The Complete Being

Living Mindfully

2011-12-07T14:35:00.001Z

Living mindfully is the act of mentally slowing down and truly being in the moment here and now.

How often do you run around multitasking and constantly thinking about the next job you need to do? Instead of slowing down and just being fully aware of what you are doing at any moment in time.

Being mindful is something you can do all the time, even when you are doing the washing up, just like meditation!

Instead of daydreaming or planning your other chores, just be there in the moment being mindful of the task in all its glory, such as the feel and temperature of the water, how your hands move as you glide through each dish and plate, and the pressure that is applied to each item, and how your muscles need to move to perform the task, mentally shut out everything other than your present actions. Pay full attention to your body and mind as you complete your task.

We lose the power of joy and appreciation when we drift off from living in the moment, always living in the past or the future and denying the present moment is a habit that many of us have taken to doing, but living this way means we miss out on so much peace and the connection to our higher selves.

Mindfulness can be an excellent way to reduce stress and the pressures of 21^st century living, it can help with our overall health and increase our spiritual vibration. Just being aware of the potential of each and every moment has to offer us can change your life for the better, especially if you are trying to manifest a better life for yourself, as the law of attraction is always at work!

If you suffer from stress, depression or anxiety, living mindfully can also be a wonderful aid in acknowledging our mind and bodies urges and stressors, making it easier to live through difficult moments in our lives, keeping us calmer and seeing the stressor for what it is in the moment, then letting it go and moving on. If you are concerned about your spiritual health and you struggle with meditation, try living your life mindfully and pretty soon you will notice and inner calm that can be tapped into whenever you feel the need.

If you find yourself feeling out of control or stressed, just return to the present moment being mindful of what you are doing, how you are feeling and be aware of all of your senses in that moment. You can be mindful when doing anything, such as walking, driving, eating, cooking, ironing, working, shopping etc. The human being is a complex organism with many systems working constantly to keep us moving and doing, just think what our mind and body has to do just to walk down the street, the way your muscles move and how your body automatically balances itself with every step. Living mindfully means that you are aware of these things in the present moment, being in tune and at peace with our mind and body with in turn raise our spiritual connection to ourselves, lowering stress and bringing us closer to our own personal joy.

Adventures in Manifesting Now available!

2011-11-01T14:43:00.001Z

Fantastic news! Adventures in Manifesting is here! Health and Happiness & Success and Spirituality are now available for purchase! These amazing books are now available to buy from Amazon (also available on kindle, and in the itunes iBookstore)

With more and more people opening up their own awareness of the art of manifestation and the true nature of reality, these books offer a wonderful and inspiring collection of experiences and stories of how others around the world are truly creating the lives they desire using knowledge of the metaphysical universe. Including many best selling authors such as Dr. Fred Alan Wolf and Dr. Joe Vitale (from 'The Secret'), as well as many other inspiring authors from around the globe and from all walks of life. Both books offer amazing insights into their individual manifestation journeys enabling you to gain a new perspective into what we as human beings are truly capable of when we are provided with real life examples and inspiring guidance from others.

Click on the links below or visit the Store & Downloads page of this website to purchase.

Books

For Kindle Versions US & worldwide - click below

If purchasing from the UK (please use links below for kindle versions - £8.02 each)

A free gift will soon be available to those who contact me with a personal book review for 'Adventures in Manifesting'

If you have any problems getting your copies, please email me at wendylouise7@sky.com and I will look into your query personally.

Why should we meditate?

2011-10-27T01:07:00.000+01:00

Meditation is a wonderful and truly holistic way of ensuring good health and allows us to expand our awareness and consciousness. It is a great way to quiet the mind, return to our true nature and take in positive affirmations; reducing stress, negativity and anxiety. Daily meditation can help improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, ease anxiety and reduce the effect and amount of stress hormones released.
It has been said for centuries that meditation aids in the healing of disease and improves health and well-being, and studies are continually providing more and more evidence proving that meditation does in fact improve physical and mental health, sharpening mental focus, enabling individuals to gain greater awareness and power over their mind, their bodies, their environment, their intuition and emotions.

The body responds to both stress and relaxation in different ways, more specifically through three different systems. The nervous system, the endocrine system, and the skeletal (and smooth musculature) system.

Therefore -
All areas of the body, mind and spirit are affected by relaxation, so when we meditate we are giving the whole being, the optimum conditions for balance, healing and repair to occur, thus improving holistic balance and wellness.

Among many methods of meditation, awareness of breathing (Anapana) is the most popular technique. Other meditation methods will also effect breathing at some stage and a slow, shallow breath can change the autonomic system, the endocrine and the musculature systems.
Studies have provided much evidence to support that meditation not only reduces stress, depression and anxiety, but also has definite positive effects on hypertension and heart disease, and that beta endorphin's and other neuropeptides are increased by the technique.
By opening up to different levels of consciousness and self awareness, we can improve the 'whole' body' s natural healing and regenerating abilities. Practiced daily it can result a great improvement in your overall health and well being.
From personal experience, I can truly say that the use of meditation has improved my life on all levels.

It's easy to get confused by all the various methods of meditation, so which to use and where to start?
Firstly try and remember that meditation is a truly individual experience, which improves with practice.

Start with first choosing a quiet and comfortable place to relax and meditate where you won't be disturbed. You could set up a comfortable area of your home to act as a regular meditation area, use favourite items and furnishings that put you at ease, or you could simply use an armchair or your bed sitting propped up with pillows, or beneath a tree in the garden. (candles, oils and incense are optional) Lying down on your bed would be best avoided to begin with as you will most probably end up falling asleep.
Turn off or unplug your phone.
It can be useful to have a clock to keep track of your sessions (if you so wish) Once you're comfortable with the process you may wish to avoid the issue of time and simply meditate for as long as you feel you need. The choice is yours. It's a good idea to start with perhaps 10 minutes once or twice a day and build up gradually to about 30 minutes or an hour a day.
The idea of meditation is to quiet the mind, by tuning out all the unnecessary mind chatter. (not to completely empty the mind - this would be impossible) By being quietly focused, we allow our consciousness to increase and be receptive to aspects of our being which we usually block out with our mind chatter.
Close your eyes and begin by taking 3 long deep breaths, in through the nose (as long and deep as you can), then slowly out through the mouth) and continue breathing normally.
Focus your attention on your breathing for a few moments as you inhale and exhale, feel the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen.
It often helps to use visualisation - focus on a mental image of a beautiful object such as a leaf, a cloud or flower; and if you feel your attention begin slipping towards random thoughts, just re focus and return your attention to the desired object.
Another simple technique is to say affirmations while meditating (positive phrases of your choice) for example ' I am ready and open to receive guidance from my intuition' or 'I am so happy and grateful to be having this physical and conscious experience'. The choice of words is yours, as long as you remember to keep you statements or requests in the positive tense.
Once you have achieved this state for your desired amount of time, take a few deep breaths, slowly open your eyes, give yourself a moment of adjustment and then return to your day, feeling refreshed.

With regular meditation practice, it's common to begin experiencing inspiring insights, dreams, thoughts and synchronicity in your life as you become more in touch with your sense of intuition. It's useful to keep a personal notebook of any thoughts, sensations, dreams and insights that may appear or come to you as you go about your life and for immediately following a period of meditation or relaxation.,

For the best audio meditation technology, my personal recommendation would have to be holosync meditation technology, which is a series of audio meditation cd’s. The difference between this program and others is that it takes no effort whatsoever and has outstanding results! By listening to the specially designed audio tracks, the brain is automatically adjusted to the different wave frequencies needed to create a deep and powerful meditation.

I would definitely recommend this program, it really does have the ability to change your life in so many ways, for just an hour per day you could be well on your way to better holistic health. I purchased copies of this audio program for myself and family, and it immediately created improvement and took my meditation experience to a whole new level, effortlessly and from the first time I listened to the tracks. Click on the picture below for the link to the Centerpoint research institute and the holosync technology information. There is also a free demo cd available for you to try.

Food Glorious Food

2011-10-09T14:36:00.000+01:00

food glorious food!

I received this in an email some time ago and thought it was interesting enough to post.

We’re such slow learners…

Nature gives us a great clue as to what foods help with what part of our body!

Nature’s Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye… And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red.. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuro-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body..

Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs.. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body’s cells. Today’s research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

How to make your own Apple Cider Vinegar.

2011-09-25T15:43:00.000+01:00

Apple cider vinegar has so many health benefits and is really easy to make yourself.

Check out my post on the many wonderful health benefits of apple cider vinegar with 'the mother'. Click HERE for more info.

Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother) can be quite expensive to buy every month, so making your own really makes sense; especially during the autumn months when organic apples are in such abundance. Apple cider vinegar can be made easily at home at any time of year, however autumn varieties tend to have a higher sugar content which aids the fermentation process and can help produce a stronger more effective end product.

Apple cider vinegar has been used, tried and tested for hundreds of years and is such a wonderful product to have available for your family and has many uses in the home, as well as medicinal properties. It is naturally anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral so can be used as a cheaper, safer, non toxic alternative to chemical cleaning products, it makes a great hair de-tangler and conditioner, and quickly clears up bacterial, fungal, viral and yeast infections very effectively as well as improving the body's cell function. It has the ability to re mineralise the body, and top many useful vitamins and trace elements such as calcium, potassium and magnesium and also can help regulate metabolism, regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

There are a couple of methods I personally use to make my apple cider vinegar. Below I have listed instructions for both methods. One method is to juice/press the apples to make a hard cider from the juice, which will eventually turn into vinegar. The other method is to use the scraps, cores and peel etc. of the apples to produce vinegar, you could also make some pies while you're at it! Both methods are really easy and satisfying.

You will need-

· Apples
· Large glass jars
· Cheese cloth
· Water
· Brewers cider yeast (optional)
Electric or manual juicer / apple press (optional)

Firstly you will need to wash your jars and apples to get rid of any dust, dirt and bugs etc. You can also cut out any brown bruised spots or damaged areas of the apples. You will be using a large portion of the apples so there will be hardly any waste. The unusable bruised bits can be put on the compost. Do not use metal containers for your vinegar, it will corrode metal or aluminium. Plastic, wood, enamel, or stainless steel containers can be used to make and store vinegar, but I always use and would always recommend glass containers.
Once your apples and equipment are clean, you can begin peeling, chopping and juicing. If you don't have a juicer you can still make apple cider vinegar from the apple scraps or whole apples if you wish. I usually use both the juice and scraps. (you can make pies and save the scraps by placing them in your jars)
If you do have a juicer (or are lucky enough to have access to a press) juice your apples, keeping the peel on. I like to chop my apples removing the cores and keep the scraps separate.
Fill a large jar with the juiced or pressed apple juice and another jar with the scraps. Fill the scraps jar with enough fresh filtered water to cover the scraps. (it's okay to allow the scraps to turn brown before adding the water)

5. Once your containers are filled - you should have a jar filled with pure apple juice and/or a jar filled with scraps and water.

6. Using the first method - take your jar of pure apple juice, make sure it is about 3/4 full. Now is the time to add some cider yeast if you wish. (you can get this from a home brew supply shop) Although this is not absolutely necessary as there will be natural yeast present in the mixture. Adding cider yeast will just speed up the process.

7. Do not cover with a solid lid but place a piece of cheesecloth over the top with an elastic band. This will allow air to pass through aiding the fermentation process.

Two factors require special attention when making vinegar - the oxygen supply and the temperature.

Oxygen is spread throughout the mixture by stirring daily and by allowing air to reach the mixture through the cheesecloth top. The temperature of the fermenting cider should be ideally kept between 60 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures don't always produce use-able vinegar and higher temperatures interfere with the formation of 'the mother' of the vinegar. Place your jars in a warm dark place out of direct sunlight- an airing cupboard is ideal, where it is warm and dark.

Within 3-4 weeks (remembering to stir the juice/cider mixture daily) the fermentation process should be complete. The mixture can be left for longer to produce a stronger more effective vinegar. Do not filter the vinegar when it's ready - instead stir the mother well into the mixture before bottling, this ensures that a good quantity of 'the mother' will be present in each stored bottle of vinegar. It is 'the mother' of the vinegar that contains many live enzymes and give the vinegar it's amazing health benefits.

Like apple juice the best apple cider vinegar's are organic, unfiltered, and raw (unpasteurized)

If you are using the scraps method - you should have a jar filled with scraps covered with filtered water. Cover the top with a piece of cheesecloth secured with an elastic band. Place the jar in a warm, dark place such as the airing cupboard (as with the first method) and allow to ferment for at least a month, no stirring necessary. After a few days you'll notice the contents start to thicken and a grey-ish scum and bubbles will form on the top. Don't worry this is normal. After about a month you will notice the contents will smell like vinegar, you can now strain out the scraps and bottle the vinegar - ensuring that you keep as much of 'the mother' sediment off the bottom as you can.

Above is a picture of my own vinegar mixtures fermenting in my airing cupboard. These containers should produce around 12 litres of good quality apple cider vinegar. As a family we use between 1-2 litres a month (cooking, cleaning, medicinal and cosmetic uses) so this first batch of the season will provide us with much of our yearly supply at very little cost. (good quality ACV costs around £10-£13 per litre to buy!)

To produce this amount of cider vinegar I used about 4 carrier bags of apples from my garden, my neighbours garden and other donated organic apples from friends gardens. So no pesticides, preservatives or other nasties!

Enjoy your vinegar making!

Adventures in Manifesting

2011-09-15T00:10:00.001+01:00

What are you Manifesting?

Fantastic news! I am extremely excited and happy to announce that my new book is coming out! The official release date is 1st November 2011.
Its called Adventures in Manifesting: Health and Happiness.

Are you living the life you really want? Are you among the many who have discovered the fantastic art of manifesting your desires in life? Are you inspired by hearing how others have managed to create abundance, health and happiness in their own lives?

Co-authored with many amazing and inspiring best selling authors including Joe Vitale (who was featured in 'the secret') as well as Loral Langemeier, Marilyn Joyce, and Andreas Moritz.

If you are looking to create and inspire a powerful change in your own life, this book will provide over 30 inspirational stories that demonstrate the art of manifesting health and happiness.
Transcending all possible limitations, this book shares wisdom, insight and teachings of how to achieve your greatest goals and desires.

Wait! there's more - This fantastic book is only one in a two book series!
The other book in the series is called Adventures in Manifesting: Success and Spirituality. This book also includes 30 wonderfully inspirational stories and teachings in the art of manifesting success and spirituality.

These compelling works have been created with much love and commitment by Sarah Prout and Sean Patrick Simpson, a truly amazing couple and founders of Älska Publishing.
(pronounced Elsh-ka! - meaning 'Love')

You can learn more about their work at www.whatareyoumanifesting.com and don't forget to sign up to the mailing list for updates, with inspirational and manifesting content.

When Sean first approached me with the goal of creating this wonderful series I was overjoyed at the prospect of being a part of such a wonderful project with so many amazing people, I never dreamed that this experience would be so wonderfully uplifting. I'll be posting more details soon with links for purchasing the books by November 1st.

Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics

2011-07-02T23:37:00.000+01:00

(I recently posted this article on the NextgenParenting website (http://www.nextgenparenting.com/) as a guest blogger, and thought I’d also share with my readers of this blog!)

As a parent, it’s common to become fearful when we or our children become ill. Viral, fungal and bacterial infections can often cause concern. Many parents don’t hesitate to take their children to the doctor only to be given a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately antibiotics cause more harm than good, killing all beneficial (good) bacteria within the gut leaving the immune system weak, and setting up the body for recurring infections. Furthermore antibiotics do not fight viral infections. (Antibiotics should only be used as a final resort to fighting a potentially life threatening infection).

Around 70% of our immune response occurs in the digestive tract which means maintaining balanced digestive health is crucial for the health of the immune system for fighting infection. One of the immune systems primary defences are the ‘good bacteria’ known as intestinal micro flora, which prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract, If antibiotics are used, all the beneficial bacteria are killed leaving the intestinal wall unprotected from harmful bacteria which will be free to penetrate the intestinal wall and enter the blood s and lymph systems.

Good nutrition is vital for a healthy immune system, as well as a regular top up of probiotics.

When infection strikes, there are several safe and natural remedies and steps that should be taken without resorting to harmful over the counter medicines or doctors visits. (Breast milk for children should be the first port of call, but if human breast milk is not available there are many natural and safer alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs) Below I have listed a few of my personal favourites which are a must for any family’s medicine cabinet.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Raw unpasteurised, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar which contains ‘The Mother’ (this is the amber coloured vinegar, which should be cloudy, containing the visible ‘mother’ sediment) it is naturally Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral. Used for hundreds of years to cure many ailments from yeast infections, urinary tract infections, fungal infections, in fact it effectively fights most infections and even lowers cholesterol and improves digestion and metabolism. It aids the body in removing toxins and inhibits unfriendly bacteria growth. For daily maintenance and general tonic, weight loss and pH balancing -

2 teaspoons (1 teaspoon for children) of organic apple cider vinegar in about 16 ounces of water 2 to 3 times a day

Or 2 tablespoons (1 tablespoon for children) of acv in water morning and evening.

Sip, don't glug it down in one!

For acute and more severe conditions -

2 tablespoons (1 tablespoon for children) of organic apple cider vinegar in about 16 ounces of water x 3 times a day

Apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly to the skin with cotton wool (for acne and skin conditions as well as drinking it). Or added to water for baths and foot soaking. If you don't like the taste of vinegar, just add to organic apple juice!

• Raw unrefined coconut oil – Often referred to as the healthiest oil on earth! It has many health benefits. Coconut oil has anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral properties and can be taken for a multitude of ailments and infections. Once mistakenly thought to be bad because of its saturated fat content, coconut oil is now known to contain a unique form of saturated fat that actually helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and hardening of the arteries and also promotes weight loss!

The saturated fat in coconut oil is unlike the fat found in meat or other vegetable fats. It is identical to a special group of fats found in human breast milk that have been shown to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Coconut oil has been used throughout Asia and the Pacific for thousands of years as both a food and medicine. A good therapeutic dosage is 3-4 tablespoons a day. ( taken directly or used in cooking)

• Oregano oil – Wild organic oregano oil is one of the strongest antibiotics on earth! It has been proven to kill MRSA more effectively than the 18 pharmaceutical antibiotics it was tested against. Used to treat a multitude of ailments and infections it is a must for any medicine bag. Taken best as an external treatment for example, for a chest infection – mix 1 part oregano oil to 3 parts olive oil (or other suitable carrier oil of your choice) and massage into the neck and chest. For babies and young children, use 1 drop of oregano oil to 3 drops olive oil and massage into the soles of the feet.

• Garlic – Also anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal, it has many health benefits from fighting infections, easing toothache and lowering cholesterol.

• When any infection occurs, ensure plenty of fresh filtered water (not tap water) is given, as well as a good dose of vitamins and probiotics.

The above remedies are just a few that can be used to support the immune system, and cure illness and infection – there are many more natural, safe remedies available such as Echinacea, goldenseal, colloidal silver, olive leaf, neem leaf and many more. So before you go rushing off in a panic to the drugstore or chemist, take a detour to your local health food store instead!

Best Pregnancy Tea Recipe

2011-06-09T15:33:00.001+01:00

As I’m currently pregnant with my third child and enjoying a lovely cup of my homemade pregnancy tea, I thought I’d share my recipe with you. Every pregnant woman needs a well toned uterus for a healthy pregnancy and safe natural delivery, and there are several well known herbs that have the ability to effectively provide all the goodness needed.

Red Raspberry – Gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region as well as the uterus. It is rich in Vitamins C and E, as well as vitamins A and B complex. Also contains Calcium and Iron, as well as many minerals including phosphorus and potassium. It helps to prevent miscarriage and haemorrhage, and helps ease nausea. It does not strengthen contractions but rather allows the contracting uterus to work more effectively making birth faster and easier. It is well known as a good strengthener of the entire female reproduction system and is a must throughout the entire pregnancy.

Dandelion Leaf – One of the best herbs for preventing and treating pre-eclampsia and for strengthening the liver. It also helps the kidneys function better and is a good source of calcium and potassium. It can prevent and cure anaemia as it is a good source of iron and folic acid.

Nettle leaf – Containing almost every vitamin and mineral necessary for human growth and health, it is abundant in vitamins A, C, D and K, as well as calcium potassium, phosphorus, iron and sulphur. Nettle contains more chlorophyll than any other herb, which is vital for purifying and cleansing the
blood. It can help relieve constipation and leg cramps as well as nourishing and strengthening the kidneys. Nettle leaf is highly nutritious. (It will also increase the richness and amount of breastmilk).

Alfalfa – Rich in minerals it is known as a super food because it is a great source of protein and vitamins such as A, C, D, B2, niacin,B6, G and E as well as calcium, phosphorus,potassium, magnesium, iron and other trace minerals. It’s also high in Vitamin K which is the body’s blood clotting agent and will eliminate possible haemorrhage.

Use one part of each dried herb e.g. 50g of each herb mixed together. As you can see my favourite UK supplier of organic herbs is Baldwins!

Then place a small amount (about a tablespoon) of the mixed herb in an infuser bag or mesh ball and add boiling water, leave to brew for a few minutes and drink. The tea can also be drank cold as an iced tea, just brew as normal then let cool and store in the fridge. (Best brewed fresh daily)

I also like to add peppermint or fruit tea bags and a spoon full of honey to my brew for added flavour!

During First Trimester – Drink one large mug per day.

During Second Trimester – Drink two large mugs per day.

During Third Trimester – Drink three large mugs per day (1 quart US/ 1 ½ pints UK)

Enjoy Your Tea! (and a wondefully healthy pregnancy and birth).

Holistic help for Neuralgia

2011-04-15T23:34:00.000+01:00

Neuralgia is a severely painful, intermittent condition which radiates along the course of a nerve and its branches, (usually around the face and eyes) but is not associated with any changes in the nervous structure. The tender areas are often where the nerves exit and paroxysm can be produced by contact with a certain area (known as trigger zones). Commonly experienced as sharp, stabbing attacks of pain in the eye, temples, brow or the back of the neck. There are also varying forms of neuralgia which can affect the spinal column, various internal organs, the sciatic nerve and in joints.
The condition is caused by irritation of the nervous system and by heavy mucous throughout the body, often people with neuralgia have an acid condition.

The pains can generally be relieved by placing a poultice or fomentation of Mullein and Cayenne.
Relief may also be obtained applying a liniment of Cayenne and Prickly Ash tincture (equal parts).

Poultices are really easy to make since they are prepared from the soaked raw herb, mashed up and applied directly to the body, or wrapped in a muslin. (Aternatively a tincture of the herbs can be applied to muslin)

To remove the cause - Rebuild the body with tonics (such as Apple Cider Vinegar/ Herb Vinegars), change the diet to a more alkaline diet, improve overall health by detoxing the colon.

Colon cleansing is a vital part of any holistic health care program, particularly if you're living with a chronic illness or health condition. If you're in good health it's still important because it is one of the best preventative methods you can take to protect yourself.

Useful herbs

Apple Cider Vinegar fomentations
Burdock root and seed
Mistletoe
Valerian
Celery Juice
Comfrey drink
Celery seed tea
Wood Betony
Lobelia

Undertake a period of detoxification with an alkalising cleansing diet. (consists of 5-10 days of eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only water, broth and juices) Avoiding citrus fruits and vegetables.
The healing process is aided greatly by including gentle exercise such as yoga or walking and taking time out for 15-60 minutes of daily meditation.

Treating Chicken Pox Naturally

2011-02-21T14:15:00.001Z

As a holistic therapist and herbalist I always treat my family's ailments naturally, and the chicken pox virus is no exception. A couple of weeks ago my eldest son started with a slight fever, it wasn't long before a few spots began to appear on his back and neck.
He had recently been in contact with a friend who recently had chicken pox so I wasn't surprised to see the spots appear. Nor was I concerned about treating my son with natural remedies.
I was actually quite relieved that he had been exposed naturally, and at a young age.
Fortunately for children the worst thing is probably the itching!
Also known as varicella, (VZV - Varicella Zoster Virus) chicken pox is a very common ailment in children, but despite being highly contagious it's actually easy to treat. It is an airborne disease spread easily through coughing and sneezing, or through direct contact. A person with chicken pox is infectious 3-5 days before the rash appears and continues to be contagious for a further 4-5 days or until the spots have all dried up and crusted over. Here's a list of natural treatments

Plenty of fresh filtered water (not tap water!)
Good nutrition (fruit & veg juices, soups and probiotics)
Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw, unfiltered ACV is anti-viral & anti-bacterial) You can add the vinegar to bath water to fight the infection and reduce itching.
Oatmeal baths are also a very common treatment to help the itch. (Place a handful of oatmeal in a muslin sack or cloth, tied at the top to form a bag and simply place in the bath water and squeeze. The bag can also be used to wipe over the spots/blisters.)
Rhus Tox is a great homeopathic remedy for treating the itch. ( there are many other homeopathic remedies for chicken pox if accompanied by other symptoms such as a bad cough)
Chamomile baths (just make a strong herbal tea with chamomile and add to bath water)

My sons fever only lasted a few hours on the first day and subsided after giving rhus tox, the following day he had many more spots, mainly on his back, chest, scalp and face. But thankfully the rhus tox remedy also reduces the itch and he was not bothered by the blisters at all.
I bathed him daily with chamomile and vinegar in his bath and continued to give rhus tox and within 3 days his spots/blisters had dried up with no itching, no fever, no cough or other symptoms associated with the illness.

It's important to remember that the body will heal itself if provided with the right conditions, the natural remedies aid the body in this process with no side effects and only beneficial effects which are in tune with nature and the human body.

How safe are your bathroom Products?

2011-01-25T16:17:00.000Z

We are always striving to be healthy, by eating a good diet and exercising. We want the best for our children and aim to provide a happy, healthy home environment - but have you ever considered the ‘stealth’ cancer causing chemicals lurking in (over 90%) of our shampoos and toothpastes?

When was the last time you stopped to check just what kind of ingredients are in the bathroom products you use?

Do you check the labels when you buy?

Have you ever wondered just what those ingredients really are?

Your bathroom products, cosmetics and toiletries easily penetrate the skin and lungs taking whatever chemicals they contain with it – right into your blood stream.

Unfortunately most personal care products contain irritating cancer causing detergents like Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Cocamidopropyl betaine (which is a penetration enhancer, allowing other chemicals to be more easily absorbed). This includes ‘no more tears’ baby shampoos and baby products also!!

Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of SLS is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and Menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved.

These are highly irritating chemicals. Using products that contain them can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even cancer and liver toxicity.

Products commonly found to contains Sodium Lauryl Suphate or Sodium Laureth Sulphate

Soaps

Shampoos

Bubble-baths

Tooth paste

Washing-up liquid

Laundry detergent

Children’s soaps & shampoos

Stain Removers

Carpet Cleaners

Body wash

Shave cream

Mascara

Mouthwash

Skin cleansers

Moisturisers

Sun Creams

Preservatives such as Tetrasodium EDTA and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are potential mutagens, which mean they speed up gene mutation.

If your product contains Cocamide EDTA (or similar compounds ending with DEA, TEA or MEA) along with formaldehyde – forming substances such as Bronopol , DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and Quarternium – 15 , it is likely to contain cancer causing nitrosamines.

Recent studies show that over 93% of toiletries and cosmetics contain these compounds!!

Toothpaste

Problems with dental decay effects more than just the mouth!

Gum disease is strongly linked to other more serious conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory diseases and diabetes.

So we want to keep our teeth and mouth clean and healthy Right? So when was the last time you looked at the ingredients in your toothpaste and mouthwash to ensure that they are safe for you and your family to use?

Unfortunately many of the ‘active’ ingredients found in toothpastes are really worrying when considering our health. As well as SLS – an industrial strength detergent (as mentioned above) which is a suspected gastrointestinal and liver poison; there is also a concern over triclosan, (an antibacterial agent, which is also an irritant and pesticide with carcinogenic properties).

Even more worrying though is Fluoride – Many people buy fluoride containing toothpastes with the belief that it will protect their teeth. Unfortunately there is little convincing evidence to support this. Fluoride is in fact a poison!

There is enough fluoride in an average sized tube of toothpaste to kill a small child within 2-4 hours if ingested!

Fluoride is slightly more toxic than lead and is actually a bi-product of the aluminium manufacturing process! It’s no wonder fluoride can cause death in humans – it’s actually one of the main ingredients in rat poison and sarin nerve gas!

Surprisingly Fluoride has NEVER been approved by the FDA for safety and a study in 1990 actually found that fluoride does NOT protect against cavities and is even linked to dental deformity, allergic reactions, arthritis and about 10,000 unnecessary deaths each year from cancer. (From “fluoride an equivocal carcinogen. National Cancer Institute)

Even if toothpaste is not swallowed carcinogenic (cancer causing) chemicals including synthetic dyes are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and to the brain through the mucous membrane of the mouth.

Safe Alternatives

Always check labels before you buy!

Nowadays many people are opting to buy online where the range of safe personal care products is much better than in your local supermarket.

Also remember ! - just because a product states it contains 'natural ingredients' doesn't necessarily mean its safe! Many mainstream brands have just added some essentials oils to the chemical concoction to make consumers think that the product is 'natural' PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED - READ THE INGREDIENTS LABEL TO BE SURE!!

Shampoo bars and hair soap bars are much safer than comercial brands of shampoo and conditioner. Also apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water is an excellent hair tonic and natural conditioner. note- if you are switching to hair soap from a comercial synthetic brand of shampoo, there is a period of adjustment needed as it takes a while for the soap to strip away all the chemical residues that have built up on the hair.
Tooth soap or Tooth Oil for brushing - remember its the action of brushing that removes plaque from teeth! NOT the toothpaste.
Make your own mouthwash with water and peppermint oil , spearmint oil or tea tree. Anti- bacterial and leaves your mouth fresh and healthy.
There are many natural soaps on the market today - you can find loads online! Especially natural handmade soaps which are safe and affordable! Check ebay- there are always great bargins for natural homemade soaps. I also love natural neem & sandlewood soaps from http://www.onevillage.com/. Which are also vegetarian (they don't use animal fats)
Use essential oils and natural salts in your bath instead of bubble bath - much safer and with added health benefits!

I will be adding to this post soon with more information but for now - get checking your product labels!!!!

Best Natural Sources of Vitamin D

2011-01-08T23:38:00.001Z

Described as being 'BETTER than ANY VACCINE', this fat soluble vitamin can be either aquired by ingesting food rich in the vitamin (or a supplement), or by exposure to SUNLIGHT. The sun's ultra violet rays have the capability to convert a form of cholesterol, (known as ergosterol) into vitamin D.
Vitamin A and D work together and are often found together in nature, FISH LIVER OILS for example are one of the richest natural sources of both these vitamins.
Vitamin D is extrememly important for the proper growth of bones and teeth as it aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Rickets is a condition where the leg bones bow outwards due to the calcium and phosphorus deficiency (which in turn is caused by vitamin D deficiency.)

The best natural sources of vitamin D are the same as for vitamin A - Fish liver oils, eggs, milk, butter and cheese.

The Official RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 400 i.u per day.

Mother Nature’s Most Perfect Food – Apple Cider Vinegar

2010-12-12T17:57:00.012Z

Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years as a general tonic and to treat and cure many ailments. In 400 B.C, Hypocrites, known as the father of medicine, treated patients with vinegar, making it one of the world's first medicines. Throughout biblical times, vinegar was successfully used to treat infections and wounds. For centuries medical textbooks have listed various ways to use vinegar.

What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful natural cure for a number of ailments which usually require antibiotics and other medications that have a number of side effects. In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to effectively:

• Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
• Cure skin conditions such as acne and cellulite
• Cure yeast infections
• Protect against food poisoning
• Fight allergies in both humans and animals
• Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
• Strengthen the immune system
• Cure bad breath
• Body/foot odour remedy
• Increase stamina
• Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
• Improve digestion and cure constipation and diarrhoea
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
• Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections
• Alkalizes The Body
• Re-Mineralises the body- High In Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium
• Tops up important Vitamins and Trace Elements
• Eases with Joint and General Body Stiffness
• Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
• Alleviates Arthritic Pain
• Eases Osteoporosis
• Reduces Prostate Problems
• Improves Cell Function & Fights Infection
• Helps with Insect Bites & Stings
• Improves Symptoms of Muscle Cramps
• Cleanses Bladder, Kidneys, Blood, Liver, Gall Bladder etc
• Alleviates Headaches
• Helps with Shingles & Sunburn
• Reduces Cholesterol
• Often Cures Allergies (environmental, pet and food)
• Relieves Chronic Fatigue
• Clears Candida
• Resolves Acid Reflux
• Alleviates Gout
Apple cider vinegar should be made from fresh, organic, crushed apples that are allowed to mature naturally in wooden barrels. Usually found in health food shops, natural apple cider vinegar should be a rich cloudy amber colour with “the mother" quite visible as sediment on the bottom. (Distilled white vinegar and cider vinegar found in supermarkets are considered "dead" vinegars with none of the enzymes and other live factors that make raw, unpasteurized vinegars so valuable). Distilling removes the beneficial "mother" from the vinegar, thereby, destroying the powerful enzymes and life giving minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, natural organic sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron copper, natural organic fluorine, silicon, trace minerals, pectin and other powerful nutrients. Also destroyed are natural malic and tartaric acids, which are important in fighting body toxins and inhibiting unfriendly bacteria growth.)
How to take apple cider vinegar

For daily maintenance and general tonic, weight loss and pH balancing -
2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in about 16 ounces of water x 2 to 3 times a day
Or 2 tablespoons of acv in water morning and evening.
Sip, don't glug it down in one!
For acute and more severe conditions -
2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar in about 16 ounces of water x 3 times a day

Apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly to the skin with cotton wool (for acne and skin conditions as well as drinking it). Or added to water for baths and foot soaking.

If you don't like the taste of vinegar, just add to organic apple juice! (or you can add a little honey if taking as a general tonic) If you find it too acidic, try adding half a teaspoon of baking soda.
During the winter try having apple cider vinegar in hot water instead of tea or coffee in the morning!

Apple Cider Vinegar is Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral and Anti-fungal!
I personally purchase my (Devon) apple cider vinegar from 'Bobby's Healthy Shop' at www.Bobbys-Healthy-Shop.com

You can also get more information at www.The-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Company.com
I will also be posting soon about how to make your own apple cider vinegar!

There are several things you will notice within a couple of days of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar - your allergies will disappear, your face will have a healthy and youthful glow, you will look and feel more Vital and ENERGISED, and you will be able to digest your food more easily.
I believe that apple cider vinegar is probably the best (and cheapest) detoxifier for the body.
"Vinegar, especially Apple Cider Vinegar, has some astounding health-protective properties, whether you swallow it or use it topically. I'll tell you about vinegar's uses as a time honored, trusted home remedy for every ill from acne to yeast infections. Each splash of Apple Cider Vinegar delivers key vitamins, including the antioxidant betacarotene. It's also bursting with healthful acids, enzymes, a valuable form of deitary fibre called Pectin and over a dozen minerals."

- Dr. Earl Mindell
Click below for more information about the many wonderful benefits of vinegar, honey and garlic!Click Here! for The Honey, Garlic and Vinegar Miracle!Click Here!

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Warming herbs

2010-06-05T17:03:00.000+01:00

Warming herbs are used when ‘cold conditions’ are present (that is symbolically cold conditions) Such as

• Skin disorders – due to poor circulation and sluggishness

• Catarrhal disorders – due to congested mucus membranes and sluggish circulation

• Circulatory disorders – heart, high blood pressure, varicose veins, cold hands, haemorrhoids

• Arthritic and rheumatic disorders – traditionally considered to be cold conditions which necessitate warming or hot remedies to ease pain and improve mobility.

The following herbs are considered to be warming (herbalists today would consider that they work through a circulatory stimulation mechanism, either central or peripheral in action:-

• Betony – Excellent for cold conditions of the head and neck, also for stimulating digestion and relaxing tension headaches.

(A few leaves infused as a tea drank twice a day is considered useful for catarrhal headaches, sinusitis, and muzzy-headedness)

• Cayenne Pepper – A tonic for the heart, for aching legs and sluggish circulation, and to enhance fertility and for arthritis.

(About a quarter of a teaspoon is taken in a cup of water twice a day for as long as felt necessary)

• Cinnamon – For stimulating the digestive system, it stimulates bowel movement and is also useful for lower limb circulation, difficulty clearing catarrh and for relieving nausea.

(It is taken like cayenne for as long as felt necessary)

• Elecampane – Useful for respiratory catarrh and for clearing up bronchitis, it is an expectorant. It is also excellent for easing aching muscles and stiff joints.

(When taken as a herbal tea it works very well at getting rid of catarrh. For muscular and rheumatic disorders a handful of the whole herb (fresh or dried) should be added to the bath water. It can also be added to steam inhalation during a cold)

• Fennel – Useful for settling constipation, for enhancing fertility and for helping rheumatism. It is also reputed to be helpful in dealing with obesity.

(The leaves can be chewed or it can be taken as a herbal tea for settling digestion and easing constipation. A cup twice a day will often help rheumatic pains, although the treatment should be stopped once symptoms start to subside)

• Feverfew – Useful for sluggish periods in women, painful periods, arthritis and migraine.

(The flowers taken as an infusion/ herbal tea are beneficial twice a day)

• Figwort – This herb is used externally for skin problems, including eczema, wounds and sores, and haemorrhoids.

(Used externally as an ointment or the soaked leaves can be used as a poultice)

• Garlic – This warming herb is good for the circulatory system and blood pressure. It is a natural antibiotic worth taking at the start of any infection.

(A whole clove chewed daily or garlic pills can be taken. Parsley is worth chewing afterwards to counteract the odour)

• Hawthorn – A warming herb generally considered a tonic to the heart and circulatory system, it is also beneficial to the skin when applied externally.

(This herb should only be taken internally under the supervision of a master herbalist, externally a poultice made from the leaves is good for drawing boils and splinters which have been slow to form or come out)

• Horseradish – This warming herb has powerful antiseptic effects, it is used as a remedy to stimulate the appetite, expel worms and parasites and relieve urinary tract infections.

(One or two roots grated down and taken daily in several divided doses before meals. Eating bread at the same time will reduce the heat in the mouth)

• Hyssop – A warming herb for the expectoration of awkward respiratory catarrh.

(An infusion of the flowers as a herbal tea 2-3 times a day is recommended)

• Mustard – This warming herb can clear catarrh and bronchitis. It also has antiseptic properties.

(A weak infusion sipped sparingly throughout the day will clear respiratory catarrh. Too much however can cause nausea)

• Nettle – This is a warming herb that is superb for arthritic and rheumatic problems.

(An infusion taken as a herbal tea twice a day is a useful treatment for arthritis and rheumatism. It is also a useful hair stimulant and tonic.)

• Peppermint – Good for relieving blocked headaches, stimulating the stomach and easing the pain of congested varicose veins. It also eases the spasm of irritable bowel syndrome, especially when one is in the constipated phase.

(An infusion taken as a herbal tea is a simple way of taking this herb)

• Sage - This is a warming herb with many useful effects. Like hyssop it is a very powerful diaphoretic. It is an antiseptic and has some analgesic effects. It is excellent for the pain of a sore throat and it helps to expectorate catarrh.

(Gargling with an infusion of the leaves eases sore throats and hastens the passage of catarrh. A sage bath is also an excellent remedy for aching muscles and joints, and congestion headaches can be eased by a cup of sage tea)

• Yarrow – Well known for easing sluggish and irregular periods, easing period pains and for stimulating the appetite. Like nettle it is also a hair tonic and it also eases toothache.

(The leaves chewed are very good for toothache. An infusion is probably the simplest way of taking the herb. A cup three times a day is a good dosage)

Cooling Herbs

2010-05-31T18:22:00.000+01:00

Cooling herbs are generally used for slowing down or relaxing processes in the body. They are used when there are inflammations with feelings of heat, burning etc.

The following herbs are considered to be cooling: Yellow Dock, Chamomile and Dandelion.

Cooling herbs are generally useful for the following conditions

Digestive disorders (inflammation, acidity etc.)
Urinary disorders (inflammation, pain etc.)
Spasm problems (acute spasm, cramps, IBS )
Overactivity problems (nervous activity, anxiety, tension headaches, insomnia)

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

This is a perennial herb which grows by roadsides and in ditches, it has six-inch long leaves that are slightly curled at the edges, they are also slightly yellow, and the distinctive feature is its long root which turns yellow when cut. This cooling herb is a mild bitter which is useful for digestive inflammations. It is a cholagogue and works well as a laxative. It is taken as an infusion of the grated root (a teaspoon to a pint of boiling water), in a dose of one tablespoon twice a day.

In traditional herbal medicine, yellow dock is thought to be a general health tonic.

Yellow dock is thought to benefit the digestive tract, liver and skin. One of its primary uses by herbalists is for skin conditions associated with poor digestion, poor liver function or "toxicity".

Yellow dock has a mild laxative effect, due to constituents called anthraquinone glycosides. It appears to stimulate the release of bile and digestive enzymes.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

Chamomile is an annual herb which was known to the ancient Egyptians as a cure for ague. They dedicated it to their Gods Thoth and Imhotep. This is a fragrant herb which grows up to three feet high; it has feathery leaves and small white daisy like flowers with white petals and yellow centres. It smells a little like apples. It grows on waste ground and is cultivated in herb gardens, preferring a well drained soil. This is a wonderful cooling herb and an excellent relaxant and sedative which can help ease the spasms of irritable bowel syndrome, nocturnal cramps, period pains and nervous irritability. It is also a febrifuge, which means it helps to lower temperature during an infection. It can help ease the constipation phase of IBS by causing relaxation. Used externally it has a mild anti-septic effect. Also used as a hair rinse it will lighten the hair.

An infusion of the flowers makes a bitter herbal tea which is made palatable with spearmint, honey or grated liquorice root.

Dandelion (taraxicum officinale)

This is a perennial herb that must be known to every child, it grows to 6-9 inches long and has corrugated spear shaped leaves and tap roots. The stems when cut exude ‘milk’ and the flowers eventually turn into ‘fairy clocks’. It grows on lawns, borders, banks and waste ground. It is a well know cooling herb and bitter which has been used for digestive problems for centuries, as a laxative, diuretic and aid for slimming. It is well known for its beneficial effect upon the liver and stimulates the flow of bile. It is thus useful for people who abuse their bodies with too many stimulants like coffee and alcohol. The roots are useful as a diuretic for removing fluid and easing bladder and urinary problems. The diuresis (increased removal of fluid as urine) may also help in the initial stages of losing weight. The leaves can be freely chewed; although over indulgence can cause nausea. An infusion of the leaves taken as an herbal tea is also quite a useful way to take the herb or you can also take the ground roots, powdered can make a coffee substitute.

Cooling herbs are used to treat hot conditions such as fever, a sensation of being hot/flushed, swelling and redness. Hot conditions are often conditions of 'excess' which can be dealt with by herbs which are of a cold or cooling nature.

Understanding The Mind

2010-05-28T23:55:00.000+01:00

THE MIND

Psychology is the study of the ‘mind’, it is a vast and complex subject and to deal with it at length would leave little room for any other subject in this book. However I shall deal with the mind in general terms, and study all the aspects of the mind that are relevant.

Although there are many different schools of thought and one can approach the study of psychology in a variety of different ways, you are about to embark upon a very straight forward, easy to understand study, with everything explained in a simple and practical manner.

The first thing I should point out is that the mind is intangible; it consists mainly of thoughts, reasoning, awareness, perceptions, concepts, memories etc. It is creative, calculating, scheming, imaginative etc.

Although completely non- material and non-physical, Mind is a kind of receptacle for everything one experiences throughout life.

The unconscious mind is the part of the mind which is normally inaccessible but which holds and contains a complete record of all one’s past experiences. (Kind of like a vault)

The subconscious mind is the part of the mind that receives the input, the subconscious although accessible, functions in a very special way, secretive and somewhat obscure. It deals with a continuous influx of impressions and information raining in from every direction but only some of that information reaches the conscious mind. So what determines what reaches the conscious mind and what goes straight to the unconscious?

Subconscious Response is responsible for what happens to the influx of impressions and information that the mind is bombarded with daily. Each impression acts as a stimulus and each stimulus demands some kind of response. Now the response to an impression may be positive or negative, and instinctive or conditioned. The ability to respond instinctively is inherent in humans since before birth, whereas conditioned responses are the outcome of training or learning (conditioning).

What then of the Conscious mind?

The conscious mind, of which consciousness is a part, is like a search light scanning an area of subconscious responses, only able to focus on a small area at a time. The beam of light from the search light represents Attention and can be moved to illuminate any part of the subconscious responses within its focus. The illuminated area from the searchlight represents consciousness.

The conscious mind has several faculties including the will, reason, logic and decision etc.

Looking at that explanation of the mind we are able to see that consciousness is merely that area of subconscious activity, where, by the application of attention, the conscious mind is made aware of that activity.

This is an excerpt of a chapter in my book ‘The Complete Being' (a work in progress)

Example of a cleansing diet

2010-05-26T12:33:00.000+01:00

When applied properly cleansing diets are very good at creating a marvellous foundation of good health which one can build upon. Fruits and vegetables which form the basis of this diet, are alkalising foods and are especially valuable for people with acid constitutions. The diet will effectively strip away the build up of acid and ureas which are responsible for inflammation present in the joints of arthritis sufferers.

Here is an example of the kind of meals expected on this diet. The cleansing diet can be undertaken for a period of 5-10 days.

Breakfast

• breakfast smoothie made with seasonal fruit or vegetables and juice (don’t mix fruit and vegetable juices together and avoid citrus fruits!)

• supplements: vitamin C

• A small portion of Wholegrain cereal with fruit (such as weetabix or shredded wheat with mashed banana)

Variations of fruit or fruit puree are great for breakfast. They are nutritious, filling and the natural sugars will give you energy to get through the morning.

To make a fruit puree, cut up your fruit and place in a pot on the stove with a small amount of filtered water. Cover and leave it on a low heat until the fruit is soft. Now just throw it in the blender. I also like to add a little cinnamon.

My favorite blends contain apples, plums, pears and berries, but really anything goes. You can also mix it up a bit by using your blender to achieve different consistencies. If you are trying to cut down on acid make sure you avoid citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons and also tomatoes

Snacks

• apple juice diluted with filtered water

• filtered water

• vegetable broth (vegetable soup strained so no lumps are left)

• celery or carrot sticks and hummus

Lunch

• chunky vegetable soup made with vegetable stock and your choice of vegetables

• steamed broccoli ( and/ or your choice of vegetables) with sesame seeds on steamed brown rice

• apple sauce

• supplements: multivitamin

Dinner

For your main meal it’s important to keep calories low but nutrition high. A vegetable puree soup is the answer. This will give you energy to get through the day and all the nutrients you need.

Cut up your vegetables, add approximately one cup of vegetable stock, and cover on a low heat until the vegetables are soft. Now throw it in the blender and spice it up with a raw clove of garlic or jalapeño pepper (only a little as it's very spicy!). I also like to add a little olive oil.

I like to experiment with different vegetables for this soup. Great ideas are spinach and broccoli, collard greens, onion, carrots and sweet potatoes. Beans and lentils also make a great addition. I like to use chickpeas but be sure they are organic.

• salad with mixed greens, red peppers, and sprouts drizzled with salad dressing of garlic and olive oil

• vegetable broth/ soup

• Vegetables with steamed brown rice

This diet can sometimes leave you feeling hungry, so it’s important to have some filling snacks around for when you need a boost.

• Fruit smoothies are great options for dessert or a snack between meals. You can buy packs of frozen organic fruits from your supermarket. These lock all the goodness into the fruit and are very convenient. I actually find that frozen bananas taste much better in a smoothie than fresh ones so I peel ripe bananas and put them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer.

• Just add ice and a little filtered water, and then blend away! I like blends of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and banana. It’s really up to you to find a few combinations that you love. Be creative!

• Freshly squeezed juices are very detoxifying and a great way to get some condensed nutrition into your body. Fresh juice is also packed full of enzymes which are fundamental in maintaining good health and preventing disease.

• Some ideas for recipes - try playing around with these super-healthy ingredients. Cucumbers, apples, carrot, ginger, garlic, beet and broccoli.

• Don't forget to drink Green Tea. This is so effective as a diet aid because it increases your metabolism and reduces your appetite. It has also been used for more than 4000 years in Chinese medicine, to cure ailments ranging from headaches to depression.

Remember that fasting and cleansing should never be applied during pregnancy or lactation.
Most people go really well on this cleansing regime, and many will lose weight, in most cases there will be a 1 pound weight loss for every day of the diet, when this does not occur, further consideration must be given to specific nutritional and metabolic requirements. Bowel/colon cleansing should be considered a priority. (see my posts on colon cleansing)

A fruit, vegetable and juice cleansing diet is the most effective and is quite safe and suitable for most people. However experience has shown that a few extra food types can be added to the diet making the process much more comfortable without sacrificing any benefit. For the last two years virtually all of my cleansing programmes have included brown rice, almonds and avocado in limited proportion.

Brown rice is neither acid nor alkalising, it is neutral. Almonds are the only alkalising nuts and avocados provide essential oils thus become a source of essential fatty acids which assist greatly with weight loss.

Cleansing reactions

Be aware that this type of cleansing diet will do exactly that...Cleanse!

Most people will experience detoxifying symptoms by day 2, especially if coming off stimulants like tea and coffee, this may include a headache, and slight nausea, but remember the value of distilled and filtered water in minimising such reactions.

please feel free to contact me if any further dietry advice is required!

Blessed herbs colon cleansing kit review

2010-05-24T21:24:00.000+01:00

After completing my colon cleanse last month I though it was about time I posted my results.

I now feel healthier than ever, and I lost over 8lbs in weight keeping my BMI at a healthy 22!

My hair, skin and nails are looking healthier and I have had more energy over this last month.

The first step of the Blessed Herbs Colon Cleansing Kit, is known as the Pre-Cleanse. You basically start cutting your food portions down in preparation for the fast, and slowly introduce the "Toxin Absorber" and "Digestive Stimulator" into your system.
The three days pre- cleanse was easy, as solid food was allowed (although in gradually reducing portions). The next step is known as the Main Cleanse. You can only consume clear liquids during this step (such as apple juice and vegetable broth). You must also take the "Toxin Absorber" every three hours, five times a day, for five days, followed by the "Digestive Stimulator" before bed.
I began the detoxing symptoms on the first day of the liquids only fast (main cleanse), this included headache, slight nausea, and feeling weak. After the first day though I began to feel energized and much healthier, even the toxin absorber was reasonably pleasant to take (I chose the ginger option with organic apple juice) and because the toxin absorber swells up, I didn't feel hungry, I just drank some vegetable broth each evening and plenty of water and apple juice.

On the second day I began to pass lots of plaque that had been building up in my colon since my last cleanse, this was a bit gross but with every foot of plaque that was passed I felt more and more healthy and with more and more energy and motivation. My skin, hair and nails began looking healthier too! I would highly recommend the blessed herbs colon cleansing kit, as I believe it to be the best on the market available today, the extra cost is well worth it. My digestive system is now working at optimum level and my body is absorbing all the goodness from my diet and I am really feeling the benefits, we must remember that every cell in our body is affected by the health of the colon!

The next step after completing the colon cleanse is to do the internal cleansing kit, also by blessed herbs. The internal cleansing kit cleanses all the major organs of the body.

We are all connected!

2010-05-18T21:30:00.000+01:00

This video is awesome, so uplifting and inspiring.....

Herbs For The Heart

2010-05-09T18:45:00.000+01:00

Garlic: the Most-Studied Herbal Food for the Cardiovascular System

Garlic may be the world's most respected medicinal plant--not only does it have thousands of years of historical medicinal usage, but it has also been the subject of numerous research studies published in a great many scientific articles, of which there have also been about 258 research studies on the cardiovascular effects of garlic, which represents a major amount of research.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) also known as gypsy’s onions, is a warming herb which is good for the circulatory system and blood pressure. (It is also a natural antibiotic, worth taking at the start of any infection. It mobilises the body’s defences). A whole clove chewed daily, or propriety garlic pills can be taken daily for a healthy heart and circulatory system.

When cholesterol builds up in the arteries it forces your heart to work overtime to keep pumping your blood throughout your body. This in turn raises your blood pressure. A combination of high blood pressure levels and high cholesterol increases the risk of hardening and thickening of the arteries. By lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, garlic keeps your arteries protected.

Garlic also reduces age related thickening of the arteries. Studies conducted on healthy adults show that garlic can help to maintain the elastic properties of the body's main artery- the aorta. This is beneficial as it can prevent hardening of the arteries and thereby reduce the risk of a stroke.

One of garlic's main compounds prevents blood from clotting. This greatly reduces your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Garlic's protective antioxidants have also been shown to be beneficial for the heart after surgery.

Garlic can also help disperse fibrin the body and in this way, work to reducing your chance of many heart problems.

Garlic can also boost the immune system and so helps your body fight disease.

Hawthorn, The Gentle Heart Herb

The best-known herb for the heart in western herbalism is Hawthorn, which is a small tree or shrub that grows throughout the northern hemisphere. The fruits, flowers, and leaves are processed into tinctures and other kinds of extracts available in capsules. Hawthorn is a deciduous shrubby tree found in old hedgerows, this is also a warming herb which is generally considered tonic to the heart and circulatory system. It is also beneficial for the skin when applied externally. This herb can cause severe speeding up of the heart so should only be taken internally under the supervision of a master herbalist.

In both the East and West, hawthorn has been used for millennia as both a food and a medicine. The current use of hawthorn for heart conditions dates back to the 17th century. Hawthorn can be purchased from health food stores or online via mail order.

Herbal help for depression

2010-04-27T13:48:00.000+01:00

Depression is not something you can just ‘snap out of’. It’s thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, along with other factors. Like any serious medical condition depression needs to be treated.

Depression has come more and more to the forefront in health care in recent years. A great percentage of ailments that individuals present to their doctors today seem to have some form of mental/emotional complication which can be perceived as depression. (depression, stress, anxiety etc.)

The millions of individuals suffering clinical or symptomatic depression can experience great benefit from some specific attention to their own health, including diet, exercise, and natural remedies.

Natural medicine, including herbs, diet, and other non-invasive therapies, are particularly appropriate in treating the underlying causes and symptoms associated with depression.

Many commonly prescribed antidepressants work by keeping the neurotransmitter serotonin circulating in the brain. Herbs such as Siberian ginseng, liquorice and Saint-John's-wort also increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.

In clinical studies, Siberian ginseng has repeatedly proved helpful for people who are depressed or have other serious emotional problems. According to a 1980 study, liquorice is more effective than one of the commonly prescribed MAO inhibitors. Other herbs that may help depression are basil, thyme, lemon balm, lavender, spearmint, peppermint, rose petals, gingko, marjoram, lemon verbena, and ginseng.

Listed below are important herbs that are useful for depression either for depression itself or to minimize the depression related side effects.

• Liquorice ( a powerful antidepressant- take up to 3 cups of tea per day)

• St. Johns wort (Great for depression and anxiety, take 1-3 cups of tea per day for 4-6 weeks. Do not take if pregnant)

• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral circulation, improving memory and often benefiting depression. Take an extract that is standardized to contain 24 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides. The usual dose is 80-120 mg two times daily (breakfast and lunch).

• Basil (Add fresh basil leaves to salads to help lift depression.)

• Siberian ginseng (Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain. Take 400mg of a standardized extract 3 times daily).

• Borage (Borage is a natural and effective antidepressant). It is also rich in potassium. Juice from borage leaves and blossoms exerts a specific stimulating effect on the glandular system, which helps to overcome the "blue" feeling. Use the leaves and seeds to alleviate sadness, pensiveness, and melancholy. Suggested as a remedy for melancholy, it stimulates, energizes and renews a zest for life. The young leaves can also be used to make a refreshing salad.

• Rosemary (Besides being a great spice for recipes, rosemary is excellent in sleep pillows and herbal baths. It rekindles your energy and will make you feel happy. You can also prepare an effective rosemary tea using a pinch of valerian.

• Sage (A member of the mint family, sage has been used medicinally and cosmetically since ancient times. To calm jittery nerves, make a decoction with the dried herb, strain and drink.)

• Flax seed (Flax seed is very high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are known to assist in maintaining healthy and optimal levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for nerve communication and emotional response recognition). Flax seed oil makes a great mood stabilizer.
• Ginger (Ginger tea has a long history of being used for the treatment of depression and anxiety)

• Other herbs with MAO inhibitor activity include caraway, celery, coriander, dill, fennel and nutmeg.

Remember: Always consult a trained herbalist if embarking upon herbal treatments for the first time. You can always email me for advice at : wendylouise7@thecompletebeing.com

Herbal help for arthritis and rheumatism

2010-04-25T21:41:00.001+01:00

Nettle, also known as bull nettle, stinging nettle, and itch weed grows along the banks of rivers and creeks, it is an annual herb and tolerates most soil types. It is used as a detoxifying tonic. Nettle is particularly useful for treating hay fever, seasonal allergies, gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

The nettle is a warming herb that is quite superb for arthritic and rheumatic problems. Used externally it is good for burns and all stinging and itching conditions of the skin. Nettle can also be made as an infusion, a cup twice a day is a useful treatment for arthritis and rheumatism.

The recipe below is for an alcohol based tincture prepared from fresh or dried nettle leaves, plant or roots.

Fresh Nettle Tincture

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1 - Harvest the fresh nettle

Harvesting fresh nettle

Step 2. Collect and rinse the nettle. Wear gloves while doing this to prevent an itchy rash. Nettle has itch inducing needles on the bottoms of the leaves.

Once washed, allow to air dry

Step 3 Chop the fresh nettle and place it in a clean glass jar. Cover the nettle with vodka.

Step 4 Seal the jar of nettle tincture with a tight lid. Shake the jar well.

Allow the nettle to infuse into the alcohol for 2 weeks. Shake the nettle tincture daily as it infuses.

Step 5 After 2 weeks has passed strain the nettle from the tincture.

Step 6 Place the tincture in dark coloured, glass jars with a dropper. Label the jar "nettle tincture" and put the date of preparation on the jar. Nettle tincture will last several years if stored properly.

Use 2 ml of tincture 3 times a day as an adult dose for the conditions listed above.

Help for arthritis

2010-04-16T11:39:00.001+01:00

Arthritis is a crippling disease which affects a very large number of people. It is not restricted to the elderly. Cases of juvenile arthritis in children as young as 6 years are quite common.

A less recognised fact is that arthritis is a killing disease. Death usually results from kidney or liver failure or heart attack brought on by an excess of toxins and the stress of the condition. The medical opinion is that arthritis is incurable and the best that a sufferer can hope for is some relief through symptom suppressing drugs. But embarking upon a cleansing diet, and removing excessive fats, sugar, salt and changing to whole bread instead of white and brown rice instead of white can vastly improve the condition.

There are about 200 varieties of arthritis. Nearly all involve inflammation of the joints, lack of circulation and destruction of bone and cartilage. These are the symptoms that must be treated.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is common in old people, affecting more women than men. It is of a degenerative nature and results from poor nutritional lifestyle and general wearing out.

A normal healthy joint such as hip or knee is covered with a smooth layer of shiny cartilage. Degeneration of this cartilage results in wear and breakdown of the bone underlying it. This causes pain.

We have seen that old age is just a process of wearing out. The idea being to wear out slowly, not quickly. As such, any improvement in diet and lifestyle will help the arthritic sufferer greatly.

ACIDITY

In most cases the arthritic sufferer will have an acidic system. This results from an excessive consumption of meats, dairy, grains, sugar, tea, coffee, preservatives etc. Acidity is one of the primary causes for the inflammation manifesting in their joints or spine. It will also be irritating every other organ and tissue. The body attempts to neutralise this acidity by taking the alkalising mineral, Calcium from the joints. The result of the corrosive acidity is inflammation of the joints and the breakdown of bone and cartilage.

CLEANSING DIET

A fruit, vegetable and juice cleansing diet is the most effective and is suitable and safe for most people.

The standard cleansing diet is a highly alkalising programme and is ideal for sufferers of most arthritic conditions. It removes a large part of the cause of the condition by shifting the body chemistry from acid to more alkaline.

There are certain fruits and vegetables which can aggravate an arthritic condition. These include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and strawberries and plants of the Solanacea group ... the nightshades. These include tomatoes, egg plants (aubergines), capsicum (peppers) and potatoes. Exclude tomatoes, oranges and grapefruit as a precaution.

Other bonuses achieved by this programme include weight loss; the temporary removal of aggravating intolerant foods and the flushing of the kidneys and rehydrating of the body by the use of lots of distilled water or filtered water. All of these factors are of critical importance.

Summary of Dietary Procedures

A period of cleansing of between 5 and 10 days (the longer the better) on the standard cleansing diet often produces a 50% or more reduction in symptoms. Distilled water or filtered water is a necessary part of this treatment. Following the cleanse, the person can be introduced to the standard whole foods diet with particular emphasis on vegetables and vegetable juices and the continued avoidance of citrus fruits and the nightshades, if they present ongoing problems.

The cleansing diet is very simple and involves eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only distilled or filtered water herb/fruit teas and fresh fruit and vegetable juices (do not mix fruit and vegetable juices together). Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day during the cleansing diet. (You can also add some brown rice to the vegetables)

Fruits and vegetables form the basis of a cleansing diet together with drinking only distilled or filtered water and herbal teas and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

The diet should be undertaken for a period of 5, 7 or 10 days with the option to be extended for a little longer when the target is achieved.

The benefits of using a cleansing diet include creating a marvellous foundation for good health which one can build upon, plus cleansing diets are always indicated for arthritis sufferers and for any toxic condition or condition of mucous congestion; in fact almost any disease state. A cleansing diet will effectively strip away the build up of acid and ureas which are responsible for inflammation present in the joints of arthritis sufferers.

Supplements

Vitamin C should always be the priority. Supply 10-30gms of a compatible Vitamin C formula (usually Sodium Ascorbate) daily from the first day of the cleanse onwards. It is a powerful detoxifier and essential for the support of the adrenal glands. In any arthritic condition the adrenals will have been hopelessly overworked producing the anti-inflammatory hormone, Cortesone. Vitamin C will improve circulation to the joints.

There are only so many nutrients that you can use at one time. The body can only heal 'so quickly'. Do not overload it.

B Complex is important due to the stress of the condition. B5 (pantothenic acid or calcium pantethonate) is particularly important because it is necessary for adrenal function along with vitamin C. Try and choose a B Complex high in B5 or supply extra. Up to 2gms of B5 per day is perfectly safe for a few months.

Mineral Complexes provide the Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Silica necessary for bone growth. Once the body's metabolism has been corrected the growth of new cartilage and bone will begin if the necessary nutrients are present. Remember that bone is connective tissue and as such it is dependent upon sufficient Vitamin C for the production of the protein Collagen.

Evening Primrose Oil can be very effective as an anti inflammatory. It is expensive because a large number of capsules must be taken to get sufficient oil. Use 6-9 per day.

Vitamin E will improve circulation and help to remove scar tissue and 'mop up' free radicals from the inflammation.

Green tea (or green tea capsules)

The EGCG and ECG found in green tea are powerful flavonoids known as catechins. Seems these particular catechins may help fight inflammation, as well as some of the underlying mechanisms at work in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Of course, drinking a few cupfuls of green tea each day is no guarantee against knee pain, so here are a few of the more tried-and-true methods for keeping knees healthy:

• Lose weight if you are overweight. Excess pounds raise your risk of knee arthritis. ( the cleansing diet usually results in some weight loss)

• Play it safe. A knee injury will triple your risk of knee osteoarthritis. When you exercise, take proper precautions to avoid getting hurt. (gentle exercise is best such as walking and yoga)

• Strengthen your quads. Weak quadriceps muscles are associated with knee arthritis, so work them out regularly, along with your hamstrings and all of your other leg muscles.

Herbal help for arthritis

Arthritis means joint inflammation. Any part of the body can become inflamed or painful from arthritis. The two most-common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, resulting from the wear and tear in life. It leads to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased function of joints. The joints most often affected by osteoarthritis are knees, hips, hands, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). It causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of joint function. There are a number of herbs that work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Helpful herbs are:

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is one of the most popular remedies for arthritis. For better results, consume herbal tea made from fresh alfalfa, instead of the powder.

Angelica

The western variety of Angelica has 12 anti-inflammatory constituents, 10 anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxant) constituents and 5 anodyne (pain-relieving) constituents that are essential for treating arthritis.

Arnica

Arnica is externally applied as an herbal arthritis medication, to soothe soreness and inflammation. It is considered as one of the greatest herbs for trauma, inflammation and tissue damage. It is used in homoeopathic treatment also.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh acts as a muscle anti-inflammatory and as an antispasmodic to nerves, muscles and blood vessels. The salicylic acid in it contributes to these properties. The herb helps in reducing inflammation caused due by osteoarthritis, neuralgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Boswellia

Boswellia is similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It has a unique anti-inflammatory action. In addition, long-term use of boswellia does not result in any side effect.

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper contains a pain-relieving chemical known as capsaicin and an aspirin-like compound called salicylate. It provides relief from arthritis pain, when ingested or applied topically. It is the most powerful herb for increasing circulation, both internally and externally.

Celery

Celery is rich in minerals and contains more than 25 anti-inflammatory compounds. Raw or cooked celery seeds prove to be a good remedy for rheumatism.

Ginger

In order to tackle the swelling that results from arthritis, use ginger tea and ginger compress. Ginger tea is beneficial for osteoarthritis.

Ginseng

Ginseng tea works wonders in treating arthritis. It is advised to use American ginseng, since Asian ginseng can actually aggravate the pain of arthritis.

Hops

Hop tea is a popular remedy for rheumatism. The plant contains more than 22 constituents that have anti-inflammatory activities and 4 constituents with anti-spasmodic properties. Around 10 constituents act as sedatives, alleviating pain.

Licorice

Licorice has crucial anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and acts like cortisone. The licorice components bind glucocorticoid receptors on cells and exert glucocorticoid-like effects.

Mustard

Mustard is a common herb that is used as in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It contains an irritating substance called allyl-isothyocyanate that is activated only when the seeds are grounded coarsely and mixed with some liquid. This ointment, when applied on the joints, produces the necessary irritation for the counterirritant effect.

Oregano

Since free radicals occur in case of inflammation, growing age and degenerative arthritis, oregano, being a powerful antioxidant, prevents the cell damage from free radicals. Antioxidants also help in relieving osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rosemary

Rosemary leaves contain four anti-inflammatory substances. When consumed as a tea, they prove to be a good option for bringing about improvement in arthritis.

Sesame

The nutritional needs of the body increase during arthritis attacks. Since sesame seeds contain copper, the requirement is recuperated.

Nettle

Stinging nettle is considered as one of the most important herbs used for treating early-onset of arthritis.

Turmeric

The yellow pigment of turmeric, curcumin has considerable anti-inflammatory action. Turmeric is used to deal with almost all the problems effectively. It is very effective in certain models of inflammation.

Willow

Willow bark tea has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and works like an aspirin to reduce pain and swelling.

How to beat insomnia

2010-04-12T00:25:00.002+01:00

A dear friend of mine recently asked my advice about problems with sleep, so I decided to post on insomnia for all those tired people out there who have been tossing and turning during the night.
We all have problems sleeping from time to time, but persistent insomnia can be problematic for the sufferer causing a whole variety of other symptoms, such as headaches, stress, fatigue, confusion, poor concentration, suppressed immune function, depression, irritability and lack of mental focus to name but a few. Insomnia is usually caused by a variety of sources such as pain, stress, worry, depression, grief, and an imbalanced lifestyle (such as too much alcohol and bad diet). In order to treat the insomnia it is important to determine the root cause.
Below I have listed a few ways to beat insomnia holistically.

Exercise and fresh air are important in getting a good night sleep.
Counselling or holistic therapy for stress, worry and depression. ( or talking out your worries with a good friend!)
Natural herbal remedies such as valerian root capsules. These are widely available in health food shops.
Yoga and meditation are also excellent to aid sleep and promote a more rested night.
Reduce or cut out the caffeine! ( drink chamomile tea before bed, or a milky drink)
Sugar should also be avoided as it raises levels of cortisone and adrenalin in the blood.
Eat your evening meal at least two hours before you go to bed. If you must have a late night snack make sure you take carbohydrates as they increase the level of neurotransmitter serotonin in the body and this is known to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Bananas also contain sleep inducing properties.
Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom, such as warm colours, comfortable bedding etc. If using candles, always ensure they are extinguished before you go to sleep.
Reading at bedtime will help you to relax, instead of watching television which is too stimulating!
Use lavender and/or Chamomile oils in a relaxing bath before you go to bed.
Try and stick to a regular bedtime routine.
Melatonin is good for treating insomnia and is an excellent alternative to sleeping pills. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the pineal gland at the base of the brain and is important in regulating sleep. Melatonin capsules or liquid is also widely available from health food stores.
Be aware of bedroom temperature. Being too hot or too cold during the night will stimulate the brain, so it makes sense to try and regulate body temperature for a peaceful nights sleep.
St Johns wort is well known for treating mood disorders, and also works on serotonin and melatonin which both effect sleep.

Feel free to contact me if you require further advice on dealing with insomnia holistically. Now I’m off to bed with a good book! Sleep well X

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

2010-04-07T01:07:00.000+01:00

Search Amazon.com for bach flower remedies

Bach flower remedies are medicines that are prepared by flowers to treat the negative emotional and mental states that we face in life.
Dr Edward Bach was a successful Harley Street consultant who had become disillusioned with the emphasis of modern medicine in the 1930s. He was convinced that nature held the answer to many of the negative states of the mind, so he began his search amid the woods, hedgerows and fields of the English countryside.

Edward Bach was a deeply spiritual man, and found he was capable of bringing himself into a particular mood state. When he held the flower of the appropriate remedy in his hand, the negative state would subside; he did this until he found 12 remedies which he wrote about in his famous book 'the twelve healers'. Later he added other remedies so now there are 38 in the complete Bach set. Each has a specific indication.

The holistic approach to health, disease and healing is one based on the concept of the perfect unity of all things, and the utter uniqueness of every system contained within it. Therefore each of us are on our own journey through life and our state of health at any time serves as an indication of the point we have reached on this journey.
Every symptom be it body, mind or spirit, gives us a particular message, and we need to acknowledge and recognise these messages and make use of them on our journey. The remedies are designed by nature to re-establish contact and harmony with our wholeness, the true source of our energy.

We are all capable of healing ourselves, we all have divine healing power within us and within our environment, nature is very intelligent in helping us re-establish contact with our source!

Below is a list of the twelve healer’s remedies

• Agrimony – for hidden worry / to create contentment
• Centaury - for servitude / to create self assertiveness
• Cerato – for mistrust instincts/ to create self belief
• Chicory – for self pity/ to create giving love
• Clematis – for the dreamer/ to create more down to earth
• Gentian – for despondence / to create faith
• Impatiens – for impatience /to create tolerance
• Mimulus – for known fears /to create bravery
• Rock rose – for terror / to create courage
• Scleranthus – for indecision / to create resolution
• Vervain – for stress / to create tranquillity
• Water violet – for pride, aloofness / to create a state of being in service.

Below is a list of the seven helpers

• Gorse – for hopelessness/ to create hope
• Heather – for loneliness / to create quietude
• Oak – for endeavour / for accepting limits
• Olive – for exhaustion / to create peace
• Rock Water – for self denial / to create a broader outlook
• Vine – for domination / to create liberty
• Wild Oat – for lack of direction / to create purpose

Then we have the second nineteen.

• Aspen – for unknown fear / to trust the unknown

• Beech – for being critical / to be more accepting
• Cherry plum – for fear instability / to create sanity
• Chestnut bud – for repeated mistakes / to learn lessons
• Crab apple – for feeling unclean / for cleansing
• Elm – for being overwhelmed / enduring
• Holly – for anger / to create loving
• Honeysuckle – for living in the past / for living now
• Hornbeam – for weariness / to create resilience
• Larch – for no confidence / to create confidence
• Mustard – for sudden gloom / to create clarity
• Pine – for guilt/ To create acceptance
• Red chestnut – for worry for others/ to create trust in life
• Star of Bethlehem – for grief / to harmonise
• Sweet chestnut – for desolation / to rekindle hope
• Walnut – for interference / to create protection
• White chestnut – for circling thoughts / to calm the mind
• Wild rose – for resignation / to joyful intent
• Willow – for feelings of resent / uncomplaining

And then of course we have the rescue remedy. This remedy is actually made up of five different remedies, Rock Rose for terror and panic, Impatiens for irritation and impatience, Clematis for inattentiveness, Star of Bethlehem for shock and Cherry Plum for irrational thoughts.