The HERB that will get you through the WiNter

The dreaded COLD'n'FLU season is here - have you gotten sick yet?

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I have - and I'm so grateful that I have a wonderful dispensary full of herbs to rebuild my immune system, kill the bacteria and eradicate the virus that’s the cause of the common cold and Flu. 

One of my favourite herbs for assisting in the treatment of the cold and flu is Elderberry or Sambucus nigra.

Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and influenza. Clinical studies support the traditional use of Elderberry, and demonstrate its effectiveness for the treatment of influenza A and B.

Elderberrys’ actions include:

Antiviral

Immune enhancing

Diaphoretic

Anti-cattarral

Elderberry is therefore indicated for:

Common cold

Influenza

Sinusitus

Acute infections

Bronchitis

Catarrh

Larryngitis

Viruses are identified by two types of glycoproteins that bind too and infect cells. The glycoproteins are called Haemaglutinin and Neuraminidase. The virus with type 1 Haemaglutinin and type 1 Neuraminidase is called H1N1. Trials indicate that Elderberry flavonoids taken early enough can retard a viral infection through two processes. They bind to the glycoproteins and reduce their ability to attach to cells and secondly, because the glycoproteins also facilitate viral uptake by cells the Elderberry flavonoids are also making them much less infective.

A 2009 clinical trial found that the H1N1 influenza inhibitory activity of the flavonoids found in Elderberry compare positively with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and amantadine anti-influenza activities.

Elderberry works via its ability to neutralise the activity of the haemagglutinin spikes, which are present on the surface of viruses. These include Herpes virus and influenza virus A and B. The deactivation of these haemagglutinin spikes renders the virus incapable of entering cells and replicating.

In addition to its action on haemagglutinin, Elderberry may also inhibit neuraminidase activity. Lectins found in Elderberry have exhibited binding abilities to α2,6-linked sialic acid, which may be responsible for some of its ability to inhibit viral binding and replication to erythrocytes and respiratory epithelial cells.

People with influenza were given an Elderberry extract within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms. This resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms after 3 to 4 days. This same level of improvement took 7 to 8 days in those receiving placebo. There was also improvement in aches and pains, frequency of coughing, quality of sleep, mucus discharge in the respiratory tract and nasal congestion in those receiving Elderberry.

Are you suffering from any of those symptoms? It’s time for you to go see your naturopath. And get onto some Y.E.P. tea too! What's YEP - check it here 

Call me for a quick consult to arrange a mix for you.

Pumpkin soup with Power

Autumn has arrived and we’ve had a snap of cold – it got me excited to start up the soup regime! I had two Jap(anese) Pumpkins in my kitchen so I decided to use a whole one for soup.

I love pumpkin soup – it’s yum, filling nourishing, and full of goodness.

And here are 5 top health reasons why you should love this particular recipe:

1. Pumpkin is full of phyto-nutrients and Vitamin A, which will support your immune system and make your skin glow.
2. Turmeric is a potent natural anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammation in arthritis, psoriasis, speeds up skin healing, is a natural liver detoxifier and studies are indicating it may prevent the spread of certain cancers
3. Garlic is a natural anti microbial, potent anti-oxidant and assits in the reduction of cholesterol
4. Coconut oil is an anti bacterial
5. Natural yoghurt is a pro-biotic, restoring healthy gut bugs.

Here is my simple and delicious recipe full of health benefits.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 Organic Jap Pumpkin

1 Brown onion

2-3 cloves of garlic

2 dessertspoons of Coconut oil

1 tsp. of turmeric

1 Organic Veggie stock cubes

Water

Pepper 

Salt  - Himalayan Pink Salt

Fresh Coriander

Natural Yogurt

Preparation:

Peel and roughly cut the pumpkin flesh into approximately 1cm cubes.

Peel and finely chop the onion.

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot, add onion and gently brown for 10 minutes, until soft and golden-brown.

Add the garlic, stir then add the pumpkin.

Mix ingredients, add a glass of boiled warm water

Add the turmeric, and a few more glasses of water

Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Increase the heat to medium and cover with the lid.

Cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the base from burning and until the pumpkin is cooked through.

Serve hot

Add a generous dollop of natural yogurt each bowl

Sprinkle with fresh coriander

Enjoy

Brrr it's still Winter.....

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It's been a tough winter this year, there are not only one but two different viral strains floating around causing everyone to come down with some awful cold and flu like symptoms. It's not a bad thing for your immune system to be hit with a good dose of cold every few years, it actually strengthens it and makes you less susceptible the next season. However, supporting your immune system and taking action in preventing yourself from catching a cold is also wise.

Here're some tips:
1. Clothing; you may laugh and say 'but I always leave the house clothed' that you may but I suggest you invest in a good, long singlet that tucks in! It may be old fashioned but you need to be tucked in and your kidneys need to be covered. So simple and effective in keeping you warm and preventing a chill getting into you bones.
2. Covering your mouth when you cough! Another tip that may sound as simple as second nature, yet everyday I am out and about I see people coughing without covering their mouth, walking along coughing as someone is walking towards them, coughing on the train/tram. So simple so sensible and prevents airborne contaminates.
3. Washing your hands regularly, especially if you have come into contact with someone that has cold and flu symptoms.
4.Take a sick day - that's what it's there for, don't go to work if you are suffering from cold and flu symptoms, prevent contaminating others. Rest and convalesce at home, in the warmth of your own home. Stay inside in an even temperature.
5. Dose up on natural anti-bacterial foods including garlic and onions.
6. Eat lots of colourful fruits and vegetables, organic is best as they have higher concentrations of nutrients. These nutrient dense foods will stimulate your immune system and help support it.
7. Herbs to keep in the cupboard and dose up on over these winter months include; Echinacea, Olive leaf and always have some YEP tea(Yarrow, Elder, Peppermint) to help combat cold and flu symptoms including fever!!
8. Increase your intake of Vitamin C - it is the king anti-oxidant and is known to support the immune system and reduce the duration of cold and flu like symptoms. See your Naturopath to be informed of therapeutic doses
9. Other supplements that may help you ward off this dreaded beast is Zinc and Vitamin D, both will help support your immune system and keep you soldiering on.
10. Finally REST, it is winter and winter is about hibernation, enjoy this quiet time and re-charge your batteries.

Acid/Alkaline balance

Scientific evidence demonstrates the importance of acid/alkaline balance for long-term health and vitality.

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The acid/alkaline balance is measured on a scale called the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 -14. The pH scale is measured by taking a urine sample, a reading below 7 is considered acidic and above 7 is alkaline, a healthy range of urinary pH is 6.5-7.5.

Many people today are over-acidic and this can lead to a number of health concerns including:

•   Toxic build up

•   Weight gain

•   Fatigue & Tiredness

•   Reduced immune function

•   Pain & Inflammation

•   Increased risk of infections

•   Stress & Anxiety

•   Arthritis & osteoporosis

Modern day diets are a major contributor to over acidity in the body. Traditionally our diets were higher in alkalizing foods such as fruits and vegetables, and today our diets consist of more acidic producing foods.

To help alkalise your body I recommend that everyday you:

•   Eat at least 6 serves of seasonal vegetables.

•   Eat 2 serves of fresh fruit in a variety of colours.

•   Eat 3 serves of protein including fish, eggs, lean meat, & legumes.

•   Include 2-4 serves of raw nuts, seeds & cold pressed oils.

•   Limit grains and dairy products as these are acid forming.

•   Drink at least 2 litres of water.


To find out if you are more acidic or alkaline, contact your Naturopath to facilitate a treatment plan and get you back on track.

Pre & Post Surgery Tips - Day#3 blog writing challenge

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This one is for a client of mine who has just had major surgery - I hope you get better soon.


There can always be a lot of unknowns when it comes to surgery so it is best to be as prepared as possible, both mentally and physically. Of course your surgeon will give you a rundown on what needs to be addressed and be sure to seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any herbal medicines or nutritional supplements pre-surgery.


Here is a list of supplements that may aid in your recovery.

Arnica -Homeopathic arnica taken before and after surgery assists the body in healing, it assists in the reduction of swelling and bruising, it also helps the body deal with the trauma and shock of the surgery. 

Zinc - A trace mineral will improve wound healing and assist in reducing the appearance of scarring. Zinc is an antioxidant as well as an important nutrient for growth and development, immune responses and reproduction.

Vitamin C - is known as the KING antioxidant, it has a huge spectrum of actions and assists with many health issues. Vitamin C maintains connective tissue and assists in the production of collagen, it helps stimulate the immune system, assists with brain and nerve function, and is known to aid wound healing.

Probiotics -  are good bacteria which will restore healthy bacteria into your GIT which, if you have been prescribed antibiotics after surgery, will improve gut health and improve your immune response and support your immune system preventing any post surgery health compromises.

A perfect snack -Day #2 blog writing challenge

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• Almonds are full of minerals including Magnesium and Calcium, which are needed for strong bones
• Also they are loaded with Zinc, which is needed for a healthy immune system
• A handful of Almonds are high in protein and fibre and will keep the afternoon munchies at bay
• Almonds are rich in antioxidants, eat them with their skins on and double the antioxidant intake
• They are rich in healthy unsaturated healthy fats and Vitamin E both are beneficial in protecting against Cardiovascular disease.

Butter - Margarine. Is this true?

My family is fairly conscious about the food we intake into our body, my dad is beginning to become more and more conscious, even though I have (from a professional point of view) been giving him what I consider great free advice for years but who listens to their family! This is an email that my dad has sent me and I thought I would share what is says with you all. Take from it what you will, believe what you want and make your own decisions.

'This is frightening! Have you heard this before?

Having Worked at (Removed name)Premier Margarine Factory in the UK for 1 Year, as a Management Trainee, and then in Sri Lanka Managing Margarine Manufacture, I can safely admit that what you are about to read is true !!
 

Pass The Butter... Please.      


    

This is interesting. .. .  




Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys.  When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.  



It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow colouring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. 

How do you like it?   They have come out with some clever new flavourings....   

DO  YOU KNOW.. The difference between margarine and butter?    




Both  have the same amount of calories.  




Butter:

Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.  




Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by  53% over  eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent  Harvard  Medical Study.  




Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in  other foods.

Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and  only because  they are added!  




Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavours of other foods.  




Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years.

Margarine. 




Very High in Trans fatty acids - Triples risk of coronary heart disease ... Increases total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) and  lowers HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)  




Increases the risk of cancers up to five times.




Lowers quality of breast milk.  




Decreases immune response.  




Decreases insulin response.



And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!  


Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC...and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT! 




These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added,  changing the molecular structure of the substance).    




Try this yourself:  


Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area.  Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:  


*  no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)  


*  it does not rot or smell differently because it has  no nutritional value ; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow.  Why?   Because it’s nearly plastic.  Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?  Share This With Your Friends.....(If you want to butter them up')!  




Chinese Proverb:  

When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.    



Pass the BUTTER PLEASE'

FYI - My dad has been trying this experiment for three weeks now and agrees it is true, he says that there has been no discolouration, the birds have not touched nor the ants, he has added some to the compost and it hasn't broken down or altered in any form (except of course melted and re-solidified) let me know your results.