Different sides of medicinal gardening
As we are looking forward to the spring and summer months, we begin contemplating our gardens. We want beautiful gardens, but we want functional/edible gardens as well. Can we have both? We can!
The best part of having a garden is the ability to grow our foods, and the satisfaction of knowing we are providing the healthiest addition to our diet that we can possibly have. It just so happens that some of the most beneficial foods for our health are beautiful too. And just as they improve our health, they have beautiful curb appeal as well.
Plants, like humans, are living entities that need good nutrients in order to grow healthfully; they need water, sunlight and all the good that nature provides. Unfortunately, when a plant is sick, too often we treat it chemically, as we do humans.
When a plant is sick, it is because the soil is not healthy. A good gardener will investigate the soil first, determine the deficiencies, and then feed the soil what is needed to restore the health of the plant. If there is too little water, it will get watered. If too much water, then it is cut back. A good gardener realizes that if they want the plant to produce properly, they must take care of it in several ways. It must be nurtured and watched after. The human "plant" is no different.
When we, as humans, are sick, it is because our "soil" is not healthy. A good health practitioner will investigate the "soil", find the deficiencies, and then ensure that the person is consuming what is needed to restore health to the body. Many people are dehydrated, so increasing water intake is needed. What about "over-watering"? In the case of humans it is excesses of many kinds - excess sugar intake, excess coffee, excess alcohol, excess fast foods, etc. Just as you would cut back watering if your plant is over-watered, you would cut back the excesses in your life that is causing your "roots to rot".
To try to nourish a sick plant with chemicals, just doesn't make sense. It isn't possible. You may get temporary results, but until the soil is replenished with healthy nutrients, eventually the soil will no longer produce. Humans are no different. We can't correct a disease caused by a nutritional deficiency with a chemical. We may be able to mask the symptoms for awhile, but eventually we become sicker and sicker.
Learn more by attending our upcoming health class, "Healing Foods and Landscaping with Medicinal Herbs," on Wednesday, May 18th 7-9pm. Fee: $10. RSVP: 208-765-1994. For a more detailed class description, visit our website at vitalhealthandfitness.com.
Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 30 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d' Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.
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