Sep 29, 2025
By Border Queen Harvest Hub
Since COVID-19, more people are questioning what’s really in their food. We’ve learned that hidden additives and processed ingredients don’t always support our long-term health. At the same time, it’s easy to forget that here in Kansas, we’re surrounded by some of the best food and natural remedies in the nation.
Kansas is a top producer of healthy foods, yet our state has slipped in health rankings — dropping from #8 in the nation to #30. That’s a wake-up call. But here at the Border Queen Harvest Hub, we know health doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Many of our local producers offer wholesome foods and herbs that can make a remarkable difference in daily life.
One person leading this movement locally is Kimmy Hagar, owner of Hager’s Farm to Home Store in Caldwell, KS. Kimmy’s journey into herbal health started with her family’s struggles — and transformed into a lifelong passion for natural healing.
A Journey Rooted in Family
When Kimmy’s son was just 18 months old, he battled recurring ear infections. Typical advice included “stop bottle feeding before bed” or “take away the pacifier” — except he wasn’t using either. As a nursing baby, those weren’t the culprits. Kimmy dug deeper and discovered research on xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol shown to reduce ear infections in children. She tried it — and it worked.
Later, as her son grew into his teen years, ADHD became a new challenge. Instead of medications, Kimmy chose a lifestyle shift: moving the family to a farm, cooking with clean ingredients, and building exercise into daily chores. Within six months, his ADHD leveled out. Today, he’s 27 and thriving.
Her husband also saw transformation. At one point, he relied on 1,800 mg of ibuprofen daily for pain. By switching to clean eating and incorporating a simple 3-ingredient recipe — turmeric, active yogurt, and berries — he lost 130 pounds, reduced inflammation, and stopped needing pain relievers altogether.
Stories like these fuel Kimmy’s passion to share herbs and nutrition with her community.
The Power of Everyday Herbs
Walking into Kimmy’s store, the south wall is lined with jars of herbs — each one holding centuries of wisdom and modern scientific support. Here are some of the most popular:
- Cayenne Pepper
- May reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
- Contains capsaicin, which blocks pain signals (helpful for arthritis and migraines).
- Can aid digestion, boost metabolism, and protect cells with antioxidants.
- Garlic
- Shown to modestly lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Natural antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Ginger
- Relieves nausea (pregnancy, chemotherapy, or motion sickness).
- Supports digestion and reduces inflammation.
- Peppermint
- Effective for IBS symptoms like gas, bloating, and discomfort.
- Relaxing as a tea, therapeutic in enteric-coated oil capsules.
- Cinnamon (Ceylon)
- Supports blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich.
- Chamomile
- Promotes sleep and reduces anxiety.
- Gentle digestive aid, especially for children.
For seasonal health, Kimmy also recommends immune-boosting allies like echinacea, elderberry, and garlic. She even makes a natural spray called Honey B Healthy — a blend of honey, spring water, and propolis — for daily immune defense.
Beyond Herbs: Fresh Food as Medicine
Kimmy emphasizes that herbs work best alongside real food. One of her upcoming projects is milling flour from sorghum — a gluten-free grain rich in antioxidants and especially beneficial for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Freshly ground flour of any kind, whether sorghum or wheat, is always more nutritious and flavorful than store-bought versions.
How to Use Herbs for Best Results
Herbs can be taken in many forms — fresh, dried, teas, tinctures, or capsules. Here are a few tips Kimmy shares:
- Turmeric → Best absorbed in capsules with black pepper, or in meals with healthy fats.
- Garlic → Most potent raw; chop and let sit before cooking to activate compounds.
- Peppermint → Oil capsules for IBS; tea for relaxation.
- Chamomile → Tea in the evening for sleep support.
- Echinacea → Works best at the first sign of a cold, not for daily use long-term.
Reclaiming Health Together
The message is clear: health isn’t found in quick fixes or prescriptions alone. It’s in our farms, gardens, kitchens, and local shops. By supporting producers like Kimmy, we not only nurture our bodies but also strengthen our community.
So, as fall approaches, maybe it’s time to rethink our medicine cabinet — and our pantry. From honey sprays to ginger teas, fresh bread to cayenne spice, health may be closer than we think.