The Lost Wisdom of Plants
For half a century, Dr. Simon Mills has been on a mission: to help people build a “better boat” to handle the rough seas of life. In an age dominated by synthetic pills, Dr. Mills argues we have lost the ancient community wisdom of herbalism—the knowledge that our kitchen cupboards are often stocked with the most immediate and effective medicines available.
The “Big Three” Kitchen Cures
1. Ginger & Cinnamon: The Warming Miracle
When you feel a “cold” coming on, your body is literally seeking heat. Dr. Mills suggests a simple tea made from fresh-grated ginger and cinnamon.
- The Mechanism: These spices don’t “burn” the mouth; they stimulate pain fibers that trigger a reflex to open blood vessels (hyperemia), flushing out mucus and pathogens from the airways.
- Pro-Tip: Use this for any condition that responds to heat, from joint pain to menstrual cramps.
2. Raw Garlic: “Russian Penicillin”
Garlic is a powerful prebiotic and antiseptic. Dr. Mills details the “Garlic Intensive” for gut or lung infections: swallowing (not chewing) eight cloves of chopped garlic over a Friday evening. The oil oozes through your pores and lungs, killing pathogens while supporting the “good guys” in your microbiome.
3. Dark Chocolate: The Brain and Heart Tonic
Dark chocolate (75% cocoa solids or higher) is a medicine. Studies show it creates beneficial changes in blood flow within minutes, supporting long-term brain and cardiovascular health.
Inflammation: Friend, Not Foe
One of Dr. Mills’ most controversial takes is our misuse of anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen.
- The Defense: Inflammation is your body’s “Marines”—it’s a healthy response designed to clean out “junk” from joints or injuries.
- The Danger: Suppressing inflammation with pills stops the internal cleansing process. Instead of reaching for a pill, Dr. Mills recommends Turmeric (Curcumin) which modulates inflammation by working with the gut microbiome.
Rosemary for Remembrance
Long-term brain health is a major concern today. Dr. Mills points to Rosemary as a key preventer of cognitive decline.
- The Inhalation Hack: Simply pressing and sniffing fresh rosemary allows volatile oils to move directly through the olfactory lobe into the brain’s limbic system. It’s not just a myth—clinical trials show it improves cognitive performance.
Health Empowerment
Dr. Mills emphasizes that nature is organic and living. Plants grown without pesticides fight their own battles, making them richer in the medicinal polyphenols our bodies need. The best antidote to a frightening world is to reconnect with nature and the tribe closest to you.
Watch the full masterclass in herbal medicine here:
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