Welcome to the Round Up of Week #1 of our challenge to answer the question about how a natural remedy has changed, transformed or healed your life. We are humbled and amazed by how many entries we've received thus far, and really encourage you to go and check them out and give them an extra bit of love for their work.

We didn't anticipate some of the conversations this challenge would raise. One was that the original rules asked if there was science to back up the claim, and whether that was a valid guideline or not. This led to some really philosophical discussion which we appreciated - the upshot was that there are many, many different forms of knowledge and that we should never put our faith in one mode of understanding above all others. Personal stories are absolutely worthy, and sometimes science can't explain how natural medicines heal because data can't always be reproduced in a lab, or there's not enough funding or big enough studies done on many of the remedies we use. Thus, if you're still considering entering, ditch that original rule - if you want to add the study or research, do. If not, it's up to all of us to research these remedies if we're planning on using it in our own lives

We've also been fairly GOBSMACKED by these responses. Not only are they absolute QUALITY in the way they are presented, but are absolute pouring from people's hearts and souls. Please do give them some love, because for many, it's been a real plunge into some histories that have shaped them and made them who they are today. They're inspiring, funny, heartfelt, magical explorations into what makes us human beings, let alone the value of natural medicines in our lives - from the power of nature and how food is an important medicine, to tribe, to yoga and meditation, to herbs and wild foods, these posts have totally broke open our hearts this week - and it's CONTAGIOUS! There's more entries coming in as I write, so we're thinking of increasing the prize pool to reward more of you.

A piece of myself. How Natural Medicine Has Impacted My Life - Hive account@walkerland

Hive account@walkerland's husband just wanted the girl - what he got was a "kitchen witch, herb lover, self proclaimed healer, organic gardener and lover of Mother Earth" who began to determinedly heal herself through the assistance of a wise Aunt.

Hope, Fatty Liver and My Eczema Healing - A Hive account@naturalmedicine Personal Story

Hive account@artemislives writes a personal story about how she was lead to begin her skin care range in Chiang Mai.

[My Natural Medicine Story](https://steemit.com/naturalmedicine/@mountainjewel/my-natural-medicine-story Hive account@mountainjewel) Hive account@mountainjewel

Hive account@mountainjewel's personal story is complete with butterflies, a beautiful symbol of transformation!

All Natural for the US Military Hive account@cannabisguy420

A post about how cannabis helped with PTSD.

Growing Food Gave me a New Life: Hive account@sagescrub

The photos in this post speak volumes, but check out what Hive account@sagescrub has to say about how growing their food impacted their life, health and outlook.

Did you Know Guava Leaves Cures Your Teeth Hive account@guarang

Hive account@guarang's father had a real problem with his teeth, until he found this fabulous natural cure!

@naturalmedicine Competition - How Natural Medicine Impacted Me and Changed The Course of My Life Hive account@eftnow

Hive account@eftnow talks about how he found out that his own antibodies were attacking his sperm, meaning him and Hive account@startreat were faced with the struggle to concieve. They thought they might never have children, and the only option was an invasive procedure. He went and saw an acupuncturist, who referred him to a TCM practictioner... and you'll have to listen to the rest of the Dtube to find out what happened!

3 Ways I Transformed My Life with Yoga: Hive account@kristaluton

Who else is a yogi here? Has it transformed your life?

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Papaya Hive account@herbalmedicine

A post about the healing benefits of papaya

If I have missed anyone out, please let me know and I'll edit the post accordingly. It's quite a job to gather all of these wonderful posts together, so please be kind!

Much love to you all, and looking forward to your entries in Week 2. We will release the winning entry after August 15th, time considered.

Please comment on your favourites below - we're going to need a hand to pick the winners!

The upvotes from this post will be added to the prize pool from Week 1, so if you're a supporter of Natural Medicine and what we're trying to do here, please give this post your love and share with your Steemfolk so we can really reward those who deserve it. We're committed to powering up to build our votes to support you guys, so appreciate all the help we can get to do this!

With much healing vibes and love - The NM Team.