8 minute read
wise words
DAVID CROW ON THE Healing Power of Medicinal Plants
by Randy Kambic
Advertisement
photo by Simone Anne
How is self-care changing to empower people?
The doctor/patient paradigm is changing in many ways as a result of the internet, availability of natural medicines and awareness of the limitations and dangers of pharmaceutical drugs. The availability of nutraceuticals and herbal products from around the world has created a golden age of natural medicine, but has also brought widespread confusion from the overwhelming amount of information combined with marketing of products. People are asking more about drugs and prescribed procedures; they are seeking natural alternatives, and in many cases, either reducing or eliminating their need for pharmaceutical drugs. This change is an important step toward greater health consciousness, which is linked directly to other aspects of creating a healthier society, like the increased demand for organic food that’s driving more organic agriculture.
David Crow, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha, among other books, is a foremost expert in botanical medicine and other natural health applications. As a teacher, telemedicine consultant, researcher, certified master herbalist, aromatherapist and acupuncturist, he has studied Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Western herbal medicine for more than 30 years. He is a strong advocate of the safe use of herbs and essential oils, and installing gardens in public and private spaces. As one of the first medical pioneers to use essential oils and aromatherapy in clinical practice, integrating them into comprehensive treatments, he is also the founder of Floracopeia Aromatic Treasures.
Why do you feel humanity needs to reconnect a sacred relationship with plants?
For our survival as a species. Plants created the biosphere over hundreds of millions of years, including the ozone layer, the oxygen in the atmosphere, the fertility of the soil, the regulation of the seasons and the foundation of the food chain. From those conditions, higher life was able to emerge and evolve: Humans emerged from conditions created by plants. Since we cannot live directly on soil and sunlight as plants do, the structure and function of the human body are designed so that we can extract those energies in forms that plants provide; our physiology, respiration and metabolism is a mirror image of photosynthesis. We have complete biological dependency on plants in every moment; understanding this is the basis of reverence for nature, which is ecological spirituality, the only long-term solution to the environmental crisis we have created through lack of sensitivity and appreciation of our place in the biosphere.
Why are cultural medical systems inseparable from spiritual and meditative practices?
Classical medical systems such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, along with indigenous and shamanic uses of plants for healing, have evolved and are inseparable from the spiritual practices of their cultures. For example, Chinese medicine evolved from and with the same philosophical roots and practices as qigong and Taoist alchemy, and Ayurveda emerged from and in turn influenced yoga, tantra and Vedic philosophy. The significance of this is that medical practices were used both
for healing the body and to support yogic and spiritual practices, and vice versa. Now we have modern scientific research confirming the health benefits of spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer, but more importantly, traditional medical systems remind us that there is an ultimate spiritual goal that is higher than mere physical health.
What is your view on the resurgence of psychedelic plant medicines for healing?
All plants have healing properties and also have potential dangers and toxicity, depending on how they are used. The psychoactive plants, specifically the entheogens (those that awaken the perception of divinity) have been used in ceremonies and mystery cults throughout history for healing conditions of body, mind and spirit, but those traditions have always been under the care of highly trained and experienced priests, priestesses and shamans. The experiences while under the influence of these plants are highly dependent on the container of the environment, the cultural mythologies, the ritual, its leaders and the other people present in the ceremony, and it can be highly unpredictable with both good and bad outcomes.
The use of these medicines at higher doses is an excellent opportunity for deep inner transformation, exploration of consciousness and appreciation of the visionary realms that are available to us, but like all intensive spiritual endeavors, requires preparation, orientation and guidance. Using these plants at lower doses, like microdosing daily with psilocybin mushrooms for treating depression and anxiety, offers great benefits for some people without the risks of the psychological, mental or emotional disruptions that can occur at higher doses.
For more information, visit CrowConsultations.com or Floracopeia.com.
Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.
Offering:
• Wellness coaching • Reiki energy healing • CBD topical products • Microbiome Testing • Portion-control tools
Featuring: Ixcela Internal Fitness 90-day programs for:
• Gut restoration • Vitality • Weight loss • Immunity
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
66 High Street, first floor, rear | Mount Holly, NJ @teeminghealth.com
Coaching with Compassion | www.teeminghealth.com
2022 ANNUAL HOLISTIC YOGA RETREAT
Listening with our hearts
The evolution continues as we explore the Mind, Body, and Spirit...Deepening our experience with Yoga and Meditation. This retreat can help you go deep within yourself to discover your true self and allow you to find your own path to wholeness.
Experience guidance in various styles of Yoga and Meditation practices for all levels. Drum Circle- Bring your own drum or percussion instrument. For information & reservations contact: Karen Manette Bosna: 609-827-8886 kbosna28@yahoo.com
January 28, 29, 30, 2022
Two-night stay with nutritious vegetarian meals at the Marianist Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ
$299 per person
(All-inclusive) Deposit of $50 required to reserve your space
(Deposits are non-refundable)
Denise Anthony: 410-477-5369
Yoga Cape May
Space is limited, Sign up early!
Deadline for payment in full: 12/31/2021
Healthy Energy for a Healthy Brain
by Matt Preston
Photo by David Cassolato from Pexels
It’s hardly an exact science when generalizing a person’s standard operating energy (SOE) although it’s important for brain health. People will go through various states of it throughout the day. Here are some general categories someone may encounter and what they could mean. There’s “even-keel SOE”, which isn’t necessarily the worst kind of energy, but it’s not the best either. Sometimes, life isn’t easy and other times it’s crazy. And through these periods, some people may find it’s better to just engage a “meh” state of mind. While experiencing these states, they are just happy to keep their heads down and just go with the flow. Now the negative results of this type of SOE could range from that person being an enabler, as they just don’t want to rock the boat, to when someone needs a shoulder to cry on, they may find that they’re not necessarily equipped to help guide us through the darkness. However, there are times when a discerning steady hand is needed and although these people may not be able to relate, they can help calm the waters. Next, there’s a more negative-focused SOE, with people that engage in this “headspace” never being difficult to pinpoint. They may not even know it consciously or even look like someone that may have this prevalent energy. And keep in mind this doesn’t necessarily make them bad either, just hard to deal with. The numerous ways these individuals display this energy can vary, and there are times it’s best to help them see the light if all they see is a wall in front of them. Other times it may be a good idea not to interact with them at all. And, again, this doesn’t mean they’re bad people by any means. The hope is they don’t intentionally try to take others down to their level, which can be especially difficult in romantic or other close relationships. Then, of course, there’s positive SOE, with people that exude this energy easy to spot as well. First, though, keep in mind this doesn’t mean they’ll have bluebirds singing around their head. This type of person has bad days and experiences like anyone else. But it’s how they shake themselves off and keep moving forward, while not dwelling on the negative, that truly helps keep their energy so beautiful and positive. One way this SOE can serve a person the best is when things are the worst. When broken down, through any number of ways, it can be vital to have this fire within to keep positive. Sure, it can dim and flicker, and these people will need time to heal, but it’s this energy that will help them do just that. Further, it’ll also help uplift those around with just a genuine smile and kind word; where many people will find themselves naturally gravitating toward them for the obvious benefit. In the end, everyone of all demographics and walks of life may go through these stages and energetic spaces throughout their lives. However, if one type is wired into someone, that doesn’t mean it’s that way forever either. And that’s especially true that each person doesn’t have to be stuck in the first or second SOE, and that can be some one of the best energy to utilize in keeping a health mind and brain as well.
Matt Preston is a creative and professional writer from Gloucester Township in South Jersey. Writing is one of his passions, body mind and soul wellness one of his goals, and belief in destiny his continual motivation. His website and podcast can be found @TheApatheticVegan.com.
