www.Solholistic.com Blog

Spain springs into life!

2010-02-19T23:56:00.003+00:00

Spring represents new life. Bare branches of trees suddenly showing signs of life with rich green shoots ready to "spring" open into fragrant fruit, flowers or berries. Every season provides us with what we need nutritionally. When you live in a City it is difficult to see what natures medicine provides. Living in a beautiful place like Sella on the Costa Blanca, I am fortunate to see the colourful changes that the seasons bring. During the Winter months the bancales are filled with orange and lemon trees bulging with vitamin C rich fruit. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that strengthens the immune system to help fight cold and flu symptoms which are very common during winter time.Wild herbs of rosemary and thyme are also available throughout most of the seasons and whilst accompanying many dishes can be used topically for aches and pains and infused for making tea or added to locally pressed olive oil and vinegars for extra flavour and nutrition.

At the moment the almond trees are boasting their array of pink or white flowers providing a display so beautiful that they instill you with a great feeling that compensates the fact that the weather is bad. Pink blossom produces bitter almonds and the white blossom produces sweet almonds The bitter almond is rather broader and shorter than the sweet almond, and contains about 50% of the fixed oil which also occurs in sweet almonds. Almonds are picked in the Autumn and if still in the shells can be kept for eating throughout the year providing essential nutrients including, vitamin E and magnesium helping reduce cholesterol, improving the colon and complexion.

An interesting rarely mentioned herb Helichrysum italicum otherwise known as immortelle or everlasting is currently in flower. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves that resemble lavender leaves with a slight silvery shade. It grows on dry, rocky, sandy ground mainly on the mediteranean so it grows quite happily here in Sella.

An oil is produced from the bright yellow blossoms which is used for medicinal purposes. It is anti-inflammatory,anti-allergenic, fungicidal, and astringent so soothes burns, helps cellular growth being good for stretch marks, scars, and raw chapped skin. It is used as a fixative in perfumes and has an intense fragrance.

Although called "curry plant" it has nothing whatsoever to do with the mixture of spices used in Indian cooking, nor with the curry tree (Murraya koenigii).

The "essential" oil compounds of helichrysum is known to prevent and relieve blood clotting (helpful for bruising), stimulate tissue regeneration, act as a powerful anti-oxidant, and reducing inflammation. This combination of natural chemicals help with injuries such as twists and sprains, bruises, tendonitis and the like. Thus helichrysum has been named a miracle plant. As with the healing effect of all essential oils, it is the combination of effects from each molecule working together that can offer dramatic healing action.

Oils used in aromatherapy can be extracted from all of the above to bring about natural healing.

Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds to make a very widely used "carrier oil" that is used in many products as well as baby care as it is very softening and soothing for the skin. The oil is good for application to the skin as an emollient, because it is more stable (does not become rancid) than those oils that have a higher content of essential fatty acids, and because it has a pleasant aroma. It is a mild, lightweight oil that can be used as a substitute for olive oil.

Oranges and lemons have oil extracted from their skin by "pressing". Orange (sweet citrus sinensis) is a sunny and radiant oil, bringing happiness and warmth to the mind promoting relaxation and helping children to sleep at night. Orange oil can be used effectively on the immune system, as well as for colds and flu and to eliminate toxins from the body.It is a good diuretic and is most useful in balancing water retention and obesity. For the digestive system, orange oil can help with constipation, dyspepsia and as a general tonic. It is also useful in cases of nervous tension and stress.The therapeutic properties of orange oil are antiseptic, anti-depressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diuretic, cholagogue, sedative and tonic. Bitter Orange, also known as Bigarade Orange or Neroli, has served many ancient cultures for its medicine effects in treating a large variety of health disorders. Today bitter orange teas, tinctures, and extracts are still used in connection with gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, head aches, and obesity.The petals of the orange blossom are used to make fragrant floral waters that are used in many cosmetics and perfume.

Lemon oil citrus limonum is widely used in my practice as it has stimulating, calming, carminative, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, sleep inducing, and antifungal properties. These benefits of lemon oil include its ability to treat stress disorders, fever, infections, asthma, weight problems, insomnia, skin disorders, hair disorders, stomach problems, aches and pains, high blood pressure and tiredness.

Rosemary oil rosmarinus officinalis is steam distilled from the blue flowerheads of the plant.This crisp and clean smelling essential oil is great for stimulating the brain, improving memory and mental clarity, while helping with a variety of congested respiratory tract problems, stiff muscles, chills as well as boosting the liver and gall bladder. It is also used for improving hair and scalp health. Due to its action on the nervous system rosemary is best avoided on pregnant women and epileptics. The therapeutic properties of rosemary oil include being analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, carminative, diuretic, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, stimulant, sudorific and tonic.

Thyme oil thymus vulgaris is steam distilled from the flowers and is in the same family as lavender, rosemary and mint.Thyme can be used externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, rheumatism, arthritis and fungal infections.

It is often used to invigorate and stimulate hair growth and is good for treating head lice and dandruff.

Thyme essential oil will boost the immune system and help fight colds, flu, coughs and sore throat, including laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis and asthma due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti -inflammatory properties Since it helps remove uric acid, it is good to use in gout, arthritis and rheumatism, while further stimulating the digestion and urinary tract. It's properties also include it being antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidic, cardiac, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticide, stimulant and tonic making it a good all round oil. Commercially there are two types of oil used in aromatherapy white thyme and red thyme. Red thyme is used with caution as its properties are extremely powerful due to its high phenol content!

Using extracted oils from trees, herbs, flowers, fruit and berries makes aromatherapy a very powerful therapy to help the mind and body. Most herbs are synergistic so work well together to bring about balance.

Helichrysum however is my suggested miracle essential oil of the month. For more information on where to buy or use it please contact me sharon@solholistic.com

Yours in health,
Sharon

Are You still on track?

2010-01-25T10:56:00.002+00:00

Well its been 4 weeks since my last posting due to variuos challenges presenting themselves to me! After achieving the 1408 sea level to summit challenge which took 11 hours and really spurred me on to start the New Year, I started disciplining myself with the detox regime of body brushing hot and cold showers cleansing my system with vitamin C packed smoothies, homemade soups, reducing my alcohol intake and drinking lots of water. I decided to do another walk 3 days after the challenge which was a fantastic 3 hour, 7 km walk around the Buddhist valley which is another local walk to Sella. Although I had an achey back I thought I am really on a roll now towards my healthy 2010 goal! 2 days later I realised the achey back was actually a kidney infection which made my whole body shut down. making me sick, headachey, dehydrated and giving me aches and pains and shortness of breath. I looked at this body state positively because I believe my body was getting rid of lots of toxins that had accumulated in my body over a period of time and then doing an 11 hour challenge which was using virtually every muscle in the body alongside the stress and determination involved my body said "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" you need to rest!! The nervous system governs every part of the body and when it is stretched mentally, physically and emotionally messages are sent to the brain and the amazing DR YOU kicks in! If you experience pain, trauma, stiff joints, headaches, sore throats etc your nervous system works alongside the other organs to help sort the problem out! Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, reducing caffeine and polution (environmental, cigarettes etc) will all help the nervous system do its job to bring the body back to good health. Health is when every organ in the body works harmoniosly together with no interference.The lymphatic system needs help in eliminating toxins as unlike the circulation which has the heart to pump blood around the body the lymphatic system relies on the movement of muscles to push and squeeze out toxins into the excretory organs including , kidneys, skin, bowels and bladder. I suffer with a swelling in my right foot due to an hereditary problem so for me regular lymphatic drainage massage is essential. Lymphatic drainage massage is a massage using techniques to drain excess fluid and toxins from the cells to be elliminated. It is also good to use on scar tissue and people who suffer lots of coughs and colds. It is also used on people with cancer.
During your detox programme having lymphatic drainage massage will add to the effectiveness of cleansing your system.
I have now forgotten how ill I actually felt but know that I feel great now and listening to the body signals is very important! Keep to your limitations and build up to your exercise regimes and do eat little and often to keep your metabolism working.

Yours in health,
Sharon

Be prepared!

2009-12-30T14:03:00.000+00:00

It is good to give yourself a starting point to begin any programme so that you can be better prepared!

I am doing a sea level to summit (1408) challenge on Saturday 2nd January which involves an 8 hour day of walking so I will need lots of energy! This would probably not be an ideal day to start a detox programme.

When your body starts to dispose of toxins it can make you feel tired, headachey and irritable to begin with so I suggest you start when you have time afterwards to relax and rest if necessary so a weekend or before a day off would be recommended. New Years day this year is ideal as it is the end of the week. If you have been heavily drinking on New Years Eve however you may feel pretty rotten so New Years day may not be ideal! You have to feel good to start and keep motivated. Drinking alcohol will deflate your energy and you will become a non starter!!

When you do decide on the day in question you must feel motivated, good and in control!
Below I have a list of essentials to help you on your way:

Tape measure - To measure waist, hips, thighs and upper arms (before and after)
Body brush
Lemons
Spring water (if you buy bottled water check that sodium levels on the label are minimal)
Juicer, liquidiser for making vitamin packed juices and soups
Fennel, chamomile, peppermint, sage and nettle teas
Dandelion coffee
Fresh in season locally grown vegetables including 3 green leafy vegetables (sprouts, watercress, cabbage, brocolli etc)
Fennel, celery, cucumber, artichokes, avocado and beetroot help greatly with toxin removal
Goji berries (boyas tibetanas in Spanish), prunes, apricots and coconut oil
Rice cakes and oatcakes
Rosewater-1x teaspoon in 1 glass of water 3 x a day for emotional stress
Aloe vera juice or capsules- Take as above to relieve constipation
Optional use of an enema or colonic hydrotherapy
Lymphatic drainage massage
Holistic acupressure facial
Avocado oil with essential oils of lemon, fennel, juniperberry and cypress to massage into the problematic thighs and upper arms that may have fatty deposits or show signs of cellulite. Massage twice a day towards the heart after showering (remember shower needs to be hot, cold, hot cold)
At least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise including walking uphill, sports, cycling, running etc
At least 30 minutes of YOU time to relax or meditate
Vitamin B complex to support the nervous system

Please refer to my previously posted blogs on how to start the day etc and please post your comments to help others if you feel like sharing your experiences.

In the meantime,
Good luck, make your spring clean inside and out enjoyable,
Yours in health,
Sharon

Know your body to achieve best results!

2009-12-28T21:33:00.001+00:00

Before embarking on any detoxification programme it is important that you know your body! Are you on medication for long term illness, prone to allergies, regular infections including coughs and colds or have you been diagnosed with a disease?
The face and texture of the skin can be good indicators of the state of your health. Dry skin can indicate dehydration or poor diet. Greasy skin can be an indicator of an hormonal imbalance.

Giving yourself a facial analysis can help you identify which organs are out of balance and what foods to avoid or include. Taken from the facial analysis book by Elizabeth Gibaud here are some suggestions:

Type 1: This one is ruled by your thyroid gland. If you have a shiny nose, fluffy hair, cold feet and hands, bulging eyes, and dry skin.

Avoid: Mangoes, white flour, red wine, yeast products, and chocolate
Eat: Cucumbers, oats, apples, potatoes, and asparagus

Type 2: This one is ruled with your liver. If you have a yellow tint to your skin (particularly around your mouth), reddish or bluish nose, and/or a thick and furry tongue, and red ears. If you are suffering from lack of concentration and motivation, as well as experience nausea.

Avoid: Oranges, curry, bananas, alcohol, and coffee
Eat: Cherries, limes, apricots, potatoes and garlic

Type 3: If your are suffering from water retention and have a bloated face, puffy under-eyes, vertical line or groove under the tip of your nose, swollen fingers or ankles, and a hard time concentrating.

Avoid: Soy sauce, peanuts, canned fruit, red meat, and cheese
Eat: Spinach, broccoli, onions, fresh fish, and pineapples

Type 4: If you have inflammation easily, a greasy chin, nose, and forehead, very tight or open pores, horizontal lines on your forehead, sagging cheeks, and smelly feet.

Avoid: Rice, pastries, alcohol, mayonnaise, and shellfish
Eat: Millet, turnips, carrots, asparagus, and berries

Type 5: Prone to having complaints about your skin.

Avoid: Watermelon, raisins, strawberries, eggs, and beer
Eat: Oats, cabbage, apples, butter, and parsley

Type 6: This is only applied to men and is ruled with their prostate. If your ear is red at the top or forehead is red and has horizontal creases above your top lip, dark rings under your eyes, and a furred tongue.

Avoid: Sweet potatoes, vinegar, aubergine, red wine, and blue cheese
Eat: Grapefruit, peaches, lentils, courgette, and watercress

Main Tips for this Diet

You should always choose brown instead of white when eating bread, pasta, or rice. All that pasta consists of is water and white flour, which are the same ingredients that can be used to make glue!! Nutritious versions of pasta are buckwheat and brown.

If you tend to bloat a lot, try to eat traditional British staples, such as potatoes and oats. Pasta and rice have been added to our diets recently, and some people can have trouble digesting them.

Unsalted butter is a good source of vitamin A (in moderation of course) and is better to choose over most synthetic margarine and spreads that have many additives and dyes,
Also, choose jam that is sweetened with its own juices, because many of the jams that are sugar-free still consist of artificial sweeteners that can pollute your body.

Make sure that you drink enough water during the day (2 litres or 8 glasses). If you are thirsty, that means that you are dehydrated already so your body will be unable to function properly.

Take breaks, getting plenty of fresh air at a park or somewhere away from the city.

Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine during a detox because coffee and tea can both cause water retention, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety, while alcohol can cause dehydration. Herbal teas such as nettle, fennel, peppermint, sage and chamomile are all good to have instead and dandelion coffee is a great alternative to caffeine and actually helps with detoxification.

Celery, beetroot, cucumber, watercress, carrots, onions and garlic are all great blood cleansers. Making unusual, juices, smoothies and soups are great to get extra vitamins and minerals into the body and encourage disposal of toxins.

If you are taking medication you need to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals so a healthy diet is essential to help the liver cope with digesting "chemicals" from sythetic drugs. If you live in a city you also need to be aware of the hidden polution that can affect the lungs! Avoid additives in foods and read all labels to make sure you are not eating extra salt, sugar or fat.

Hopefully you can assess your body type and achieve good results.
To have an aromatic facial using all naturally sourced ingredients would also compliment the programme and disperse any excess fluid allowing further dispersal of toxins. See holistic facial http://www.solholistic.com/

Take care,

Sharon Bates

Detoxification challenge 2010

2009-12-20T22:37:00.000+00:00

Yes I know we say it year after year as our new years resolution. "I need to lose weight, do more exercise etc".
What actually I suggest you do, for those of you who are like me, that preach to other people on the rights and wrongs of a healthy lifestyle yet always use the excuse "I don't have the time to make a healthy meal or exercise regularly ............" is PUT YOURSELF FIRST NO MATTER WHAT!

Okay, so this is the first step.

Positive mental attitude at all times- I can, I will, I am, I do. Avoid doubt, be a risk taker!
Like and love yourself
Be true to yourself
Avoid negative people
Find a creative hobby
Remove your weighing scales!!
Find out if you have any food allergies- Bloating and excess body fluids can be a result of allergies so eliminating can slim you straight away
Read affirmations to keep you inspired
Take some form of relaxation for at least 30 minutes a day.
Eat your main meal at lunchtime if possible
Eat little and often
Drink 2 litres of water a day
Do not go shopping when you are hungry!

Hopefully you are now mentally prepared. I suggest now you think about what sort of exercise you could possibly do every day including, walking to the bus stop, walking the dog, walking up and down the office, cycling to work, joining a dance class etc. Make a note of it and use it in your plan.

Buy a body brush
Make sure you have stocked in the cupboard, wholegrain rice, lentils, beans (variety), chickpeas, cider vinegar, olive oil, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, goji berries, prunes, oatcakes, rice cakes, cumin, chilli, blackpepper, bouillon stock, marmite and peanut butter
Always have a mixture of at least 3 different fresh green leafy vegetables per day (that are in season). Sprouts are a brilliant superfood to have at the moment.
As in the previous blog I suggested stocking up on blueberries, oranges and lemons which are great detoxifiers.
Eat oily fish at least 3 times a week and red meats no more than 3 times a week
Check labels on foods for hidden sugars, fats and salt
Yes buy chocolate! 70% or more cocoa solids
Eat pure when possible
Have regular lymphatic drainage massage
Don't eat a heavy meal after 7.00p.m
Drink water and fresh lemon juice half an hour before and after every meal
Invest in a liquidiser and juicer for preparing soups and smoothies

Now you have some basic guidelines you need to plan a schedule to get you organised.
Below is an example of my ideal day that will be a must for the challenge!!

7.30a.m. Drink a glass of warm water(not hot, not cold) with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
7.45a.m. take the dog on a brisk 30 minute walk making sure my heart rate increases to exercise my heart muscle which will improve my circulation to help with the removal of toxins!
8.30a.m Prepare for a shower by brushing my body from toes to head always towards the heart for a minimum of 1 minute on each body part to really boost the circulation to the surface of the skin. The skin should give a mottled look and the body gets lovely and warm.
Ideally get into a cool shower then gradually heat up the water inter changing the temperature again to flush out toxins in the cells finishing with cool. REMEMBER -"I CAN"- brrrrrr.
Massage digestive area from the right lower abdomen, up to below the ribs across and down to the left side finishing in the lower left side. The showerhead can be used on high pressure to achieve excellent results for getting the digestive system to work harder and reduce constipation.
After the shower, massage the body using a cream or body lotion (Solholistic has produced an anti cellulite lotion for this challenge) containing detoxification oils such as fennel, lemon, juniper berry, cypress and grapefruit.
Concentrate also on massaging the face draining outwards towards the ears
Have breakfast even if it is just a piece of fruit!! To have a substantial breakfast however can set you up for the day making picking less of a temptation. I suggest porridge with banana and seeds or wholegrain cereals with almond, soya or rice milk. Herbal tea or warm drink of choice. Remember glass of water afterwards too.
Midmorning have a piece of fruit of choice with a handful of seeds mixture or 6 almonds, 3 brazil nuts or walnuts or snack of your choice. I piece of carbohydrate with 1 piece of protein to keep the blood sugar levels evenly balanced which will ward off hunger pangs and addictions
Lunch time is good to have a substantial meal containing potatoes, rice, pasta or bread. Only one of these as carbs is suggested. A piece of fish or meat of choice no bigger than the palm of your hand and 3 different vegetables containing at least 1 green leafy vegetable. Remember the water before and after. Homemade soup would be a great starter or seafood cocktail using cider vinegar and lemon as condiments with chillis, blackpepper, cumin or nutmeg as fragrant, no calorie ingredients to spice up any dish
Mid afternoon again a piece of fruit or dried fruit with 2oz cheese, ham or a few nuts. 2-3 ricecakes or oatcakes with hummus, guacomole, cottage cheese or yoghurt.
Dinnertime could be a starter of fruit cocktail followed by salad of roasted vegetable with beans, lentils, fish , meat or eggs. Try to avoid bread, rice and pasta at this meal
Mid evening glass of water, banana and segment of dark good quality 70% chocolate
Retire to bed by first having a relaxing bath using the detoxing essential oils for better elimination
During the evening walking the dog again and of course in between working as normal

It is important that you get organised and have a plan. It doesn't have to be hard and you don't have to deprive yourself. It is all down to commonsense!!

If you want me to send you a daily diary sheet to get you started please email me. I will even assess it for you afterwards if necessary. It is amazing when we start writing down everything we eat we can actually see where we are going wrong. Sometimes we may not be eating enough!!
I will be starting January 1st and will let you know my progress. I would be very interested to see how you have done it also let me know your experiences.

GOOD LUCK
Sharon Bates,

7 fruits associated with the 7 chakra colours

2009-12-08T12:17:00.029+00:00

Well its that time of year again! Having to keep warm with the winter chills. For your defence system I have chosen 7 fruits representing the colours of the 7 chakras. All of these fruits can also be included as part of a detoxification programme for the New Year. You cannot go wrong by stocking up with the following ingredients to help you through the Christmas season.
If you have any interesting recipes using any of the following that you would like to share please subscribe to solholistic blog and be entered into the New Year draw!!

ROOT-RED- Goji berries: Discovered in the Himalayan mountains Goji Berries are thought of in the Orient as anti - aging strength building superfood. This sacred berry is so cherished by the Tibetan monks that they traditionally honour it at the end of every year for a two week celebration. It looks like a red raisin and contains 19 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, natural chemicals that support the immune system and a complete spectrum of antioxidants and betacarotene. This berry is among the highest source of carotenoids in any common food.
They can be used in baking, on cereals, in salads, curries and used to eat on the move with nuts and seeds. They can be bought from any health food store and in some supermarkets.

BASE-ORANGE- Oranges: Fruit of the winter season and a perfect accompaniment to fighting winter chills. Other than Vitamin C which promotes a healthy immune system oranges are known to contain many cancer fighting ingredients including phytochemicals and compounds from the carotenoid family. Some compounds called limonoids give citrus fruits their tangy and bitter taste and are thought to give them their highly effective anti cancer properties.There are many different varieties including blood, navel, persian, florida and valencia. Oranges can be used as accompaniments to meats and fish (being high in acid can help break down saturated fat), in fruit salads, and squeezed to make a very nutritional vitamin drink.

SOLAR PLEXUS-YELLOW- Lemons: Very versatile fruit perfect for all seasons. Great for detoxifying the body. Lemons contain vitamin C vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and iron. Although lemon appears acidic it actually changes to alkaline in the body making it good for arthritis and balancing the blood pressure. Containing many B vitamins also makes it good for stress. I suggest everyone include lemon on a daily basis for drinking in water to detoxify the system especially before food. Lemon also makes a good accompaniment to fish. Having many uses it is also good to use in household cleaning as a degreaser.

HEART -GREEN- Avocado:Avocado is an underestimated fruit that is highly nutritious. It contains nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and plant compounds adding value to the daily diet. Avocado contains polyunsaturated and mono fats making it a much healthier option than saturated fats. It contains 81 milograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 milograms of beta carotene which some studies suggest is good for healthy eyes. Being soft and creamy it is one of the first fruits that a babies can enjoy as it is sodium and cholesterol free. Avocado can be added to salads and used as an accompaniement to fish and cold meats.The unsaturated fats are known to aid and support normal growth of the central nervous system and the brain. Over ripe avocados can be used to make a nutritious dip for crudites. Rubbing the flesh of the fruit into cellulite also aids detoxification.

THROAT-BLUE- Blueberries: Blueberries contain a high percentage of antioxidants and various phytochemicals which help in the fight against certain diseases. New research shows that wild blueberries contain the highest cellular antioxidant activity than any other fruit. The dark blue pigment in the fruit contains anthocyanin which is natural compound giving many benefits to the blueberry. A diet rich in blueberries is said to help lower the blood pressure making it invaluable in the protection from heart disease, urinary tract infections and certain cancers. Containing many vitamins including A, B6, C and E, iron magnesium and zinc they are quite versatile and can be added to cereals fruit salads, cake mixtures and made into preserves. A healthy snack could include blueberrys with some seeds or nuts of your choice.

THIRD EYE-PURPLE- Prunes: Prunes are dried fruit of plums. They contain fibre and sorbitol which is a stool lossening sugar making them very effective against constipation. Prunes have vitamin A, B, C, calcium, iron, phospherous and potassium making them very nutritious and highly antioxidant. Being good for anaemia they help with vitality and normalising blood circulation. They are known as a remedy for sore throats and because they have a high content of beta carotene they can help in the prevention of cancer. Quite versatile prunes can be used in fruit salads, on breakfast cereals, as an accompaniment to meats and used in cakes as a form of sugar. Prune juice is made by softening the prunes in a steamer then putting them through a pulper or sieve to create a watery puree. The prunes and their juice contain a natural laxative called dihydrophenylisatin.

CROWN-WHITE- Coconut: I have chosen coconut because it has a white fleshy centre and is a type of fruit. Early Spanish explorers called it coco meaning "monkey face" which is also appropriate as the colour white also represents the crown chakra refereing to the head. Coconut is a highly nutritious food containing fibre, vitamins and minerals and was used as a staple diet in many parts of the world. The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk and oil. It is the oil however that makes the coconut a truly remarkable medicine. It has been described as the healthiest oil on earth. All fats are composed of molecules called fatty acids. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids or MCFA. These MCFA do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help protect against heart disease. The oil used in cooking and on salads is good for speeding up the metabolism so sluggish digestion and sufferers of hypothyroidism benefit greatly. Coconut in one form or another helps with many problems ranging from killing bacterial, fungal and viral infections to helping obese people to lose weight. Coconut can be used in various ways. The milk is used in oriental dishes, the oil for everyday cooking and the coconut fruit can be added to cakes, deserts, salads etc.

Sharon Bates Dip: I.T.E.C. AOR, NA, SPA, MIFPA

Figs for fibre In season September

2009-12-08T10:13:00.002+00:00

In Spain at the moment figs are very much in season. Eating foods in season are much more nutritious because they are a lot fresher and therefore contain more living enzymes etc. They will also be cheaper because they havent been forced and there will be plenty of them in the shops.

Figs are high in natural and simple sugars, minerals and fibre. They contain good levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese.

Dried figs contain an impressive 250mg of calcium per 100g, compared to whole milk with only 118mg.Health Benefits

The health benefits of figs include promoting healthy bowel function due to the high levels of fibre. Figs are amongst the most highly alkaline foods, making them useful in balancing the pH of the body. They are a good source of potassium, important in helping to regulate blood pressure.

10 Tips for Incorporating Figs in your Diet.

1) Eat dried figs as a healthy energy snack. For extra flavour and nutrients, stuff them with nuts and a little honey

2) Add figs to baked goods such as muffins, cakes and muesli bars.

3)Add dried or fresh figs to porridge, oatmeal or breakfast cereals.

4) Stew dried figs in fruit juice with other dried fruits to make a delicious fruit salad. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg before serving

5) Poach figs in red wine or fruit juice and serve with Greek yogurt or creme fraiche.

6) Add quartered fresh figs to a salad of fennel, rocket and parmesan cheese.

7) Stuff fresh figs with goat's cheese and chopped almonds and serve as an appetizer or dessert.

8) Make a fig butter by boiling dried figs in fruit juice until soft. When all the liquid has been absorbed, place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth. Use to spread on rice cakes, toast or crackers.

9)Add chopped fresh figs to rice, quinoa , pasta or couscous dishes.

10) Make a fig tart by grinding two handfuls of walnuts in a food processor. Add one packet of dried figs, 1/2 packet raisins, 200ml apple juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Process until the mixture is the texture of a sticky paste. Press into a pastry case and bake at a medium heat for 35 minutes.

If you have any interesting recipes on figs or any foods currently in season please share. Thank you

Food Buying Tips

2009-01-10T14:30:00.009+00:00

With the current economic situation being at an all time low we need to look at all sorts of ways to cut back and reserve our resources. Keeping warm is essential of course and one important way of fuelling the body is through food. Buying the right ingredients will not only keep you warm but will keep more money in your purse. My tips include:

Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables they will be cheaper and nature provides them for this time of year for a reason!

Rice, pasta, potatoes and wholemeal bread provide carbohydrates that will fuel your system.

Buy cheaper cuts of meat and slow cook them for heartwarming soups and stews.

Lentils, beans, chick peas and pearl barley add body to casseroles, soups and stews and go a long way.

Liquidise stale bread to make breadcrumbs to make chicken drumsticks or cheaper cuts of fish more interesting.

My First Post

2009-01-06T23:29:00.006+00:00

This is all new to me. I hope to write about some interesting things that i see as a therapist and give some advice on what course of action to take for certain ailments. My background as a therapist was in the United Kingdom, but i now practice in the tranquil village of Sella in Spain. I have just started to sell my own products online at my shop with the help of my brother in law at http://www.solholistic.com/. Please have a look and give me some feedback on what you think of my site.