Category: Blog

Posts on herbal medicine, nutrition, iridology, recipes, mindfulness and foraging.

  • Cystitis

    Cystitis

    What is Cystitis? Cystitis is the medical term for acute or chronic inflammation and/or infection of the bladder. “This is an inflammation of the wall and lining of the urinary bladder that may be due to bacterial infection or to mechanical abrasion from microcrystals of calcium phosphate in urine.”¹ “The wall of the bladder sustains…

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  • Castor Oil Packs

    Castor Oil Packs

    Hot Castor oil packs help to stimulate deep circulation of blood and lymph, relieve discomfort and assist with the detoxification of the intestines, liver, spleen, lungs, reproductive organs and can be used on virtually any area of the body.* They can be applied over the abdomen for the treatment of constipation, or over the uterus…

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  • What is IBS?

    What is IBS?

    What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the lower bowel that affects more women than men, usually between the ages of 20 – 40 years. It is called a syndrome because IBS can present a wide range of correlated symptoms, varying in severity from mild to debilitating,…

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  • 5 tips for BPH

    5 tips for BPH

    BPH (enlarged prostate) Benign prostatic enlargement is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. BPH commonly affects men over the age of 50 years. The prostate gland sits beneath the bladder and just above the rectum. It encircles the urethra, which empties urine from the bladder. When the prostate gland expands, it presses in on…

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  • Stinging Nettle

    Stinging Nettle

    Urtica dioica Most people know nettle by its sting. Nearby any clump of nettles you will usually find yellow dock growing. As children we would make a spit poultice of a dock leaf and rub it on the affected area for prompt relief. A plantain leaf works just as efficiently – if not more. Folklore…

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  • Sea Spaghetti

    Sea Spaghetti

    Himanthalia elongata Sea spaghetti has a mild sweet taste. It cooks up in minutes, tastes great and makes a healthy substitute for conventional pasta. Chop and add to salads, stir-fries, soups and stews, or serve it in place of a green vegetable. If you like a savoury chew try eating it raw, fresh or dried.…

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  • Medical herbalist

    Medical herbalist

    Why consult a medical herbalist? The short answer is: because herbal medicine works. So why are more people not seeing medical herbalists? —Because herbal medicine does not offer a quick fix. It requires the patient to become an active participant in their own healing and more often than not, to change their dietary and/or lifestyle…

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  • Dandelion Flower Oil

    Dandelion Flower Oil

    External use: Dandelion flower oil makes a nice massage oil for sore or tired muscles. You could add a few drops of essential oil, such as geranium or rosemary,  for added healing benefits. It also makes a soothing emollient for tired eyes or to nourish dry skin. You can use the oil as a base…

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  • Healthy eating habits

    Healthy eating habits

    Healthy eating: general guidelines While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ diet, there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind to help promote healthy eating habits. Eating mostly plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes (beans, peas, lentils), while limiting highly refined foods, will help to reduce your intake of saturated or…

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  • Natural Weight Loss

    Natural Weight Loss

    Understanding Metabolism When we think about metabolism we generally think of it in terms of being fast or slow, or how efficiently we use up energy (counted as calories) from the food we eat. However, metabolism is not just about burning calories. It  includes hundreds of biochemical processes that are essential to life, such as…

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  • Your Right Weight

    Your Right Weight

    What is your right weight? There are many mathematical equations that can tell you what your average weight should be. Cultural and societal influences and our own inner critic, may point to an idealised dress size or waistband. Rather than external dictates, I believe our own body lets us know when we have reached our ideal or right…

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  • Sweet Potato Cream Sauce

    Sweet Potato Cream Sauce

    Sweet potatoes are nutritious and delicious. They are packed with beta-carotene, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Due to their B6, potassium and magnesium content they may help to calm an upset stomach. Sweet potatoes also help to cleanse the digestive tract by soaking up toxins.  Serves 2-4 Ingredients 350gms of sweet potato, chopped into medium-sized chunks…

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  • Salad Dressings

    Salad Dressings

    Make your own salad dressings A vinaigrette is a blend of vinegar with oil. This is a quick and easy classic salad dressing. There is a wide variety of oils  to choose from, the following are the ones I most commonly use: For vinegar I most often use apple cider vinegar, occasionally balsamic vinegar or alternatively…

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  • Chilli Cucumber Salsa

    Chilli Cucumber Salsa

    Ingredients: Directions: Serving suggestion: A spicy salsa to serve with boiled millet or quinoa, as a dip or to accompany salads and main dishes. It pairs nicely with cauliflower rice. Related Post: Tomato Salsa

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  • Carrot, Parsnip Seed Spread

    Carrot, Parsnip Seed Spread

    This carrot and parsnip seed spread is a satisfying option for the lunchbox. Use as a spread on crackers or in sandwiches. It also makes a nice filling: slice a bell or sweet pepper lengthwise, de-seed and fill. Make a chunky version to add to salads or enjoy as a tasty side dish or snack.…

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