My Journey Into Natural Medicine: From Pain, Surgery, and Medication to Holistic Healing

When I was just 15 years old, I began experiencing severe lower back pain. At first, it was a dull ache, but over time, it worsened, becoming increasingly debilitating. I saw over four different doctors, two specialists, and tried physical therapy, acupuncture, and dry needling, desperate for any kind of relief. Despite my efforts, the pain only intensified, and soon, I was experiencing painful spasms that would cause me to lose mobility.

I underwent multiple x-rays and MRIs, and doctors continued to tell me that it was “normal,” attributing it to my growth spurt due to my height. The advice? Self-medicate with ibuprofen and Tylenol. I followed this advice, popping ibuprofen daily (literally daily.. I couldn’t function without it), believing it was the only way to manage the pain. But the more I took these medications, the more I felt my body pushing back. The pain didn’t subside, and soon, I started experiencing stomach pain from the constant use of over-the-counter pain medications.

After over a year of this cycle—chronic pain, temporary relief from meds, and increasing side effects from the ibuprofen—I was fed up. I didn’t feel like I was truly healing; I was simply masking the symptoms. This realization became a turning point in my journey.

Finally, at 16, after a year and a half of suffering, I saw one last doctor who saw something none of the others had—he took another x-ray and found a benign tumor on my lumbar spine. The tumor had been the root cause of the pain, and I had been living with it for so long without knowing. It was a relief to finally have an answer, but it also came with its own set of challenges. I had to be pulled from sports, including basketball—an activity I loved, especially since I was hoping for potential athletic scholarship opportunities. I missed my entire junior year of basketball and underwent surgery to remove the tumor.

The surgery itself was life-changing. The tumor was removed, and almost immediately, I felt relief from the excruciating pain that had defined my life for the past year and a half. But while the physical relief was instant, my frustration with the way the medical system had handled my situation lingered. The endless cycle of seeing doctors who missed the real issue, the repeated rounds of x-rays and medications that never addressed the root cause, and the overuse of ibuprofen and Tylenol that only masked the symptoms—this experience made me question the whole approach to treating health issues.

I realized that the pharmaceutical industry, though it certainly has its place, often focuses on treating symptoms rather than the root causes of our health issues. After my surgery, I made a conscious decision to avoid ibuprofen or Tylenol at all costs. The side effects from overuse were enough to make me never want to go back to that routine. Instead, I decided to take a new approach to my health, one that focused on understanding my body and turning to natural remedies.

This journey led me to explore the power of herbs, plants, and holistic treatments. I began researching and learning about natural alternatives for pain relief, inflammation, digestion, and overall wellness. I found that nature offered so many solutions for the things I had been using pharmaceuticals to mask—solutions that not only provided relief but also helped support my body’s natural healing processes.

In my personal study of the Bible, I was reminded of God’s provision of healing through plants and herbs. In 2 Kings 20:7, the prophet Isaiah instructed King Hezekiah to apply a poultice of figs to his wound for healing. In Psalm 51:7, David speaks of being cleansed and healed with the washing of hyssop, a plant with natural antiseptic properties. These scriptures reminded me that God, in His wisdom, has provided natural remedies for our healing.

One of the things I realized during this time is that our bodies are incredible at healing themselves when given the proper tools. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter pain medications, I started using natural remedies like herbal teas, essential oils, and tinctures. I also learned about the many healing properties of plants and herbs, which have been used for thousands of years to treat everything from digestive issues to pain, inflammation, and immune support.

While I respect the advancements that modern medicine has made, especially in emergency situations, I came to understand that for day-to-day ailments and chronic conditions, natural remedies are often more effective and far less harmful. The more I learned about herbalism and natural medicine, the more empowered I felt to take control of my own health and to rely on nature’s gifts rather than the pharmaceutical industry.

Since that time, I’ve never looked back. I can’t remember the last time I’ve touched ibuprofen or Tylenol, and I continue to explore natural ways to support my health. This journey of self-discovery has opened my eyes to the wisdom that nature holds, and I’m passionate about sharing that with others.

If you’re tired of masking symptoms and want to find natural alternatives to take care of your body, I encourage you to explore the world of herbalism and holistic health. There are so many natural cost-effective options out there—plants, herbs, and remedies—that can help support your health and wellness in a sustainable, gentle way. It’s been a life-changing journey for me, and I believe it can be for you too.