The Science Behind “Earthing” — And Why You Should Adopt This Easy (and Free!) Habit

Nature Rx, With a Twist

As many of you know, I am an enthusiastic advocate for spending time in nature as much as possible. Considering the outstanding perks of reduced inflammation, stress, anxiety, and brain fog, along with weight loss and improved overall health, this is one of the best habits you can adopt. If you would like to reap additional benefits, “earthing” (otherwise known as “grounding”), is gaining traction in scientific circles as an easy and inexpensive method for addressing autoimmunity, fatigue, inflammation, mood disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, healing, and cardiovascular disease.^1,2,3 In this post we will explore the science behind the method, how to do it, and supportive herbal remedies. Let’s get started!

Science-Backed Benefits

A simple therapeutic method for connecting with the electrical energy of the earth, at first glance the practice may not seem like anything special. But studies over the past decade have found earthing to be surprisingly effective for wound healing, inflammation, muscle recovery, immunity, fatigue, and pain. Improvements in mood, anxiety, and depression have also been noted. Researchers believe these benefits are attributed to realigning the electrical conductivity of the body so that it is operating at higher efficiency.

One study published in Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine notes:

“When we are insulated from the earth indoors, our body becomes electrically energized by ambient electromagnetic fields from wires, lights, and appliances. This ungrounded state may disrupt the natural functioning of the body’s electric systems.”

The paper further explores the impact earthing has on human biological systems. One example is pain and healing. When the participants experienced damage to the gastrocnemius muscles and the subsequent pain, those who grounded had lower white blood cell counts, a rapid reduction in acute inflammation (redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function), and faster healing than the ungrounded control group. Researchers believe that this action is related to mobile electrons from the earth acting as natural antioxidants.¹

Moreover, a study in the Journal of Inflammation Research points out that ongoing inflammation is linked with a long list of chronic diseases, such as: cancer, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, and meningitis. It is also associated with autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and lupus. Mounting research suggests the practice of earthing calms chronic inflammation, which in turn can help to prevent and treat these diseases.²

Because of our disconnection with the earth and the rise of artificial electromagnetic fields, which is a relatively new phenomena due to shoes made with insulating rubber or plastic soles; electrical wiring, wi-fi, devices, and cellphones; and high rise buildings and modern flooring, we have limited contact with these healing free electrons from the earth. In the past, humans had plenty of exposure due to packed earth floors and by using animal skins for footwear, bedding, and clothing, which transmit electrons when in contact with perspiration and the earth. Humans also slept on the floor — instead of raised beds — further increasing access to these beneficial free electrons during sleep.

Need another reason to try it? Scientists have found that those who practice grounding had less clumping of red blood cells for better cardiovascular health, circulation, and detoxification; reduced stress and cortisol levels; and lower cytokine inflammatory markers.³ It has also been shown to improve sleep and alleviate insomnia. And the best part? It is easy to do and free in most cases.

Earthing 101

Grounding is really quite simple: walk or stand barefoot on the ground. Sitting with bare feet flat on the earth is another option, as is walking without shoes along the shoreline. Interestingly, a German back-to-nature movement in the late 19th century was known for the practice of walking barefoot — even in cold weather — and claimed they experienced exceptional health benefits.

But if you live in a severe winter climate or would like a more modern approach, there are earthing products that can help. These include grounding sheets and pads that conduct earth’s free electrons when attached to a wire and copper rod that is inserted into the ground or when plugged into an electrical outlet if the house is grounded, as most are in the United States. A simple, plug-in device is available that can tell you if this is the case for your own home.

Supportive Herbal Remedies

An excellent companion to earthing, herbal remedies add another level of support if you are struggling with a chronic health condition or would like to prevent one from developing in the first place. Since inflammation is at the root of most diseases, I formulated four potent medicinal mushroom extracts that not only cool the inflammatory response, but also help to alleviate brain fog, fatigue, and stress. These include Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps. Additionally, these tinctures protect against bacterial and viral infections, manage blood sugar levels, address chronic pain, and much more. Each is found in our convenient Mushroom FOURtress.

NOTHING SHORT OF PHENOMENAL!

“For the past 10+ years, I have struggled with Lyme disease and chronic fatigue. I’ve used a variety of different natural supplements over the years — including seemingly high-quality powdered medicinal mushroom extracts, all with limited success. I was hesitant to try yet another herbal remedy, but I am so happy that I did. The results have been nothing short of phenomenal!

 

Within two days, the inflammation disappeared and the brain fog subsided. Soon after, the low-grade fibromyalgia pain also vanished, along with the tingling nerve sensations in my toes and fingers. Interestingly, my handwriting improved with greater motor control.

 

For years I’ve also struggled with depression, which I suspected was tied to the systemic inflammation. But it too has gone, along with the chronic fatigue. It has been years since I have had this much energy!

 

Thank you so much Nicole! I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to feel healthy and like myself again.” – C. Wright

Interested in learning more? Visit my apothecary today!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. Kawamoto, Y., Ueno, Y., Nakahashi, E., Obayashi, M., Sugihara, K., Qiao, S., Iida, M., Kumasaka, M. Y., Yajima, I., Goto, Y., Ohgami, N., Kato, M., & Takeda, K. (2016). Prevention of allergic rhinitis by ginger and the molecular basis of immunosuppression by 6-gingerol through T cell inactivation. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 27, 112–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.08.025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26403321/
2. Ishikawa, Y., Tokura, T., Nakano, N., Hara, M., Niyonsaba, F., Ushio, H., Yamamoto, Y., Tadokoro, T., Okumura, K., & Ogawa, H. (2008). Inhibitory effect of honeybee-collected pollen on mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro. Journal of medicinal food, 11(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2006.163. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18361733/
3. Mlcek, J., Jurikova, T., Skrovankova, S., & Sochor, J. (2016). Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 21(5), 623. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050623. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27187333/