Dr. Melodee Voyles brings extensive expertise in natural health, with specialties including hormone balancing, thyroid health, anti-aging, and more. She is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health by focusing on natural remedies and holistic approaches.

During the class, Dr. Voyles will explore the medicinal uses of herbs, providing valuable insights into how these natural elements can be incorporated into your daily health routine.

Read about this class:

In her enlightening class, Dr. Melodee Voyles, a dedicated naturopathic doctor at GoldCare, shared her passion and expertise in herbal medicine. With over 15 years as a naturopath and more than 20 years studying the healing properties of herbs, Dr. Voyles brings a wealth of knowledge that blends traditional wisdom with modern application.

This article explores the highlights of her presentation, revealing how nature offers powerful remedies for everyday health and well-being.

The Foundation of Herbal Medicine

Dr. Voyles introduced the concept of “Nature’s Pharmacy”—the idea that plants, foods, sunlight, and even air offer potent healing properties. According to her, herbs are not just supplements; they are nature’s original medicine, used by civilizations for thousands of years.

She emphasized the belief that natural remedies have always been humanity’s first line of healing—long before modern pharmaceuticals existed. The shift toward synthetic medicines began only in the last couple of centuries. Many drugs today are developed by isolating and altering chemical components from plants, which allows pharmaceutical companies to patent them. However, Dr. Voyles argued that our bodies respond best to natural substances that remain unaltered from their original form.

What Are Herbs and How Do They Heal?

Herbs encompass various parts of plants—bark, flowers, fruit, leaves, and roots—each offering distinct health benefits. Dr. Voyles referenced the famous quote by Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” which serves as a guiding principle in her practice.

The health benefits of herbs are extensive and include:

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects
• Digestive support
• Immune system boosting
• Heart and liver health
• Bone strengthening
• Antiviral and antibacterial properties
• Anxiety relief and mood enhancement
• Stabilizing blood sugar and lowering blood pressure
• Easing cold and flu symptoms

These are just a few of the countless ways herbs can improve overall health and support natural healing.

Biblical Roots of Herbal Medicine

Dr. Voyles also highlighted references from scripture that affirm the healing power of herbs and plants:

• Ezekiel 47:12 speaks of trees whose fruit serves as food and whose leaves provide healing.
• 2 Kings 20:7 mentions using a poultice of figs for healing.
• Psalm 104:14 acknowledges herbs as part of nature’s provision for human well-being.

These examples reinforce the ancient belief that nature holds the keys to health and longevity.

Personalized Herbal Recommendations

One of the most important lessons from Dr. Voyles' presentation was that herbal treatment must be personalized. Not every herb suits every individual. When working with patients, she conducts thorough health assessments, including:

• Reviewing personal health history
• Evaluating current supplements and medications
• Tailoring specific herbal recommendations

She also helps patients identify high-quality herbal supplements and teaches proper dosages to maximize the benefits of herbal remedies while avoiding potential drug interactions.

Growing, Harvesting, and Using Herbs at Home

For those looking to grow their own herbs, Dr. Voyles offered practical advice:

• Easy herbs for beginners: Parsley, peppermint, ginger root, and aloe vera are simple to grow and packed with medicinal benefits.
• Indoor growing tips: Herbs can thrive indoors with proper air circulation and minimal humidity.
• Harvesting and drying: Herbs should be dried in a warm, dry place away from sunlight to preserve their potency. Fresh herbs generally offer stronger flavors and benefits than dried ones.

DIY Herbal Preparations: A Hands-On Approach

Dr. Voyles shared various ways to incorporate herbs into daily life, including:

1. Filling Your Own Capsules
   Creating homemade capsules ensures purity, eliminates fillers found in commercial products, and is cost-effective.
2. Making Tinctures and Extracts
   These potent liquid forms of herbs act quickly and are easier for children and elderly individuals to consume.
3. Crafting Topical Salves and Poultices
   Great for soothing bites, rashes, or other skin issues, poultices involve applying ground herbs directly to affected areas.
4. Creating Decoctions and Infusions
   Concentrated herbal teas, like peppermint infusions, can aid digestion and reduce nausea.
5. Oil Infusions for Skincare
   Dr. Voyles makes her own anti-aging serum using natural oils infused with herbs to reduce wrinkles and nourish the skin.
6. Making Medicinal Syrups
   These are particularly useful for soothing sore throats and supporting immune function.

Storage and Longevity of Herbs

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the medicinal value of herbs:

• Fresh herbs should be stored like a bouquet—cut stems placed in water in the refrigerator (except basil, which prefers room temperature).
• Dried herbs last 1–3 years if stored in sealed jars away from sunlight.
• Check potency by rubbing dried herbs between your fingers—if no aroma is released, the herb has likely lost its effectiveness.

Understanding the Forms of Herbal Remedies

Dr. Voyles explained the pros and cons of different herbal forms:

• Capsules: Convenient and easy to store but slower to digest and harder for some people to swallow.
• Tinctures: Faster absorption, longer shelf life, and easier for children and the elderly to take.
• Oil Infusions: Great for topical use, offering benefits for skincare and muscle relief.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Herbal Wisdom Into Your Life

Dr. Voyles' mission is to help others rediscover the healing power of nature. She encourages patients to integrate herbal remedies into their daily routines and pass on this knowledge to future generations.

For those interested in personalized guidance, Dr. Voyles offers one-on-one appointments through the GoldCare platform, where she provides tailored herbal recommendations based on individual health history and current needs.

Getting Started: Easy Herbs for Beginners

If you’re new to herbs, Dr. Voyles suggests starting with:

• Peppermint: Easy to grow and great for digestive health.
• Ginger root: A versatile anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
• Parsley: Rich in vitamins and easy to grow at home.
• Aloe Vera: Known for skin-healing properties and simple to maintain.

A Return to Nature’s Healing Power

Dr. Voyles’ message is clear: Nature provides everything we need for health and healing. With a little knowledge and effort, anyone can begin to incorporate the power of herbs into their life—whether by growing a few simple plants, making herbal teas, or learning to craft your own tinctures and oils.

To learn more or schedule a personalized consultation, connect with Dr. Voyles through the GoldCare app and start your journey into the world of natural healing.