Becoming Natural: Heal From Chronic Illness with Plant Medicine | Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Autoimmune Disease, Gut Health, Natural Remedies

Becoming Natural: Heal From Chronic Illness with Plant Medicine | Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Autoimmune Disease, Gut Health, Natural Remedies

After 25 years of chronic illness, many surgeries, and a whole lot of prayer, I found healing in places I never expected—through plants, lifestyle changes, and a deeper connection to my faith. I’m Penny Sampler, an occupational therapist, former pharmaceutical rep, wife and mom of three boys. On Becoming Natural, I share the journey I never saw coming—trading pills for plants, learning to detox my home and heart, and walking the path of natural, faith-based healing. This podcast is for women who want to clean up their health and homes without getting overwhelmed—because small changes lead to big impact. You’ll find simple strategies, emotional encouragement, and research-backed insights to support you wherever you are. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, curious about holistic wellness, or just trying to live a little lighter—this is a safe space. We’ll talk food swaps, non-toxic living, emotional health, natural remedies, and how faith can lead us through it all. I don’t have it all figured out—but I’ve learned that healing is a journey, not a destination. Let’s walk it together. 📌 Note: I’m just a girl with a wild story and a passion for sharing what has helped me feel my best during difficult times. I share personal experience, documented research, and a whole lot of heart. Always talk to a professional when making changes to your routine.

Episodes

May 29, 2025 28 mins

36 | Amazing Healing Beyond the Pill Bottle: My Journey to Natural Recovery

I spent years popping pills like clockwork — thinking it was the only way to survive. But it wasn’t healing… it was barely coping.

In this episode, I open up about what it looked like to live stuck in the cycle of prescriptions — and what finally helped me break free. It wasn’t overnight. It wasn’t easy. And it wasn’t without grief.

But it led me to somethi...

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35 | How I Found Strength Through Faith When I Wasn't Strong At All

Have you ever felt completely drained and helpless, wondering where you’d find the strength to keep going? I have. In this episode, I open up about one of the scariest moments of my life — when I was in the hospital fighting a severe infection that left me weaker than ever. I share how, in the midst of that pain and fear, I experienced a surprising "God wink." It c...

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🎙️ Episode 34 | Valuable Sunscreen Safety to Protect & Support Your Health for Life

Ever wondered if sunscreen is really protecting you—or if it could be causing harm instead? In this episode, I unpack the shocking truth about sunscreen safety, from ancient sun rituals to modern SPF science. You’ll hear my personal journey from tanning with iodine (yep!) to questioning the long list of chemical ingredients we spray on our bodi...

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    The Shocking Link Seen Between Sleep Loss and Your Health

    Are you skipping sleep to get more done... only to feel more drained? 😩 In this episode of Becoming Natural, we’re diving deep into what really happens when we don’t get enough rest. Chronic sleep loss is more than just a nuisance—it’s a hidden trigger for heart disease ❤️, weight gain 🍭, mood disorders 😟, inflammation 🔥, and even autoimmune flares. I’ll break down the s...

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    Incredible Castor Oil Health Benefits 

    Today we’re talking all about one of the most underrated healing tools out there: castor oil!

    We’ll cover what castor oil does inside your body, how it can support detox, lymphatic drainage, gut health, and more. Plus, I’ll give you the inside scoop on how to choose a high-quality castor oil that’s truly safe and effective.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to make a castor oil pack at ...

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    Powerful Anti-inflammatory Foods You Want That Heal Your Body Naturally

    In this episode of Becoming Natural, we break down exactly what anti-inflammatory foods are—and how they work on multiple levels to help your body heal. From calming an overactive immune system to supporting your gut and even influencing your genes, these foods are more than fuel—they’re medicine. We also break down terms like antioxidants, free radicals, oxida...

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    Astonishing Inflammatory Foods That Are Actually Fueling Your Pain

    🔥 Are your favorite foods secretly causing inflammation? In Episode 30 of Becoming Natural, host Penny Sampler uncovers surprising culprits behind chronic inflammation and gut discomfort.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Common foods that may trigger inflammation
    • The science behind food-induced inflammati...
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    How to Have More Natural and Effective Pain Management Success with Crohn’s Disease

    Struggling with Crohn’s stomach pain? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into natural, fast-acting remedies to ease discomfort and help you feel better quickly. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden flare-up or chronic gut pain, these simple, effective tips—including gut-friendly teas, easy-to-digest meals, stress management techniques, ...

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    Know the Role of Chronic Inflammation to Make Smarter Choices and Empower Your Life

    Discover the truth behind chronic inflammation in our latest episode. This in-depth discussion explains how chronic inflammation – a prolonged, harmful response triggered by everyday foods and environmental factors – affects your gut and overall health.

    Learn why even those who seem healthy can experience damaging effects from inflammatory foods and...

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    How Prayer Made a Surprising Impact on Healing

     I share a deeply personal journey of recovery during my battle with severe illness. Through a powerful night of prayer that became a turning point in my faith and hope in being healed.  Penny experienced a renewed hope and an inexplicable vision that sustained her through dark days and challenging treatments. This episode captures the miraculous way prayer not only soothed her spirit ...

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    How a Devoted Faith Lead to Miraculous Healing from Sepsis

    📖 Podcast Episode Summary:

    In this compelling episode, we explore the inspiring story of an individual whose unwavering faith and spiritual devotion played a pivotal role in their miraculous recovery from severe sepsis. Through heartfelt narratives and reflections, this episode delves into the profound connection between spirituality and physical healing, offering hope and...

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    How Beating Sepsis Changed My Life with a Remarkable Healing from Crohn’s

    📖 Podcast Episode Summary:

    In this episode, I share my harrowing journey through sepsis, surgery, and the life-threatening complications of Crohn’s Disease. Facing near death, I witnessed miraculous healing that defied the odds. From the darkest moments of illness to a life-changing recovery, this story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation. Whether...

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    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    In this episode, we dive into Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, causing intestinal damage and nutrient deficiencies. Learn its genetic roots, symptoms like bloating and fatigue, and why a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment. We explore Gluten Intolerance (non-celiac gluten sensitivity), a...

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    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for stillness isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this episode, we explore the incredible benefits of embracing quiet moments to rejuvenate your mind, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Learn how intentional stillness can improve mental clarity, emotional balance, a...

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    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    In this episode, 22, The Best Foods to Consider When Eating for Crohn's Disease, we explore the best foods for managing Crohn’s disease and how to make dietary choices that support gut health while reducing inflammation. Learn which nutrient-dense, gut-friendly foods can help ease symptoms, promote digestion, and support ov...

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    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    Did you know your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxing your body from all the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis? In this episode, we interview Lymphatic Drainage Certified, Aubree Hendershot, DPT,  to explore lymphatic drainage—what it is, why it matters, and how you can support it naturally. Learn expe...

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    Welcome to the BONUS EPISODE & Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    Take a quick listen to learn about our BIG Celebration Launch with Freebies and Raffle!  Whether you live near or FAR you can get

    👉🏻👉🏻EXTRA RAFFLE ENTRIES by clicking HERE!👈🏻👈🏻

    Becoming Natural Podcast and Website Launch Party!

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    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    In this episode, we explore the transformative power of quiet time in healing your body, mind, and soul. Learn how incorporating moments of stillness into your daily routine can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. Discover practical tips and biblical insights on mindful rest, spiritual ren...

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    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    In this transformative episode, we dive into the power of saying "no" to overwhelm and "yes" to faith, healing, and intentional living. Through personal experiences and faith-driven insights, we explore how setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and trusting God’s plan can lead to true peace and fulfillment. If you’re ...

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    **Download Your FREE DETOX GUIDE HERE**

    Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!

    Join host Penny Sampler on the Becoming Natural Podcast as she delves into the hidden health risks associated with conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. This episode explores the science behind common ingredients like aluminum, parabens, triclosan, and synthetic fragrances, unp...


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