I recently had a chance to interview Emma Magnolia, founder of Emma Wellness, about natural and holistic health.
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| Terra Sura Photography |
How does oregano oil support immune and digestive health?
Oregano oil has been used traditionally for centuries to support both the immune and digestive systems. Long before people understood the scientific names of its compounds, they recognized how oregano could help support the body. Its benefits come from naturally occurring compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which are now more well-known and have been studied for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help support the body's natural defenses by promoting microbial balance, protecting your body’s cells from oxidative stress, and supporting a healthy anti-inflammatory response. Rather than acting as a quick fix, oregano oil works alongside the body's own natural processes to help maintain overall well-being.
Oregano oil may also support digestive health by helping maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut. Its naturally occurring compounds have been studied for their ability to discourage the growth of certain unwanted bacteria, which may be very helpful in supporting a healthier digestive environment.
Like any natural remedy, oregano oil works best as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes whole foods, adequate hydration, regular movement, and good sleep. Together, these simple daily habits provide the strongest foundation for long-term health.
Side Note: Oregano oil is highly concentrated and should be used as directed, never undiluted. It is intended to support overall wellness and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Why are fermented foods gut-friendly?
Throughout history, almost every civilization had its own region-specific cultured food. Cultured food was a daily part of people’s lives; it was comforting and nourishing at the same time, as well as a harvest necessity for preserving foods that would otherwise perish.
Fermented foods are considered gut-friendly because they naturally contain beneficial bacteria and compounds that help support a healthy gut microbiome. During fermentation, microorganisms break down sugars and starches, producing probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids that may aid digestion, support nutrient absorption, and help maintain digestive balance.
A healthy gut microbiome is also closely connected to overall well-being, including mood and mental health. Since the gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, supporting gut health may also help support mood balance and emotional well-being. Some research suggests that a balanced gut microbiome may play a role in reducing symptoms associated with stress, low mood, and depression.
How can people incorporate more fermented foods into their diet?
People can incorporate more fermented foods into their diet by starting small and adding them to meals they already enjoy. A spoonful of sauerkraut or kimchi can be served alongside any meal, kefir can be blended into a smoothie, and plain yogurt can be topped with fruit or added to breakfast bowls or a big bowl of soup or stew!
Miso can also be added to soups, dressings, marinades, or savory sauces to bring a rich umami flavor while adding a fermented food into the meal. I like to add miso right before serving so the delicate bacteria do not get heated too much. Another of my favorite ways to eat miso is to smear a very thin layer of white miso on slices of cucumber or a piece of sourdough toast, then add a drizzle of olive oil, a smear of white miso & mashed avocado or banana on top.
It is always best to begin with small amounts, especially for those who are new to ingesting “alive” and fermented foods, then gradually increase your portion as the body adjusts to the growth of the internal garden of good microbes. Common fermented options include sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, water or milk kefir, yogurt, miso, tempeh, and naturally fermented salsa or pickles.
Why is it important for people to take a holistic approach to health?
Taking a holistic approach to health is important because it means caring for the whole person rather than focusing on only one small aspect, such as an illness or diverse physical symptoms. Holistic health considers an entire person’s being — physical, mental, spiritual, social, and emotional well-being. These areas of health are all interconnected, and when one is affected, it often impacts the others. For example, stress and emotional struggles can very much affect the body, and vice versa; physical health problems can affect a person’s mood and mental well-being.
A holistic approach can also help people with prevention by encouraging healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and maintaining healthy relationships. It helps people become more aware of their own bodies and make healthier choices for the future. Overall, taking care of the whole person can (and will) improve quality of life, support overall well-being, and help people work toward living healthier, more balanced lives.
Emma Magnolia is the founder of Emma Wellness, a holistic health education and natural wellness company dedicated to empowering individuals and families through practical, sustainable approaches to health. A holistic health educator, therapeutic bodyworker and lifestyle practitioner with more than 30 years of experience, Emma has spent over 25 years developing natural health products and teaching foundational wellness principles, including herbal remedies, food as medicine, preventive health and personal responsibility. She began her training at age 17 at Living Valley, one of Australia’s leading health retreats, where she studied remedial Swedish massage, therapeutic bodywork, lymphatic therapy, colonic therapy and other natural health modalities. Over the course of her career, she has operated an in-home wellness clinic for more than 20 years and taught cooking schools, wellness classes, and health lectures for nearly three decades. A wife, mother of seven, and homesteader based in rural Wisconsin, Emma is widely respected for her ability to translate holistic health concepts into practical, everyday habits that support long-term wellness. Through education, product development, content creation, and community outreach, she continues to help people take a confident, proactive role in their health.
