Remedies and Upbringing

Tickle in the back of your throat? Upset stomach after too much gluten and dairy? Canker sore? Lost voice? Barking cough? There was always a remedy for everything growing up. My mom was always the first person to come to my room with her magic potions. Although I was sceptical and felt like a guinea pig trying all these concoctions, I knew it was done in goodwill… or at least I do now, that it is.

The fennel, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, tea tree oil, lemon, honey there was always something that helped and it wasn’t until more recently where I appreciated and acknowledged this ayurvedic/naturopathic upbringing. Bit of a back story, my mother is also a Registered Nurse (I know, I know, really following my mom's footsteps). I would have always thought that she would have portrayed more western medicine in her parenting styles knowing she's an RN, yet it was the exact opposite. How beautiful to know the power of herbs and yet staying true to those roots?

I did not know it back then, but there was always some type of remedy/wellness within reach, and I respected that. Although there isn't an extensive amount of medicinal research on natural home remedies, if it truly did not have any effect would it still be passed down from generation to generation? I still remember a University presentation on Indigenous Traditional Healing and Sacred Herbs. Seeing the value and knowledge this woman had in herbs and feeling the passion across the room was special. Seeing the tears wilt up and her voice becoming shaky as she vividly explains the journey and process of collecting each herb. The depth and detail made me feel that I too, was alongside her picking these herbs.

Although it took me some time to become more understanding of herbs, ayurvedic and the value/impact they can have, as I grew older I felt more drawn to a more natural approach. Whether that be related to dermis, gastrointestinal, menstruation, or just a basic cold. I still get the wide eyes and jaw drop when sharing this. I believe it is important to address that: your occupation does not define you and your actions. There truly is a time and place for everything and no case is the same. There is nothing wrong with the mixture of western medicine and a naturopathic approach. Just as the integration of non-pharmaceutical interventions and pharmaceutical interventions is widely accepted and understood.

When I think about the countless years these wellness practices have existed for, how many generations they have been passed down from. I can't help but think how beautiful it is that they have remained intact and continue to be passed down. Just as my own mother and grandmother have shown me, I am still always reaching for her digestive powder for those upset stomach aches and integrating my mom's ways in my everydays. I look forward to the day when I can show my own children that healing is accessible, that it can be maintained or enhanced simply with items found in a kitchen or herbs grown from the ground.

Do what feels best for you

Yours truly,

ppk