A Peek Inside My Vitamin Cupboard
It can be remarkably overwhelming, the vitamins section of any health food/drug store. It's hard to know what you should be prioritising, taking more or less of, forgetting about all together, and brands/alternatives to reach for over others.
Please remember that I'm not a medical professional, nor studying to be - I'm just an avidly interested individual when it comes to wellness; as a concept & way of being. I'm constantly reading and digesting as much information as I can. I'm constantly trying new things so I can make the most informed decisions I can for my body and my health. I believe varied views on wellness can assist us to make informed decisions about what works for our bodies/routines - but I have learnt the most, and will always trust any guidance from my Sooks.
Wait, Who? What's 'a Sooks'.. ?
I began seeing my beloved Dr. Sookie almost a year ago now.. A few of my best friends had been seeing him since childhood and harped on for years that I should hurry up and go. Thank god I quit being a stubborn-know-it-all slash living in fear of what he might actually tell me I need to be doing for 2.5 because it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.
He's a naturopath, homeopath, Ayurevedic practitioner AND a western doctor. He's also a counsellor. (AKA has never stopped studying) For him to be everything, makes perfect sense to me. I was sick and tired of seeing countless medical professionals, that almost never spoke to one another. I felt like my health was being addressed in fragments (it was) - and so, of course I never felt hollistcally well.
In my now consultations with Sooks, he addresses what I have come to call The Four Pillars of Health:
1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Intellectual
4. Creative
Harmony/balance between the four are ideal. This is what we work towards. Sometimes I'll be thriving (most often in 3 & 4 - so our work is on 1 & 2. Harmony. And practice.
He often uses western developments to diagnose and naturopathic/homeopathic/Ayurevedic/etc practices and medicines to address dis-ease or imbalance in any of the four pillars. What's remarkable is that, that is our fist step. If we need to lean into Western medicine, we absolutely do so. It is our last resort - not preventative. This makes me truly feel taken care of.
Below are but a few general herbs, vitamins and minerals that I have begun taking (not all at once, but over the course of the last few years) that have helped me with various things at various times.. They're my now 'ride-or-de'...
Ashwaganda is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with stress. It is great for those that may have trouble sleeping and/or anxiety.
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. Your cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance. Levels of CoQ10 in your body decrease as you age. This promotes positive cardiovascular health.
Bilberry is used for improving eyesight, including night vision. I noticed a big difference in my eye headaches from looking at a computer so often since taking this supplement.
Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system. A lot of people avoid it because of the smell.. Kyolic odourless Aged Garlic Extract, on the other hand, is truly the only odourless garlic supplement I've found. Apparently the exclusive ageing process eliminates garlic odour and harsh side effects - which is great. Moreover, Kyolic also contains various antioxidant properties.
Melatonin is a recent addition to my daily dose. I take a few chewable capsules before I go to sleep each night and they have sincerely assisted with my night terrors (yep, some serious subconscious unblocking happening), restless legs, and overall sleep hygiene.
Cordyceps are weird. Great, but so weird. They're a fungus; a supremely rare combination of mushroom and caterpillar. They have been used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine since at least the 15th Century. Known for benefiting the immune system and respiratory health, I have also found them incredibly helpful with maintaining energy throughout the day. I'm an early riser, so for those who feel that 3pm slump; these might become your best friends.
Nux Vomica is always on my top shelf too. This homeopathic remedy is one I am almost always walking away from my consultations with. It's said to be the homeopathic remedy for the over-reactive, the always over-doing it, the busy bee. The HD Generators, Manifestors and M-G's. For workaholic people who drive themselves crazy with stress and dietetic excess. They are known as go-getters who thrive on challenges (most often CEO's entrepreneurs, managers), and ticking off excessive to-do-lists. (Hey, look - I called this space self Practice for a reason...) It's also popularly recommended for those who have a habit of overdoing it as far as consumption is concerned; alcohol, coffee, etc. (aka great for hangovers!)
Chamomilla is another homeopathic remedy I have been prescribed based on my pain and difficulties with my cycle. It is said to assist with the mental symptoms we have commonly come to call PMS.
Nat Mur was prescribed to me when going through heartbreak last year. It's something I still take daily as grief is not linear; it can sneak up on you at any time. We need to remember this. Nat mur in homeopathy is about the making and breaking of relationships - the remedy for those who appear strong on the outside, with hidden grief. Popularly subscribed to those who may feel betrayed, alone and like they really need some nurturing. Those who tend to mull over past events, old hurts and conversations at night while in bed.
I've said it before and at the risk of sounding like a broken record - I can't stress highly enough that what works for my body might/will be entirely different to yours. Self Practice stands as an informative space; but as mentioned many times - wellness is not oneness.
I encourage you to consult your own healthcare professional. Or your intuition.
Preferably, both.
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