One of my favourite home remedy plants for topical treatments. Pick the petals once the dew is off them. Melt coconut oil gently and place enough petals so that they are covered and leave them in the warm oil for several hours (ie a pyrex jug over a pot on the lowest simmer. ) Strain the petals from the oil and poor into a clean glass jar. Add 20 drops of your lavender essential oil to help preserve it. You can use this on fungal rashes, eczema, acne, burns, skin ulcers, cracked nipples, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and wounds (especially if they are not healing). Patch test first as some people do have mild reactions. Herbally this humble flower is used for treating the mucus linings on the inside much like the skin on the outside for conditions such as ulcers, inflammation of the mucus membranes and enlarged lymph nodes.
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Did you know you can pick the young leaves and add them to a salad. Collect in the wild, not off your lawn and away from fertilisers and roadsides. The whole plant provides a high source of beta-carotene (we convert into vitamin A). Its packed full of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, B complex vitamins, trace minerals and vitamin D. It packs more protein punch than spinach. Medicinally it is used for; Digestive Support – works to stimulate appetite and promote digestion with mild laxative properties. Kidney function – is a diuretic that helps the kidneys clear out waste. Liver – has been shown to improve liver function. Antioxidants – preventing free-radical damage to cells and DNA Gallbladder – Dandelion increases bile production Anti inflammatory – helps to relieve pain and swelling. Care is needed as some people experience allergic reactions to dandelion.
Foresight – Survey of treatment results (1990-1992) Research outcomes for preconception programme Survey group 367 couples with an average age of 34 years for males and 36 years for females 217 (59%) had pervious history of reproductive problems 137 (37%) had been infertile for more than 1 year and less than 10 years 139 (38%) had from 1 – 5 previous miscarriages 11 (3%) had stillbirths Outcomes Of the 367 couples 89% or 327 couples had become pregnant with 327 births. Among 204 couples with infertility problems, 175 or 86% achieved healthy pregnancies. There were no multiple pregnancies. All babies born (137 males and 190 females) were born health and were well developed at birth. Birth occurs from 36 to 41 weeks. Average birth weight was 3265g from a range of 2368 and 4145g. No malformations No transfers to special baby care units
Foresight – Survey of treatment results (1997-1999) Research outcomes for preconception programme During this period it was noted that Foresight was attracting much greater numbers of couples with existing fertility problems seeking treatment. Outcomes – general statistics Of 1076 couples 1061 had previous fertility or miscarriage problems. 729 couples conceived (67.75%). These couples gave birth to 779 babies with a further 67 pregnant at the time of the survey (78.4% success rate). Of the 1076 participating couples there were 393 who had previously miscarried. From this group there were 28 miscarriages. From those that had not miscarried previously , there were no miscarriages. Total number of miscarriages of the 1076 couples was 28. From the 779 conceptions the expected miscarriage rate of miscarriage nationally would be 218.5 or 25%. From the 393 couples who had previously miscarried, the national average rate would have been 131 which in percentage terms is 33% of 393. For general population national statistics – In place of 25% foresight treatment had 3.2% For previously miscarried national statistics – in place of 33% foresight treatment had 7.1%. Malformations and terminations One couple terminated twins on discovering twin to twin transfusion. One couple terminated a Downs Syndrome baby (had only been on the programme a short time) One couple terminated due to multiple deformities (parents living on a landfill site) One child was born with adhesions of the intestines. Was discharged and sent hone at 3 weeks old with no further problems. 4 problems in 846 pregnancies (0.47% problems compared to NHS rate if 1 in 17 or 6%). Stillbirths 3 still births. One mother who had a previous foresight baby of 20 months (aged 20 months) was attacked by a dog and the mother was bitten while rescuing her child. The child was born that night prematurely and still. Another case involved a mother admitted to hospital in the late evening and given a strong sedative to stop labour. The baby boy was born dead the following morning. Third case involved a couple who did not complete the full programme and their details are not available. One in 282 or 0.35% compared to the national rate of 1 in 73 or 1.37%. Birth rates Average birth rate for single babies was 7lb 11oz. Average birth rate with multiple babies was 5lb 12oz which included twin births and one set of triplets. The official figure for low birth rate is 5lb 8oz. The percentage of Foresight babies in this survey under this rate was 4.6% compared to the national rate of 9%. Of the 36 low birth weights, 9 were born between 30 and 36 weeks, one born at 29 (mother had infection). Of these babies, 20 were from multiple births. The one set of triplets were born at 34 weeks. High tech births Some couples in the Foresight programme also used assisted methods with the following results. IUI – 44.6% success rate IVF – 47.1% success rate ICSI – 43.1% success rate Donors – 33.3% success rate Total results across these methods had a success rate of 43.5% National success average for IVF is 22.6% Conclusions for Foresight programme Success rate for IVF at 43.5% is double the national rate of 22.6%. Raised the success rate of infertile couples overall from 22.6% to 72.4%. Dropped the miscarriage rate from 33% to 7.1% with couples who had previously experienced miscarriage. Dropped the miscarriage rate to zero for couples who had not previously miscarried Reduced the stillbirth rate from 1.37% to 0.35%. Lowered malformation rates from 6% to 0.47%. Halved the low birth rates from 9% to 4.6%.
As a naturopath and a mum I have a passion for children’s health as I believe that sorting health concerns out at a young age can prevent serious disease later in life. I offer 10 free consults to children under 12 years each month. Bookings are essential. This involves 2 appointments at a value of $90.00. This offer does not include herbs, supplements or testing. Conditions that respond well to naturopathic treatment include; glue ear and ear infections, poor sleeping, lack of appetite and fussy eating, reflux and colic, bed wetting in older children, constipation and diarrhoea, frequent flu, runny noses, growing pains, and warts as well as many other conditions. Get in touch if you are unsure if seeing a naturopath is right for you and your child, I am happy to answer any questions.
As a naturopath I believe in sharing ideas and knowledge about natural health to anyone interested, to plant new seeds or ideas on how we live and how to stay well. I will come to you, or I can host up to 10 people at my clinic and cover a topic that is relevant to your group. Coffee groups, walking groups, corporates, play centres, kindergarten meetings, sports groups, a bunch of friends or anyone interested in learning about natural health. I offer a wide range of topics to make it relevant to your group. Examples include women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, specific health conditions, personal care products, fertility and preconception, healthy living and detoxing. Contact me and find out more about this free service
These easy to grow rambling flowers offers nutrients and spice to your salad or sandwich. Just about the whole plant is useful to eat so you can used to to make up your five plus a day. The flowers add colour and nutrients to a salad with a slightly spicy flavour. They offer the benefits of manganese, iron, Vitamin C, flavonoids and beta carotene. The seeds or buds can be pickled and used instead of capers. The leaves add a hot peppery taste, are high in Vitamin C and are also a natural antibiotic. Try eating one to two leaves three times a day when you feel a minor cold or flu coming on. The leaves can also be used as poultice or compress to help skin problems such as rashes, cuts and minor infections. Alternatively use a handful of leaves to make an infusion to soak the affected area. NASTURTIUM PESTO Makes 2 cups Ingredients 4 cups packed nasturtium leaves 2 cups packed nasturtium flowers 1 1/2 cups olive oil 5 cloves garlic 1 to 1 1/2 cups walnuts 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese Method Pick a basket full of fresh, healthy leaves and flowers without any blemishes. If your plants aren’t blooming yet, using only the leaves is fine too. Nasturtiums are highly beneficial in the garden for being natural aphid traps, so you’ll want to make sure you’re not harvesting a colony of aphids along with them! Thoroughly wash and dry the leaves and flowers; tear larger leaves in half. Add the leaves, flowers, garlic, olive oil, walnuts, and Parmesan to a blender or food processor. I like my pesto extra nutty and extra cheesy, so I use the full 1 1/2 cups for each ingredient. Blend all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Ladle the pesto into small jars, refrigerate, and enjoy! It should keep for up to two weeks. Pesto http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/01/nasturtium-pesto/
This regular garden herb is easily identified by its violet coloured leaves and stems and minty smell. Pick 5 or 6 fresh leaves and add to near boiling water and place a saucer on top to contain the essential oil that gives this plant its medicinal benefits. Sip this tea to help with queasiness, nausea, over fullness, vomiting and heartburn.
ARE YOU IGNORING PMS? WHAT IS YOUR BODY TRYING TO TELL YOU? If you are unsure of this question ladies, ask another member of your family. Despite current beliefs, PMS is not normal. Premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension and its myriad of symptoms is your body talking to you, telling you that your hormones are not in balance. So what is the definition of PMS. It is the most common (but not OK just because its is common) of all female hormone related disorders. It is defined as the emotional and physical symptoms that occur from 1 and 14 days before menstruation occurs. There are 5 categories. See which one/s you may identify with. Some women are a mix of 2 or more categories. Are you a PMS – A type which stands for ANXIETY Symptom check list (now be truthful or get a family member to help you out!) -irritability, nervous tension, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings (anyone reading this identify with black moods that you just cant shake and your know you are being a cow and just can’t stop being horrid). What causes these symptoms – research suggests that women with this range of symptoms have a relative excess of oestrogen and are low in progesterone. More specifically this type of imbalance is often caused by poor liver clearance of oestrogen, so it recycles and hence the heightened levels. Low progesterone can be attributed in some cases due to anovulatory cycles or faulty progesterone receptors. Are you a PMS – C type which stands for CRAVINGS Symptom check list. -craving for sweets, chocolate and carbohydrates, increased appetite, feelings off fatigue, and low blood sugar, get dizzy or feel faint, experience headaches that make you feel disconnected and sometimes experience heart palpitations. What causes these symptoms – this category is often experienced in conjunction with other types, especially type A (anxiety). Low levels of prostaglandins. Deficiencies in magnesium (chocolate cravings as its high in magnesium). Poor digestion and poor carbohydrate metabolism and low blood sugar levels are all significant indicators. Are you a PMS – D type which stands for DEPRESSION Symptom check list -You find yourself withdrawing from others and show a tendency towards feeling low in mood and depressed, become really forgetful, cry easily and often over something small or nothing at all, feel muddled and confused and suffer from insomnia. What causes these symptoms – its believed that these symptoms are due to a deficiency in oestrogen and an increase in progesterone during the luteal or second half of a cycle. Another contribution factor can be a reduction in serotonin levels. Are you a PMS – H type which stands for HYPER HYDRATION Symptom check list – breast tenderness, bloating around the abdomen, water retention and weight gain. Some women explain it as if someone has blown them up, sometimes a whole dress /jean size. What causes these symptoms – these symptoms are all about fluid retention. This is prompted by an increase in aldosterone which is created by low progesterone and high oestrogen levels. Magnesium is often depleted and potassium levels are often out of balance. In addition serotonin and or dopamine are not in balance and stress if often a player in this picture as well. For women who experience the breast tenderness, this is attributed to imbalances in prolactin. Are you a PMS – P type which stand for PAIN Symptom check list – an increased sensitivity to aches and pains, lowered pain threshold, cramping and headaches What causes these symptoms – research shows that an increase in inflammatory series II prostaglandins caused by raised oestrogen levels and and high intake of animal fats. So do you suffer from these symptoms and have been ignoring them. You don’t have to suffer, correcting the imbalance means no more PMS. For those of you in the peri-menopause phase (ie leading towards menopause, so anyone from 40ish onwards!!!) if you suffer from PMS, you are more likely to suffer with heightened menopause symptoms. So sort your PMS out and you are more likely to breeze through menopause.
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