Ancient Remedies by Dr. Josh Axe

A transformative guide that challenges conventional medicine, unveiling centuries-old healing practices for holistic well-being.

Ancient Remedies

Coming from a family who had a strong belief in Western medicine, Dr. Josh Axe was taking pills for every sniffle and cough. However, his perspective began to change when his mother was diagnosed with cancer and suffered severe side effects from conventional treatments. This experience prompted him to question the prevailing notion that medication was the only path to healing.

In his quest for alternatives, he delved into centuries-old knowledge that had been largely disregarded or suppressed by the Western medical establishment. One such revelation was the use of medicinal mushrooms in cancer treatment, a practice long employed by traditional Chinese healers.

In his book Ancient Remedies,’ Dr. Axe seeks to share this valuable but often overlooked medical wisdom, recognising the urgent need for such information in today’s world.

Author’s background

Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, is a highly qualified and passionate expert in the field of natural medicine, chiropractic care, and clinical nutrition.

Josh Axe (r)

With a strong belief in the healing power of food, he strives to assist people in achieving wellness through dietary interventions. Dr. Axe is the proud owner of one of the world’s largest natural health websites, DrAxe.com, where he shares valuable information and resources.

What is the book about?

‘Ancient Remedies’ is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventional Western medical approach and introduces readers to a wealth of alternative and natural therapeutics for healing various health issues.

The book is divided into four parts, each offering valuable insights into ancient healing methods and practices. In Part I, the author discusses how the modern medical system has been influenced by profit motives, leading to a focus on symptom treatment rather than addressing the root causes of illnesses. It highlights the benefits of embracing ancient remedies that prioritise healing the underlying cause of ailments. Readers are introduced to the concept of finding a diet tailored to their specific body needs, combining foods for maximum health benefits.

Part II delves into the foundational elements of whole-body healing and health, focusing on ancient spices and herbs, essential oils, healing mushrooms, and lifestyle changes like meditation and digital fasting, which can contribute to transformative healing experiences.

Part III offers an in-depth exploration of ancient knowledge on natural remedies derived from plants, flowers, mushrooms, herbs, and spices.

Finally, in Part IV, readers are treated to a collection of delicious and healthy recipes that align with the dietary advice presented in the book. By nourishing the body with wholesome nutrients from time-tested sources, the book suggests that it is possible to prevent and cure diseases while achieving optimal health and vitality.

Table of contents

  • Cover
More…
  • Title Page
  • Copyright
  • Dedication
  • Introduction: Recognizing the Flaws of Pharmaceutical-Based Healthcare and Reclaiming Our Health
  • PART I THE WISDOM OF ANCIENT HEALING
  • Chapter 1: Ancient Medicine for a Modern World
  • Chapter 2: Curing the Root Cause
  • Chapter 3: Eat Right for Your Ancient Element
  • Chapter 4: The Ancient Way of Eating
  • Chapter 5: Meals Are Medicine
  • PART II YOUR ANCIENT PHARMACY
  • Chapter 6: The Healing Value of Herbs, Spices, and Mushrooms
  • Chapter 7: Cannabis: The Forbidden Herb
  • Chapter 8: The Power of Essential Oils
  • Chapter 9: Emotional and Spiritual Secrets for Breakthrough Healing
  • Chapter 10: Ancient Therapies and Lifestyle Medicine for Modern Health Woes
  • PART III ANCIENT PRESCRIPTIONS
  • Chapter 11: Understanding the Five Organ Systems of TCM
  • Chapter 12: Prescriptions for 70+ Conditions
  • PART IV RECIPES FOR ANCIENT NUTRITION
  • Acknowledgments
  • Discover More
  • About the Author
  • Books by Dr. Josh Axe
  • Notes

Key takeaways from ‘Ancient Remedies’

1A healthy diet serves as medicine

In ancient times, food and herbs were the foundation of medicine, and this wisdom is still relevant today. Maimonides, a twelfth-century Jewish physician, believed that diet should be the primary treatment for diseases. However, modern diets are far from medicinal, contributing to major health issues like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Dr. Axe cites that “A 2019 study in The Lancet analyzed the diets of people in 195 countries and found that about 11 million deaths a year are linked to poor diet – more than are caused by smoking or roadway accidents. Countries where people eat lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy oils had the lowest rates of diet-related death and disease.”

Processed foods dominate the American diet, lacking essential nutrients and promoting inflammation. To reclaim the healing power of food, we must reintroduce ancient superfoods into our diets, such as bone broth, organ meats, healthy fats, herbs and spices, mushrooms, berries, vegetables, seaweed, and super greens. These foods have been valued for their nutritional benefits throughout history and can play a vital role in protecting and restoring our health.

2There is a herb for every purpose

In ‘Ancient Remedies,’ the author shares a personal experience of using ancient medicine to successfully treat his father’s pneumonia, challenging the conventional reliance on pharmaceuticals. The author emphasises the power of nature’s medicines, such as herbs, mushrooms, and essential oils, which have been used for millennia to restore balance in the body. In the chapter ‘The Healing Value of Herbs, Spices, and Mushrooms,’ Dr. Axe gives examples of ancient remedies that offer safe, effective, and affordable solutions to a wide range of health conditions, supporting the immune system, improving digestion, enhancing beauty, boosting energy, optimising brain function, combating candida, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the liver.

He cites various studies to prove the effectiveness of using herbs, mushrooms and essential oils in combating disease. For example, research demonstrates that reishi mushroom raises the activity of natural killer cells, making it a powerful natural cancer remedy. Additionally, ginseng can be used to fight fatigue.

3Nurturing the mind and spirit is crucial for optimal health

Besides covering the topic of physical health, ‘Ancient Remedies’ also raises the theme of mental health and stress. The chapter ‘Emotional and Spiritual Secrets for Breakthrough Healing’ reveals the ancient wisdom that aligning mind, body, and spirit is essential for optimal health. Modern life’s ubiquitous stress affects every aspect of our well-being, leading to various illnesses.

While traditional medicine recognises emotional and physical interconnectedness, modern Western medicine often overlooks it. Ancient practices focused on the emotional causes of disease as a priority, while Western medicine emphasises pharmaceutical treatments for physical and emotional symptoms.

The book provides helpful recommendations and techniques like meditation, affirmations, acts of kindness, and spiritual practices, practising which individuals can promote healing and emotional well-being. Acknowledging and addressing toxic emotions can prevent illness and support the body’s natural healing processes. Embracing these ancient remedies empowers individuals to achieve a balanced, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Overall rating & strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

The book has gotten 4.34 ⭐️ on GoodReads.

Strengths

  • Covers a wide range of topics, making it a highly informative resource for various aspects of natural healing and wellness.

  • Offers practical functional medicine, herbal, and nutrition advice for over 70 conditions, providing readers with actionable steps to address their health concerns effectively.

  • Provides real-life success stories, which validate the effectiveness of natural remedies.

  • Accessible and well-articulated, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the information to their daily lives.

  • Includes the collection of healthy and flavorful recipes targeted towards better health, making it easy to adopt dietary changes.

Weaknesses

  • Some medical information presented in the book is outdated.

  • Excessive promotion of supplements from the author’s brand.

  • The book’s connection of certain foods to specific body parts based on superficial associations, such as shapes, undermines the credibility of the information provided.

Best quotes from ‘Ancient Remedies’

“These medications we’ve all been led to believe are benign are actually quite dangerous. But you’d never know it by how frequently doctors prescribe them during outpatient visits—nearly 260 million prescriptions in 2017 alone.”
“Used for centuries in Chinese medicine, astragalus is a known anti-inflammatory, which probably accounts for the pain-relieving effects it has demonstrated in scientific studies on animals with osteoarthritis.”
“You might already know that a cup of chamomile tea before bed can calm you down and set the stage for sleep. One reason for this is that it reduces anxiety. Indeed, a study trial of chamomile in people with moderate to severe anxiety found a meaningful reduction in anxiety symptoms over eight weeks, with a response rate similar to pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety.”

Final takeaway

‘Ancient Remedies’ is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventional approach of Western medicine. The book emphasises the power of ancient healing practices, such as medicinal mushrooms and herbs, to address the root causes of illnesses, promoting whole-body healing and health. It highlights the importance of embracing a healthy diet as medicine, with a focus on reintroducing ancient superfoods that have nourished and protected human health for ages.

Readers who should pick up ‘Ancient Remedies’ include those seeking a holistic approach to their well-being, individuals interested in exploring alternative healing methods, and those dissatisfied with the conventional pharmaceutical-based healthcare system.

Where to buy

You may purchase ‘Ancient Remedies’ on Amazon at the best price. It is available in hardcover, audio and Kindle versions, so you may choose an option that appeals to you the most.


Healthypedia FAQ

Yes, the book backs its claims with scientific evidence and references various studies throughout its content.

Absolutely! 'Ancient Remedies' offers a collection of healthy and flavorful recipes aimed at better health, and the author recognises the diversity of dietary preferences and restrictions among readers. The recipes are versatile and cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo options.

No, prior knowledge of natural medicine or alternative therapies is not required to understand 'Ancient Remedies.' Dr. Josh Axe presents the information in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy for readers from all backgrounds to grasp the concepts and apply them to their lives.

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