Rediscovering God’s Natural Remedies

Welcome to Faith Over Addiction, the podcast where the chains of fixing and striving are broken, and joy is rediscovered in Christ. You’re here because you know there’s more—a life beyond chaos, grounded in God's peace and promises.

This is a sacred space where Christian women—just like you—learn to release the exhausting burden of trying to fix everything and instead lean fully into God's strength. Here, we don’t chase perfection—we embrace peace. As Proverbs 31:25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity.” That’s you, even if you don’t feel it yet.

You’re stronger than you know. And God has so much more for you than carrying the weight of someone else’s addiction.

On this journey, we’ll explore how to set healthy boundaries—with love, and maybe even a little humor. We’ll find grace in the messy moments, celebrate small wins, and learn how to embrace joy like never before. Because He’s not done with your story—or your loved one’s.

Meet Jane Barlow Christensen

This week, I’m so excited to introduce you to someone incredibly special—Jane Barlow Christensen. Jane has dedicated her life to natural healing, continuing the powerful legacy of her father, a medicinal botanist who taught her how to use God’s creation to bring health and wellness to the body.

The Gift of Generational Wisdom

Jane is the second oldest of 14 children—yes, 14! Raised in a home that prioritized plant-based healing, her family couldn’t always afford traditional medicine, so her father leaned into the natural world. From infections to fevers, he turned to God’s pharmacy—plants—and taught his children to do the same.

At the time, Jane admits this made for some embarrassing teen years. But now, as an adult (and grandmother), she sees the incredible value in that upbringing. It wasn’t just about health; it was about legacy. And today, she’s passing that gift on to her children, grandchildren, and now—to you.

Herbal Medicine: More Than a Trend

You may have heard of essential oils or wellness fads, but Jane’s work goes much deeper. Her recent book is a powerful collection of healing plants—many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Think cayenne pepper, garlic, rosemary, and basil. These foods aren’t just tasty—they’re medicine. From skin health to heart health, digestive support to hormone balance, God's creation is bursting with healing potential.

What sets Jane apart is her deep understanding of adaptogens—natural herbs that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. She’s used them personally through menopause, and now her granddaughters are beginning their own herbal journeys for monthly cycles.

A Lifestyle Rooted in Wholeness

Jane’s lifestyle is as inspiring as her knowledge. At nearly 64, she radiates strength, energy, and peace. Her secret? It’s not one magic pill—it’s the compound effect of small, consistent, healthy choices:

• Eating clean, whole foods

• Using herbal medicine with intention

• Hydrating, moving her body, and managing stress

• Prioritizing sleep and mindfulness

• Staying connected to purpose and family

As she puts it:
“Our body’s normal state is wellness. And when we start making small, positive changes, our body responds fast—because healing is our natural homeostasis.”

A Faith-Filled Invitation

Friend, this episode is more than a conversation—it’s an invitation. It’s time to reclaim your joy, your peace, and your family’s future. By leaning into God’s design for healing—spiritually and physically—you can begin building a home rooted in love, strength, and grace.

Take Jane’s wisdom and let it inspire your next step. Whether it’s swapping one meal ingredient, trying a calming tea, or setting a boundary rooted in love—start small. Trust God with the journey.

As Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Navigating Hormone Health with Natural Wisdom

So, how do you know where your hormones are at? One of the best things you can do is get a hormone panel—a simple blood test. It doesn’t require a huge medical ordeal and can give you a clear snapshot of what your hormones are doing. You don’t need to do it often—once a year is usually sufficient, or every six months if you're actively adjusting things and want to track how those changes are affecting you.

With that clarity in hand, you can begin supporting your system with adaptogens like suma root (a personal favorite), ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca. These are power-packed herbs that help your body adapt to stress and regulate systems like hormones, energy, and immunity. They're easy to incorporate—drop them into a smoothie, take a capsule, or use a tincture.

But here's the key: do your due diligence. Just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe or right for you. Start small. Most supplements include dosing recommendations on the label, which is a great place to begin.

The good news? If you accidentally take too much, you might experience mild symptoms like nausea or stomach upset—but serious risk is very low. People have used herbs safely for centuries.

Still unsure? Find a guide. A functional medicine or naturopathic doctor can be an invaluable partner. They can walk you through lab results, lifestyle factors, and supplement options, helping you tailor a plan that fits your body and your goals.

Supplement Quality Matters

Let’s talk quality for a minute. Not all supplements are created equal. The best companies put their herbs through rigorous testing—for heavy metals, mold, microbial contamination, and even species verification (yes, they make sure the echinacea in your bottle is actually echinacea purpurea, not something else). After production, every batch gets re-tested and issued a Certificate of Analysis (COA). That’s your proof of what's actually in the bottle. And reputable companies will gladly share that with you—just ask.

Choose Your Hard

Now, back to your journey—how do you know what combination of herbs or strategies will work for you? Again, this is where a functional medicine doctor shines. Unlike a conventional doctor who might just prescribe a hormone patch or pill, a functional medicine practitioner takes the time to look at the whole picture. They might recommend herbs, yes—but also acupuncture, stress management tools, dietary shifts, or other holistic supports.

And what about the real-life results?

When women in my circle—my sisters, sisters-in-law, and friends—have chosen the natural route over conventional hormone therapy, they’ve learned that it’s not about a magic herb. It’s about a whole lifestyle shift. Does it take work? Yes. But here’s the thing: choose your hard.

It might feel hard right now to go to bed early, prep healthy meals, exercise consistently, or manage stress—but the “easy way” often leads to harder consequences later: chronic illness, poor sleep, brain fog, and emotional burnout.

And guess what? When you begin to make those shifts—prioritizing sleep, nutrition, movement, and purpose—the herbs don’t have to work so hard. They become your support, not your solution.

A Journey of Rediscovery

This is a journey of intentional living. Of showing up for your health, your energy, and your calling. And over time, you’ll likely find yourself saying no to the wine, the sugar, the late nights—not out of guilt or pressure—but because you’ve learned to listen to your body and honor its needs.

You may lose a few friendships along the way. You may miss out on a few happy hours or burgers. But what you gain? It’s priceless.

You’ll gain clarity.
Stability.
Radiance.

And best of all—you’ll gain you.