Dr. Sebi developed the African Bio-Mineral Balance—a therapeutic approach aimed at restoring health through natural, plant-based nutrition and herbal remedies. Central to his teachings is the understanding that an alkaline environment within the body promotes optimal health, while acidity and mucus buildup contribute to disease. By emphasizing an alkaline diet, avoiding mucus-forming foods, and utilizing specific herbs for detoxification. Dr. Sebi’s principles focus on cleansing and revitalizing the body’s cells. His methodology underscores the body’s innate ability to heal itself when provided with the right natural conditions. Here are 7 principles that could be used to define the African Biomineral Balance:
1. Alkaline Diet for Cellular Health
Dr. Sebi emphasized that an alkaline environment within the body prevents disease and promotes overall health. He argued that acidic foods, such as meat, dairy, processed foods, and refined sugars, disrupt the body’s natural balance and lead to inflammation and disease.
Instead, he promoted a diet rich in:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables from his approved food list
- Whole grains like quinoa, amaranth, and teff
- Natural nuts and seeds (except those that are hybridized or high in acidity)
- Alkaline-forming herbs and teas
The goal is to maintain an alkaline pH in the body, which he purported was essential for proper cellular function, oxygenation, and the prevention of disease.
2. Avoiding Mucus-Forming Foods
Dr. Sebi believed that mucus buildup in the body is the primary cause of most diseases. He explained that when the body accumulates excessive mucus, it leads to blockages in the organs, the prevention of cells receiving oxygen and compromises the immune system.
He advised eliminating foods that promote mucus production, including:
Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt)
Animal meats and processed foods
Starches like white flour, corn, and white rice
Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners
By removing these foods, the body can function at a more optimal level and prevent conditions such as respiratory illnesses, digestive disorders, and chronic inflammation.
3. Herbal Detoxification and Cleansing
Dr. Sebi emphasized the importance of cleansing the body using natural herbs. He designed herbal formulas to remove toxins, cleanse the blood, and regenerate the organs. Some key detoxifying herbs he recommended include:
Burdock Root – Purifies the blood and supports liver function
Sarsaparilla – High in iron and supports immune health
Yellow Dock – Helps cleanse the liver and improve digestion
Elderberry – Boosts the immune system and fights infections
Dandelion Root – Supports kidney and liver detoxification
Sea Moss (Irish Moss) – Rich in minerals and promotes overall vitality
Regular detoxing, he believed, prevents the accumulation of toxins, heavy metals, and waste in the body, leading to better energy levels and overall health.
4. Electrical Foods for Cellular Regeneration
Dr. Sebi referred to naturally grown, unprocessed plant-based foods as “electric foods” because they provide the body with life-giving energy and minerals. He emphasized consuming foods with high vibrational energy that nourish and repair the cells.
Some of his recommended electrical foods include:
- Sea moss (provides 92 of the 102 minerals the body needs)
- Green leafy vegetables (dandelion greens, kale, amaranth greens)
- Fruits (berries, figs, dates, key limes)
- Herbs (bladderwrack, burdock root, cascara sagrada)
- Ancient grains (quinoa, fonio, amaranth)
He discouraged the consumption of hybridized and genetically modified foods (GMOs), as they often lack the full mineral composition needed for optimal health.
5. Fasting and Hydration
Fasting is a key aspect of Dr. Sebi’s healing principles. He encouraged periodic fasting to allow the body to reset, eliminate waste, and heal itself naturally. There are different approaches to fasting and Dr. Sebi never endorsed any specific type of fasting, he recommended using herbs during fasting, having an ocassional fruit (if necessary), and comsuming spring water – which is necessary to flush the system to facilitate cleansing. Dr. Sebi never promoted any specific type of fasting but here are some approaches you may find useful:
- Intermittent fasting (consuming food within a limited window)
- Water fasting (drinking only water for a certain period)
- Juice fasting (consuming fresh juices from alkaline fruits and herbs)
During fasting, he advised drinking natural spring water, which he considered the purest form of water due to its natural mineral content. He discouraged drinking tap water or artificially purified water, as they often contain chemicals and lack vital minerals.
6. Non-Hybrid, Non-GMO, and Natural Foods
Dr. Sebi strongly opposed genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and hybridized foods. He believed that foods altered by humans lack the original mineral balance necessary for cellular health and can cause long-term health issues.
- Hybrid foods (such as seedless fruits and certain grains) are seen as unnatural and nutritionally deficient.
- GMO crops (like soy, corn, and wheat) are linked to digestive issues and inflammation.
Instead, he recommended consuming foods in their original, wild-crafted state. For example, rather than eating common hybrid bananas, he suggested consuming burro bananas, which are closer to their natural form.
7. The Body Can Heal Itself
Perhaps the most powerful principle in Dr. Sebi’s teaching is the understanding that the human body has the ability to heal itself when given the right conditions. He rejected conventional medicine’s approach of treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals and instead focused on removing the cause of disease through proper nutrition and detoxification.
According to Dr. Sebi:
- Disease is not caused by bacteria, viruses, or genetics, but rather by toxins, mucus, and mineral deficiencies.
- By consuming alkaline, mineral-rich foods, the body can repair, regenerate, and restore itself naturally.
- Healing is a process, and it requires commitment to a plant-based diet, fasting, and herbal detoxification.
He believed that no disease is incurable if one follows the right lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments.
Conclusion
Dr. Sebi’s healing principles are deeply rooted in natural health, plant nutrition, and detoxification. His principles revolve around eating whole, alkaline foods, eliminating mucus-forming foods, cleansing the body with herbs, and allowing the body to heal itself naturally.
By following his African Bio-Mineral Balance, many have reported improvements in their energy levels, digestion, immune function, and overall health.
