SOIL THE HAPPY DRUG
The pharmaceutical and food Industries have seduced many of us into believing theirs is the easiest and fastest route to happiness and health; that ‘ain’t’ necessarily so! You will find there are other solutions under our very own noes and feet if only we knew!
Digging the dirt
Soil is nature’s elixir of happiness; ask any farmer, gardener or laughing child how they feel when working with plants, digging the ground, or running barefoot through the garden. There is a scientific reason for this; a bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae (M. vaccae), found in the soil, activates the same serotonin-producing neurons as antidepressants such as Prozac.
These same M. vaccae microbes also positively stimulated faster learning and decreased stress in mice. In a 2010 study, Dorothy Mathews and Susan Jenks fed M. vaccae bacteria atop mouse-sized peanut butter sandwiches and found improvements in mood and learning.
Christopher Lowry, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, found that the immune response to an injection of M. vaccae, with further investigation, could treat cancer, depression, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
But aren’t bacteria bad?
Like most things, some are good, and some are not! Good microbes reduce allergies, boost immunity, and regulate our emotions. We know with our own EM Drink* and EMX-Gold*; Effective Microorganisms (good microbes) can significantly impact our health and well-being by re-balancing our body in a natural way. We have seen the use of Effective microorganisms directly benefit customers with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive concerns, as well as individuals suffering from eczema and skin issues. Mother Nature provides, we are listening and constantly learning from her.
SO! Let us get dirty
Let us be clear we are talking about healthy soil; any dirt that has absorbed pesticides or herbicides will be devoid of soil life.
To access M. vaccae you need to inhale the bacteria, eat plants grown from the same soil, have topical contact with it or absorb it through consumption.
Next time you are feeling low, stressed, or at odds with the world, scoop up a handful of soil and breathe in its earthy smell – take a moment, and listen to your inner dialogue; how are you feeling? For a moment, forget the noise and the people around you. I know it sounds too simple to be true, but with no ‘comedown,’ ‘withdrawal,’ ‘addiction,’ or profiteering* by pharmaceutical companies, this is a perfect moment to let Nature help you find your happiness.
The best way to increase your soil health is through Bokashi
Bokashi is a Japanese term that refers to a method of composting organic waste using a specific type of bran inoculated with beneficial microorganisms, typically lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. The bokashi composting process is anaerobic, meaning it takes place in the absence of oxygen. When bokashi compost is added to soil, it can have several effects on soil fertility and overall soil health:
Improves Soil Structure: Bokashi compost contains organic matter and beneficial microbes that help to improve the structure of the soil. The organic matter increases the soil's ability to retain moisture, while the microbial activity helps to create a crumbly, friable soil texture that is ideal for plant growth.
Enriches Soil Nutrients: The fermentation process in bokashi composting helps to break down organic matter more quickly compared to traditional composting methods. As a result, the nutrients in the organic waste are more readily available to plants when the bokashi compost is added to the soil. This can help to increase the levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth and fertility.
Enhances Microbial Activity: Bokashi compost is rich in beneficial microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. When added to soil, these microbes help to enhance the soil's microbial activity and diversity. A healthy soil microbiome is essential for nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall soil fertility.
Suppresses Soil-Borne Diseases: The beneficial microbes present in bokashi compost can help to suppress harmful soil-borne pathogens and diseases. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem and reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Reduces Soil Acidity: The fermentation process in bokashi composting helps to lower the pH of the compost. When bokashi compost is added to soil, it can help to neutralize acidic soils and create a more balanced pH level, which is conducive to healthy plant growth.
Increases Soil Organic Matter: Regularly adding bokashi compost to soil can help to increase the organic matter content over time. Increased soil organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, ultimately leading to better soil fertility and plant health.
In summary, bokashi composting can significantly enhance the fertility of the soil by improving its structure, enriching its nutrient content, enhancing microbial activity, suppressing soil-borne diseases, reducing soil acidity, and increasing soil organic matter. This makes it an excellent natural amendment for improving soil health and promoting robust plant growth.
Sources:
Ingestion of Mycobacterium vaccae decreases anxiety-related behaviour and improves learning in mice. Dorothy M.Matthews Susan M.Jenks., published online on June, 2013 in Science Direct https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635713000296
“Identification of an Immune-Responsive Mesolimbocortical Serotonergic System: Potential Role in Regulation of Emotional Behaviour,” by Christopher Lowry et al., published online on March 28, 2007 in Neuroscience. http://www.sage.edu/newsevents/news/?story_id=240785
Major antidepressant drugs market players include Novartis AG, are Eli Lilly & Company, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Patheon Inc, Sandoz Inc., NV Organon, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. September 15, 2021 05:00 ET | Source: Selbyville, Delaware, Sept. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/09/15/2297249/0/en/Antidepressant-Drugs-Market-revenue-to-cross-USD-22-Bn-by-2027-Global-Market-Insights-Inc.html
*The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, but it does support healthy digestive, and immune function produces antioxidants*
** Antidepressant Drugs Market revenue to cross USD 22 Bn by 2027: Global Market Insights Inc.