Pope Pius on Holistic Natural Remedies for Mental Health

“My beloved children, in this age of great trials and distractions, we must not forget the ancient wisdom entrusted to us by the sages of old. The venerable Hippocrates, father of medicine, taught us that ‘Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.’ This sacred principle is as true today as it was in antiquity.

Mental health is no exception to the body’s need for wholesome nourishment. To care for the mind, we must first honor the temple in which it dwells—the body. A diet rich in natural, unprocessed foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and pure water—serves as the foundation for a peaceful and balanced spirit.

Avoid excesses, for gluttony and indulgence weigh heavily upon the soul. Instead, embrace the bounty of the earth, which God has provided to heal and sustain us. Herbs such as lavender and chamomile soothe the troubled mind; omega-3 fatty acids found in fish nourish the brain; and the warmth of a balanced, moderate lifestyle—replete with prayer, rest, and movement—completes the divine circle of care.

Let us remember that mental health is not solely the province of medicine or science, but a harmonious unity of body, mind, and spirit. Through simplicity and reverence for God’s creation, the weary soul may find restoration.

Pray, eat well, and cherish the sacred gift of life.”