested. The way it happened the second time was insidious, I had a scratch on my glasses they were under warranty so I went to get my free lens repair. Here they insisted there was nothing wrong with my glasses and I called BULL! “There is a flaw right here in this lens I can see it for hours after I take my glasses off at night because I am so used to looking through the thing”. Well being an optometrist they were well aware of my pre-existing condition, they didn't want to alarm me so they pulled my husband to the side and told him “she could have an aneurysm get her to the ER now!”.

I was furious to say the least, these people were hell bent on not replacing my lens! After a visit to another location and a few phone calls my sweet husband was now afraid we should go to the ER just in case. The one good thing about that ER visit was they did EVERYTHING in one night that had taken 8 weeks when I was 16, from the eye exam to the lumbar puncture. I tried to leave between MRIs and they said I would have to sign release forms indicating that I was doing so against medical advice. Oh the looks from my husband and sister, obviously that wasn't happening! Another lumbar puncture for me then Yay! I will say that I have not had a single cigarette since that day almost 6 years ago, it didn't escape my notice that after a few months of pack a day smoking I landed in the hospital for that dreaded needle. It was the only thing different in my recent lifestyle and the easiest for me to control. I will let you know in 3-4 years if it worked or if I just have to have my spinal column drained every 10 years.

That experience of being bullied and not listened to because of a pre-existing condition changed my perspective on western medicine, I wasn't having the tell tell headaches and after it was all said and done the neurologist that performed the second lumbar said the fluid was only a little high which he expected from someone with my condition. They actually couldn't find anything that would explain the shiny spot in my vision. Translation UNNECESSARY! The doctor did recommend we seek a follow up with another neurologist about the possibility of MS! NO! I knew the whole time it was just a stupid flaw in my glasses they wanted me to be sick when I wasn't. It was time to take my health care into my own hands!

Once I decided to be my own "doctor", the first thing I discovered was, proper nutrition is the key to wellness. Now I had been on diets galore but I had never really eaten properly. You can see me and I am still a big girl and I love my food, but now I feel good too, less overall pain, less depression/self loathing, I feel stronger physically and mentally. My medical history makes me angry but also happy because I found something truly interesting to study, and now I want to share what I know in order to keep learning.

The easiest way to start improving nutrition is to increase your vitamins and minerals, they provide essential nutrients for our organs and tissues, this keeps the body high functioning. I am not a fan of multivitamins aka capsules of expensive urine, I do not think more is better and don't want to take a pharmaceutical grade vitamin, I want these nutrients to be in my food! I find this especially appealing because if you stop doing certain foods for vitamins it will take some time to become deficient, where there is a mountain of evidence that if you stop taking that multivitamin you've taken for a year or two or ten, within 6 months you experience symptoms of deficiency. Never fear though I have a recipe that we rely on and love!

Health Enhancing Herbal Powder: a vitamin packed powder

• Dried Stinging Nettle

• Dried Dandelion leaf, flower and root

Combine dried herbs and grind into a powder. Use 2-4 tablespoons daily.

Best vitality if used within 4-6 months

Stinging Nettle's leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins. Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Fats: Linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. In herbalism we have a saying “When in doubt use nettles.”

Dandelion greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate and small amounts of other B vitamins. With substantial amount of several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The root of the dandelion is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, which is a type of soluble fiber found in plants that supports the growth and maintenance of a healthy bacterial flora in your intestinal tract. They are a rich source of beta-carotene and polyphenolic compounds, both of which are known to have strong antioxidant capabilities that can prevent aging and certain diseases.

This basic blend powdered can be used in smoothies, soups, sauces, dry spice blends, rice, eggs and marinades or simply sprinkled over hot food to add essential vitamins and nutrients to every meal. You can add one or two more herbs specific to your needs in order to incorporate that herb into your diet more often. Example my husband's family has a long history of Alzheimer’s and dementia so we add Gotu Kola for extra brain power and sometimes Borage for stress reducing to our blend. This blend is slightly salty but has very little flavor that it adds, so be sure to taste any additional herbs you may want to incorporate check that they won't be an overpowering flavor.

They say that to correct your dietary nutrition start by adding good things and then begin to take away the bad things. This way even when you “cheat” you are still reaping the benefits of the nutrition you've added. When it comes to vitamins and minerals look to your green leafy veggies and root veggies as well as herbs and spices. The great thing about herbs is that they steal nutrients from the soil (this is how many became known as weeds) when we eat them we absorb those nutrients, circle of life. Interesting facts about some of my favorite common household spices you probably use:

Garlic is the herb of choice for treating colds, flu, sore throats, and poor or sluggish digestion. It stimulates the production of white blood cells boosting the body’s immune function and its sulfur compounds and essential oils make it a potent internal and external antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial agent effective for treating many types of infections. It has even been found effective against several forms of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. It is very effective for maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels and helps prevent blood platelet aggregation making it the herb of choice for many circulatory issues. Key Constituents: Alliin (which converts to allicin when crushed), essential oils, sulfur compounds, germanium, selenium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

Cayenne is a warming circulatory stimulant and a safe tonic for the heart. It is also used as a digestive aide and for pain relief. Rich in vitamins A&C cayenne can support the immune system. Key Constituents: Capsaicin, carotenoids, vitamin C, flavonoids, steroidal saponins, volatile oils.

Parsley often overlooked this common kitchen spice is famous for it's ability to support heart health. Also used as a diuretic and for digestive issues. Highly nutritious, containing all the major minerals and is loaded with flavonoid antioxidants, especially Luteolin. It has been used as a breath freshener*, to assist healthy fluid elimination*, and for its vast stores of chlorophyll. Parsley contains iron phosphate and supports healthy iron and energy levels. Most notable vitamins K1, C, and beta-carotene (though there are too many to list here).

Rosemary is a legendary brain tonic, improving concentration and memory. Long valued for its ability to ease headache pain and soothe mild depression. Great for circulatory system support and useful for relieving pain associated with inflammation. Key Constituents: flavonoids, rosemarinic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin, bitters, camphor, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium.

Basil works primarily with the digestive and nervous systems, easing gas and stomach cramps and preventing or relieving nausea and vomiting. It is a mild sedative found to be helpful for nervous irritability, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Key Constituents: essential oil, caffeic acid, monoterpenes, tannins, beta-carotene, vitamin C.

Oregano has many antioxidants and immune stimulating properties making it useful for treating infections inside and out. Recently studies have shown oregano to be helpful in supporting cells damaged by radiation to repair themselves. Key Constituents: carotene, flavonoids, lutein, thymol, pinene, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Mustard seeds- used to release congestion in sinuses and lungs, studied extensively for it's various anticancer properties, can be useful for easing pain like muscle aches and arthritis. Because of the high levels of omega3 fatty acids mustard seeds support a healthy heart.Vitamins: folates, niacin, pantothenic acid, paradoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins A, C, E, K Minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. (Make your own mustard its easy and see what it can do for you!)

So many of our herbal heroes are lying in your cabinet! What are some of your favorites doing for your health? Thanks for reading and please if you have a story to share or any questions about culinary herbalism don't hesitate to contact me. You can find my phone number and email address in the Contact link above. Have a blessed day!

A make your own hat Tea Party with my nieces and nephew! Trying to engage their senses and encourage healing practices as soon as possible. Lily is the ridiculously cute and photogenic one here.