The ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Part of the Hippocratic Oath reads, “I will apply dietetic measure for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment. Hippocrates is also quoted as saying, “Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always”. This brings me to my topic of Medicine as Food. I was always taught to use food as medicine to cure, treat and prevent illness. In addition, those foods were and continue to be very comforting. Some may think of comfort foods as mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, ice cream, or my best friends favorite, sweet potatoes, or one of my favorites, green pea soup. Those are indeed very comforting mostly due to the memories and feelings that are associated with them. However, the true comfort is in the medicinal foods. Medicinal foods impart such lovely, vibrant fragrances and flavors, like garlic, onions and ginger. When combined with other medicinal foods, also known as vegetables, they create a comfort and flavor heaven but ultimately the result is a treatment or cure. Listed below are some foods that are constant staples in my kitchen and some of their healing effects:
My interest in food as medicine began at an early while spending time with my great-grandmother who often spoke of using herbs for healing. In addition she had a backyard that was almost completely edible in which we were allowed to roam and play. I often helped her in the garden and she taught me to cook with love which included keeping the health and well-being of those who would eat my food in mind. She never planted or harvested anything without showing gratitude to the Mother Earth, also known as the Universe and/or God. She told me that by showing gratitude in this way ensured great food, great health and great love. Originally posted 24 July 2010 by Cheryl Felder-Brannon - http://positivelyraw.blogspot.com/2010/07/food-as-medicine.html
4 Comments
2/2/2018 09:45:20 pm
This is an awesome article. I really appreciate how you have some very unique staples...and what a beautiful memory of how you came to be you!
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Tamiko Bovain
2/3/2018 07:02:40 am
I love the way you broke down the benefits of each food. This weekend I am going to try to find some Burdock Root, thank you.
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