Episode Overview

Podcast: The Dr. Josh Axe Show
Episode Title: The GREATEST Health Discovery Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight for 2000 YEARS
Air Date: November 13, 2025
Guests: Dr. Josh Axe (host), Jordan Rubin (author, nutrition expert)
Main Theme:
This episode explores the biblical roots of longevity and healing, revealing how ancient wisdom—especially the concept of healing leaves from the “Tree of Life”—can be directly applied to modern health and wellness. Dr. Axe and Jordan Rubin discuss their research from their recent book The Biblio Diet, highlighting potent healing foods, spiritual practices, and the holistic interplay of physical and spiritual health.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Biblical Vision of Longevity and Health

• Biblical Longevity Defined:
  • Moses lived to 120 “with his eyes undimmed and vigor unabated.” (05:55)
  • Longevity in the Bible means living with vitality and health, not just advanced age.
  • “He died when God was ready for him to die. That is the way we all want to go. And he was strong, he was healthy.” – Jordan Rubin (06:09)
• Our Calling:
  • Romans 12:1 referenced: "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" as a divine responsibility to maintain health. (06:56)

2. Healing Leaves: Medicine Hiding in Plain Sight

• The Tree of Life as the Longevity Secret
  • Jordan proclaims the "Tree of Life" is the scriptural secret to health and longevity.
  • Key verses: Ezekiel 47:12b and Revelation 22:2 (“the leaves of the tree… are for the healing of the nations”). (07:28)
  • “The Bible refers to a term called we will be like oaks of righteousness. God loves trees. And the oak tree is not just ornamental, it’s powerful.” – Jordan Rubin (10:31)
• Oak Leaves and Quercetin:
  • Oak leaves (quercus genus) contain quercetin—a potent phytonutrient—plus ellagic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and other longevity compounds. (09:21)
  • Recipe: Simmer a handful of oak leaves for 30 minutes for a tea. (13:00)
  • “Medicine grows on trees and it’s free.” – Dr. Josh Axe (13:00)
• Other Healing Leaves for Longevity:
  • Raspberry leaf: High in ellagitannins; supports pregnancy and “restoration.”
  • Walnut leaf: Noted for anti-parasitic effects.
  • Soursop (Graviola): Lab research shows potential anti-cancer benefits.
  • Mulberry leaf: Shown to help with insulin reduction and diabetes—“I know three people now…have either reduced insulin or eliminated it, and they were diagnosed with diabetes.” – Jordan Rubin (19:04)
  • Many fruit, nut, and berry leaves are beneficial: aronia, hazelnut, mango, avocado, citrus (orange, lemon, lime), guava, pawpaw, persimmon. (19:24)
• Accessibility & Simplicity:
  • “All you need to do is make sure the leaf is from a fruit-bearing tree…Nuts can be fruits.” – Jordan Rubin (19:24)
  • Challenge for listeners: Identify local leaves, make tea, and share experiences. (18:32, 21:17)

3. The Healing Fruits of the Bible

• Olives & Olive Oil:
  • Olive oil: “If the polyphenols are above 600mg/kg, it qualifies as a medicine in Greece.” (24:35)
  • Jordan’s ritual: Consuming high-polyphenol olive oil nightly, tying it to spiritual practice (Acts 1:8). (22:20)
• Avocado:
  • Beneficial for potassium, vitamin E, healthy fats; helps with blood sugar management.
  • “An avocado a day keeps the doctor away…” (25:13)
• Pomegranate:
  • 613 arils (“seeds”); ellagic acid; supports fat loss and metabolic health. (27:53)
• Fig:
  • Used biblically for healing (King Hezekiah); mucilaginous fiber; believed to support gut and skin detox. Possibly, the fruit in the Garden of Eden was a fig, not an apple. (29:55)
• Grapes:
  • Historical “Grape Cure” for cancer (Joanna Brandt); seeded, thick-skinned varieties have most benefits. (30:47)
• Almonds:
  • Contains B17 (amygdalin); “nine almonds a day” for a natural dose of beneficial nitrilocide. (32:42)

4. Fasting: The Spiritual and Physical Reset

• Jesus & Biblical Fasting:
  • Fasting is central for igniting the body’s healing, including autophagy and the clearing of “senescent cells.”
  • Intermittent fasting, partial fasts, Daniel fasts, and water fasts discussed.
  • “Implementing fasting into your daily life could be one of the greatest longevity benefactors…” – Jordan Rubin (37:45)
• Daniel Fast:
  • Plant-based, pulses, grains, legumes, water. Particularly effective as a reset from a processed or “college” diet. (40:24)
• Personal Experiences:
  • 40-day “one hour eating window” fast; alternative partial fasting options; fasting must be tailored to individual physical state, especially for women or those very ill. (41:52–43:56)
• Key Scriptural Inspiration:
  • Isaiah 58 (“God’s chosen fast…”), Daniel, Acts.

5. Meat & the Shift from Plant-Based Diets

• Adam and Eve: Plant-based initially (Genesis 1:29); post-Flood, animal foods became biblical norm.
• Modern needs: Most people require animal protein for B vitamins, iron, and resilience to modern stressors.
• “Every health professional that I know…has tried to do plant based at some point and we’re all recovering plant-based dieters.” – Jordan Rubin (47:13)

6. Sabbath Rest as Medicine

• Regular rest is biblically commanded for all living things.
• Both hosts admit struggles with consistent Sabbath observance.
• “I need to find better ways to observe the Sabbath…lead my family in that, and reap those benefits.” – Jordan Rubin (48:34)

7. The Spiritual Dimension of Illness & Healing

• All illness involves a spiritual component, from unforgiveness to demonic oppression.
• “Most illnesses involve demonic activity, and that’s just a fact. It can’t be that.” – Jordan Rubin (51:59)
• Examples: Unforgiveness linked to cancer; fear and anxiety as spiritual “entities.”
• Action steps: Seek healing through confession, relationships, prayer, inner healing ministries (“Restoring the Foundations,” “A More Excellent Way,” “The Bondage Breaker”). (56:46–59:42)

8. Community, Confession, Transparency, and Longevity

• Longevity isn’t just food—it’s transparency, confession (“First John 1:9 cleanse”), and community.
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…cleanse us of all unrighteousness.” – Jordan Rubin (62:26)
• The importance of breaking isolation, having transparent relationships with God and others, and living in authentic community.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Tree of Life and Modern Medicine:
  • “The secret to longevity in the Bible is the Tree of Life. And it’s not even a question… The leaves of the tree… are for the healing of the nations.” – Jordan Rubin (07:28, referencing Revelation 22:2)
• On Oak Leaves as Medicine:
  • "Medicine grows on trees and it’s free." – Dr. Josh Axe (13:00)
  • “You picked a leaf from the parking lot…put that leaf into water…you will get beneficial compounds…” – Jordan Rubin (09:21)
• Challenge to Listeners:
  • “Take a picture of a few leaves in your yard… simmer them, and let us know if you drank the tea.” – Dr. Josh Axe (18:30)
• On Fasting:
  • “Fasting is absolutely the way to trigger the body’s healing mechanisms.” – Jordan Rubin (37:45)
• On Sabbath:
  • “Every living thing was meant to take one day out of seven off… I have been very bad at this, but it does not change the fact that God’s word is God’s word.” – Jordan Rubin (48:34)
• On the Spiritual Dimension:
  • “Most illnesses involve demonic activity, and that’s just a fact.” – Jordan Rubin (51:59)
• On Community and Confession:
  • “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. There are lots of cleanses you can find online…but the First John 1:9 cleanse, the one I would sign up for.” – Jordan Rubin (62:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:55] – Moses’ longevity, biblical health as strength and vigor
• [07:28–09:21] – Biblical secret: Tree of Life, healing leaves, oak leaves/quercetin
• [13:00] – Oak tea recipe
• [14:20–19:24] – Favorite healing leaves (raspberry, walnut, soursop, mulberry)
• [22:20–25:13] – Healing fruits: Olives, olive oil, avocado, pomegranate
• [29:55–32:20] – Figs and grapes, biblical healing stories
• [34:57–43:56] – Fasting: types, benefits, biblical examples, practical advice
• [47:13–48:34] – Meat vs. plant-based diet in biblical context
• [48:34–51:59] – Sabbath rest, transparency about struggle with rest
• [51:59–59:42] – Spiritual dimension of illness, unforgiveness, inner healing
• [62:26–66:11] – Community, transparency, confession (“First John 1:9 cleanse”), biblical longevity recap

Episode Summary

This episode blends ancient biblical wisdom with modern holistic health, asserting that true longevity—living vibrantly to 120 and beyond, like Moses—comes through God-given foods and spiritual practices. The long-forgotten concept that “medicine grows on trees” is resurrected, with oak and other fruit tree leaves highlighted as powerful, free sources of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Practical steps are shared for making healing leaf teas at home.

The hosts champion the essential role of fasting, exploring its biblical roots and cutting-edge science. They push back on extreme plant-based diets, pointing out the biblical and physiological necessity of animal proteins in the current era. Sabbath rest, spiritual healing, confession, and authentic community are presented not as “extras,” but as the foundation of holistic longevity.

The call to action: Rediscover biblical nutrition not just as a diet, but as a way of living that integrates faith, food, rest, forgiveness, and transparency for optimal health—body, mind, and soul.

For a comprehensive, actionable guide, grab a copy of the Biblio Diet, and consider engaging in healing leaves tea challenge or biblical community for enhanced wellness.