Dr. Sebi Approved Foods: The Complete Alkaline Food List

Dr. Sebi (1933–2016) was an herbalist who taught that disease thrives in an acidic, mucus-forming body, and that returning to natural, electric, alkaline plant foods is the foundation of healing. His approved food list — sometimes called the African Bio Mineral Balance — remains one of the most searched topics in natural health.

This is an educational summary, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before changing your diet, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.

APPROVED VEGETABLES — amaranth greens, avocado, bell peppers, chayote, cucumber, dandelion greens, garbanzo beans, izote (cactus flower), kale, lettuce (all but iceberg), mushrooms (all but shiitake), nopales, okra, olives, onions, sea vegetables (wakame, dulse, arame, hijiki, nori), squash, tomato (cherry and plum only), tomatillo, turnip greens, watercress, wild arugula, zucchini.

APPROVED FRUITS — apples, bananas (the small or burro variety), berries (all except cranberries), cantaloupe, cherries, currants, dates, figs, grapes (seeded), limes (key limes), mango, melons (seeded), orange (Seville or sour), papayas, peaches, pears, plums, prickly pear (cactus fruit), prunes, raisins (seeded), soft jelly coconuts, soursops, tamarind.

APPROVED GRAINS — amaranth, fonio, kamut, quinoa, rye, spelt, teff, wild rice. These are 'non-hybrid' grains that, in Dr. Sebi's framework, the body recognizes as electric.

APPROVED HERBS, TEAS & SPICES — basil, bay leaf, cloves, dill, oregano, savory, sweet basil, tarragon, thyme; achiote, cayenne, onion powder, pure sea salt, powdered granulated seaweed, sage, ginger, chamomile, fennel, lemon grass, raspberry leaf, tila, burdock, dandelion root, elderberry.

APPROVED NUTS, SEEDS & OILS — raw sesame seeds, raw sesame tahini butter, walnuts, brazil nuts, hemp seeds; olive oil (uncooked), coconut oil (uncooked), grapeseed oil, sesame oil, hempseed oil, avocado oil.

AVOID — animal products, dairy, eggs, processed sugar, white rice, white flour, wheat (hybridized), corn, soy, alcohol, canned foods, seedless fruits, table salt, and anything 'fortified' with synthetic vitamins.

HOW TO START — Don't try to swap everything in one week. Pick one meal per day to convert to the alkaline list, drink a gallon of spring water (Dr. Sebi was specific about spring water, not distilled), and add a daily sea moss gel for trace minerals. Most people feel lighter and more focused within two weeks.

Pair this way of eating with the rest of your wellness life — movement, sunlight, sleep, breath. Food is one beautiful lever; it is not the only one.