According to Vedic myth, the gods hid in the depths of                                                             the ocean both the nectar of immortality and poisons, and had placed the demon-snake Vasuki in charge of churning the immortal nectar. In Greek mythology, the god of healing and the medicinal arts was Asclepius, whose rod with the snake entwined around it is the symbol of medicine today. Throughout the world, snakes have been the symbols of healing and death, good and evil, and wisdom and cunning. Likewise, the venom of the snake, as well as that of other animals, parts of plants/herbs, and minerals have been used for thousands of years as both aides in healing and as poisons.

Drugs and herbs are used in medicine and healing to help bring the body and, in psychological cases, the mind back into balance and harmony. Even hydrating well and eating healthy foods can heal, for in truth we are what we eat (and ingest). According to Tibetan Medicine, boiling water was the first medicine! Unfortunately, many of us use herbs and drugs when there is no need for their healing abilities. When this happens, whether it’s prescriptions, recreational drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, or coffee or tea, they no longer become healing aides, but poisons and toxins that throw our bodies and minds out of balance.

Even nectar is poison when taken in excess. – Hindu Proverb

Let’s all take a look at what we put into our bodies and reflect on what it is doing to us, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Does it promote health and healing, or does it cause illness and lethargy?