Healing vs Intervention Navigating Health Challenges with Natural Remedies and Medical Support

Sometimes Nature Needs a Little Help

If you've been wondering where I've disappeared to...well...I've been on one heck of a health roller coaster.

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin.

It started with what should have been a simple accident. I managed to nail myself with a falling shelf and then, because apparently the universe wasn't quite finished with me yet, smashed my hand with a hammer later that very same day.

For most people, that would have been enough.

For my body, it was just the opening act.

The trauma triggered one of the worst gout flares I've ever experienced. That immediately set off a brutal rheumatoid arthritis flare. As if that wasn't enough, my endometriosis decided to join the party, followed by multiple ruptured ovarian cysts. We were initially told it was likely colitis, but after more testing, it turned out to be an incredibly stubborn, fairly unkown at the time, Cyclospora parasite. And because life apparently enjoys piling things on, I ended up with a painful tooth infection on top of everything else.

Needless to say...I've been down for the count.

I had every intention of documenting this journey with all of you. I wanted to share what I was trying, what was helping, what wasn't, and what I was learning along the way. But the truth is, I simply couldn't.

I was exhausted beyond words.

Most days I could do little more than sleep next to the toilet and hope tomorrow would be a little easier.

If you've followed Apothecary Acres & Ag for any length of time, you know where my heart is. I believe deeply in herbal medicine, whole foods, nourishing our bodies, and supporting our health naturally whenever it's appropriate. So before I ever stepped foot into a doctor's office, I did what I always do.

I researched.

I made teas.

I foraged when I physically could.

I reached for herbs that have supported me before.

I made what may honestly be one of the best castor oil packs I've ever used.

I adjusted my diet.

I rested.

I prayed.

And I gave my body every opportunity to heal.

Some of the Natural Support I Used

While every body is different, these are some of the approaches I personally explored throughout this journey:

For inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis support:

• Turmeric and ginger teas

• Anti-inflammatory foods

• Gentle movement when possible

• Castor oil packs

• Epsom salt baths (when I could tolerate them)

  
  

For gout flare support:

• Extra hydration

• Tart cherry

• Celery seed

• Avoiding foods that tend to worsen flares

• Rest and elevation

  
  

For digestive upset while waiting for answers:

• Ginger tea

• Peppermint (when appropriate)

• Chamomile

• Bone broth

• Small sips of electrolyte-rich fluids

  
  

For endometriosis and ovarian discomfort:

• Heat therapy

• Castor oil packs

• Magnesium

• Gentle stretching

• Rest

  
  

For tooth pain before treatment:

• Yarrow (which has traditionally been used for discomfort)

• Toothache plant (Paracress/Spilanthes), famous for its numbing sensation

• Warm saltwater rinses

• Clove (used cautiously)

  
  

Many of these herbs have long traditional histories of use, and I genuinely believe they have their place.

But here's the part that I think is just as important to share.

Sometimes Nature Needs Backup

As much as I love natural remedies...

Sometimes they simply aren't enough.

And that's okay.

It took four days of barely eating and not even being able to keep water in before my husband finally looked at me and basically said, "That's enough."

He practically dragged me to the emergency room.

Looking back...

I'm grateful he did.

There comes a point where dehydration becomes dangerous.

Where infection needs antibiotics.

Where parasites require targeted treatment.

Where imaging is necessary.

Where your body needs more help than herbs alone can provide.

That doesn't mean natural medicine failed.

It means I needed a bigger toolbox and a diagnosis so that I could dive deeper for the more accurate solution to.

Advocate for Yourself

One thing this experience reinforced more than anything is this:

No one knows your body better than you do.

That doesn't mean we know everything.

It doesn't mean we should ignore medical advice.

But it does mean we have every right to ask questions.

We have every right to understand why a medication is being recommended.

We have every right to discuss alternatives, possible side effects, and whether a treatment aligns with our goals and values.

We have every right to seek a second opinion if something doesn't feel right.

Most importantly, we deserve healthcare providers who are willing to listen.

Doctors are incredibly knowledgeable, and I'm thankful for the many who dedicate their lives to helping others. But the best healthcare relationships are partnerships. Your experiences, concerns, and preferences matter too.

If using herbal remedies alongside conventional treatment is important to you, say so.

If you'd rather try conservative options first when it's medically appropriate, ask.

If you're worried about medication interactions, bring it up (you should ALWAYS be honest about what you have taken, supplements/medications, even over-the-counter can change how a natural or conventional treatment will function in your body).

Find practitioners who respect those conversations.

You shouldn't feel dismissed for wanting to be an active participant in your own healthcare.

Finding Balance

One of the biggest lessons I've learned through years of chronic illness is that healing doesn't have to be an either-or decision.

It doesn't have to be herbs versus medicine.

Nature versus science.

Traditional versus modern.

Sometimes the best approach is both.

Sometimes a cup of herbal tea brings comfort.

Sometimes a castor oil pack eases soreness.

Sometimes changing your diet changes everything.

And sometimes...you need IV fluids, prescription medication, imaging, or surgery.

There's no shame in any of it.

The goal isn't to prove one way is better than another.

The goal is healing the best possible way in the way that you are comfortable with.

Thank You

To everyone who has checked on me, sent prayers, messages, or simply wondered where I'd gone—thank you.

Your kindness has meant more than you'll ever know.

I'm slowly finding my footing again.

I'll be back in the gardens.

Back with the goats.

Back making salves, teas, tinctures, and sharing what I continue to learn.

This journey reminded me that healing isn't always linear.

Sometimes our strongest medicine is knowing when to lean on nature...

…and when to let modern medicine lend a hand.

Here's to healing, learning, and continuing to grow together.

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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.