Living a natural life is much easier than living with constant stress – whether it’s about work, money, or relying on pills for every little ailment. Life is already challenging enough with high grocery bills and rents, and the pressure of day-to-day living. Why add to it by spending on hospital visits or costly prescription drugs?
Whenever I experienced discomfort, I was always told to take a pill – one for headaches, another for colds, or yet another for stomach issues. But these pills never truly helped in the long term and are not the answer. They only mask the symptoms, never addressing the root cause of the problem. Hospitals often experiment with new medications, and doctors, though well-meaning, usually follow institutional guidelines rather than exploring alternative solutions.
The Healing Power of the Body
Our bodies are truly incredible. They have a fantastic ability to self-heal – whether recovering from a cut, cold, or even a fracture. I realized this firsthand after a serious car accident. A friend of mine ran a red light at a busy intersection, and I, as a passenger, bore the brunt of the impact. The side of the car I was sitting on was hit by two other vehicles. My sternum, one of the most rigid bones in the body, was fractured, and my ribs were crushed. The airbag saved my life, but the force was immense – it felt like being hit by tons of weight. I was told that my heartbeat had stopped after the blow. Emergency responders and fire departments in the US are incredible, and I owe my survival to their quick actions.
At the hospital, the doctors told me it would take a long time before I could walk and resume my regular activities. But I silently said to myself that wasn’t true. Within a few days, I was up and walking. I chose not to take any painkillers, sleep aids, or other medications. Instead, I let my body heal naturally. After a couple of days, when my heartbeat stabilized, a nurse told me something that stuck with me: “You have the power to live a healthy and happy life. We’re given choices to stay naturally healthy. And remember, mind over matter is key.” Her words were simple but powerful.
Living by a natural philosophy
I’ve carried that philosophy with me ever since. Our body is the only “house” we will live in for our entire life, and what we eat and think has a profound impact on our health. I remember a colleague, Mark, who worked with me as a journalist on Capitol Hill. He had terrible back pain, hunched over from sitting long hours at hearings. I suggested he try yoga, especially the shavasana (corpse pose), lying on the floor at home. Years later, at a press conference, he thanked me, saying, “That corpse pose really works.” He smiled, “I can even touch my feet now. And I’ve stopped taking pills.”
Healthy eating for a natural life
Professor Kaul, who teaches nutrition at a medical school in Maryland, shared valuable wisdom: “Eating healthy means consuming raw, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and legumes, and drinking plenty of water.” She emphasized the importance of variety in our diet – sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent foods in different colors. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach are especially beneficial. I recall growing up in Punjab in India, eating saag – a dish made from mustard leaves, crushed to a paste, served with flatbread made from corn flour. It was simple, nourishing, and packed with nutrients. My mother also made us fresh chutneys from crushed coriander, mint, green chilies, and onions. They were not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
A natural approach with traditional remedies
I remember how my parents never bought us medicine when we were kids. Instead, my mother would pull something from the kitchen to address our ailments. If we had a headache, she would massage warm oil on our scalps; for a stomach upset, she would give us homemade yogurt or probiotic curd; and for a cold, we’d drink spiced tea.
Wisdom from nature
A monk I met once who appeared youthful despite being nearly 80 lived high in the hills. He drank hot pine leaf tea, a simple remedy from the evergreens surrounding him. He lived where the air was cold and dry, and he credited his health to the natural environment and his tea.
Say goodbye to stress and pills, and start living naturally. Surekha Vijh says, “By making healthier choices in food, lifestyle, and self-care, you can boost your immunity, improve mental clarity, and live a more fulfilling life.” Embrace natural remedies for lasting health!
Living actively: A path to health and happiness
My uncle, a retired colonel in the army, lived an active life well into his late 90s. He hardly took any medicine, and he often told me, “Life is what we make of it. Living naturally is the most important thing. Discipline and control are key.” He emphasized eating what our bodies need – nothing excessive – and maintaining variety in our food. For him, happiness and health went hand in hand.
I remember an older woman in India telling me that resting under a Peepal or Bodhi tree, which provides fresh air (oxygen) 24 hours a day, was highly beneficial. Unfortunately, this wisdom seems to have been forgotten today, as people prefer to stay indoors. Our ancestors knew the value of nature. She also spoke highly of the Neem tree, which has incredible benefits for both our health and the environment. “I wish there were more Peepal and Neem trees in the world,” she said.
Herbs and remedies for immunity and healing
In the US, Neem is known for its medicinal properties, especially in treating malaria, and turmeric is widely recognized as an anti-inflammatory with numerous benefits, including being a natural antiseptic. My mother often gave us kids hot milk with turmeric and ghee when we got hurt. The next day, we’d feel OK, ready to play again.
During a visit to India a few years ago, I added tulsi (holy basil) and tender Neem leaves to water to drink. A street vendor had suggested it, and when the early days of the Covid pandemic began, it helped me stay infection free.
Stay active, stay healthy: wisdom from a naturalist
Barbara, a naturalist in Washington, D.C., who invites experts and wise ones to her palatial home, often shares this insight: “Be active, stay connected to your true, happy, and healthy self, and stay close to nature.” She’s in her 80s but remains healthy, practicing yoga and pranayama outdoors every morning. Even in the cold, she bundles up and does her exercises, feeling revitalized afterward.
The key to health: A natural lifestyle
I follow a similar routine – yoga, breathing exercises, and staying active. I’ve never had the urge to smoke or drink alcohol. I enjoy warm milk before bed and eat fresh vegetarian food, staying hydrated with water or buttermilk. The key is focusing on the good things in life. Smile, laugh, play – whatever makes you happy. Solving problems rather than running away from them is vital.
Living naturally is a rewarding experience. It opens up discoveries and teaches us valuable lessons. Eating fresh, wholesome foods, avoiding unnecessary medications, getting a good night’s rest, staying active, and living simply are not only healthier – they’re also cheaper. After all, as they say, health is wealth, and it all starts with taking care of yourself.
Also read this article on frugal living by Surekha Vijh: https://alotusinthemud.com/living-on-10-dollars-a-day-yes-i-do/
