A Comprehensive Guide to Good Health Part 1:

Since less than half of the cells in our body contain our DNA, as walking ecosystems we have to support our body's most vital functions. Our body is similar to the natural earth because it houses a variety of organisms in a symbiotic, and sometimes unfortunately, a parasitic way. We have to support our unique ecosystem even in the most astringent environments; such as the conditions in our gut! Studies may have discovered that gut bacteria might also be found in the brain. Which would mean it's possible that even in our brain we are supporting a symbiotic relationship. The relationship with a vast amount of organisms in our body may be hard to ascertain; however just like the earth, when the balance of the ecosystem is interrupted, nature can start to become quite unbalanced. Whether you agree with Hippocrates at all that “All disease begins in the gut,” it becomes clear that disruptions in your body’s ecosystem can be reflected to you with common and sometimes peculiar diseases. Common folk have been the victim of digestive issues, auto-immune issues, hormone sensitivity and imbalances, and even some mental diseases that have been effected by sub-optimal diets, or perhaps even onset by it.

We are in many ways a gardener, who must be unyielding towards the growth and strength of our garden. If it is faring well, we know that we are giving it what it needs to thrive. Connoisseurs of gardening may attest to the fact that you cannot germinate an herb's seed in just any given environment you want. But very specific and sometimes uncertain conditions in the ecosystem for that seed determines it’s chance of not only living and growing, but whether it will flourish. Given any shifts or abnormalities in the ecosystem for that plant, and the plant may come to it's eventual end. However, since this not a lesson in gardening, I will forgo the "how does your garden grow" for now, and instead reveal "how does your body grow". Does it serve your purposes in all that you do or do you feel sub-optimal? You may try any other method or medicine so that you can continue consuming "my precious." And soon you will find that the disease that ensues is a permanence of wounds slowly accumulating. With the wrong diet your body will begin to inflame everywhere, increasing it's autoimmune presence throughout, attacking all of the irregularities in your food, and even sometimes attacking itself. Food like sugar begins to increase hormone levels in some places, like your insulin, and decrease hormone levels in others like your testosterone.

So maybe by this time you have come to the point where you're ready to fix something. Whether you're thinking about getting the horrendous fecal matter transplant to fix your gut or you have come to the realization that you finally have to start eating in way that supports your homeostasis as an organism, this is the guide to read.

Plants certainly provide our optimal nutrition and the mint family is given no exception. The only exception of any food, however, is that we should always beware of overeating any one in particular; for it is the variety that provides the benefit of balancing our ecosystem. Over-consuming one particular food element can upset the balance of our personal and unique microbiome, strengthening some microorganisms and weakening others. Is it okay for you to eat sugar? Of course, however high sugar potency in your diet will strengthen bacteria that consume that sugar and those usually are not the bacteria we want to thrive; just like the sugar consuming bacteria that causes plaque in your teeth and bad breath in your mouth. If you find a drive to keep balance in your body, consider a wide variety of plant material that is already balanced with the perfect array of nutrients and minerals. Look no further than the natural earth to supply you with your ecosystem balancing needs. Even more optimal, you can grow your own spices and herbs, or at-least buy fresh rather than dried and processed.

Does Preparation Make a Difference? Many herbs can be eaten fresh or cooked. How they are prepared is not quite the issue, rather it is usually consuming them at all. The temperature and ingredients with plants may effect the amounts of vitamins and minerals that you get. Steaming your veggies seems to be the most reliable cooking method for getting the most out of your herb. Methods can also include: microwaving, boiling, frying, eating raw herbs, topical appliance, vaping, smoking and some others as well. It is never recommended to smoke any herbs because the process of combustion can release toxins and carcinogens directly into your lungs bypassing vital filtering organs in the body, and destroying the cilia in your lungs in the process. As with most herbs, Mints are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and essential oils. Many of the benefits of herbs stack, increasing over time, and requiring daily consumption. Here is a list of plants in the mint family that you should consume daily.

What are Mints good for, Absolutely Something!

Good for gut and brain, anti-inflamitory, improves circulation, anti-microbial, respiratory health, and stress relief!

Salvia (Sage) Mint Business:

1. Great for Brain and Memory! By halting the breakdown of acetylcholine, which plays a role in learning and short-term memory, it does the job of many anti-Alzheimer drugs by allowing brain signals to persist for longer periods of time.
2. Good for the Gut! The rosmarinic acid inside sage is an anti-inflammatory for the gut, and may even help recover from leaky gut.
3. Helps Control Blood Sugar! Similar to diabetic drugs, the compounds in sage help manage diabetes.

Rosemary is a Mint-alist:

1. Great for your Brain and Memory! By halting beta-amyloid plaque buildup which is a major cause of Alzheimers, it helps to prevent memory loss. It would go great when used in conjunction with sage. It also stimulates cognitive activity.
2. Heals the Liver! The carnosol helps prevent breakdown of the liver, and it helps heal the liver from cirrhosis. Also rosemary helps reduce liver enzymes that could be a cause of diabetes. The carnosol also helps balance androgen and estrogen hormone levels.
3. Good for the Gut! Increasing bile flow and helps fight IBS.

The Mint condition of Oregano:

1. Anti-Microbial! Protects against bacterial and viral infections, in some strains possibly even MRSA.
2. Good for the Gut! Also helps the gut in combination with thyme (Also a mint!), reducing inflammation in the colon.
3. Anti-Inflammatory! Reduces inflammation, helps with pain, helps healing.

Thyme to be Mint-astic:

1. Colds SUCK! It's an expectorant, therefore helping with colds and mucus and it eases inflammation.
2. Ant-Microbial! Fungi and Bacterial killer! Great herb to add to food, helps prevent food sickness. Also fights bronchitis especially when combined with ivy.
3. The Heart is good! Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

Basil is no embarassMint:

1. Anti-Microbial! Fights mold, yeasts, viruses, bacteria, and is also an insecticide.
2. Good for the Brain! Helps prevent neuro-degenerative changes in the brain.
3. Good for the Gut! Helps in preventing ulcers and damage to your gut.

No matter how or what you like to consume, it's important that everyday you have your nutrients. If you are interested in preventing disease and allowing your brain to function as optimally as it can, then Go Mint!