Natural Cures for Anxiety and Depression: Real Solutions

Depression and Anxiety are the leading causes of disability worldwide! Hmmm, why is that? 🤔

Some Psychologists and Physicians are unaware that in examining the role of one’s genetics in Depression, we also need to assess our Mental & Food Diet, Toxic Exposure, Acute and Chronic Stress, Endocrine and Autoimmune Imbalance, Vaccine and Medication side effects and Special Synergistic combinations of these contributors that uncover a direct role in Depression and Disease.

Neither humans or animals are a one-size fits all diagnoses and treatment machine, we are individuals that respond well to natural cures that do not necessarily involve pharmaceutical drugs!

It is critical that Health Care providers understand that Humans and Animals are not interchangeable subjects in some randomized trial, we are not only our physical bodies, we are also impacted by our Beliefs, our Friends, our Joy, our Environment and our Stressors.

Every thought and every action that we repeat to ourselves and/or experience while awake or asleep impacts our health and well being.

These stressors can include not having someone positive to talk to, having a heavy or negative negative outlook about life, a stressful home, a stressful career, poverty, illness, a lack of contact with Nature, a lack of Real Sunlight, Air Pollution, too many Processed Foods, Constipation, a Nutrient-Depleted Diet, poor sleep and exposure to Chemicals, Pesticides, Plastics and Antibiotics.

We are our Microbiome, our Mitochondrial functioning and our own Personal Epigenetic Expression and we are our self talk. We each have a unique story, unique stressors and unique genetics that impacts our health.

Gut-brain communications are mediated by the immune system, endocrine connections such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neural pathways involving the enteric nervous system. The gut microbiota is now known to play a pivotal role in gut-brain communications.”

What this means is, if you want your brain to feel better and think happier thoughts, you HAVE TO HEAL YOUR GUT AND HEAL YOUR THOUGHTS!

Again, EVERY positive or negative thought, every food and drink that goes in your stomach, on your skin, in your eyes, in your nose, impacts our mental health.

If you want to improve your overall mood and motivation then heal your self talk and heal your gut/stomach/brain relationship… this will lower your likelihood of mood disorders and diseases in general.

ALL DISEASES START IN THE GUT!

“Depression and Anxiety is not a broken brain, it is a response to your perceived stress – be it physical, emotional, or psychological.”

Our body can attempt to cope with unhealthy thoughts and an unhealthy diet and toxic chemicals by developing Inflammation which can result in the mind reflecting Depression and other Diseases!

We do not have to own the thoughts or foods or experiences that do not serve us. If you are experiencing inflammation, then pay attention to it! Inflammation is your body communicating to you that something needs to be healed, typically these are your thoughts and your gut!

Regardless of whether you have regular bowel movements, gut issues may still be present. Do you have mood swings, PMS, foul gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, continuously growing food allergies, eczema, psoriasis, acne, unhealthy cravings? All of these impact your mood and sleep.

Humans have evolved with plants, microbes and animal species to form a delicate web called “Life”.

Again, if you are experiencing Inflammation and a mood disorder such as, Depression/Anxiety, speak with a Functional Nutritionist AND a Psychologist about healing your gut & brain relationship with the following:

1. Vegan & Raw foods.

2. Anti-inflammatory 64oz /day Green Drinks/Smoothies & Supplements.

3. Quality oils, fats, real Sunshine! (Avocado & Coconut Oil)

4. Dairy & Gluten Free Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes that target brain health.

5. Create a Positive Self Statement to repeat daily. (“I am Happy, Healthy, Beautiful & Loved”)

6. Exercise a minimum 4 X a week.

7. Assess whether the Gluten and Dairy are helping or hurting your health… Start eating foods/drinks/supplements that reduce Inflammation.

8. Detox your Mind & Body & drink at least half your weight in High Ph Water (Daily).

These 8 simple changes in your life will drastically improve your chances of dramatically improving all areas of your Physical Health and Psychological Health, especially Depression, Anxiety and Mood Swings!

Depression and other mood disorders are not cured by magical purple pills… Our moods are improved by changing how we think, how we eat, how we drink, how we live and what environmental stressors we are exposed to!

So now that you have a real list of how to improve your mood and health, how are you going to implement it?

1) Either join a gym or start walking, dancing, yoga or your exercise of choice.

2) Consult a Certified Nutritionist or explore the internet for more green Smoothie ideas & Whole Food Recipes from a Certified Functional Nutritionist.

3) Build your immune system and elevate your mood with Daily Sunshine, Healthy food, Herbs, Supplements, Therapy (which may eliminate Big pharma meds)!

4) Buy quality water with a high Ph!

5) Start a garden or a container garden indoors or on your roof.

6) Join a group, a club or anything that gets you around positive people.

7) Follow me on Instagram @ Healthy.Desiree and my blog: YummyYummyBaby.com

8) Cleanse your body of chemicals & toxins!

All this means one thing:

Unless you get your body moving, your body can not transform into energy, the 135,000+ of calories the average person stores as fat!

You become a metabolic zombie: NO energy to think. NO energy to move. NO energy to motivate.

So do it… get moving today!

Wishing you health & wellness,

Dr. Desiree


Bodhi Bear Soup, a healing remedy for Coughs & Colds!

After surviving a serious and traumatic case of Whopping Cough as a child, I always dive into healing mode when one of my younglings has a fever or a whooping like cough that is associated with Pertussis.

I created this “Bodhi Bear Soup” with a ton of Healthy goodness to strengthen my youngling’s immune system against “Winter Bugs”, especially Whooping Cough!

This soup is filled with chopped Carrots, which have tons of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene, especially known for helping the immunity of children.

I made sure to add organic Avocado Oil, which is a good fat that works synergistically with Vitamin A absorption.

I also added organic minced Garlic, which contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese & Selenium and other antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can boost our immune system.

More over, Garlic is known to be super effective against toxic bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Next, straight out of my garden, I added many potent leaves of fresh Basil!

Basil has powerful antimicrobial properties, which has long been used in traditional medicine to fight bacterial infections.

In addition, Basil is known for it’s strong but natural anti-histamine properties… Wow, what a super hero herb!

To give this soup some hardiness, I added this beautiful mix of purple, yellow and red potatoes…

I specifically added purple potatoes for their free-radical scavenging and antioxidant capabilities, which is a natural medicine that has been used for ages and ages.

I also included Turmeric!
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcuminoids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and they are a very strong antioxidant.

Although acute, short-term inflammation can be beneficial, long term inflammation can become a major problem when it becomes chronic and inappropriately attacks your body’s own tissues.

Unbeknownst to many, Curcumin is such a strong anti-inflammatory, that it’s power matches or surpasses many anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Turmeric and Curcumin really are healthy and powerful gifts from nature!

To give this soup a taste of home and just a little more healing power, I went back into my garden for some fresh Oregano leaves.

In addition to adding a comforting flavor and being an antiseptic, Oregano is a culinary and medicinal herb which has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years… How awesome is that!

In fact, many natural healers use Oregano for treating respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal (GI) infections, which can accompany many Winter Bugs!

So there you have it, my homemade Bodhi Bear Soup!

Will it work to heal you or your child?

Let me say this, when we follow these remedies at the first sign of symptoms, we tend to zap it in just 2-3 days! 😊

In full disclosure, in addition to giving my kids this soup, I also give them top quality gluten & dairy free probiotics three times a day, a Vitamin A capsule once a day, freshly cracked coconut water twice a day, then I apply a homemade mix of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus & Coconut Oil rub on their upper chest & back every morning and evening while symptoms persist.

I hope these natural remedies bring some nutritional comfort for you and your family this coming Winter!

Sending tons of healing vibes your way,

~Dr. Dee (aka Healthy.Desy)

Soup Ingredients:

  • 2 T Organic Avocado Oil
  • 1- 2 cups chopped Carrots
  • 64 oz. of Organic Vegetable Stock, Homemade or Boxed.
  • 1 cup of chopped Purple potatoes
  • 2 cups of Red & Yellow Potatoes
  • 4-6 cloves of minced Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 10-20 leaves of Fresh Basil
  • ¼ teaspoon of dried or 10 Fresh Oregano Leaves.
  • 1 Tablespoon of Turmeric Powder
Soup Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, add 64 oz of low sodium Vegetable Broth, along with Avocado Oil, mixed Potatoes, chopped Carrots, and Garlic. Heat to boiling, and then reduce heat to a simmer.
  2. While mixture is simmering, add Oregano leaves and Turmeric, then continue to simmer for 30 – 45 minutes.
  3. Add in the fresh Basil just before serving.


Benefits of Lemon Water

As a child & teen, I would eat a lemon on a daily basis, then as an adult, I discovered lemons have tons of health benefits!

My 3 Favorite Things About Lemons:

– Lemons support weight loss!

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition showed that polyphenol antioxidants found in lemons significantly reduced weight gain caused by a high-fat diet. In addition, insulin resistance was improved!

– Lemons help digestion!

Studies suggest that drinking warm lemon water when you wake up may help get rid of toxins, prevents constipation and gets your digestive system moving!

– Lemons prevent kidney stones!

Health studies suggest that the citric acid in lemons may help prevent calcium kidney stones.

Lemon water is a great way to increase your citric acid intake and may decrease your risk of getting new calcium stones.

In fact, having 1/2 cup of Organic Fresh Squeezed Lemon juice provides the same amount of citric acid you’d find in prescription forms.

How to Drink Lemon Water!

In order to get any health benefits of lemon water, drink it consistently and in therapeutic doses.

Always use real lemon juice from fresh Organic Lemons.

To make lemon water, squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or room temp filtered water.

For best wellness results, drink lemon water warm or room temperature first thing in the morning at lunch and before sleep…

You can infuse your lemon water with other tasty fruits and herbs and drink it throughout the day…

A few springs of mint, a teaspoon of coconut nectar, or a fresh ginger slice or a dash of cinnamon are all good options.

You can also add slices of other fresh citrus fruits such as limes and oranges, or cucumber slices.

Visit my blog for infused water recipes:

https://yummyyummybaby.com/2015/01/20/are-kids-drinking-enough-water-8-tips-to-help-kids-stay-hydrated-yummy-infused-water-recipe/

Although lemon water is generally safe to drink, there are a few potential side effects.

1) Lemon contains citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel (this happened to me because of my childhood lemon addiction).

To limit the risk, drink lemon water through a straw, and rinse your mouth afterwards.

2) Lemons become alkaline in the digestive tract, so many people experience heartburn relief, but others get increased heartburn…

3) Some people are allergic to lemons, so be aware of any changes, such as itching, bruising or breakouts.

According to the Food and Nutrition Board, the dietary reference intake for water is 91 to 125 ounces. This includes water from food and drinks.

Pure Water is the best beverage for hydration, but if you like a little flavor enhancement, adding lemon enhances water’s flavor, helps your digestion, can help kidney stones and help you lose weight!

So get your straws out and drink up!


Natural Remedies for Cancer! Part 1

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We all know the typical protocol for Cancer treatment, but did you know that there are Natural Remedies being used with great success?!?

Natural remedies can go a long way in minimizing side effects, while improving the quality of life for many Cancer patients.

For example, we all grew up hearing that Vitamin C is great when you are feeling sick, however, the amount of Vitamin C needed to truly ameliorate severe symptoms is needed in very high doses and should be monitored by a qualified clinician.

Having said that, are you aware that high doses of Intravenous Vitamin C has been used in Cancer care for several decades. As an antioxidant agent, Vitamin C helps control inflammatory damage to cells and DNA. The antioxidant function of Vitamin C protects healthy cells and DNA from becoming Cancerous in nature.

The bottom line is that high doses of Vitamin C can block the formation of new blood vessels essential for tumor growth, which serves as a natural way to address various diseases, including Cancer!

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Now for a Natural Remedy you probably have not heard of… White Berry Mistletoe Extract!

The herb Mistletoe (Iscador/Iscar/Helixor), is a very effective immune stimulating agent. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Mistletoe Extract is reportedly the most extensively studied natural treatment in the world!

In fact, Rudolph Steiner, an Alternative Medicine Physician, studied European White Berry Mistletoe and its potential to improve quality of life for people who have Cancer and other diseases like AIDS, for several decades.

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European White Mistletoe grows in in the U.K., continental Europe, and Western Asia. For more than 2,000 years, its twigs and leaves have been used in herbal remedies around the world. In fact, Celtic Druids used Mistletoe for almost every illness known.

Were you aware that Mistletoe Extract,(Iscador/Iscar/Helixor) is known to be a very powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune stimulant herb?

In a recent review of clinical studies, Mistletoe Extract improved survival rates in eight studies, reduced progression in two studies, and reduced the side effects of chemo and radiation in four studies— this sure does demonstrate the powerful holistic effectiveness of this Herbal Remedy!

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So whatever illness you have, if you are not making any progress or are open to augmenting your treatment with a natural remedy, consult your Natural Health Care practioner about Mistletoe Extract!

Mistletoe can be prescribed in the United States by approved anthroposophic physicians who are trained in complimenting conventional treatment.

Sending you positive vibes for a complete and speedy recovery! Dr.D🌞

If you are in California, you may consider visiting http://believebig.org/what-is-mistletoe/ about Mistletoe injections, and/or consulting with them about a clinic near you!

I have no affiliation with any Mistletoe Clinics or any Cancer Treatment Centers, I however, do have a son who survived Cancer…

https://hub.jhu.edu/magazine/2014/spring/mistletoe-therapy-cancer/

https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Mistletoe.html

http://www.cancure.org/12-links-page/45-iscador-mistletoe

  • Mikirova N, et al. “Clinical experience with intravenous administration of ascorbic acid: achievable levels in blood for different states of inflammation and disease in cancer patients.” Journal of Translational Medicine, 2013: Vol. 11(191).
  • Riordan NH, Riordan HRD, Meng X, Li Y, Jackson JA: Intravenous ascorbate as a tumor cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. Medical hypothesis 1995, 44:207–213.
  • Ohno S, et al. High-dose Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Cancer. Anti-cancer Research, 2009; Vol. 29: 809-816.
  • Bock PR, et al. “Targeting Inflammation in Cancer-Related-Fatigue: A Rationale for Mistletoe Therapy as Supportive Care in Colorectal Cancer Patients.” Inflammation & Allergy – Drug Targets, 2014, 13, 105-111.
  • Kienle GS, Kiene H. “Complementary cancer therapy: a systematic review of prospective clinical trials on anthroposophic mistletoe extracts.” European Journal of Medical Research, 2007 Mar 26; Vol. 12(3), Pg. 103-19.

Vegan Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Tea and Jelly

Lemon-Ginger Tea

Lemon-Ginger Tea

Mmmm… there are few things that are as soothing as some healing tea.

If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are exhausted, it will calm you…

William Gladstone

The sun is always shining here in California, but somehow I can feel the cold is coming… Autumn is here and winter is around the corner!

It must be the holiday flavors that make this soothing tea feel like winter in the summer heat! The cinnamon and cloves have a wintery way of inviting snuggles and sweet kisses…

My husband sips it as he does his reading, I sip as I snuggle up next to him, dreaming of my new blog… our toddler is coloring and enjoying tea from his sippy cup, the aroma even has our dogs feeling warm & cozy. The entire family is snuggling, relaxing and being creative… life is sweet 🙂

This Tea and Nectar jelly are a perfect Wintertime Remedy… even in this super heat!

Simmering Tea

Why these ingredients?

Lemons are detoxifying, alkalizing, full of Vitamin C- what a perfect ingredient! Lemon’s go one step further by fighting infection and cleansing your Liver and Bowels. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of warm water in the morning is a great Detoxifier.

Ginger is used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas.  Ginger is also used for pain relief, arthritis, sore muscles, menstrual pain, respiratory infections & cough.

Cloves are anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. They’re packed with antioxidants and are good sources of minerals, omega-3s, fiber and vitamins.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known.  Like Lemon & Ginger, it is known for its healing properties for cold/flu.  It helps fight fungal and bacterial infection and is also known to help fight diabetes, alzheimers, MS and can lower cholesterol.

Coconut Nectar has Coconut sugar, not table sugar. Table sugar has zero nutritional value, whereas Coconut Nectar is from the sap of the Coconut blossom and has several nutrients. Most notable are B vitamins, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium, along with a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar.  *this ingredient is optional and not necessary.

All together, these ingredients create a Yummy Yummy Healing Tea Remedy for you and little ones!

Lemon, Ginger, Nectar Tea

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Tea:
2-3 Lemons (small/medium)
1-2 Ginger Nuggets (approx 4 inches long)
1/2 Tablespoon of Cloves
3 Cinnamon Sticks
Coconut Nectar (to taste)

Instructions for Tea:

-First thoroughly wash your Lemons & Ginger.
-Thinly slice both lemons and place in pot.
-Thinly slice your Ginger about 1/8 inch, place in pot.
-Next add the Cloves to the Pot.
-Add 3 Sticks of Cinnamon
-Add 8 cups of Spring or Alkaline Water to your pot.
-Simmer on low/medium heat for 30 mins.
-If you see a nice yellow tint, your Yummy Tea is ready!
-Use a ladle and pour some into your cup.
-Add about 1 tsp of Coconut Nectar to your cup, get comfy & cozy… enjoy!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Jelly

Step 1: Layer Nectar first

Coconut Nectar Bottle

Nectar Jelly Ingredients & Instructions:

-Use ingredients above, excluding Cinnamon & Cloves.
-1-2 cups of Coconut Nectar (12-16oz).
-Thinly slice the Lemon/Ginger the same way as above.
-Using a Mason Jar, layer your ingredients (12-16oz).
-Pour Nectar on bottom, then Lemon, then Ginger.
-Repeat each step until the Jar is full, Nectar is on top.
-Close lid, store in your refrigerator for min. 36hrs.
-Anytime you need Yummy Healing Nectar, spoon some into a cup.
-Pour hot water over it, let it steep then enjoy!
-You are going to love this Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Jelly… It’s so Yummy Yummy Baby!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Remedy

Stay healthy this Winter, Dr. Dee  🙂

** I also use it for sore throats & cough, swallowing 1 spoonful.

*LEGAL DISCLAIMER

*Ginger is very safe, and we use it for cough/flu, but if you are taking blood thinners, please consult your doctor before taking Ginger or any of these ingredients on a regular basis.  We only drink 1-2 cups a day (1 for kids). Drink water with every cup! As always, use precautions and test for allergies.

*This is a remedy my family uses, this does not serve as medical advice, please consult your doctor for any medical concerns.