Trauma, Inflammation, and Plants
We have all experienced it: something traumatic happens, whether a stubbed toe or raped by your father, you feel something and then you internalize it. It really does not matter so much the event; it is more important how your being perceived it. That perception leads to emotions, and if the feelings are not allowed to be felt and move through you, it becomes trapped energy in the body. That is the problem. Trapped negative energy leads to inflammation and disease, spreading until it can be released. Remember the first law of thermodynamics, known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, which states that energy cannot be destroyed or created. So, the trapped energy builds and causes harm inside of our bodies. According to the incredible research by Gabor Mate, M.D., that is the root of disease. He states, “Emotional trauma is a major cause of physical illness, from cancer to autoimmune conditions and many other chronic diseases.”
Inflammation is crucial initially, it is how the body signals for repair, how muscle tissues grow stronger, and how the immune system begins its restoration. However, often it becomes unchecked and unmodulated, leading to prolonged inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune conditions, endocrine dysfunction, and more. Most of our diseases in the modern world are inflammatory in origin and have been on the rise. We do well with acute medical care, but not so well with preventative care or wellness.
Plants and herbs have been used as medicine for centuries, and perhaps the indigenous people are the best at preserving that knowledge. Whereas in our modern world we rely on chemically created pharmaceuticals, there are also limitations and adverse effects with this method. Take for example the rise in popularity and usage, and impending FDA approval, of plant psychedelics for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), addiction, anxiety, and depression with demonstrated improvements on epigenetics, neuroplasticity, creating new neural pathways, as well as patient-reported symptoms. Another use case is the common methods for the treatment of pain with addicting opioids who have significant side effects; and yet they continue, at truly pandemic rates. Is there not a better way in nature, and save the opioids for serious injury and surgery? Healing without Harm is possible.
