Embracing Holistic Healing: The Rise of Traditional Remedies Amid Uninsured Crisis

By Leslie Hudgins

The CDC reports that in 2023, 7% of Americans, or 25.3 million people, are without health insurance. This has prompted many to return to traditional remedies, exploring the healing power of herbs and superfoods to enhance their overall health. 

This week on "More Than That" with Gia Peppers podcast, airing on Foxie 105, special guest Coach Gessie Thompson delves into the world of holistic healing. Thompson, a health activist and founder of The Detox Now, shared her insights. 

"The healing power of herbs is something to behold. They can cure ailments, equalize our bodies, and connect us back to the land. It's visceral, different for every individual, and yet communal at the same time."

According to Thompson, food can affect Your productivity, Clarity, and overall health and help heal your mind, body, and spirit. This practice of holistic medicine and healing is not new; it is an Indigenous ancestral practice that has existed since before modern medicine.

Her personal journey with holistic healing began at age 30, following a diagnosis of fibroids. These benign tumors caused her to face infertility, multiple miscarriages, early menopause, and even a near-death experience during surgery. During this challenging period, she ignited her passion for understanding natural hormonal balance, a common issue affecting millions of African American women globally.

This sent her on a quest to find out what herbs she could use to naturally balance her hormones and help others. Thompson says that we need the integration of traditional and holistic practices to heal truly.

"For me, the real opportunity is for women to support and empower each other, men, and families with the knowledge to affect health outcomes. That's a powerful opportunity." Thompson Shared. "Food is our first medicine. Our bodies communicate when something isn't right."

For instance, non-organic, grain-fed red meat can trigger inflammation, exacerbating conditions like fibroids in women and contributing to various health issues in men, from high blood pressure to hormonal imbalances that can cause early hair loss. 

Surprisingly, everyday herbs like raspberry leaf, ginger, and dandelion possess potent anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Dandelion, often dismissed as a weed, offers benefits such as cholesterol reduction, blood sugar regulation, liver support, and immune enhancement, as reported by Medical News Today.

Ginger is a versatile herb that aids digestion, reduces nausea, and boasts antioxidant properties. "It's shown promise in treating inflammation and infections such as the common cold," says Thompson.

Additionally, fasting is a scientifically supported method of resetting the body, allowing the digestive system to rest and promoting healing processes.

Thompson stresses that people interested in a holistic approach should consult their physicians before making health changes. She emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to maintaining optimal health. For more information, visit TheDetoxNow.com, you can also listen to the full podcast here.