When you think of the Himalayas, you think of its beauty, the snow covered mountain tops. However, the Himalayas hold many secrets that can help us all achieve good health. It has over 10,000 different types of plants and over 55% of them have medicinal values.
In this region, there are inhabitants that called themselves the Hunzas. It’s not odd to find that the Hunzas have people who reach the ages of 130 to 145. These people live in an area of 3000 meters and are about 9000 feet above water. They are pretty much cutoff of the outside modern world.
But don’t feel bad for them; they are better off than many of us today. What is amazing is that their health is absent of any diseases, they are not stricken by them as we are, at all. They are said to be full of energy, healthy and serene. They are categorized as happy people. They said if you were to compare an 80 year old Hunza woman to a 40 year old western woman, she would look no older than her. What keeps them healthy, fit, young and full of energy, it’s their diet.
They eat two meals a day and their meals have no chemicals or preservatives. The plants in their areas help to make sure they always stay healthy and never feel any type of illness. They live their lives without ever knowing what it means to be sick. Here are some of the plants that are found in their area and what medicinal remedies they offer.
HIMALAYAN CRYSTAL SALT
This is mined in the Himalayas. These natural salt crystals help boost energy, mood and total well-being. Scientist wanted to know why this would happen and they found that the natural salt would enhance the body’s absorption of nutrients. It balances electrolytes and boost circulation. In place of table salt you can use the natural salt crystals. They are sold in gourmet food stores.
GUGGUL
This is a tree resin that can help lower cholesterol the same way prescription medicines do. Best part of this is you don’t have to worry about any awful side effects. Researchers believe that it speeds up the breakdown of cholesterol in the liver before it even enters the bloodstream. Another plus is that it stimulates the thyroid which in turn helps improve the metabolism. Today this can be found in many weight-loss drugs. It can also help with arthritis, acne and other skin diseases.
GOJI BERRIES
Goji Berry juice is said to help fight the flu or a cold. But that is not all it can do, it is high in antioxidants which may slow down the process of aging. It can also help with fertility, boost your immune system, protect your vision and it is also know to help prevent heart diseases. Add to that list that it helps in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels and it is helpful in preventing cancer. This can be done by just drinking 2 oz daily first thing in the morning.
BUCKWHEAT
This grows wild in the Himalayas and this plant is gluten free. This particular plant is a good source of fatty acids, vitamins B and E. It contains rutin, a natural food source and a cancer fighting flavonoid. It also helps fight inflammation, lower cholesterol and strengthen capillaries. Since this does not have gluten, it will not cause any type of digestive problems.
GUDUCHI
If you suffer from allergies and sinus problems, you might want to try this extract. Guduchi is a flowering vine and if taken naturally it does have a bit of a bitter taste. But that taste can be ignored considering all the benefits you can get form this. In a study it was found that over 55% saw their nasal congestion cured and over 75% found complete relief from their constant sneezing due to allergies, mold and dander. Best part of this was they did not feel drowsy as over the counter medicines make you feel. It also helps with inflammation, protects the liver and has a calming effect on the nervous system.
TULSI
This herb is also known as Holy Basil. They have found that this herb boost production of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. This herb can help with easing symptoms of depression and within 72 hours. Not like prescription medications that take up to three weeks and have side effects. They have found that Tulsi have no reported side effects. Now if you suffer from cholesterol or diabetes, this herb can help lower them and even protect your cells from damage due to aging. It is said for best results, drink one or two cups of tulsi tea daily. You can also take it in pill form.
This is a very, very short list of the types of plants and their medicinal values found in the Himalayan Mountains. There are so much more. They have plants that can aid with liver problems, kidneys, lungs, heart, everything you can imagine. The Hunzas also practice other ways to help themselves live longer and healthier. They learn not to stress or worry of things that have passed or worry about the future. They live in the present moment, cutting the stress out of their lives.
They walk on a daily basis for an hour or more, they meditate. They relax as much as they can and teach their children to do the same. Don’t think for one moment they don’t do anything, they have long work days but always find the time to enjoy life and every moment that passes them by. They eat in moderation and enough to sustain their body and health. They don’t believe in over indulging in food. And of course, their food is free of chemicals and preservatives so they don’t have to worry about toxins in their bodies. All in all, if we combine the herbs into our daily diets and learn to enjoy life and forget past problems or worry about the future, we can also have long, healthy, and fruitful lives. All we have to do is learn to enjoy what we have and relax.