”Healthy people who regularly use medicines become ill”
The above is an old Chinese folk saying. Now bearing in mind that this was written in ancient times before the invention of modern drugs, it would follow that it refers to herbal remedies and medicinal foods. This goes along with the eastern perspective that all herbs prescribed by a doctor should only be used to bring the body back into balance, and once this is done, the patient’s lifestyle is adjusted to maintain its natural state of good health.
Any medicine, including herbs and foods, that is taken too often and for too long has the potential to cause damage. For example ginseng, traditionally used to increase energy, prolong life and remove mental and physical fatigue, should only be taken for a few weeks at a time. Long term use can cause headaches, high blood pressure, palpitations and insomnia. The principles of moderation and staying in harmony with the seasons always apply. If garlic grows in your local area, then it can be eaten fresh daily. However, if it is being used in its dried form, it should only be used on a regular basis to treat a particular condition or illness. Once the body regains its balance, it is no longer needed. Spices, such as ginger, are well known for their healing properties, which means they can be used ”to heal”, but they do not necessarily need to be part of our daily diet if our body is already in its healthy natural state.
Every food provided to us by nature has the capacity to be our medicine. Remembering to use it in moderation and only when needed will help prevent it from becoming our poison.
Leave a reply →