Back To Eden

The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.

– Michael Pollan

Eden here refers to the Garden of Eden described in the Bible, where man was surrounded by trees that were pleasant to the sight and good for food. The early years of man began amid plants, and many were their years on earth. Everything in their environment was naturally occurring, but that is not the case today—a major reason for the reduced lifespan we experience presently.

For this and many other reasons, it will be rewarding to go back to Eden, to our natural ways of living, which involve the use of herbs, proper nutrition, exercise, and other simple therapies to keep the human body alive, strong, and healthy. Truly, a walk in nature walks the soul back home. Nature is calling us back home.

The world has advanced greatly in technology and made phenomenal discoveries, yet we increasingly die from ailments that could be treated with simple natural remedies. In adopting modern health solutions, we may have overlooked some important traditional practices that were closely tied to nature, and it is time we reintroduced them.

We need to appreciate nature by staying outdoors for sunshine and fresh air more often, stargazing, and walking barefoot, just to mention a few. Why did people live longer in the past without the technology and vast knowledge we have today, while we are now experiencing earlier deaths?

In the past, herbs and food were the primary means of curing various diseases. Today, despite the proliferation of chemical drugs, hospitals with advanced surgical capabilities, and specialized machines designed to treat specific ailments, premature death from diseases remains prevalent.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, famously said, ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.’ Additionally, a Ghanaian proverb wisely notes, ‘If you give bad food to your stomach, it will beat drums for you to dance.

Christians believe that the fruits of a tree are for food and the leaves are for medicine. Similarly, dietitians assert that eating is essential for life. These viewpoints underscore the intrinsic connection between humans and plants, which is reflected in the popular saying: ‘When the last tree dies, the last man dies.’ This saying highlights the critical role that trees and plants play in sustaining human life.

Simple Remedies

Before the study of plant structures, pH factors, and the manufacture of pills and capsules, our forefathers used herbs and natural products to overcome their health conditions. Below is a table illustrating a few examples.

ITEMS	PROCESS	CONDITION
Coffee Senna Seeds	Dry the seeds, roast, and blend into powder & mix with warm water and drink	Prostatitis
Pawpaw Seeds	Dry and blend pawpaw seeds into powder, mix with warm water & drink	Intestinal Worms
Dry the seeds, roast, and blend into powder & mix with warm water and drink	Blend Sida leaves, sieve & drink	Hard Delivery
Ginger, Lime & Honey	Blend ginger, add lemon juice & honey and drink	Cough
Coconut, Lime & Onion	Blend coconut juice with onion, add lime juice and drink	Kidney Infection
Ginger	Blend ginger with skin, sieve & drink	Menstrual Pain
Scent Leaf, Ginger & Galbanum	Boil scent leaf with ginger & galbanum in a clay pot & drink	Lung Infection

How our forefathers determined which herbs to use or combine for treating specific ailments remains a mystery to many of us. However, these remedies continue to be effective today. Those who have adhered to the tradition of herbal healing can attest to their ability to bring relief and recovery.

There is no nutrient that the body needs which nature cannot provide. Therefore, when our ancestors embraced natural healing, they achieved optimal health and extended their lifespans. In the past, every home in Ghana had a clay pot filled with a herbal concoction, boiled and served to every family member in the morning and evening as a preventive measure against ailments.

This concoction, commonly referred to as “DUDO,” was very potent, preventing diseases from taking hold and serving as an immune system booster. It is not surprising, then, that our grandparents were able to marry and have children well into their later years. Adopting this practice with a touch of modernity could be immensely beneficial to us.

Backyard Garden

We can continue to enjoy our beautiful homes while also experiencing a touch of Eden if every household prioritizes having a backyard garden. This would encourage tree planting, provide easy access to natural vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and bring us closer to plants for better health. This concept is what I call “Eden with a Touch of Modernity.”

The joy of watching plants grow is a deeply fulfilling experience that connects us with nature. As we nurture and care for plants, we witness their transformation from tiny seeds or seedlings into flourishing greenery.

This process brings a sense of accomplishment and wonder, as we see the tangible results of our efforts. Watching plants thrive can be calming and rewarding, offering a unique sense of satisfaction and tranquility. It’s a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature and our ability to contribute to its growth.

Strategically planting trees not only enhances the household but also benefits the entire area. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, and convert it into oxygen through photosynthesis. This process helps lower atmospheric temperatures, reduces the impact of climate change, and improves air quality. Many people aiming to reduce their carbon footprint have adopted tree planting as a simple and effective solution.

Final Reflections

The small actions we take can significantly impact our lives, much like the common items around us can offer great benefits if we study and understand how to use them. It should not be surprising that substances like charcoal, lime, honey, dandelion, sea moss, moringa, cinnamon, and water, along with other natural products, can help address ailments such as stroke, hypertension, cancer, fibroids, and other serious diseases. The essence of healthy living lies in returning to nature, where life truly resides.