Plant Medicine

Ever get a craving for something? Chances are at some point in your life you've had a craving for unknown reasons and generally those cravings are for sweets. Whether it's chocolate (the most popular) or something else your body may be trying to tell you something. When we have cravings it's our bodies way of telling us it needs something and whatever it needs can be found or at least at one time was found in the food you are craving. Our bodies remember everything, from our lifetime and lifetimes before us. Yes, your body may remember something that you never knew. The key is in listening to what your body is trying to tell you and not dismissing the craving because sweets are not good for you.

Marshmallows

Did you know that when marshmallows were first introduced they were made using Marshmallow Root? Marshmallow Root is a perennial herb native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It has many health benefits such as easing cough & colds, relieving skin irritation, alleviating pain, wound healing, and so much more. Marshmallows of course haven't been made with Marshmallow Root since the early 20th century. So yes, there was a time when marshmallows were healthy if you can imagine that.

Licorice

Yep, licorice too. Did you know that many popular American candies labeled as "licorice" actually contain no licorice root at all? They are made using anise oil, artificial flavoring or corn starch. Licorice root is native to the Mediterranean and is one of the world's most ancient traditional herbs for supporting health, beauty and longevity. Some of conditions that Licorice Root can help with include heartburn, acid reflux, leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, hepatitis C, HIV, influenza, coughs, sore throat, pain relief, and licorice root also appears to have an estrogen-like effect in women, lending itself as an option for menstrual and fertility related concerns including as a natural remedy for PMS. For menopause it was shown to be better than hormone replacement therapy at reducing the duration of hot flashes. It's also one of the most recommended menopause supplements.

Chocolate

I'm sure you've heard that dark chocolate is good for your health. What they don't tell you is that it doesn't matter if it's milk, white, or dark chocolate. What does matter is the amount of cacao and how it's processed. If you're eating a dark chocolate bar because you think it's healthier for you, you've been misled. The health benefits come from raw cacao made from cold-pressed raw beans, which preserve most of its natural nutrients and antioxidants. Cacao contains Flavanols which help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, may reduce blood pressure and reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol. It supports cognitive performance, memory, and focus by increasing blood flow to the brain. Cacao is a mood booster, rich in minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. In fact Cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, the highest plant-based source of iron and one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, it has more calcium than cow's milk and can be used as a natural anti-depressant. Cacao is the raw form of chocolate, chocolate unfortunately is so processed that these health benefits are lost.

So the next time you have a craving listen to your body, what is it trying to tell you it needs? Chances are it needs what the earth provides and that processing eliminates or is no longer utilized because it's not cost effective to use anymore. There is a growing need to return to Plant Medicine as our bodies are paying the toll of low quality food and as I've demonstrated here, sweets aren't bad for your body the processing is.