Centuries ago, doctors and healers used to believe that there were 4 humors that regulated your body and your health; If your humors were out of alignment then you would need to take a remedy that could fix it. For instance, if you were cold and clammy (phlegmatic) then the treatment would be something hot and spicy to realign you. They believed that illness came from within. I'm not certain that we are as far removed from that early healing mindset as we like to think. A common treatment today for colds is fire cider or hot toddies.
Today there is a lot of talk about how disease and illness is thought to originate in the gut – it is all about the gut microbiome. If there is GI dysbiosis then it will open the potential for illness and disease to take root. An intuitive way to improve the gut is by consuming things that are good for it. In the past health was promulgated with a combination of local herbs, foods, and traditions. On our farm we grow a lot of plants that were part of that early New England herbal tradition.
But didn’t people die young back then? Why would anyone want to imitate their herbal medicine? It's a misnomer to think that the average lifespan was 30 years for the majority of people during the early years of America. Statistically it is correct, but it is misleading because so many people died as children and of acute illnesses or injuries (preventable today), but if a person lived past 20, they were just as likely to live into their 80s and 90s - with a degree of health and wellness not unlike today.
Living on a farm in New England though creates a little bit of an issue because we have a finite growing season. Right now, things are dying or tucking themselves in for the winter. Fall is our time to collect, cut, and dry the herbs that we will be using through this year and into next summer. We will use them for seasoning, we will use them for teas, we will use them as medicine, and we will use them to maintain our well-being and health.
Here in New England fall brings with it cooler temperatures and windy days. We tend to stay indoors. It is also the start of cold and flu season. One of our favorite remedies this time of the year is a relaxing end of day tea that includes lavender leaves, lemon balm, calendula petals, and one hop bud. You can add honey for sweetness. Not only does this tea taste lovely but it is also useful - Lavender leaves are antibacterial, antifungal, and help reduce anxiety. Lemon balm is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and it elevates mood. Calendula is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and is soothing to the stomach. Hops are an antimicrobial sedative. Hops are particularly helpful during perimenopause.
There is wisdom in our old New England herbal traditions – I hope that you try the tea recipe above and that it brings you health and a sense of wellbeing.
Comments