Podcast Summary: I AM HealingStrong | Episode 111: Health Through Herbal Medicine, Brain Wellness and Being Prepared | Jane Barlow-Christensen

Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Jim Mann
Guest: Jane Barlow-Christensen

Introduction

In Episode 111 of the I AM HealingStrong podcast, host Jim Mann welcomes back a cherished guest, Jane Barlow-Christensen, to discuss the profound benefits of herbal medicine, brain wellness, and preparedness in health crises. Jane, a passionate herbalist and daughter who continued her late father's botanical legacy, shares her extensive knowledge and personal experiences, offering listeners valuable insights into holistic health practices.

Herbal Medicine and Brain Health

Jane Barlow-Christensen dives deep into the importance of herbal medicine for brain health. She emphasizes that the brain is our "hungriest organ" and is highly susceptible to damage from oxygen deprivation.

• Key Quote:
  "[00:00] Jane Barlow: ... our brain is our hungriest organ. Think about if you get deprived of oxygen for very. For a very short amount of time, you can do some brain damage."

Jane explains that the herbs in her formulations are specifically designed to enhance oxygen and circulation to the brain, thereby supporting its health and functionality.

Jim Mann shares his personal regimen, mentioning his use of Brain Glow, an herbal supplement aimed at maintaining mental sharpness. He attributes this to his desire to protect himself from conditions like dementia, inspired by his mother's experience.

• Key Quote:
  "[04:55] Jim Mann: ... I take the brain glow, which is why I'm so mentally sharp."

Jane concurs, highlighting the significance of incorporating herbal medicine into daily routines, especially as one ages, to promote longevity and cognitive health.

Building a Home Apothecary and Being Prepared

The conversation shifts to the importance of being prepared for health emergencies, such as hurricanes or power outages. Jane advocates for creating a personal home apothecary stocked with essential herbs and tinctures.

• Key Quote:
  "[21:43] Jane Barlow: ... herbs curing in different tinctures and that's what I use for my family and all my siblings and all of their kids."

Jane outlines a list of essential herbs for an emergency kit, including lomatium for infections, cayenne pepper tincture for heart issues, cat's claw for inflammation and pain, and feverfew for fevers and headaches. She emphasizes the longevity and efficacy of tinctures, which have a shelf life of up to ten years.

Jim relates this to his recent experience with hurricanes, detailing the challenges faced and the importance of having access to natural remedies when conventional medical facilities are inaccessible.

Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

Jim discusses a homemade concoction he started taking, consisting of honey, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Jane praises the blend for its powerful health benefits, particularly its antimicrobial properties and ability to boost the immune system.

• Key Quote:
  "[10:40] Jim Mann: ... it's a concoction of honey, like a cup of honey, and then you add a teaspoon of ginger and turmeric..."

Jane elaborates on each ingredient's benefits, advocating for the use of fresh ginger and turmeric, and shares her personal recipe for an "inflammation shot" that includes fresh juices and cayenne pepper tincture.

Addressing Health Concerns and Lifestyle Adjustments

Jim brings up his recurring heartburn issues, seeking Jane's advice. Jane attributes heartburn to underlying stress and recommends incorporating digestive enzymes and increasing the intake of herbal remedies like dandelion root to support liver and gallbladder health.

• Key Quote:
  "[15:17] Jane Barlow: ... One of the precursors to heartburn...is stress."

Jim connects this to recent stressors in his life, particularly related to his wife's business struggles post-COVID, and vows to implement Jane's suggestions to alleviate his symptoms.

Managing Joint Pain Naturally

Addressing joint pain, which could be a side effect of his past immunotherapy treatment, Jim inquires about natural remedies. Jane recommends cat's claw tincture and CBD (without THC) for inflammation and pain relief. She shares her personal experience with knee surgery and how integrating herbal medicine into her recovery process proved beneficial.

• Key Quote:
  "[28:41] Jane Barlow: ... cat's claw, we do a tincture we call una de gado... it's from Peru... good for inflammation and pain."

New Product Launch and Educational Initiatives

Jane announces the launch of Asia Skin Serum and Asia Skin S.A.D., skin products infused with herbs from their extended Essiac tincture formula. These products are designed to support skin health, particularly for issues like sun damage and potential melanoma.

• Key Quote:
  "[35:22] Jane Barlow: ... I brought out, it's Asia Skin Serum, and then Asia Skin Sad."

Additionally, Jane mentions her weekly herbal wisdom videos aimed at educating listeners about individual herbs and their benefits, encouraging families to incorporate herbal knowledge into their wellness routines.

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on simplicity in wellness. Jane emphasizes that vibrant health doesn't have to be complicated and that returning to basic, natural remedies can significantly enhance one's well-being.

• Key Quote:
  "[38:35] Jane Barlow: ... wellness is simple. We over complicate everything. ... vibrant health is not complicated."

Jim expresses gratitude for Jane's insights and contemplates inviting her to speak at a local Healing Strong group gathering, highlighting the value of her contributions to the community.

Final Remarks

Jim concludes by acknowledging the importance of integrating holistic practices into daily life and commends Jane for her dedication to herbal medicine. He encourages listeners to explore the resources available through Healing Strong and to consider the benefits of natural remedies in their healing journeys.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jane Barlow-Christensen:
  "Our brain is our hungriest organ. Think about if you get deprived of oxygen for very short amount of time, you can do some brain damage."
  [00:00]

• Jim Mann:
  "I take the brain glow, which is why I'm so mentally sharp."
  [04:55]

• Jane Barlow-Christensen:
  "Herbs curing in different tinctures and that's what I use for my family and all my siblings and all of their kids."
  [21:43]

• Jim Mann:
  "It's a concoction of honey, like a cup of honey, and then you add a teaspoon of ginger and turmeric..."
  [10:40]

• Jane Barlow-Christensen:
  "One of the precursors to heartburn...is stress."
  [15:17]

• Jane Barlow-Christensen:
  "Cat's claw tincture...good for inflammation and pain."
  [28:41]

• Jane Barlow-Christensen:
  "Wellness is simple. We over complicate everything. Vibrant health is not complicated."
  [38:35]

Conclusion

Episode 111 of I AM HealingStrong offers a comprehensive exploration of herbal medicine's role in maintaining brain health and preparing for unforeseen health emergencies. Through Jane Barlow-Christensen's expertise, listeners gain practical advice on building a home apothecary, addressing common ailments with natural remedies, and embracing a simple, holistic approach to wellness. This episode serves as an inspiring guide for those seeking to enhance their health naturally and stay prepared for life's challenges.