The mind’s eye, scientifically known as the pineal gland, is considered to be the gateway to higher levels of consciousness. In case you weren’t aware, the pineal gland is a small pine cone shaped endocrine gland in the brain that produces and secretes the hormone, melatonin. It is also believed that the pineal gland is responsible for the release of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).Also known as the “third eye,” the pineal gland is believed to be the “principle seat of the soul,” according to Descartes. As you can see, this gland has many functions, both physically and metaphysically so keeping it functioning at its full potential should be a priority of everyone seeking a healthy mind.
As we age the pineal gland begins to calcify and become sluggish. This rate varies considerably by person and lifestyle, but consuming excessive amounts of fluoride is considered to be a risk factor. This is partly because fluoride collects in extremely high amounts in the pineal gland causing faster calcification. Fluoride can also decrease melatonin production, two things we certainly don’t want to happen. Research has shown that this calcification of the pineal gland shows a strong correlation in the developing of Alzheimer’s disease (Mercola 2011). A poor diet laden with preservatives, chemicals, and pesticides are a major risk factor for calcification and premature aging as well.
What can we do to fight the aging process and calcification of the pineal gland?
Eating a healthy, preservative/chemical free diet that is rich in healthy fats, should be a no-brainer (pun intended), but what else can we do?
Cut out Fluoride
While you’re not likely to cut it out completely, you can drastically lower the levels that you consume. To do this we should: properly filter tap water before drinking since many communities have water supplies that are teaming with fluoride. To achieve this you need to use a reverse-osmosis filter on your tap. Or buy bottled water which states that fluoride is not added, such as spring water. You can also switch to fluoride free toothpaste. This is not required since you technically do not consume it, but many natural types of toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay just as well as the fluoride-based.
Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in malic acid making it a great tonic to detoxify the whole body, including the pineal gland. Apple Cider Vinegar has a long list of benefits and can help to make the body more alkaline (this is a good thing). Try drinking a tablespoon, 3 times a day, or try adding it to lemon juice and honey. Sit back, sip, and reap the benefits.
Eat Iodine Rich Foods
Eat foods rich in iodine such as seaweed and kelp. Other foods such as cranberries, green beans, kale, dark leafy greens, bananas, shrimp, and lobster are also rich in iodine. However, this is a very short, incomplete, list and you can adjust it to meet your needs and lifestyle if you wish. Not only does iodine support thyroid function, but it is also important for the pineal gland. Iodine helps to remove sodium fluoride from the body which, as I discussed above, is very important. Iodine can be harmful in super high levels; so if you choose to use in supplement form, I would consider using a water soluble form, such as Iosol, to avoid the risk of over-doing it.
Eat Raw Cacao
Raw, organic chocolate is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and keep our brain healthy. This can also help to stimulate the mind’s eye and help detoxify it. Besides, who doesn’t love chocolate?
Eat Coconut Oil
Coconut oil nourishes the whole body, even the skin and hair, but its greatest benefit is that it nourishes the brain and detoxifies the pineal gland. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides which are converted to ketones in the liver. Ketones have been shown restore neurons and nerve function in the brain (Mercola 2013). This is great news for reversing damage in the brain and may even provide a break-through in Alzheimer’s disease research.
Try These Herbs
Gotu Kola nourishes the whole brain and pineal gland; Alfalfa Sprouts and Parsley both help to energize the pineal gland. All of these herbs (and many others) can help stimulate and detoxify the pineal gland. Try adding Parsley and Alfalfa Sprouts generously when cooking for a mega brain boost!
Stop Wearing Sunglasses
Did that catch your attention? Well, let me explain; light reflected by the retina stimulates the pineal gland. Our eyes need to be exposed to indirect sunlight on a daily basis (photosensitive ganglion cells, anyone?). So if you do wear sunglasses make sure you take, at least, a short break from them daily. Just don’t stare at the sun of course. This also supplies us with Vitamin D which is super important for brain health and evens helps to fight depression. You can even purchase full-spectrum light bulbs to bring these benefits indoors year round!
Of course there are several other wonderful ways to promote the health of the mind’s eye, so with that being said, this is by no means a complete list. It is always best to check with your doctor or herbalist, especially if you have any health concerns, before taking supplements. Now go fourth and nourish your mind’s eye!
*I would like to thank, Jason Hall, for the inspiration.*
Credits: Learning-Mind
