8 Ancient Medicine Cure-Alls: Can Our Ancestors Heal Modern Illnesses?
Does it sound too good to be true? For thousands of years, humans used elements of nature to fend off disease and distress. While many science-based studies today have not yet looked at ancient medicine, centuries of tradition offer a different story. Discover some of the most popular ancient cure-alls, and see which panacea is right for you.
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1. Curcumin
Curcumin is one of the primary components of turmeric, a spice that create the vibrant yellow curries characteristic of Indian cuisine for centuries. Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it blocks the growth of certain tumors.
2. Maca
Hailing from high in the Andes Mountains of South America, maca powder comes from a plant that once powered the ancient Inca civilization. Maca is a powerful addition to your diet because it’s rich in essential amino acids that build muscle and offer a natural energy boost.
3. Za’atar
Za’atar has brain-boosting qualities (and the same as the Biblical plant “hyssop”). This ancient medicine mix combines wild oregano with additional ground components such as thyme, marjoram, sumac, sesame seeds, and/or salt. Oregano is full of the phenol carvacrol, which is an antiseptic, antioxidant, and fungicide. Recent studies on rats showed that carvacrol helps the brain to regulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine.
4. Ginger
Originally from Southeast Asia, ginger was common in ancient China, India, and Roman practices. Effective in relieving gastrointestinal distress, ginger reduces gas while relaxing and soothing the intestinal tract. Research shows that this antioxidant also has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the formation of inflammatory compounds. It can also provide nausea relief for pregnant women.
5. Cacao
Better known as the main ingredient in modern chocolate, raw cacao is another treasure from ancient Mesoamerica. Made from cold-pressed cocoa beans, cacao promotes healthy circulation and lowers blood pressure. It is full of polyphenols and antioxidants, which help prevent numerous diseases.
6. Black Cumin Seed Oil
Used in the Middle East for centuries, this anti-inflammatory oil offers powerful immune support with a wide spectrum of active compounds. It promotes the effectiveness of your body’s healthy inflammatory response to identify and destroy abnormal cells and dangerous microbes.
7. Matcha
This finely ground premium green tea powder has been in Japan for centuries. Buddhist monks use it as an aid to meditation. Originally from China, matcha provides a calm yet alert state of mind, and many say it improves focus, boosts metabolism, and enhances immunity.
8. Lucuma
Extremely sweet and full of nutrients, lucuma powder is from a subtropical fruit native to Ecuador, Chile, and Peru, and is one of the best in ancient medicine. Ancient Mesoamerican peoples consumed the fruit for its medicinal properties, and modern studies have shown it to have anti-aging properties, enhancing skin repair and wound healing.
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