Wellness Conference Examines Herb, Mineral Health Benefits
Joelle Peters
9/21/2000 12:00:00 AM
Learning about the benefits of herbs and minerals was the purpose of a recent
wellness conference at the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center.
"The use of cast iron pans is not a natural form of iron; it is a metallic
from of iron," stated Kathy Warner of HERBS etc. on July 5. Warner was the primary
speaker on the topic of herbs and minerals at the Physical, Mental and Spiritual
Wellness Conference.
Warner is also a student at the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education.
She decided to start taking classes at the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies
and Education about two years ago because of a very bad asthma attack.
An acquaintance suggested to her that she take an herbal digestive aid. By
taking this, she was able to digest food better.
Her presentation was about several topics including the different sources where
natural vitamins and minerals can be found. She also explained that it is better
to take natural supplements of herbs and minerals than to take a synthetic supplement.
"We survive with our food," said Warner. "The chemicals and the different things
that are added into the food are making them nutritionally deficient."
Warner also educated the conference attendees on how they can make food more
nutritional. She said the body will perform better if we eat better. She described
the vitamins as the workers and the minerals as the building tools.
According to Warner, synthetic vitamins are man-made in laboratories and take
a longer time to process.
"By using natural herbs and minerals, we are getting back to the traditional
ways of eating. This is why Native ancestors did not have diabetes nor heart
disease," said Mikki Marcotte, health educator for the Nimkee Public Health
Program.
According to Warner, a person should be drinking at least half their body weight
in ounces of water daily to be properly hydrated. People can die in eight days
if they become dehydrated. The water a person drinks also helps to clean all
the toxins out of the body.
"When we don't eat the proper nutrition and receive the enzymes we need in
our food, the body starts to take the vitamins and minerals from other places
like our hair, nails, bones and other areas," said Warner.
Warner also maintained that herbs help to heal and build the cells while supporting
medication.
"Herbs help nourish," she continued. "Herbs go in and support a natural function."
For more information, about herbal nutrition contact Marcotte at (517) 775-4639.
One may also call HERBS etc. at (517) 773-3636.