Health Archives - Journey With Healthy Me

Meditate for Health

Today’s Try This Tuesday post is a bit different in that it focus on an action, rather than a new recipe. I’ve been practicing and teaching meditation for years. As meditation calms and relaxes the body and stills the mind, it provides powerful healing benefits as well.

Meditation is easy, costs nothing, does not require any specialized equipment, can be practiced by anyone, anywhere and only takes a few minutes to do.

The health benefits of meditation have been documented through countless studies around the world. The amazing results include: lowers blood pressure, decreases risks of heart attacks and strokes, stimulates stem cell growth, relieves anxiety and depression, reduces stress and tension, improves memory and increases academic performance, aids weight loss, eases chronic pain, reduces hyperactivity in children, increases longevity, helps with insomnia and decreases addictions and substance abuse.

Meditation does not shut down the mind, it quiets it so that we are not so distracted by our thoughts. Our thoughts are like the words that continually scroll across the bottom of the television screen during a newscast. We can learn to let the thoughts scroll on by, without focusing on them. When we notice a thought we can simply acknowledge it and let it go without attaching to it.

I’m offering a simple healing meditation below. However, before practicing it, spend a few moments creating a Safe Place in your mind. At the beginning of every meditation, you will enter this Safe Place so create something, in your mind, that brings you joy and makes you feel peaceful. This place should be in nature, not in a building or structure. It is a soothing, solitary place. Include rich details in your Safe Place.

Mine is a garden, filled with flowers and trees. It has a water feature and a gazebo where I can sit. The sunlight filters through the leaves and there is always a cool gentle breeze. Create in your mind a space that supports you and makes you sigh with happiness when you arrive.

Read through this meditation several times, turn off the tv and quiet your phone, then lie down or sit comfortably in a chair with both feet flat on the floor. Or sit in a lotus position with soles of feet together if that is not a strain on your back. Be at ease so that pain or stiffness in the legs and back is not a distraction. Rest hands naturally on the thighs, palms up. It’s fine to allow the fingers to relax and curl inward without touching thumbs and fingers together.

Healing Meditation

• Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through the nose and release it slowly through the mouth. Take two more slow deep breaths.

• Relax the body as you continue to breathe slowly and deeply. You can relax by focusing on your breath. Or you can begin at your feet and consciously relax the muscles. Move up the legs, up the torso, and down the arms to the hands, relaxing each part of the body. Continue upward. Pay special attention to the neck, shoulders, jaws, face and scalp, as we tend to hold a lot of tension in these areas.

• Visualize entering your Safe Place. Feel the warmth and love and joy here. Stay relaxed and centered.

• Take another deep, cleansing breath. Imagine that roots are growing out of the soles of your feet and into the earth. This grounds the body and helps to prevent dizziness after the meditation ends. Imagine positive, living energy from the earth rising to support you.

• Imagine a large white sphere of light above your head. This is Divine healing energy. See in your mind the white light surrounding you, encasing you in a bubble of protective energy. With every inhale of breath, imagine Divine healing energy entering your body. It spreads throughout your body…up into your head, down your arms to your hands and fingers, down the torso to the legs, and down the legs to the feet and toes. Your entire body is filled with Divine energy, bright healing white light. Every system, every organ, every cell in your body is infused with healing energy. Imagine any low energy or negative energy being transformed by the light.

• Breathe slowly and bask in this healing energy, for as long as you want. Open your heart wide and express love and gratitude for this time of healing.

• Imagine leaving your Safe Place, carrying the Divine white light with you. Count down from seven to one. As you get to one slowly open your eyes and move your fingers and toes. Stretch arms and legs. Stand slowly and stretch upwards, taking a deep breath.

This meditation can last for a few minutes or an hour…it’s up to you. If a thought pops into your head, say yes and let it go on by. Gradually your body will enter into a relaxed state quickly and easily without being distracted by thoughts.

Meditation is a wonderful practice to incorporate into your daily health routines, along with nutrient dense foods, exercise and supplements. Blessings on your healing journey!

Celebrating Two Years on a Plant Based Lifestyle

Two years ago this month, I embarked on a healing journey that has completely transformed my life. Here is a recap on the healing that occurred during year one, and an update with the continued healing that has taken place in the last 12 months.

My healing journey began with a desperate prayer for help. After suffering with chronic sciatica and pain in my legs for 20 years, after a car accident, my left leg deteriorated, requiring me to walk with a cane. The pain and the tightness in leg joints and muscles continued to worsen. I struggled to walk at all, or sleep, or even straighten out my legs. A wheelchair seemed inevitable.

I asked the Divine for help and help arrived the next day, via an article by Anthony William, the Medical Medium. He wrote that a traumatic incident, such as a car accident, could create pain that does not heal. His words described me and my condition. Thankfully, he offered hope. I ordered Anthony’s books, and immediately began a 28 day healing cleanse, eating raw fruits and vegetables. I saw such remarkable improvements after 28 days that I adopted a plant based lifestyle and never looked back.

I avoided meat, eggs, dairy, sugar, gluten, soy, corn (unless non GMO) and canola oil. And I ate fruits, vegetables, brown rice, legumes, nuts and seeds. The problem, I discovered from Anthony, was that the viruses I’d had in my body…some since childhood…were wreaking havoc. The shingles virus was the culprit that attacked my sciatic nerves. Epstein Barr and strep had infected my liver and thyroid, and other organs and body systems. My action plan was two fold: eliminate the viruses by avoiding the foods that feed them and support my immune system with healthy, wholesome food.

It worked. In the first year I experienced healing of these symptoms/disorders:

sciatica • inflammation in legs & body • pain in legs • high blood pressure • irritable bowel syndrome • sensitive gut • severe acid reflux • indigestion • rashes & hives • tinnitus • gall bladder inflammation • headaches • sinus problems • seasonal allergies • joint pain • nerve pain • insomnia • heart palpitations

I also dropped excess weight.

With such amazing changes in my health, I chose to remain plant based. Returning to my old way of eating would mean a return to my old way of feeling unwell. I’m not willing to sacrifice my health, ever again.

My mainstays this past year, as my healing journey continues, are celery juice first thing in the morning, followed by a fruit smoothie. At least 3-5 times a week, that breakfast smoothie is a heavy metals detox blend of wild blueberries, bananas, Hawaiian spirulina, cilantro, Atlantic dulse, chaga mushroom powder, barley grass juice powder, aloe vera gel and hemp seeds. I love fruits and veggies, and add brown rice, legumes, nuts and seeds to round out my diet. I sip on lemon or lime water, ginger water, juices and herbal teas.

My meals are simple and beautiful, and full of health boosting nutrients. I rarely eat out, preferring to prepare meals at home. A desire that I expressed, to cook more, is being fulfilled with this lifestyle.

In the past 12 months, my health has continued to improve. I’ve experienced healing of these symptoms/disorders:

frozen sacroiliac joint • floaters in both eyes • discoloration on fingernails and toenails • ocular migraines • chronic dehydration • menopause symptoms such as flushing, night sweats, hot flashes • fluid on left knee • mouth sores • tingling and numbness in feet and hands • overactive thyroid • toxic liver • neck pain and stiffness greatly reduced (my neck vertebrae are so messed up from the car accident that X-rays freak out doctors…but my neck doesn’t hurt like it once did)

My skin is clear and healthy. My hair texture has improved, and although it’s hard to tell in photos, as my silver hair reflects more light, I swear my hair is darkening up. I have more dark strands of hairs growing in, than I did a year ago. My legs feel so incredibly good that they amaze me every day. I continue to see improvements in flexibility and strength in both legs. I am energetic, have mental clarity and operate at a high vibrational frequency.

I’ve come to understand how marvelously and wonderfully made my body truly is. It is a finely tuned sensor, that lets me know if I need the nutrients in a certain food, or if I accidentally ingest something I shouldn’t. I trust my body. I listen to it. I respect it. And, I nourish it and care for it like I never have before. And I’m mindful of what I put on my skin and in my home. I’ve been eliminating chemicals and toxins by switching to natural cleaning, laundry and bath products.

To celebrate my two year anniversary, I climbed into my favorite tree…the redbud in my front yard, something I couldn’t do two years ago. This tree survived the Joplin tornado in 2011, when thousands of trees perished. My redbud twisted and lost branches and now bears scars…but its deep roots held. I’ve survived my own storm, one that lasted many years. I twisted, parts of me broke, and I bear scars as well, however, I am strong and determined, and healing continues.

This exciting journey is ongoing with health and wellbeing my priorities. It’s onward and upward from here.

You can order Anthony’s books by clicking on the link below.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of these products, or any other items, through my Amazon link!

10 Herbal Teas that Will Boost Your Health

I have enjoyed drinking hot tea for years. When I visited Scotland in 2014, I adopted the custom of afternoon tea, which I still practice at home as often as I can. And what’s even better than indulging in afternoon tea? Boosting my health with one of these delicious and good for me herbal teas!

1. Cat’s Claw

This herb is one of the most powerful substances for reversing today’s epidemic of chronic and mystery illnesses. Cat’s Claw can aid in alleviating symptoms from neurological to digestive. The herb fights the pathogens that cause inflammation, including bacteria, patasites, and viruses. For the best effect, drink this tea in the evening, and avoid Cat’s Claw if you are pregnant.

2. Lemon Balm

This herb is essential for calming nerves, especially those involved with digestion. Lemon Balm’s soothing properties calm the nerve receptors along the digestive tract so that nerves become less sensitive and inflammation reduces. Antiviral, antibacterial and anti-parasitic, Lemon Balm fights viruses such as Epstein Barr, shingles and other herpetic varieties. Plus the herb detoxifies the liver, spleen and kidneys and reduces bladder inflammation. Lemon Balm is extremely easy to grow, in the garden or in a container. Drink right before bed for a great night’s sleep.

3. Licorice Root

Anthony William, the Medical Medium, calls Licorice Root one of the most important herbs in the world. Why? Because it is the ultimate weapon against viral infections. Herpetic viruses, including Epstein Barr, HHV-6, and shingles, are often behind mystery illnesses and autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Licorice Root also helps with low blood pressure, soothes the liver and supports the adrenals. Drink this powerful tea plain, or combine with cinnamon and cloves for a warm, fragrant treat.

4. Raspberry Leaf

This herb is ideal for women. It protects the reproductive system and balances hormones. In addition, Raspberry Leaf supports the adrenals, and the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. In fact, this crucial plant supports the entire endocrine system. For women in the child bearing years, Raspberry Leaf aids in fertility, helps to prevent miscarriage and addresses exhaustion and postpartum depression after childbirth. It also enhances the prodction of breast milk. For men Raspberry Leaf acts as a blood cleanser and an overall detoxifier.

5. Nettle Leaf

This herb supports the body during times of stress. It also contains a vast amount of phytochemicals, making Nettle Leaf life giving, life extending and extremely anti-inflammatory. Nettle is a potent pain reliever and with more than 40 trace minerals, it is also bone building and bone protecting. For its effects to be most powerful, drink Nettle Leaf tea in the afternoon, or before meditation, as it is a very centering herb.

6. Red Clover

Red clover is very common, and considered a weed by many. However, this herb offers powerful support to the lymphatic system, cleansing the lymph fluid. It is effective against cancer, and is a diuretic and the ultimate blood builder. Red Clover is full of nutrients and disease fighting alkaloids and it aids in breaking up and reducing stored up, unnecessary fat. This herb has an energizing effect, making a great tea when feeling exhausted, fatigued or depleted. Drink this tea in the evening so that the cleansing properties can work overnight.

7. Rose Hips

Rose Hips contain the most bioidentical, bioavailable form of vitamin C, in a form most usable for our bodies. They are not only anti-inflammatory, they also increase our blood’s white blood count and boost our immune system. Rose Hips are helpful for battling virtually any type of infection, and brings relief to those who suffer from irregular heartbeats. They alleviate urinary tract infections and heal skin conditions.

8. Oregano

One of a group of powerful aromatic herbs, Oregano kills off unproductive bacteria such as H pylori, Strep and E coli, which minimizes the possibility of SIBO, peptic ulcers, strep throat, sinusitis and ear infections. Long considered an important herb for cooking, Oregano makes a flavorful tea as well.

9. Rosemary

Another antibacterial, this herb specializes in fighting antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as those found in hospitals. It is effective against C difficile and MRSA.

10. Thyme

This herb is antiviral, enabling it to destroy viruses such as the flu, and herpetic viruses that are responsible for autoimmune diseases. Thyme has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it effective against viruses that have started to attack the brain or spinal cord, resulting in neurological conditions.

Regularly consuming these extraordinary herbal teas will boost the immune system and fight viruses and diseases. Many of these herbs can easily be grown in backyard gardens or containers. Fresh herbs may be purchased in the produce section at the grocery store or dried herbs can be found at health food stores.

Add dried or fresh herbs to a diffuser and steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. I often drop fresh herbs from my garden directly into the cup of hot water and cover the mug with a saucer while it steeps.

The next time you crave a hot drink, reach for one of these health boosters instead of a coffee or hot chocolate. Your body will flourish and benefit from your healthy choice!

Please check out Life Changing Foods, by Anthony William. I rely on the info in this amazing book every day!

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of this product, or any other items, through my link!

Health Benefits of Celery Juice

One of the first shifts I made in my health routine was the inclusion of freshly prepared celery juice in the mornings. One year ago this month, after reading a post by the Medical Medium, Anthony William, I hauled out my juicer and ran a bunch of celery through it (literally one bunch of the green stalks, also called a head of celery), eager to try out this amazing juice.

According to the book, Life Changing Foods, by Anthony William, celery is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods because it starves unproductive bacteria, yeast, mold, fungus and viruses that are present in the body, and flushes their toxins and debris out of the liver and intestinal tract.

These pathogens are the underlying cause of inflammation in the body. Without the pathogens, the body is better able to handle the other stresses life often presents. Celery also helps good bacteria to thrive and alkalizes the gut. At the same time, celery raises hydrochloric acid in the stomach so that food digests easier and doesn’t putrefy. This prevents a multitude of gastrointestinal disorders and allows for restoration of the entire digestive system.

Additionally, celery, which is technically an herb, not a vegetable, improves kidney function, restores the adrenals, and eases the mind by supporting neuron function. This in turn helps with brain fog and memory loss. Celery hydrates at a deep cellular level, lessening migraines and stress, and it helps to repair DNA.

No other juice brings the pure healing power of simple celery juice. While it makes a great additional to other green juice recipes, drinking freshly prepared celery juice has the most health benefits.

And it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Wash one bunch of celery, trim the base from the stalks, and run through a juicer. One bunch makes about 20 ounces of juice. I like the taste of celery. The juice is light and refreshing to me. Anthony suggests running half an apple through the juicer, along with the celery stalks, if you don’t care for the taste of celery. And then gradually use less and less apple, to gain the most benefits from the celery.

Drink celery juice on an empty stomach to raise hydrochloric acid levels. I start the day with a mug of warm lemon water and then follow it with celery juice. A breakfast smoothie follows later in the morning.

I love how my body responds to drinking celery juice. I feel better. My energy vibrations begin rising while I am making the juice. It’s that powerful. Unfortunately, when I have a busy day ahead, it is the part of my morning routine that I am most likely to skip. No more. Even if this post doesn’t encourage anyone else to improve his or her health through drinking celery juice, it reminds me of what I am missing if I don’t.

Greater health is worth the few extra minutes that it takes to make fresh celery juice every morning. I am worth it…and so are you. So….Cheers! Here’s to our health, wellness and vitality.

Read more about the benefits of celery, and 49 other life changing foods:

And try out this juicer, to make your own celery juice and other delicious healthy blends:

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of these products, or any other items, through my Amazon links!