When I was a little girl in Uganda, between the ages of 8 and 13, my family would gather various herbs from our family farm. They collected all sorts of leafy herbs, rinsed them carefully to remove all dust, and washed them as if they were preparing to cook. Instead of cooking, they placed the gathered leaves into a bucket filled with water and squeezed the leaves into a green beverage. They continued squeezing until the water turned darker and greener, resembling the color of the leaves. As they squeezed, the leaves became softer, releasing all their nutrients into the water.

This process would last about an hour, and at the end, they squeezed the leaves very hard until they became a single mass with all the juices extracted. The leftover leaves looked shriveled since everything had been drawn out of them. Then, they used a strainer to separate the nutrient-rich water from the leaves, creating a green juice drink.

I would overhear them say that this green drink will treat various ailments, such as fever, high blood pressure, anxiety, and joint pain, and improve blood circulation in the body. It wasn’t made every weekend or even every other week; it typically occurred every two to three months. The women would gather to make this drink, which also served as a form of detoxification, helping them feel energized and rejuvenated.

As a little girl, I would watch my aunts and mother prepare this green drink. Often, they would ask me to fetch items like the strainer or water, which was their way of teaching me. Now that I live in the United States, I find myself repeating the same habits I observed in my family. Instead of harvesting from my family farm, I visit the farmers' market to buy leafy vegetables and fruits such as ginger, apples, celery, and parsley. I mix these with different herbs and juice them to boost my energy. When I want to detoxify, I include lemons in my juices, which aids in cleansing.

I ensure I consume nutrient-rich juices regularly, and my immune system thrives on this lifestyle. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from my aunties, who took care of themselves without relying on hospitals. As a result, many have asked me about my glowing skin, how I maintain my weight, and how I avoid getting sick. The answer is simple: I juice regularly. This practice is beneficial for everyone, including children and adults.

If you are feeling weak, lethargic, anxious, or experiencing joint pain or migraines, consider juicing. It’s important to remember that we can heal our bodies through nutritious fruits and vegetables without relying on doctors or medications, which can often lead to other health complications. Treat your body with the power of juicing; it’s good for you!