The Power of Natural Health

I’m a huge fan of natural health.  It comes in the form of vitamin-rich foods, plants, herbs, and spices that grow in abundance around the world. For centuries, before the invention of man-made medicine, human beings used things grown from the earth and sea to stay healthy and heal the body.  Today, because of modern medicine, we depend less on what God has already put on this beautiful planet to care for our bodies and more on “Western medicine”.

While I am very thankful for the life-saving gift of knowledge that many healthcare providers give us when we need it; I also believe that it is incredibly helpful to understand natural immune-boosting foods, herbs, spices and more that can benefit our health now and in the future. Some ways I do this is by adding healthy ingredients to my daily routine. Below are a few ways I like to incorporate an extra boost of health to my lifestyle.

Thank you, Joanna Gains!                                                                      As the saying goes, “out of site out of mind”.  That was the case with my favorite immune boosting powders until I created a countertop-worthy display of Joanna Gains’ Hearth and Home Apothecary glass storage jars found here to keep all of my favorites in site. Now my morning smoothie routine is a snap.  I added labels to the front and the back. The back label lists the benefits of each powder so I can easily decide which one or more I’d like to use that day without having to memorize each ingredient.

Advice on storing powdered goods.                                                           It is best to keep your powders and supplements in their original packaging for long-term storage.  Because I am feeding an entire family, I keep enough in my bottles for a two-week use and refill them as needed.

Below, I have included some basic information and benefits of the supplements I use.  Please be sure to do your own homework and research the benefits and risks of each before using.  See full disclaimer at the end of this post.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of benefits found in Camu Camu

• High in Vitamin C
• Anti-oxidants
• Anti-viral
• Strengthening the immune system
• Supports brain and eye health
• Reduces inflammation

Studies have shown that Camu Camu provides over 400% of the daily value of vitamin C, is effective against all forms of the Herpes virus, effective in balancing mood, aids in shingles remission, and boost the immune system.  My favorite way to use Camu Camu powder in smoothies in my morning smoothies.  Because it has a pleasant citrus flavor that adds the essence of lemon to the character of the recipe, it incorporates beautifully into fruity drinks like my Tropical Collagen Smoothie, my Healthy Tropical Blueberry Smoothie, my Elderberry Immune Booster or your favorite smoothie, juice, or protein drink.  You can even add it to soups, stews, or sprinkle a bit over a bowl of yogurt and granola for an extra boost of health any time of the day. Use it in smoothies, sauces, marinades, ice cream, frozen desserts and more.  Buy it here.

Reishi Mushroom Powder                Anti-cancer properties, boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory, improves liver function promotes heart health, balances hormone levels stabilizes blood sugar, fights allergies and asthma, protects against infection and viruses.  Use in smoothies, soups, stews, pasta, gravy, sauces and and my Maca Reishi Cranberry Chocolate Chip Peanutbutter Balls.  Buy it here.

Flax seed                                      Vitamin C, heart and cardiovascular health, may lower cancer risk, reduces inflammation, digestive health, decrease menopausal and hormonal imbalance symptoms, may reduce osteoporosis. Use in smoothies, granola, baked goods, my Cranberry Apple Crescent Braid, salad dressings, soup, yogurt parfait and more. Buy it here.

Maca Powder
Rich in antioxidant, enhances energy, mood and memory, high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, balances estrogen levels. Use in pancakes, smoothies, lattes, overnight oats, baked goods, granola, chia pudding, and my Maca Reishi Cranberry Chocolate Chip Peanutbutter Balls. Buy it here.

Mesquite Powder
High in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc, fiber and minerals. May lower blood sugar, contains omega-3 fatty acids, boost immune system and more.  Use in nut milks, smoothies, baked goods, hot chocolate, my Dairy-free Coconut Pumpkin Latte, salad dressings and more. Buy it here.

Amla Fruit (Indian gooseberry)
Antioxidant, anti-cancer, decreases inflammation, digestive health, promotes liver health, reduces cholesterol levels, controls blood sugar, prevents constipation, improves skin and hair. Heals pimples, reduces irritation, prevents and reduces pigmentation and more. Learn how to use Amla powder as a mud mask below! Use in water, smoothies, curries, tea, soups, my Indian Dal Soup with Ginger and Rhubarb and more. Buy it here.

Hemp Hearts
Improves heart health, arthritis and joint pain, digestion, may aid in weight loss, premenstrual syndrome, skin allergies, hair, skin, nails and more.  Use in smoothies, baked goods, dipping sauces, overnight oats, pasta dishes, pesto, granola, nut butters, my Crunchy Asian Ginger Salad, salad dressings and more. Buy it here.