The next herb in our series is another one that may be hiding out in your kitchen, turmeric. While turmeric is well known for it benefits when used as a food, when used as a liquid herbal medicine or in tablet form it gives us the ability to get the most from its the active constituent, known as Curcumin.(1) While mainly being known for its anti-inflammatory effects,(2) it also holds
The number one priority in maintaining health and wellbeing is what you eat. Our bodies run on specific nutrients and without quality sources of these we simply cannot function well. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are needed for every biochemical pathway, for energy production and for the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters, so what we eat plays a critical role in both our physical and mental health. Over time numerous
Withania somnifera, more commonly known as ashwagandha, may not be one readily available in your home but it is one you may have seen in health food stores or heard about for its calming effects. While it is often promoted for stress support, this is only one aspect of its wide-ranging benefits. Withania has been used for more than 3,000 years,(1) and this long history guides how it is used
As a naturopath I find people often seem to feel a little guilty about disclosing their coffee intake to me, and the debate on whether coffee is good or bad seems to be quite a hot topic so I’m here to rescue the coffee lovers… kidding! Well, sort of. It’s very hard to label most *natural* food/beverage items as good or bad, because ultimately it depends on the dose. As
Many people believe the common (and logical) misconception that eating fat makes you fat. However, current research shows us that high fat, high protein and low carbohydrate diet reduces hunger, increases energy levels, assists with weight loss, improves athletic performance, and in some cases, may even reduce the need for diabetes medication. Scientists have encouraged us to follow the Australian food pyramid guidelines, which recommend that we reduce fat and
A nice bowl of oats is always a great way to start the day, but did you know that they make a wonderful liquid herbal medicine as well? Both the seed (a bit like what is in your breakfast bowl),1 and the whole fresh green plant,2 are a beautiful supportive medicine. Evidence indicates that oats, when used as a herbal medicine, can help with improving concentration,3,4 cognitive performance and improve
The second herb in our series is the fabulous Lavender. For some, Lavender holds memories of nana, or maybe it is one of those herbs that you know well for helping you get to sleep. But did you know there is research to back up the benefits of our beautiful lavender? Lavender contains over a hundred constituents, responsible for the effects.(1) On its own lavender has been shown to
Surprise! Its Christmas! How did we get here? If you are feeling like this (as we are) you may be thinking about some herbs to help calm the farm. Over the next few weeks, we will be taking a brief look at the evidence for some of the common herbs you may already use or have heard of, this week, let’s get to know of the most likely herb to
The beauty and magic of herbal medicine is its wondrous capacity to nourish, tone, regulate, and stimulate the body’s own innate healing capacity without suppressing or over-riding any system or organ. Ultimately our bodies want to heal and be well. They are constantly healing and renewing themselves or parts of themselves in order to maintain wellness. We see this with the turnover of all different types of cells. Skin cells,
