Super foods. You hear about them constantly now. Whether Dr. Oz is quoting the newest health study or your local health food store is promoting a new miracle plant, how much of this is a fad? The truth is, in my opinion, it is more fad and marketing than anything else. The reality is that every herb on the planet is a super food in some form or another. As far as I am concerned herbs are food with super characteristics. Modern science likes to spew out information in the attempt to replace our common ancestoral knowledge with "truth" that can only be confirmed by studying plants that are older than we possibly know. Yet, humanity has been thriving on plants since our birth onto this planet. Tell me, what has changed in the last 10 years or so, to where now foods have become "Super". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy that nature is moving back into the forefront. I take issue many times though with the use of the word "Super Food" thrown about like this is the only food or plant in the world that offers the benefits that it does. In many ways this seems like a very subtle way to move attention to deeming what Science says is good vs. what humanity has known for a long time without the help of science.
I appreciate that Science continues to verify what we herbalist have a carried in knowledge for a long time. In fact, if it wasn't for herbalist, a lot of this information would have been lost over time as well. Herbalist don't really need science to tell them how a plant works because herbalism is really a common sense approach. Over the years though, many herbalist have learned a lot more about chemistry of plants to continue to still be a source of healing for a public that has in many ways forgot it's natural "roots". No pun intended. It is amazing to many herbalist that somehow if your doctor doesn't know about the super food (herbs) then they discount it and the patients will many times step away from what could have been a powerful journey in healing. So, with all this said, I think it would be wise to finally say what I feel could have been said a long time ago.
1. Edible plants are super foods.
2. The more exotic sounding, does not necessarily translate to healthier for you.
3. Based on your blood type, would a certain plant actually do you any good?
4. If you know your constitutional type, then would a food be super for you or not?
5. It is not always certain that harvesting a lot of these exotic super foods is supportive to the
local indigenous culture that has relied on that food for longer than you know.
6. Follow the money.
7. The natural world has always been exciting to humanity, what has changed now and who stands to profit?
8. There are super foods that grow in your front yard that you routinely kill because you have been told they are weeds. http://www.naturalnews.com/035418_dandelion_cancer_therapy_herbs.html
9. If it goes viral on the internet, or a doctor is pushed to the mainstream to promote it, be wary and do your own research.
10. Over harvesting for the shear profit margin will only be devastating long term.
I could go on and on. The point is, health is not a fad but a journey. Research and come up with your own opinion or consult an herbalist that has worked with nature for years. Chances are the super food for you is growing right in your front yard.
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