Herbal Blessings

A cup of herbal tea can bring health and vitality. Herbs can calm us when we are anxious, soothe our soul when we are grieving, and lift our spirits. Herbs heal our bodies, minds and emotions. They can also heal our spirits.

When disease is looked at through a wholistic viewpoint, we see that the physical state often follows the thoughts and emotions. Physical disorder comes when the whole being is out of harmony. If we refuse to look at an issue in our life or develop negative views and thought patterns, illness often follows. In wholistic medicine, the cause of a disease is always a starting place to look when treating a person, and it is when these thought patterns and issues are faced that healing begins on a deeper level.

Herbal medicines have been used since the dawn of time and are very effective in treating physical ailments. The success of a well-prepared herbal prescription can also come down to the spiritual properties of the herbs. When taking any herb, or any other substance, it has a spiritual effect on us. The vibration of the plant will effect your own vibration. The herb will not only heal your body, but will work towards healing the mind and the spirit. Often when someone is on an herbal preparation for a long time, due to illness, the effect on them can be profound. The healing experience goes beyond the physical experience, and shifts can be made in their thoughts, emotions and spiritual journey.

Each herb has it's different qualities and can be used in various ways to help us to find our spiritual path and remove blockages we may have that prevent us from reaching our full potential. Spending time contemplating and meditating on the herbs can help to open your intuition and lead you to what ones to use. The herb use should be based on the activities you are about to undertake. Using an herb that will bring you into awareness and help you focus would be great in the morning when you are starting your day. At night something that brings you into a quieter mood is more appropriate.

Using herbs on a spiritual level can be done as simply as using herbs for any physically ailment. Having an awareness of the herbs you use in your life can help enhance their spiritual use. Using an herb in its most readily available form is usually the best way to use it. When you look at a herb or think about it, try to get an image of what it will do for you. Look at the colours of the plant and the flowers, are you using roots, leaves, seeds, stems or flowers? What shape is the plant or parts of, what do they remind you of? These things can help lead you to what it is useful for, both physically and spiritually.

The simplest way to use herbs is as an infusion, made with boiling water. Use the purist water you have available for this purpose. Using the sun to infuse your herbs is a slow but effective way to draw out spiritual properties. You may need to leave your herbs in water in natural sunlight for most of the day. It is best to use clear glass and cover it will glass also and leave in a warm sunny spot. While fresh herbs are always the best for this, you can also use dried, visual the fresh whole plant as you prepare your tea.

The herbs you use in cooking can also reflect the spiritual properties. Think about which herbs you are using and what spiritual properties you wish to enhance. The food will take on the spiritualty properties of the herbs. If you are cooking for your family or a group you may want to consider which herbs will promote unity and peace among those enjoying your cooking.

Burning herbs had been used for centuries in rituals. This is also another way of getting in touch with the herb. The smell of the burning herb generates the fire element within a person, which brings greater insight. You can create your own "tea ceremony", with the drinking of tea, followed by the burning of the herb as you meditate. Bathing in an herbal infusion can also be beneficial

As you more regularly use herbs with reflection on their spiritual properties and influence in your life you will become more in tune on their effect in you. Herbs can help you to come to know yourself and move forward on your own spiritual journey.

Red Clover imparts calm and steady behaviour and helps you to become more self-aware and self-contained. Red Clover has a unique ability to be grounding without causing you to 'come down' psychically or emotionally. Emotions can be made more conscious, allowing for greater expansion. A deep feeling of letting go can be experienced.

Sarsaparilla, clears mind of negative emotions, eases communication of intimate thoughts and feelings with clarity and courage

Plantain can be useful for someone to work with when they are depressed because they cannot accept something they cannot change. It encourages stability and allows opportunities for growth. It helps to release negativity and blockages we created in our selves that prevent us from moving forward. It is a cleanser, not just for the body, but also for the mind. It encourages us to become grounded and enjoy life once again.

Echinacea has qualities of swiftness, protection and purification. Spiritually it welcomes change, it makes it easier to accept new changes, new abilities and new ways of seeing things.

Liquorice allows greater release of emotional blockages. (Physically one of its properties is a laxative!) It can help when there is difficulty in understanding the purpose of a relationship, or why one is in the relationship, or understanding each other. Liquorice can be useful when emotional blocks are preventing psychic abilities. It activates enthusiasm, urgency, and many other emotions.

Lavender has the spiritual property of creating greater states of relaxation in higher states, so is very beneficial when meditating. Lavender can be used to increase clarity in viewing the world, and to assist the evolution of one's spirit through life. The ultimate spiritual benefit of Lavender is to bring everyday actions into more association with God. Men will discover more gentleness and women will develop a great strength.

St Mary's Thistle stimulates forgiveness. It has a great cleansing effect on both the physical and emotional body. (This herb is known as a great liver cleanser - according to many traditions, the liver is where we hold all our emotions) A sense of loneliness can be eased and replaced with a feeling of oneness with others.

Lemon Balm brings peace to an individual, helps them to relax, release tensions and learn and understand lessons from the past.

Basil develops enthusiasm, which can be directed into spiritual awakening and deeper meditation. It enables one to know their emotions better and to make better choices. The emotions are brought into a greater sense of clarity and the greater purpose of life is sensed. Basil is known for protecting a seeker from fears one encounters when moving along a spiritual path.

Chamomile, while relaxing, helps one to find greater clarity in their life. Chamomile can be useful in relationships, being it business or personal, as it helps to create a closer understanding and empathy between people.

Fennel is for when you need grounding. And need to feel connected to the earth. The ability to open the heart will be enhanced, with an understanding that all people deserve love.

Nasturtium brings joy to the soul. It has a deep uplifting and lightening quality. It has a peaceful action, helping the individual find joy within themselves, enhancing the possibilities for peace on the planet.

Neither the spiritual nor the physical properties of herbs is to be undervalues. They go hand in hand. Healing with herbs, as with all types of medicined needs to take in consideration the whole person that is why there is such benefit to be gained. When the physical person is considered and their emotions and spirituality are taken into account, a great healing experience can occur.

The Healing Kitchen

When an emergency has come up, how many times haven’t you had just the right treatment in your medicine cupboard? Well, forget the quick trip to the all night chemist. Look in your fridge. It’s full of medicine and first aid treatments. Foods have been used as medicines for thousands of years. They are safe to use and readily available. 

Honey has a long history of healing.  It relieves coughs and helps fight off colds and fevers.  Take it with lemon as a cough reliever or as a hot lemon drink for colds.  Its antiseptic properties make it perfect for external healing as well.  Placed on wounds and ulcers it can help speed up the healing process, while fighting off any infection.  Pus and poisons can be drawn out with honey, making it idea for pimples, boils and infected wounds.  Just dab on some honey.

Cucumbers are great in summer not just for salads, but also for sunburn relief.  Their cooling and soothing properties make them ideal for use on all sorts of minor burns.  Burning inflamed skin conditions, such as hives, eczema and insects' bites, can all so find relief with a slice of cucumber skin.  Tired puffy eyes will be cooled and refreshed with a slice of cucumber.  Cucumber is a great internal cleanser used for fluid retention and removal of toxins, making it ideal for conditions such as arthritis and gout.  

Potatoes are a traditional heart and circulation remedy, but can be used to soothe inflammations and encourage the healing of skin infections, dermatitis, wounds and ulcers.  They can be used as a juice, grated or sliced.  As a juice it can be used to relief indigestion, and constipation.  Grated potatoes mixed with olive oil, is useful for sunburn, cracked skin and swollen eyelids.  Slices of potatoes are great for sores, chilblains, headaches and migraines.

Cabbages are highly nutritious, having many healing properties and can be used for many different conditions.  Cabbage juice is great for relief of all sorts of ulcers, from peptic ulcers to skin ulcers.  The juice can also be used on burns, bites, cold sores and acne.  The cabbage leaf is both soothing and antiseptic, also having the ability to draw out toxins from the skin.  A poultice can be made from cabbage leafs and used on such conditions as: wounds, burns, boils, bruises, ulcers, blisters, stings, cold sores, shingles, and headaches. Cabbage leaves have a good reputation for relieving sore and inflamed breast during breastfeeding.  Its anti-inflammatory properties make it idea for relief of swollen joints.  The poultice can also be used to help soothe harsh coughs.  To make a cabbage poultice: remove the ribs from the greenest leaves, Soak in warm to hot water to soften the leaves.  Crush with a rolling pin, then wrap the area using a bandage or cling wrap to hold the cabbage in place. This can be left for a few hours. 

Egg whites can also be used to soothe the skin.  Beaten egg whites can be spread on minor burns, sunburn or nappy rash.  It is an old remedy used not just for burn relieve but also sprains and whitlows.  Egg whites can also be used to soothe the mucous membranes of the stomach or bowel, for heartburn, indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea. 

Carrots are a highly nutritious vegetable with great restorative properties.  Carrots can bring relieve to both constipation and diarrhoea.  It can be used to expel mucus from the chest.  A raw carrot poultice can be used to help the speed healing of wounds, varicose ulcers, burns, whitlows, boils,  and abscesses.  A broth made with half a kilogram of carrots to a litre of water, blended is good for chilblains, chapped skin, cold-sores and soothing itching from eczema. 

Olive oil has long been considered the healthy oil.  But its use can go further than salad dressing.  Olive oil has a soothing effect so it can be used for wind, indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, peptic ulcers and constipation.  It can help relieve harsh dry coughs, laryngitis and croup.  Skin irritations can also be soothed with olive oil, being useful for conditions such as eczema, chapped skin, cold sores and cradle-cap.  A few drops of warmed oil dropped into the ear can help soften wax of a blocked ear.  A liniment can be made with garlic and olive oil by putting crushed garlic cloves in some oil.  The liniment then can be used for joint pains, neuralgia and sprains. 

Garlic, which has antibiotic properties, has always been considered a great cold and flu remedy.  Crushing 4-6 cloves and mixing into a jar of honey can make up a cough mixture.  The garlic can later be filtered off.  This can be used to help ward of colds, when you feel one coming on.  The mixture can then be used to sooth sore throats and other respiratory infections.  Crushed garlic in oil  can also be used for cuts, inflamed joints, rheumatism, sprains, ringworm, stings and bites.  Also, the garlic oil can be rubbed into the chest to relieve coughs and chest infections.   Garlic helps to purify the body and improves the general immune system.   Parsley will help rid your breath of garlic! 

Onions have been used for centuries for their healing properties, and were considered by the ancient Egyptians to be a “cure-all”.  Onion was used as an antiseptic for wounds during the war. Onions have a powerful ability to fight many bacteria, making it ideal for use in colds, flues and other respiratory problems.   A mixture can be made using a chopped raw onion drizzled with honey and left over night, and then a dessertspoon can be taken every 2 hours.  This mixture can be used for sore throats, colds, sinusitis, and catarrh, breaking up of mucous and as a cough mixture for coughs.    Onions are a great tonic for those suffering from tiredness, exhaustion and anaemia.  For those with water retention, arthritis, gout, urinary gravel, and diabetes, onions are a great addition to the diet. 

Not only are these foods great to have on hand for first aid treatment, they’re even better to eat.  A regular diet of fresh fruit and vegetable will help maintain a healthy life and speed up recovery when illness and accidents occur.  While the foods listed here will bring relief and treat minor conditions, it is important to seek professional advice for more serious complaints or where no relief is found.

Using Herbs

From the earliest of times, herbs have been used as medicines, flavourings, colourings.  Herbal medicine has developed by intuition and experimentation.  Following the doctrine of signatures, wise medicine women and men over the centuries, have been able to develop the knowledge we now have which allows as to use herbs safely.  The doctrine of signatures is simple and is helped along with intuition.

 An herb may look a certain way, have a certain colour or taste.  This leads to the knowledge of what the herb can be used for.  For example, ginseng can look like a man, it is found to be an all over tonic for men.  Pennywort looks like an ear, and is excellent for soothing ear aches.  Herbs with a yellow colouring, eg Dandelion, are perfect for the liver, as are bitter tasting herbs.

Modern medicine has followed the wisdom and knowledge of ancient ways and extracted the healing properties from herbs.  The use of herbs in our modern society is just as popular as it has always been. 

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways.  We use them just for the enjoyment of their taste in cooking and in herbal teas.  It is interesting to note that the herbs we use in cooking, generally, have a role in helping digestion.  Herbs such as basil, oregano and thyme can all ease the digestive process.  Garlic and ginger, used often in our cooking are very beneficial to our health.  Both these herbs have a many different medicinal qualities about them. 

Garlic boosts our immune system, helps to keep the arteries clear and is good for any heart condition.  Ginger warms us, by improving the circulation, eases nausea and is great for those suffering with arthritic aches and pains. 

Peppermint is another great one we are all familiar with.  There is a reason for those after dinner mints!  It helps to ease the digestion and relieve after dinner indigestion.

Herbal teas are really popular.  Whether you drink them just for the taste or for medicinal purposes, there is one or a combination of herbs that will suit everyone. 

Making an herbal infusion (tea)) is simple, even in you don't have teabags.

To make herbal infusions or teas, place the desired amount of dried herb (usually 1-2 teaspoons) in a warmed teapot and cover with boiling water.  Allow the tea to infuse for about 10 minutes.  A tea infuser can be used in place of a teapot or bag, to make just a cup, or for the convenience of taking it with you when you are out.   You may like to mix your herbs to make your own special brew.

An herbal infusion can also be used externally, allow them to cool before using.  Herbs such as Sage, Thyme and Calendula are great for using on wounds to clean out any germs.  We use sage and/or thyme with great success on our cat after he's been in a fight.  This stops the infection that often leads to abscesses in cats.  Eyebright is great to use on tired sore and/or itchy eyes. Herbs such as Rosemary, chamomile and sage can be used in the hair.  Rosemary is used to fight dandruff and Chamomile and Sage can add shine, chamomile to lighten fair hair and sage for dark hair.

The role of herbs in our lives is endless.  From cooking to beauty and health.

Following are some common herbs and their medicinal qualities.  You can make some up in teas, mix them together to find your own personal blend or simply use a teabag.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Well known for it's calming effects, it can be used to ease insomnia and anxiety. Also a calmative for digestive complaints.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Best known for its use as a liver tonic, making it ideal for a variety of digestive complaints and skin problems. A complimentary herb for all liver cleansing diets and de-toxifying.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A delicious tea which is a soothing digestive remedy, for the relieve of colic, gastric ulcerations,  inflammations and diarrhoea. Useful for bronchial problems, such as catarrh, bronchitis and dry, asthmatic like coughs

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) For anxiety and nervous states, great for mild cases of insomnia, especially for those who wake during the night and can't get back to sleep.  Great for children or adults. Useful for indigestion and diarrhoea that is anxiety or nerve related. Mild nerve pain such as neuralgia or sciatica may be relieved.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): A relaxing and refreshing drink. Stimulates digestive juices, calms stomach and digestive tract. Relieves nausea and vomiting, great for morning sickness. Valuable in the treatment of fevers especially with a cold or flu. Can relieve headaches, painful periods and eases anxiety and tension.

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus ideaus) Known as a pregnancy herb. Raspberry leaf tea helps to tone and prepare the womb for labour and helps relieve heavy periods. Also useful as a mouth gargle for sore throats, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammations

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) One of the most useful herbs for children with skin problems, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and allergy type rashes.  An expectorant for temporary relief of dry spasmodic coughs and bronchitis. Red Clover is also used for menopausal conditions, such as hot flushes.

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) The number one anti-depression herb. Used in depression and anxiety, in many circumstances. Has a sedative and pain reducing effect, especially where nerves are involved.  Can also be useful during some viral infections, such as cold sores, chicken pox and shingles, both internally and externally.

A Time For Love

 Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  It's time to start planning a Romantic Evening with that special someone.  But where to start?

Well, how about a little TLC for yourself.  A nice relaxing bubble bath should do the trick.  Take your time.  Prepare yourself for a night of romance.

Something special to wear?  Choose your colours carefully.  Of course choose something that suits you, but remember that the colour you wear can give out messages too.

Y             Purple is magical, mystical and mysterious

Y             Pink is for love

Y             Blue is conservative and safe

Y             Turquoise is good if it's communication you are after

Y             Green is peaceful and content

Y             Yellow is happiness, warmth and laughter

Y             Orange is about pleasure and harmony

Y             Red is sexy and passionate

Y             Black while it is sexy, it presents an emotional blockage, so if it's love you want then add a bit of colour

Y             White is innocent and pure

Now, let's set the scene.

Start with some essential oils.  A nice blend of aphrodisiac oils could include

Ylang, Ylang, Bergamot, Patchouli, Rose or Geranium.  The aroma will help set

the mood.

Candlelight is very romantic.  A colour to suit the occasion.... Red?  Perfect.

Don't forget the flowers. The flowers of love.  Roses.  They don't have to be in vase.  You could sprinkle rose petals around - on the table, on the bed. 

Rose petals are often used in love spells.  Tonight create some magick of your own.  Other love flowers include lavender, violets and orchids.

Now for the food.

Start out with some Vitamin C laden fruit juice.  This will boost your energy for the night ahead. 

Oysters are one of the best-known aphrodisiacs.  They owe their reputation to their high source of Zinc.  Essential for your sexual vitality.

Let's spice things up with some spices.  Curries and chillies really warm things up.  Herbs and spices that are said to have the magickal quality of being an aphrodisiacs, that you can use in your cooking are:  Ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, bay leaves, rosemary, turmeric and basil.  (Use basil to help any strife between you and your lover.)

Maybe you could mix some of the herbs together to make into a tea.  Have your own tea ceremony later in the evening.  Some other herbs to consider should be liquorice, gotu kola, damiana, saw palmetto and of course the king of aphrodisiacs - Ginseng.

Would you believe seaweed as an aphrodisiac?  Well, it's packed full of antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E and Zinc.  These help you keep your youthful vitality and are great assets to the sexual organs.  So maybe Sushi could be in the menu.

Enjoying fresh fruit with your lover can be very sensual.  Enjoy the succulent juiciness of mangoes or the luscious sweetness of strawberries.  Share with each other your favourite fruits.  Red-orange fruits are particularly passionate.

Ah Chocolate.  'The food of the Gods.'  A special gift for all, especially on Valentine's Day.  Chocolate has a wonderful little chemical in it called phenylethylamin.  The love chemical.  It's what your brain produces when you are in love and feeling that everything is right with the world.  No wonder we all love the stuff so much.

Let's continue the evening with a nice sensuous massage.  Add a few drops of essential oil into the massage oil and your are ready........the rest is up to you.

Enjoy!

Healing Herbs

Herbs and Spices live in our kitchen cupboards, waiting to spice up our cooking and our lives. Adding flavour to food is just a small part of the potential use of herbs. A good quality herb used in medicinal quantities can have great benefits. The well-stocked spice rack could also become the medicine cabinet.

Most culinary herbs, in general, have a medicinal quality that helps with digestion. Many of them are calming to the system. They help ease the process. Herbs such as  Caraway, Cardamom. Cayenne, Ginger, Peppermint and Thyme can help relax the stomach muscles, supporting movement of food through the system. This helps to reduce bloating and gas. Using these herbs in cooking can help decrease the occurrence of indigestion problems. Making teas from one (or a combination) of these herbs can help relieve these symptoms. Also many of them are digestive stimulants, helping g to improve the process.

Sage has been traditionally associated with longevity and is a great medicine. The properties of Sage make it ideal for mouth problems. For ulcers a tea can be made up, using a teaspoon of dried herb to a cup of boiling water. The tea, when cooled, can then be used as a mouthwash. This is ideal for any mouth inflammation, including gum, throat and tonsils infections. The antiseptic qualities of Sage also make it suitable as a skin wash and for the healing of wounds. Sage can also be used to dry up breast milk, so should not be taken internally if pregnant or breast-feeding. Hot flushes of menopause can be eased greatly by drinking of sage tea, up to five times a day, or when needed.

Thyme and Sage are really good together, not just for taste, but also medicinally. Thyme has anti-microbial properties, so mixed with Sage or on it's own, is ideal for mouth and throat infections. It can ease sore throats and can also help sooth irritable coughs. Thyme has a use as an external wash for infected wounds, or to prevent an infection from forming.

Rosemary is well known for its use as an anti-depressant. It may also be helpful in calming headaches, especially where nervous tension is the cause. The herb can relieve indigestion caused by nervous tension. Rosemary is a memory herb, so it is great around exam time, or any time the memory needs a boost. a mouthwash can also be made out of Rosemary, being particular good to freshen the breath. Rinsing the hair with Rosemary can be beneficial for those suffering from scalp irritations such as dandruff or psoriasis.

Parsley is a great breathe freshener, known for being able to even kill the smell of garlic. If you have fresh parsley, take a couple of sprigs and dip them in vinegar, then chew them thoroughly before swallowing. Parsley can be used to ease fluid retention and urinary problems. Make a strong tea out of the leaves and allow to steep for 40 minutes. Drink this 4 times a day.

Cinnamon is popular on toast in winter because of its warming properties. Any condition where coldness is a problem can be assisted by Cinnamon. Along with Ginger, Cardamom and Cloves, cinnamon can make a great warming drink when mixed with a hot wineglass of red grape juice. (Mix crushed dried herbs to taste) Not only is the delicious, but also it is an iron and digestive tonic as well as helping to get the circulation going. Fantastic drink to come home to on cold days.

Ginger is a very well known spice, not only for culinary uses, but also medicinally. It is famous for its use to ease nausea, from morning sickness to travel sickness. Digestion can be helped with Ginger, easing and calming the process. Ginger helps to boost the circulation and brings warmth to the whole body, so is ideal for bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. Arthritis sufferers can find relief in using Ginger. Placing a couple of slices of the root in boiling water can make a simple Ginger tea.

Peppermint is a very relaxing herb. It can relieve digestive problems, such as colic and dyspepsia. It can help relieve nausea and vomiting, especially helpful in pregnancy and travel sickness. Anxiety and tension can be relieved with a cup of Peppermint tea. It can be useful to use for migraines and headaches that are related to digestive problems. Period pain and tension can be lessened with the help of Peppermint. This tea can also be used to alleviate diarrhoea.

Caraway helps to stimulate the appetite and ease digestive problems. It is helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea. It can be used as a gargle for laryngitis. Period pain can be relieved and it also has a use in increasing milk flow in mothers.

Cayenne is known as a general tonic especially for the circulation and digestive systems. It is particularly good when there is a problem with cold hands and feet.

Cloves have an antiseptic quality so can be used when there is toothache. Take a whole clove, place on the tooth in question and bite down on this.

Marjoram is useful in the treatment of colds and flu. It has antiseptic properties giving it a use in fighting against mouth and throat inflammations and also for coughs. It can be used externally as a wash for infected cuts and wounds, also to sooth stings and bites.

As you can see we already have such a great medicine cabinet in our kitchen. Some of these herbs have similar uses, so mixing two or three together to make the taste more pleasant could be the way to go.

Herbs used in cooking are not usually at a medicinal dose, so are quite safe. When choosing herbs to use, always look for the best quality and preferably organic. These suggestions are for the relief minor symptoms and first aid treatments. If symptoms persist or are more serious, please ask for advice. Pregnant women should always seek advice before taking any herbs internally.

Dealing with Depression

Depression.

Depression hits many of us at different times during our lives.  The symptoms are commonly known: being tired all the time, low self-esteem, no self-confidence, disturbed sleep, concentration impaired and no interest in life.

Depression is not just a dark mood; it is an illness.  Low levels of the hormone serotonin are a known contributing factor.   The lower the Serotonin levels the deeper the depression.  To increase the Serotonin all the building blocks need to be present.  One of the vital missing links is often the amino acid Tryptophan. 

So increasing Tryptophan in our diets can help ease depression.  Foods that are high in Tryptophan are fish, turkey, meat and chicken, Parmesan cheese, almonds, barley, lentils and bananas.  Tryptophanes first priority in the body is to make Niacin (vitamin B3), not to make Serotonin.  In other words, it is vital to ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of Niacin in your diet, if you are going to increase the Serotonin levels.  Other B Vitamins are also essential.  A good balance diet, which includes a variety of fish, pulses and fresh raw vegetables, is always the key. 

Some foods that help lift moods are:

Carbohydrates in winter, if you crave these in winter, they may help lift the winter blues.  Look towards eating the more complex carbohydrates such as dried beans, pasta, vegetables, cereal, whole grain bread and crackers.

Spinach is high in folic acid.  It has been shown that people with depression have lower levels of folic acid than normal.  Low folic acid can cause the levels of Serotonin to shrink.  The amount need to fight off depression is only 200mg-500mg a day.  This amount can easily be found in foods such as green leafy vegetables.  200mg is can be obtained from about three quarters of a cup of spinach.

Fish is brain food.  Eating seafood can improve your mood.  Seafood is extra high in the trace mineral Selenium.  Those with low Selenium levels are more likely to be anxious, depressed and tired.  (Australian soils are deficient in Selenium)  It has been found that when those with low Selenium levels increase them, their moods improve.  Most Selenium comes from grains, seafood and cereals.  Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of them all. Eating just one a day will guarantee you are never deficient in Selenium.

Garlic.  Studies on garlic have shown that not only do they have other health benefits, but also the garlic eaters, generally had a greater sense of well-being.  They experienced less fatigue, anxiety, sensitivity, agitation and irritability.

Many lifestyle considerations need to be looked in to.  Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can decrease the tryptophan levels, as can caffeine and sugar.  When suffering from depression it is easy to use these as a crutch and instead of decreasing your usage, it is increased.  Of course this just exacerbates the situation.

Exercise is a great mood lifting. Mood elevating endorphins are released during exercise.  A brisk walk or jog is great way to clear the air.  Other great exercises for this are cycling, racquet sports, aerobic exercise, weight lifting, etc. 

As always, it is important to look at things holistically.  Emotional aspect must consider.  Often depression comes with an overload of energy, so releasing that energy is important.  So apart from exercise already mentioned, massage is a great energy mover.  Doing things that help spark your creativity can help release pent up emotional energy too.  Consider writing in a journal, or stories, poetry, whatever.  Drawing pictures, they don't have to be a master pieces, just let yourself go, draw squiggles, doodle, paint picture, splurge with colour. Take a class in something like pottery, anything creative. Play a musical instrument.   Sing.  It doesn't have to be in tune, just let it out; this is a great way to release emotions.  Enjoy other people's creativity; go to museums, art galleries, craft show, or concerts.

A great way to deal with depression is to get involved in something worthwhile.  Leave your troubles behind and help someone else.  In our lives today, it is so easy to become isolated from other people.  This is just a breeding ground for depression.  Join a group and make some friends. 

Find someone to talk to about your problems.  In severe cases counselling may help.

If you need more than this you may want to consider supplements.  Hypericum (St John's Wort) is the number 1 herb for depression.  (If you are on other medication, check first that it won't interact)  Tryptophan is available but on a limited basis.  A multivitamin, which is high in the B vitamins, is essential.  Flower Essences are a good stand by to help you through.  Essential oils can also lift the mood. 

Above all, changing your outlook helps.  Work on replacing your negative thoughts with positive empowering thoughts. Take charge and live the life you want to live.

Naturopathy

In this abundant planet we call our home we have been blessed with everything we need. Within nature we can find a cure for all that ails us. The human body is an amazing thing; it has an incredible ability to heal itself. Using natural therapies, the body can be assisted in this process. This is what Naturopathy is all about.

The main emphasis of wholistic healing is always to treat the whole person and to recognise that in their individuality. No two people are the same either in personality or in sickness.
Careful consideration is always given to the whole state of 'dis-ease'. The Naturopath always asks in-depth and sometimes seemingly irrelevant questions. The best solution to a problem is often found underlying the surface. The cause of the problem needs to be sought out and this can often be emotional, but all factors are taken into consideration. The best treatment comes from a full understanding of who the person being treated really is. The aim is not to just remove the symptoms, but to remove the cause of the problem. This is where a cure is to be found.

While a Naturopath cannot make legal claim to being a doctor, it is in the original meaning of the word that we find the best description of a Naturopath: A teacher. It is the role of a Naturopath to educate the patient on their health and how to heal themselves and to maintain their health. The Naturopath supports nature in its ability to heal, using natural substances to assist the body to heal itself.

Naturopathy incorporates many forms of natural and traditional healing: therapies such as Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Diet and Flower Essences, are amongst the most well known.

Homeopathy is a highly specialised form of natural medicine based on the concept of 'like cures like'. In other words a substance that is found to cause symptoms in a healthy person will cure the same symptoms that occur in a sick person. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural sources and diluted and potentised. The remedy may contain little or none of the original substance, but carries its energy and healing stimulating properties.

Homeopathy can treat all types of illness, chronic, acute and minor accidents. The remedy chosen needs to match the all over picture of the patient, everything is taken into account, personality, emotions, physical and mental symptoms and wellbeing. It is truly a wholistic therapy.

Homeopathy works by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself and assists you to overcome your sickness. When being treated Homoeopathically it is common, for not just the symptoms to be relieved but to be feeling better all over.

Herbal Medicine The use of plants for healing goes back to the beginning of time. Over the centuries medicine women and men have developed their intuition and discovered the great powers of plants. This knowledge has been handed down through the generations and now proven by science. Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used today are based on traditional herbal medicine.

Diet and Nutrition is a fundamental part of any complete health program. In this modern world the foods we eat are no longer full of life giving nutrients and it is all too easy to grab for the easy to prepare processed foods. All in all, this means that the majority of people are deficient in nutrients and this, in turn, contributes to illness. Finding the right diet and the right nutrients to suit your individual needs can make a tremendous difference to your life.

Flower Essences are a wonderful addition to our health care. They help to rebalance our emotional, mental and spiritual lives. This can also assist in physical healing as well, as it reaches into the root of the cause of disease. The rebalancing of our lives is greatly enhanced by action of flower essences. Many people will testify that when all around them things were falling apart, a few drops of Rescue Remedy has helped them to hold things together and rise above the situation.

Natural medicine has a lot to offer each one of us. It incorporates all facets of our lives, helping us back on our own paths and helping us to fulfil our potential.

Healthy Skin

The skin is our largest organ. It has important functions in being protective, a sensory organ, and also helps to eliminate toxins from the body. To keep the skin looking healthy, it is important to keep the whole body well nourished and cared for.

The condition of the skin reflects our internal health. An imbalance internal can often show up on the skin in the form of blemishes and colourations.

It is important, if you want good skin, to take good care of yourself overall. Your skins health is dependant on the health of the rest of your body. Drinking plenty of water may be the number one factor. The body is made up of 70% water and we constantly need to replenish this supply. Water helps to carry nutrients throughout the body and flushes out the toxins. Without this the elimination process can be hindered, clogging up the system and as a result, clogging up the skin. The whole body constantly uses water and we constantly eliminate, so make sure you replace what is lost. Generally speaking around 2 litres of water a day should be drunk. This of course can vary from person to person and varies according to diet, lifestyle and other health factors. A rich, fatty diet requires more water than one high in fruit and vegetables. An active lifestyle requires more water and of course in summer or in air-conditioned environments that are often drying, more water is needed. If you suffer from constipation, then extra water is needed than for those with normal bowel function. Try to avoid caffeinated and/or sugary drinks; these are dehydrating.

Of course exposure to chemicals can contribute to skin problems, and smoking is terrible for the skin (and the rest of you) and very ageing. Care needs to be taken not to overexpose skin to ultraviolet radiation. Sunbathing can reduce the elasticity and tone of the skin, as well as exposing your self to the potential of skin cancer.

When choosing skin care products, look for natural products. The chemical cocktail in some skin care products can do more harm than good. Botani products offer a great natural and effective alternative.

When looking at diet, it comes to the same old story. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to include salads daily, both for lunch and dinner. Lots of raw vegies are great, but cooked and as soup are great alternatives. Nothing beats a tasty veggie soup for lunch. Fruit on its own, for breakfast or a snack can't be beaten for taste and as a fast easy food. Choosing whole grain foods in place of processed is important. They move through the system a lot easier. White bread can just clog up the system. Whole grains contain a lot more nutrients and that essential fibre, keeping the system clean, therefore keeping the skin clean. (Where do the toxins go when they can't get through the normal route? Out through the skin, blemishes, pimples and other skin disorders.) Ensuring you have plenty of fibre and you bowel is functioning efficiently is vital (that is at least once a day!

Essential fatty acids are very important for the skin. These help prevent dryness of the skin and keep the texture and vitality, as well as their numerous other functions. Even if you have oily skin, you still need these! Some of the best sources of these come in the form of flaxseed oil and olive oil. Use olive oil in cooking, it is best for this as it is heat stable, many others are not. Fresh fish is a good source of these oils as well.

Protein is important too. Protein provides you with amino acids and many of these help with tissue repair and rapid cell growth, important for the skin. Not all protein needs to come from meat. Try some Legumes and beans. A diet varied in legumes, beans, whole grains and vegetables can supply you with adequate protein.

The important nutrients for skin health include Vitamin A and beta carotene (foods that are orange and yellow) helps prevents acne, blemishes, dry skin and important in all skin disorders. Vitamin C helps to reduce the ageing and the damaging effect of pollutants with its antioxidant function. Vitamin E and Selenium are also important antioxidants.
Zinc is needed for cell repair and enzyme production.
Silica strengthens the skin, hair and nails.
B vitamin deficiencies are often associated with skin disorders.
Essential Fatty acids nourish the skin and protect the body from various other complaints.

For most people a good healthy diet is sufficient to keep the skin healthy and glowing. Sometimes extra help is needed, in the form of supplements. Allergies can also cause skin problems, including acne.



Copyright Andrea Putting

Eating To Stay Healthy

Do you have a lack of energy, skin problems or constipation? These and many other problems can be related to poor digestive function. so many health problems begin in the digestive system. It may be that you are not getting the right nutrients. However, all to often it is not functioning properly, resulting in being unable to use the nutrients found in our foods. Even the best diet in the world won't help, if the digestive process is deficient. simplifying our eating process and making a few simple changes can make all the difference.

The first thing to look at with any health problem is what are you eating? This question goes further, with when and what with? Many people experience discomfort when they eat certain foods. This is often a result of what they are eating the food with. For example, melons eaten as a dessert will more often than not cause some sort of digestive complaint. Yet eating melon on it's own, on an empty stomach, will not. Food eaten in bad combinations tends to ferment in the stomach. This can result in a variety of conditions. Eating foods in good combinations helps to keep the body clean and free from stagnation. This also helps promote weight-loss.

The basic rules of food combining are; to start with, eat fruit on it's own, on an empty stomach. This is a great way to start the day to get the system moving and give you a quick energy boost, or at any time of day. The other important rule is never mix starches (potatoes, beans, grains, etc) with proteins (meat, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts). The theory behind these rules is that the time it takes each type of food to digest is different. A 'bad' mix will slow down digest, giving rise to fermentation and then gases and chemicals may be produced, adding to the overloaded system. The best food combination for a meal is to eat vegetables with protein, or vegetables with starch. Avocado, Olives and Seed Oils can be mixed with anything. This type of diet requires a little alteration to the 'average' Australian diet. Many of us have meat and potato based diets, but with a little imagination and the help of a some good cookbooks, it can be simply done.

Apple cider vinegar is an old fold remedy for many things. One of its best functions is to help with the digestion. When there is not enough acids being produced by the stomach, the digestion of protein is hampered. This can lead to food intolerance, which is the basis of many other disorders. Skin problems such as eczema, acne rosacea and dermatitis can be related to this. The absorption of calcium and iron are decreased by low stomach acid. Arthritis can be helped by improved stomach acidity, as can many digestive problems, such as bad breath, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and constipation. The amount of acid produced in the stomach decreases with age.

Approximately 40% of people will have a problem with low stomach acids by the age of 40, 50% by the age of 50, etc. Drinking a teaspoon of cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals can help remedy this issue.Pineapple and papaya both contain a digestive enzyme, Bromelain. This helps improve the acid content of the stomach. Eating one of these two fruits three times a week can help improve digestion. These fruits, as all fruits, are best eaten on an empty stomach, so eat them as an appetizer. When suffering from indigestion problems, a glass of pineapple juice may help.

Stimulating the digestive process can be of a great benefit. Dandelion has the property of being a digestive bitter and this stimulates the flow of gastric juices, easing digestion. Roasted dandelion root is a popular coffee substitute. Other easily available 'bitters' are some of the leaves found in salad mixes.

Herbal teas such as Chamomile and Peppermint are relaxing and also calming to the digestive system. Many of our culinary herbs also play a role in improving digestion. Herbs such as Thyme, Rosemary, Cayenne and Ginger are great to add to foods not only improving taste, but also digestion.It is important to keep things flowing through our bodies. Dinking plenty of water every day is vital; around eight glass of water a day. It is best not to drink while eating; this dilutes the juices and makes it more difficult to digest. Tea and Coffee can be dehydrating to the body and can hinder digestion, it is best to avoid these. If you must have a cuppa, drink extra water.

Importantly, we must look at our eating environment. Each meal needs to be enjoyed. Gulping down our meals in a hurry as we run out the door is definitely not good for the digestion. Every meal should be a sit down meal. Time needs to be taken and a pleasant non-stressful environment found. Get up a few minutes early, if you haven't been making time to sit down for breakfast. Get away from your workspace when having lunch. Don't eat in front of the computer screen. Sit outside in the sunshine, when you can, to eat your lunch ( Please remember sun protection though).

Try to make your evening meal as peaceful and enjoyable as possible. It can be difficult after a long day, every one is tired and hungry and you just want it over and done with. If this is how it is, try taking 10 minutes for yourself before preparing the meal. Turn off the television, set the table and enjoy your family. Give each individual a chance to feel special; this is time to get to know your family and what is happening in their lives.