Food as Medicine

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:

• Apples are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial. They are cooling for the body, ease thirst and reduce fever. Green apples are especially effective for cleansing the liver and gallbladder and softening gallstones. Apples are also a detoxifying fruit, great for constipation and promotes intestinal flora.

 

• Avocadoes helps inhibit certain bacteria in the intestines. It is high antioxidants, high in potassium and fiber and is a great moisturizer and very beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels. The pit is also edible and is also loaded with fiber and phytonutrients

 

• Burdock Root, though not very common in American kitchens, is a root veggie that I love. Cooked or raw it is a sweet and earthy heaven. Burdock is good for diabetic conditions. It is a powerful agent for restoring the body by cleansing and purifying the blood, supporting digestion and eliminating toxins. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium and potassium. Do not peel as most recipes instruct, simply scrub clean, cut and cook.

 

• Cabbage has so many health benefits. It has excellent antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is delicious cooked or raw but when cooked treats inflammation substantially. The entire cabbage family contains powerful anti-cancer compounds.

 

• Garlic is a superstar superfood with it's anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-carcinogenic benefits. It stimulates metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar levels, blood pressure and lowers fever. It is also a natural mosquito repellant.

 

• Ginger. In ayurvedic medicine, ginger is known as a universal medicine. It is warming for the body, stimulates digestion, boost circulation and respiration. Helps to relieve congestion, inflammation, increases metabolism and helps to effect systemic cleansing. Great for treating colds and fever.

 

• Onions, another superstar is anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral agent. They also helps remove parasites and heavy metals from the body. Onions improve kidney function and lowers cholesterol.

 

• Vinegar is anti-viral, antibacterial. Vinegar is warming to the body and assists in digestion. It energizes the stomach and the liver, increases metabolism and moves blood stagnation. Applied topically vinegar relieves sunburn and insect bites and ease arthritis. My favorite vinegars include: apple cider vinegar, coconut vinegar, and rice wine vinegar.

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