I have heard of people going to like level 255 to get something, I forgot what, and I have a hard time making it to level 19 for a cursed tool. How can I make it so far w/o passing out? What types of grasses/medicine do I take and how many? Any strategies?

You should try and get as many power berries as you can so you have extra energy, then bring lots of Turboboost XL stuff from the doctor's office.

Or you could use the save cheat. You go into the mine, save it, then look for the stairs. When you find them remember where they are load the file and you can go straight to the spot where the stairs are without all that useless digging around. And i think at level 255 you can get a teleport stone which lets teleport places or something.

better bring Elli's Leaves if you already have it. It will recover both of your stamina and fatigue level 100%.

Isnt there a better way? I was using elli leaves and I only got to like level 30 or 31.

what mine is the cursed tools in?some people say spring mine,some people say winter mine...

I recall it's the winter mine.

I suggest bringing Elli leaves for replenishing your stamina and fatigue or bring a goddess gem or kappa gem and saving in the first slot and find the ladder and load the game and try to remember where the ladder is and dig repeat it again and again.