Be Confident to Support Your Health Naturally

As a nurse and mom, I know that there are times that I must call the doctor or head out to the nearest urgent care center for acute issues such as injuries or illnesses, like a large skin burn or deep laceration that requires immediate medical attention. Thank God for doctors, right! As an Herbalist and Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner, I know that some daily, minor mishaps can be taken care of at home. Like a common cold, minor cuts, and bruises by using simple home remedies, herbs, and supplements. Knowing the difference between an urgent and non-urgent health need is vital when calling for an ambulance or opening your home apothecary first aid kit. Let’s be honest, copays are not fun to pay! Especially after a long wait when you were only told "go home, rest, and drink lots of fluids." What type of fluids should I be drinking? No one really tells you.

Why am I saying these things? This is not to replace or depreciate the care of licensed professionals and medical technological advances, but to empower you to be prepared to address non-urgent, minor health matters confidently at home. I encourage you to have a few common vitamins, minerals, and herbs on hand and use them when needed. No one likes to drive to a drugstore when they are sick, at least I don't. Be encouraged to learn and be confident in taking care of your body naturally.

Growing up in a house with a Russian babushka (grandmother), I learned about herbs early and how to use them safely. My childhood extracurricular activities included foraging for wild yarrow, Saint John’s Wort, herbs, and gathering wild raspberries and blueberries. Mama seldom went to a medical clinic or called a doctor. Mama and Babushka made home remedies with herbal teas, herbal poultices, rubbed our feet with oils and fed us cod fish oil, cooked chicken bone broth for us; those were my childhood memories of health care at home!

When it comes to herbal or nutritional recommendations, these should be taken under the advice of your healthcare provider and with an understanding that everything must be done with care to avoid possible harm. We must remember that an over-the-counter medication or a supplement can also cause side effects, just like any prescribed medication. Herbs are generally safe, but still may cause allergies and unpleasant reactions. We must listen to our body and support it gently to achieve optimal performance. We want to drive a car with four wheels; three would make it out of balance, same goes for our health.

Now, how do I know what to take and do if I am sick? These are great questions! The simple answer is, start slow. One way to take it slow is by reaching out to a Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner for a consultation to establish a safe and effective self-care plan. After all, functional health providers are trained in a natural approach to health, looking for the root cause of any health condition and addressing those health imbalances with nutritional supplements, herbs, and lifestyle changes. Self-education is excellent too! It is always good to have some herbal and natural health books on hand as well. My first herbal book came to me from my mama. Even though it is in Russian and old black and white photos, I still love to use it as a reference. I prefer the latest additions of herbal books founded on the latest research and are also evidence-based. The third method is to ask for wisdom from our grandparents. They are our family’s treasures, knowledge, and wisdom. The old onion trick on the feet may not have much scientific proof, but it brings effective results.

In my blogs, I will introduce you to many common herbal and home remedies and give you my recommendations for natural (food-based) supplements. I will answer your questions on common health concerns and share healthy recipes. I often share my tips and tricks on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@lulishomestead6767. If you like to learn more and learn more about my homestead living, please subscribe to follow.

by Lilia Amaral