THE NATURAL HEALTH COLUMN
 
THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF HONEY
 
If you want to make up a survival kit honey should never be forgotten!!
 
 
 
Discover the health benefits of one of the oldest sweeteners on earth, plus some interesting trivia, and a few cautions.
Bees swallow, digest and regurgitate nectar to make honey; this nectar contains almost 600 compounds. We need our bees, so let’s do everything we can to nurture them and keep them here on this earth.
Honey is so good that you should have it in your kitchen right now.
 
“My son, eat thou honey, for it is good” — King Solomon – Proverbs: 24:13
 
Health Benefits of Honey
 
1. Prevent cancer and heart disease
Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.
 
2. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders
Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd benefit.
 
3. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral
“All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
 
4. Increase athletic performance
Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving recovery time than other sweeteners.
 
5. Reduce cough and throat irritation
Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a clinical trial of 105 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.
 
6. Balance the 5 elements
Honey has been used in ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000 years and is considered to affect all three of the body’s primitive material imbalances positively. It is also said to be useful useful in improving eyesight, weight loss, curing impotence and premature ejaculation, urinary tract disorders, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, and nausea.
Honey is referred as “Yogavahi” since it has a quality of penetrating the deepest tissues of the body. When honey is used with other herbal preparations, it enhances the medicinal qualities of those preparations and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues.
 
7. Blood sugar regulation
Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar.  8.
 
Heal wounds and burns
External application of honey has been shown to be as effective as conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. It is speculated that the drying effect of the simple sugars and honey’s antibacterial nature combine to create this effect.Clinical trials have shown honey to be very successful in healing wounds.
 
9. Probiotic
Some varieties of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. This includes up to 6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of bifidobacteria. This may explain many of the “mysterious therapeutic properties of honey.”
 
10. Strengthen the immune system
Manuka Honey has been found to stimulate the production of immune cells according to a study Cardiff University, UK.
Manuka honey is a favourite of mine.
 
Also, note:
“Buckwheat honey should be a part of every winter medicine cabinet and here is why—it’s high in antioxidants and it really has a lot of immune boosting properties. Ideally the buckwheat honey has a darker, richer flavor, it’s a little bit like molasses…this particular honey can keep you healthy throughout the winter.” says Dr. Bhatia.
 
Extra Benefits!!
 
For Beautiful skin
Its anti-bacterial qualities are particularly useful for the skin, and, when used with the other ingredients, can also be moisturizing and nourishing!
It is the best face mask ever!! A real pick me up when you are having a dried up face day!!
Different honeys have different flavonoid profiles, depending on the floral source of the nectar. The most beneficial honeys for the body are Manuka and buckwheat.
 
Honey Suggestions
If you want to get the goodness from your honey, make sure it is pure and raw.
Raw honey contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes not present in refined honey.
 
Honey Cautions

• It is best not to feed to infants. Spores of Clostridium botulinum have been found in a small percentage of honey in North America. This is not dangerous to adults and older children, but infants can have a serious reaction of illness in the first year. Do not add honey to baby food or use as a soother to quiet a fussy or colicky baby. Most Canadian honey is not contaminated with the bacteria causing infant botulism, but it’s still best not to take the chance.
  “Do not let babies eat honey,” states foodsafety.gov, a web site of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Honey is a sugar, so do not eat jars full of it if you value your good health and want to maintain a healthy weight. It has a high caloric value and will put you on a sugar high and low.

 
To cook with honey or not: There is some controversy about cooking with honey, although I cannot substantiate it from all of my research about honey.
“…when honey is heated above 108 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes transformed into a glue-like substance that is extremely difficult to digest. This substance is considered a toxin (ama), since it adheres to the tissues of the body and is very difficult to remove.” ~
 
DEIRDRE MACKESY from Robin Hill Clinic Lake Rd Rushbrooke Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Nurse and Homoeopath can be contacted on www.robinhillclinic.com or at 021 4812222.

Reasons Taking an Epsom Salt Bath is One of the Best Things You Can Do For Yourself
An Epsom salt bath is the perfect solution to a stressful day.
 
Deirdre Mackesy Acupuncturist Homoeopath and RGN heads up Robin Hill Sanctuary in Rushbrooke. Deirdre shares some sound advice on how to enhance your health naturally.
 
Epsom salts absorbed through the skin also work to relieve muscle tension, pain, and inflammation in joints. Submerge yourself in a warm Epsom salt bath to alleviate tension headaches or soothe abdominal cramps. Tired and sore feet will also benefit from the therapeutic warmth of an Epsom salt soak.
Most of us know about the importance of iron and calcium  for our bodies, but what about magnesium? It is the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body. It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.
formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help to detox the body of medicines and environmental contaminants.
 
 
 
1. It can help heal a whole plethora of ailments.
2. It can help to restore magnesium levels.
When you're stressed the magnesium levels in your bottom can drop, but taking an epsom salt bath can help to bring them back up and calm you down.
3. It can help to clear up your skin.
You can make all kinds of epsom salts masks using honey or other items you have in your cupboard.
4. It can be used as an at home mani-pedi.
Give your fingernails and toenails a soak in epsom salts for an at-home manicure or pedicure.
5. It can help with bee stings.
Since epsom salts help with inflammation, they can help speed up the healing of bug bites and bee stings.
6. It's a great part of a detox regimen.
The sulfates in the epsom salts can help detoxify your body by drawing out heavy metals and toxins.
7. It can make your skin soft and smooth.
Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant, so it's a great way to scrub off dead skin and rough patches to reveal smooth skin.
8. It can help to volumize your hair.
The minerals in epsom salts can help to remove the oils in your hair and make it less greasy.
9. It can improve your skin and joint health.
 
THE BATH!!
You will need 4 mugs of Epsom Salts per bath
10 drops of Lavender
Drink 1 pint of water in the bath, this encourages elimination of toxins
 
The sulfates in epsom salts can help to improve skin and joint health. It also helps improve nervous system tissue.
 
 
 
Changes in agriculture and diet. Industrial farming has depleted magnesium from soil and the typical Irish diet contains much less magnesium than that of our forefathers. And in fact, the modern day diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies.
Another factor in decreased magnesium levels has been our focus on getting enough calcium. It’s a delicate dance–calcium depletes magnesium yet calcium functions best when enough magnesium is present. Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without enough magnesium can increase the shortage of both nutrients. Researchers have found that many Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies, although the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is two to one.
With such widespread magnesium deficiency one might think that magnesium supplementation would be called upon, but studies show that magnesium is not easily absorbed through the digestive tract. The presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and the chemistry of a person’s stomach acid can render magnesium supplements ineffective.
This brings us to Epsom salt. Known scientifically as hydrated magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help to detox of medicines and environmental contaminants.
In fact you need to experience an Epsom Salts bath to fully comprehend how amazing they are. Happy relaxing!
 
Contact us on 021 4812222 or log on to www.robinhill.ie

Activate Lemon’s Hidden Cancer and Inflammation Fighting Powers By Freezing Them Like This...

A new study has shown for the first time how limonoids, natural compounds present in lemons and other citrus fruit, impede both ER+ and ER- breast cancer cell growth.


This sheds new light on the importance of citrus fruit for breast cancer prevention and supports past studies which showed fruit consumption may lower breast cancer risk.

How and Why You Should Be Using the Whole Lemon.
Try this - take an organic lemon, give it a wash and then put it in the freezer. Once it is frozen you get whatever is necessary to grate or shred the whole lemon without even peeling it first. Or you can make lemon cubes just like in the picture! To do this, simply blend the lemon peel and all and pour it into an ice cube tray.

You can it to your salads, pastas, desserts and drinks, whatever you feel like, it's that great!
 
Why?


So why would you do this? Well, the it's a little know fact that lemon peel contains certain vitamins that lemon juice does not (Omega-3 and Omega 6, for example). Normally the peel is the part that is wasted! The peel of the lemon is important as it helps to get rid of toxins from the body.

Lemon is also effective in preventing and killing cancer cells.  
Another interesting aspect of the lemon is that it has a remarkable effect on cysts and tumors. One study showed how the essential oil of lemon balm, which shares the citronella component with lemons, was able to eradicate a number of types of cancer cells in human and mouse strains. Some go as far as to say the lemon is a proven remedy against all types of cancer.

It doesn’t end there. Preliminary research shows a variety of promising health uses for lemon peel and lemon peel extract.

Various health benefits of lemon are explained below:

Indigestion and Constipation: Lemon juice helps to cure problems related to indigestion and constipation. Add a few drops of lemon on your dish (take care, it does not go well with milk), and it will aid in digestion. It acts as a blood purifier and a cleansing agent, so a good drink after lunch or dinner is fresh lemon soda, which is also called fresh lime soda in many places. The recipe is lemon juice, cold water, soda, salts (common salt or rock salt) and sugar/honey for sweetness. You can also add some mint leaves or crushed fennel seeds for added flavor. Drink this whenever you have a heavy lunch or dinner.

Lemon3Fever: Lemon juice can treat a person who is suffering from a cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fevers by increasing perspiration.

Dental Care: It is also frequently used in dental care. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the area of a toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. Massaging the juice on the gums can stop gum bleeding, while eliminating the bad odors that can come from various gum diseases and conditions.


 
Additionally, it can be used in the regular cleansing of your teeth. Keep your eye out for a toothpaste containing lemon as one of the ingredients, or add a drop of its juice onto your normal toothpaste. Some people also rub their teeth with the outer shell (the inner side touching your teeth) of a lemon after removing the juice. But be careful, lemons are highly acidic, so if your mouth starts burning, rinse your gums and mouth quickly with water.
Hair Care: Lemon juice has proven itself in the treatment of hair care on a wide scale. The juice applied to the scalp can treat problems like dandruff, hair loss and other problems related to the hair and scalp. If  you apply lemon juice directly on the hair, it can give your hair a natural shine.

Skin Care: Lemon juice, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can also cure problems related to the skin. The juice can be applied to reduce the pain of sun burn, and it helps to ease the pain from bee stings as well. It is also good for acne and eczema. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Drinking lemon juice mixed with water and honey brings a healthy glow to the skin, and if you thoroughly search the cosmetic market, you will find some soaps containing lemon juice, but they aren’t too easy to find!

Burns: Use lemon juice on the site of old burns can help fade the scars, and since lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin when you currently have an irritating burn.

Internal Bleeding: It has antiseptic and coagulant properties, so it can stop internal bleeding. You can apply lemon juice to a small cotton ball and place it inside your nose to stop nose bleeds.

Weight Loss: If a person drinks lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can help reduce body weight.

Respiratory Disorders: Lemon juice assists in relieving respiratory problems and breathing problems, such as its ability to soothe a person suffering from an asthma attack. Being a rich source of vitamin C, it helps in dealing with more long-term respiratory disorders.

Cholera: Diseases like cholera and malaria can be treated with lemon juice, because it acts as a blood purifier.

Rheumatism: It is also a diuretic and can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins from the body.

Corns: Lemon juice can dissolve lumps on the skin, so it can be applied at the places where the skin has hardened up, like the soles of feet and the palms of your hands. Drinking lemon juice with water can help patients reduce gall stones for the same reasons.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR THE COLD AND FLU SEASON

Cold and Flu Season

 

Cold and Flu season occurs on an annual basis when the weather changes and temperatures drop.  However it is important to note that whilst many of us think of “The Cold” and “The Flu” as one and the same thing, they are in actual fact different and caused by different viruses.

If you are generally young, fit and healthy, your body will usually be able to handle the symptoms of Cold and Flu. However there are some people who are high risk that should seek extra care.

The Symptoms

Symptoms that both Cold and Flu share are sneezing, coughing and sore throat. Although there are about 200 viruses that cause cold versus only 3 that cause Flu. There however many strains of these viruses and hence you will find the vaccines change year on year.

Cold symptoms

Symptoms usually include:

§  runny nose

§  blocked nose

§  sore throat

§  sneezing

§  cough

Other symptoms may include a mild fever, earache, tiredness and headache. These usually get worse initially then get better over a few days. Some colds can last for up to two weeks.

Flu symptoms:

Compared to the Cold, the Flu develops rapidly, and symptoms include:

§  sudden fever of 38-40°C (100-104°F)

§  muscle aches and pains

§  sweating

§  feeling exhausted and needing to lie down

§  dry, chesty cough

§  sneezing

Flu symptoms appear a few days after infection and most people recover within a week. A severe cold can also cause muscle aches and fever, so it can be difficult to tell the difference.

Homeopathic Treatment

There are number of homeopathic remedies that can be studied and applied according to the totality of symptoms, these include:

Aconite – coryza caused by cold, dry winds; dry at first with violent headache, roaring in ears, in the earlier stage, feverish with dryness in the nostrils, thirst, sleeplessness; heat and sense of fullness in nares, and muscles sore all over body so that sneezing forces him to support chest; fluent coryza with frequent sneezing and dropping of a clear, hot water; inner nose red, swollen, interfering with breathing, amelioration in cool room and open air.

Ammonium carb – winter catarrhs, cold commences in head, nose stopped up at night, can only breath with mouth open; followed by profuse discharge of sharp burning water in daytime, which is apt to run down in throat; frequent sneezing with Epistaxis; when blowing nose; aggravation towards morning, 3 A.M; dry and tickling cough and with oppression mucus in chest and rawness down trachea and bifurcation of bronchi of bronchi; sensitive to cold air, relieved in warm room.

Argentum Nitricum – cold with stupefying headache over the eyes, has to lie down; violent itching of nose, must rub it constantly; nasal discharge like boiled starch; sneezing, chilliness, lacrymation, sickly look; sense of smell blunted.

Arsenicum – it has proved to be the best remedy for “cold”; fluent coryza, with frequent sneezing without relief; hoarseness and sleeplessness, with swollen nose; stoppage of the nose, with copious discharge of watery mucus and burning in the nose, with soreness of the adjacent parts; buzzing in the ears; headache, with beating in the forehead and nausea; relief by warmth; prostration; sneezing in cool air, after leaving a warm room; generally aggravation from cold, except headache, which is temporarily relieved by cold washing and permanently by walking in cold air.

Bryonia – severe dry coryza with catarrh of the frontal and maxillary cavities and severe drawing-tearing, twitching and stitching pain in affected headache when affected parts; or fluent coryza, beginning with violent and frequent sneezing, accompanied by stitching headache when stooping; nose blocked with congestion in the head; hoarseness and altered tone of voice; profuse  nose bleed; catarrh extending to chest.

Calcaria carb – sudden, violent, fluent coryza with dropping of water from nose; much sneezing; heat I head; mouth dry; heat and chill alternately; pain over root f nose; neck stiff; inertia; takes cold easily; post nasal catarrhs.

Eupatorium Perf. – Coryza, with aching in every bone, and lassitude; fluent coryza with sneezing and hoarseness; weight over head and forehead, nose and ayes both streaming with water at intervals.

Hepar Sulph – in most cases of common cold; generally when every breath of cold air causes a new attack of cough and cold. Nose swollen and sore to touch, especially in side of alae or wings of nose; sensation when swallowing as of something sticking in throat

Kali bi – excellent remedy for cold and cough; catarrh of fauces and trachea; great accumulation of ropy mucus and expectoration of sold chunks from posterior nares; hoarseness; cough; suppressed voice; enlarged tonsils causing dullness of hearing; oppressed breathing; coryza with pressure and tightness at root of nose. Aggravation evening and open air, > in warm weather; in the morning, obstruction and bleeding from right nostril; fluent coryza, excoriating nose and lip; nostrils sensitive and ulcerated, round ulcer or scabs in septum, foul tongue, showing involvement if digestive tract; catarrh alternating with rheumatism.

Kali carb – dull smell, especially from catarrh; fluent coryza, excessive sensing, pain in back, headache and lassitude; dry coryza, with loss of voice; hoarseness; mucus or sensation of lump in throat; obstruction in the nose; making breathing through the nostrils impossible; goes off when walking in the open air, but returns in the room; burning itching in the nose; nosebleed; worse at every exposure to fresh air.

Pulsatilla – cold or coryza, fluid or dry, loss of taste and smell, nostrils sore; wings raw; later yellow-green discharge, worse in-doors; chilliness, face pale, head confused, frontal headache; chronic, thick, yellow, bland discharge or later yellow, green and offensive.

Rhus tox – complaints of cold with redness and oedema of throat; severe aching in bones; sneezing; dry cough, aggravation from evening till midnight and from uncovering body.

Rumex – dull headache, worse by motion; sore feeling in eyes, without any external sign of inflammation; fluent coryza, with painful irritation in nostrils and sneezing; Epistaxis; violent and rapid sneezing; feeling of dryness in posterior nares; cough excited by tickling in throat-pit and worse by least current of air; hoarseness.

Silicea – alternately dry and fluent coryza; with every fresh cold stoppage and acrid discharge  from nose; frequent but ineffectual sneezing; makes inner nose sore and bloody; dryness of throat, rough cough, itching in Eustachian tube; frequent sneezing, especially in cold air; frequent chilliness, even while taking exercise; cold nose.

Sticta  pulm. – complains of cold or coryza; premonitory symptoms of catarrh; excessive dryness of the nasal mucosa membrane; which becomes painful; secretions dry rapidly, forming scabs difficult to dislodge; deglutition painful; from dryness in the throat, aggravation at night; incessant sneezing, burning I n the eyes; dull frontal headache, with feeling of fullness at  the root of nose; hard, dry, barking cough.  (Homeopathic therapeutics; Samuel Lilienthal; 1998; 138)

Disclaimer (Please consult a qualified Homeopath for further information and guidance)

DEIRDRE MACKESY, registered General Nurse, Homeopath, Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist gives some sound advice on creating a healthier body and how to treat common ailments naturally. Deirdre runs the Robin Hill Clinic on Lake Road Rushbrooke and can be contacted on 021-4812222 e:info@robinhillclinic.com

WHY CONSIDER COLONIC IRRIGATION?
Have you ever considered this simple question, are you clean inside? We shower, brush our teeth and wash our hair on a daily basis, but we tend to ignore cleansing our insides until some form of disease sends us a wake-up call. Believe it or not, our insides, especially the colon, which functions as the "sewer system" of our body, also requires regular cleaning. Constipation, parasites, IBS, gas, bloating, stomach pains, chronic fatigue and digestive problems can all be signs of a toxic colon. Don't be a victim suffering silently from these painful and often embarrassing health conditions. Find out the truth about colon cleansing and how it can help you.

WHY IS COLON CLEANSING SO CRUCIAL?
We are all exposed to thousands of toxins and chemicals on a daily basis. At work in the home, through the air we breathe, our food and water supply and through the use of pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, we are eating more sugar and processed foods then ever before in human history. We also regularly abuse our bodies with various stimulants and sedatives. These toxins and 'dead' foods lead to poor digestion, constipation, toxic colon build-up, weight-gain and low energy. These common symptoms are more than just an inconvenience, they can lead to long term health and serious disease.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A COLONIC?
Waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time (i.e. impacted faeces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc) poses several problems. First, this material is quite toxic. These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired and weak. Secondly, impacted materials impair the colons ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria produced vitamins. A build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowl movements and constipation as a result of these disorders.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE TOXIC MATERIAL IN MY COLON?
Colonic Hydrotherapy, practiced by the Ancient Egyptians is an internal bath which cleanses internal toxins. This condition is prevalent in all civilised societies, particularly in Ireland and the UK. Common signs include headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhoea, sinusitis pain etc. Intestinal toxicity is part and parcel of many peoples every day experience.

WHO DO WE TREAT?
Our client base is extremely broad, we treat old and young. Despite the perception that most of our clients are female, the reality is that 40% of the individuals we treat are male. We regularly receive referrals from medical practitioners and we supply doctors with reports as required. Dietary and Food Supplement Advice are also available as part of the treatment.

COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY TESTIMONIAL FROM DENIS, CORK
Although i had read about Colonic Hydrotherapy in brochures, I was still anxious in case it would hurt or be a really embarrassing experience but once I met Susan all my fears were gone and i actually enjoyed my sessions as she is a professional with a great sense of humour. I decided to do 4 sessions in September 08 as I was starting my post graduate studies and I didn't have the energy for life as i felt sluggish, my mood was a bit low and my concentration was really poor. In March 15 I had 4 more sessions with Susan and I feel like a new man. The quality of my study is the best ever. I work out in the gym 4 times a week and eat healthy food and drink lots of water. I feel very positive about my life plus I have really toned up which is always a great confidence booster! People have also noticed a change in me and say I look fresh, healthy and full of energy.

For appointments please call Robin Hill Clinic, Cobh on 021-4812222.

​Prince Charles: I use homeopathy in animals to cut antibiotic use
Homeopathy sceptic Dame Sally Davies among delegates to hear prince say he treats his cows with alternative medicine


 Prince Charles spoke about using homeopathy on his own dairy herd during a speech on antimicrobial resistance at the Royal Society in London. Prince Charles has proposed a solution to the growing crisis of antibiotic over-use in animals and humans, telling an international gathering of scientists and government officials in London that he treats his own cows and sheep with homeopathy.
In front of the government’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies,  the prince explained to delegates from 20 nations and organisations why he had turned to homeopathic remedies for animals.
“It was one of the reasons I converted my farming operation to an organic – or agro-ecological – system over 30 years ago and why we have been successfully using homeopathic – yes, homeopathic – treatments for my cattle and sheep as part of a programme to reduce the use of antibiotics,” he said.
The prince did not give details or stay for questions, but Clarence House later said: “Homeopathy is used on a case-by-case basis at Home Farm, in combination with more conventional medicine, to minimise dependence on antibiotics.”
The prince’s belief in homeopathic medicines for humans has long been known, as well as his support for Homoeopathy on the NHS.
Cows and sheep do not know they are receiving medication so there is no placebo effect here! A group called HAWL  which trains farmers in the use of Homoeopathy and is funded by the prince, said it can help animals that are stressed.
Numerous animal studies assessing the efficacy of Homoeopathy in the treatment and prophylaxis of mastitis have been carries out. Results show that Homoeopathy has a superior efficacy over conventional treatment  in preventing mastitis.
“It is now well accepted that problems come at times of stress (weaning, transportation, separation etc), and giving animals remedies at these times may well avoid disease, but it may also improve production,” its website stated.
There are 500 farmers trained in homeopathy and 38 homeopathic vets, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK who along with the prince’s absolute condemnation of the over use of antibiotics in animals and in humans, however, will be universally welcomed.
“Given the potentially disastrous scenario we face with antibiotic resistance and the emergence of serious and life threatening Hospital Super bugs”, I find it difficult to understand how we can continue to allow most of the antibiotics used in farming, many of which are also used in human medicine, to be administered to animals some prophylactically,” he said. “Would we, I wonder, advise adding antibiotics to our own food or water on a daily basis, just in case we became ill?”
 
 

 
Post-Party DetoxingThe silly season is in full swing and God knows life is short so get on the glad rags and have a bit of craic!
To help heal up the  damage here are a few tips.
It has been clinically proven that alcohol inhibits sleep, yet when you get home from a fun-fuelled party, often your bed is the first place you want to go. Before letting your head hit the pillow, there are a few important things you need to do to kickstart the detoxification process and help the morning's hangover. The most important thing to remember is that a hangover is caused by dehydration, so now is the time to give your body everything required to prevent this from happening. Firstly, brew some detox tea - any that contain herbs such as artichoke leaf, dandelion root and burdock root will all help to protect and restore your liver. Secondly, eat a banana to help restore your potassium levels. The loss of this mineral when drinking alcohol contributes to the dehydration symptoms of a hangover. Thirdly, pop a few homeopathic hangover pills Nux vomica and finally, pour yourself a large glass of water  and take it to bed to drink before you go to sleep.
Up the ante on the following foods
Yoghurt
Start each morning in December with yoghurt on your muesli or fruit salad. Yoghurt contains probiotics that help boost the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and boosting the body’s immune system. Essential for helping your dance the night away at all your Christmas get-togethers!
LemonsLemons are packed with vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed to make glutathione, a substance that helps the liver naturally detox harmful chemicals. Add lemon pieces to mineral water, use lemon juice as a dressing for salads or add lemon to your favourite vegetable juice. It will leave you feeling refreshed.
Apples
The perfect handbag snack, apples contain loads of pectin. Pectin is a soluble fibre that binds to cholesterol and contaminates such as heavy metal, removing them from the body and preventing toxic build-up. Perfect for getting you through the party season in one piece.
 
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which strengthen the body’s defenses against free radicals. They’re also rich in vitamin C, which boosts immune health. Add blueberries to your favourite smoothie or enjoy with nuts as a snack
 

WaterWater does more than keep you hydrated – it also helps your liver and kidneys flush out toxins. Before you hit the sack after a Christmas party, make sure you drink at least two glasses of water. Repeat as soon as you wake up the following morning. Carry a bottle of water with you and continually drink water throughout the day.
 
 
Pomegranate
Rich in vitamin C, pomegranates can provide you with an immunity boost this festive season, while also help to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Pomegranates are also rich in fibre, which helps keep the digestive system in good health. Enjoy pomegranate seeds tossed through a salad, over your breakfast cereal or through yoghurt.
 
 
Chia Seeds
Rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, chia seeds work to keep the gut healthy. Chia seeds are also rich in omega-3 fats, which help to reduce inflammation in the body and assist in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Add chia seeds to your breakfast, smoothie or favourite salad.
 
Deirdre Mackesy RGN, Homeopath, Acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist gives some sound advice on creating a healthier body and how to treat common ailments naturally.
Deirdre manages The Robin Hill Clinic on Lake Road Rushbrooke and can   be  contacted on 021 4812222 e: info@robinhillclinic.com
W:www.robinhillclinic.com

This Drink Will Help You Boost Your Energy, Reduce Weight and stay healthy this winter.
 
 
 
How many times have older folks suggested putting a cabbage leaf on a painful spot or inside your bra if you are a breastfeeding Mum suffering from mastitis. Some say it is a panacea for health and that there’s nothing that this leaf cannot heal? Perhaps they didn’t have scientific facts to support their claim, however, it turns out they were right and there are many studies that have proven this.


Cabbage is one of the most powerful foods available to us, which is why everyone should include it in their menu. It has strong antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and antibacterial properties, especially if consumed fresh.
 
Try the following powerful drink, which is a combination of cabbage, aloe vera juice (you can buy it from any local health food store), ginger , lemon and mint, and it is extremely tasty.


Ingredients:
 

200 ml aloe vera juice
• ¼ of a fresh cabbage head
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• Optional: a few mint leaves,
½ a cucumber
¼ lemon
Preparation:
Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until you obtain a homogenous mass. Consume the resulting drink while it’s fresh.


Health Benefits:
• It stimulates body detoxification. Thanks to the glucosinolate, a compound found in cabbage, this drink helps the body to eliminate harmful substances that cause health issues.
• It heals the skin. Cabbage contains phytochemicals, antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E, which do wonders for your skin. They hydrate dry skin, reduce sebum secretion in oily skin and soothe inflamed acne.
• It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. This fresh cabbage drink alleviates the work of the digestive tract by stimulating food digestion and preventing constipation. It also relieves stomach ulcers and strengthens the stomach lining.
• It lowers bad cholesterol levels. If you have problems with high cholesterol, especially with LDL (bad cholesterol), then cabbage will be of great help to you because it doesn’t contain any fat and is rich in phytosterols and soluble fibers, which are very important in the fight against cholesterol.
• It aids in weight loss. Cabbage is very low in calories, which is why it is suitable for all kinds of diets. A large cabbage head contains about 250 calories. This leafy vegetable is also rich in fibers that help curb appetite and balance the level of sugar in blood.


Sources:
Cabbage: What’s New and Beneficial About Cabbage. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from
Williams, D. (2014, June 3). Cleanse with Cabbage Juice.
 
 

Some 36 million Americans now take statin drugs – and thanks to the newly released national cholesterol guidelines, this number could skyrocket.

 

Cardiologist Chauncey Crandall, M.D., says this is not welcome news.

 

 

While he credits statins with helping to drive down the incidence of heart disease, Dr. Crandall worries that people who have only mild cholesterol problems will be put on statins for the rest of their lives. He believes that these problems should be addressed with lifestyle change for better and more lasting results.

 

“High cholesterol runs in a family of other problems which travel together. If you take a statin, you’re attacking only cholesterol, but it does nothing to remedy other problems, like obesity, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome,” said Dr. Crandall, author of the number one Amazon best-selling book The Simple Heart Cure: The 90-Day Program to Stop and Reverse Heart Disease.

Dr. Crandall recommends the following steps to lower cholesterol naturally

 

1.      Change your diet. A plant-based and oily fish diet, which includes large amounts of fruits, garlic,vegetables, and whole grains, along with meat substitutes like beans, lowers cholesterol naturally.

 

2.      Take a plant sterols supplement. Plant sterols, also known as plant stanols, are the plant version of cholesterol and when consumed in sufficient amounts, they block the absorption of human cholesterol in the small intestine. There are products that have plant sterols, like special margarines, but they also contain chemicals, so you’re better off with a two-gram daily supplement.

 

3.      Start your day with oatmeal. Oatmeal is the best food defense against cholesterol. The reason is that oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which turns into a gel in the body, which helps you feel full and also interferes with the digestion of cholesterol, whisking it out of your body. Oats have a balancing effect on blood sugars also.

 

4.      Get 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation hikes low-density LDL cholesterol, known as the “bad” cholesterol, contributes to high blood pressure, and leads to overeating. If you snore, or find yourself excessively sleepy during the day, get checked for the common and dangerous sleep disorder known as sleep apnea.

 

5.      Check your Vitamin D level. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to high cholesterol. The body’s ability to synthesize Vitamin D from the sun diminishes as you age. Get your vitamin D levels checked with a blood test. If your level is low, take a daily vitamin D supplement.

 

6.      Get your blood sugar level checked. You should be looking for a fasting blood sugar level of 100 or less. A too-high blood glucose level leads to elevated LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and high triglycerides, which is a dangerous blood fat that is a cholesterol remnant.

 

7.      Eat less gluten. Our American high-gluten, wheat-based diet leads to obesity and also to inflammation, which research shows may be an even a more dangerous heart disease driver than cholesterol. If you do eat wheat products, make sure they are whole grain.

 

8.      Exercise one hour daily. A brisk one-hour walk will help lower cholesterol, high blood pressure, and build up your heart’s collateral blood flow. Also build in some quality relaxation time into your day.

 

9.      Take a red rice yeast supplement. Red rice yeast is traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It contains a substance that is chemically identical to the active ingredient in a statin drug. Take it with your doctor’s guidance.

 

10. Dust your food with cinnamon. In one study researchers found that about ½ tablespoon of cinnamon daily cut total cholesterol by 26 percent. Cinnamon is also an excellent way to make heart healthy foods, like low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, taste great, and if you sprinkle it on your oatmeal or other foods, you’ll be boasting your breakfast’s cholesterol-fighting power.

 

Metabolism Boosting Foods

 

1. Water! A new study seems to indicate that drinking water actually speeds up weight loss and boost metabolism. Researchers in Germany found that subjects of the study increased their metabolic rates (the rate at which calories are burned) by 30 percent after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant that banishes bloat as it flushes out sodium and toxins. Drinking enough water will also help keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. So drink up! Make sure that you are starting your day with a big big glass of water and drink throughout the day not just all at one time.

 

2. Green Tea! Studies show that green tea extracts boost metabolism and may aid in weight loss. This mood-enhancing tea has also been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and help prevent heart disease. It’s also a trendy drink among weight-conscious celebrities. You may Have already seen my green tea articles but this may be one really fantastic herb and it tastes nice too!

 

3. Soup! Eat less and burn fat faster by having a bowl of soup as an appetizer or a snack. According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it’s made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed a n average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass of water. I used to joke that soup is not a meal but it really dies fill you for very few calories and remember that when you eat a food with a lot of taste it really will satisfy.

 

4. Grapefruit! The grapefruit diet is not a myth. Researchers at Scripps Clinic found that participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal in a 12-week period lost an average of 3.6 pounds. The study indicates that the unique chemical properties in this vitamin C-packed citrus fruit reduce insulin levels, which promotes weight loss and boost metabolism. NOTE: If you are taking medication, check with your doctor about any potentially adverse interactions with grapefruit. Grapefruit, because of the soft peel is a nice alternative to an apple of orange and study after study of the last 30 years has shown that it can really help burn fat.

 

5. Apples and Pears! Overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn’t add fruit to their diet, according to re searchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate fewer calories overall. So next time you need to satisfy a sugar craving, reach for this low-calorie, high-fiber snack. You’ll feel full longer and eat less.

 

 

 

6. Broccoli! Study after study links calcium and weight loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium, but also loaded with vitamin C, which boosts calcium absorption. This member of the nutritious cabbage family also has plenty of vitamin A, folate and fiber. And, at just 20-calories per cup, this weight-loss superfood not only fights fat but also contains powerful phytochemicals that boost your immunity and protect against disease.

 

7. Low-Fat Yogurt! Dairy products can boost weight loss efforts, according to a study in the April issue of Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet who included three to four servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium, providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein. As far as superfood go Yogurt is right there. It includes calcium, protein and a ton of other nutrients as well as good bacteria and probiotics for you digestive tract.

 

8. Lean Turkey! Rev up your fat-burning engine with this bodybuilder favorite. Countless studies have shown that protein can help boost metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories. A 3-ounce serving of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast weighs in at 120 calories and provides 26 grams of appetite-curbing protein, 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of saturated fat. With the price of chicken going up and up these days Turkey has become a great alternative. Remember that Turkey is a little tougher than chicken and the taste is a little different but it is not just for Thanksgiving and Christmas anymore.

 

9. Oatmeal! This heart-healthy favorite ranks high on the good carb list, because it’s a good source of cholesterol-fighting, fat-soluble fiber (7 grams per 3/4-cup serving) that keeps you full and provides you with the energy you need to make the most of your workouts. Just be sure to choose steel cut or rolled oats, not instant oatmeal, to get your full dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber. For many years now Pro Bodybuilders have relied on Oatmeal as a staple of their breakfast, it is amazingly high in nutrients.

 

10. Hot Peppers! Eating hot peppers can speed up and boost metabolism and cool your cravings, researchers at Laval University in Canada found. Here’s why: Capsaicin (a chemical found in jalapeno and cayenne peppers) temporarily stimulates your body to release more stress hormones, which speeds up your metabolism and causes you to burn more calories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metabolism Boosting Tips

 

1. Make sure you eat breakfast.

If you don't eat breakfast, you slow down your metabolism and send the body into "hoard mode," thinking it's starving because you're going a long period of time frequently 8 to 10 hours or more, without food.

 

2. Eat the majority of your food earlier in the day.

Dinner should be your lightest meal, and some experts recommend you don't anything after 8 p.m., or any later than 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. This helps your body process and burn the food when you're aware and moving around and burning more calories per hour.

 

3. Don't starve.

Dropping your calorie intake below 1,000 calories a day will signal to your body that you are in starvation mode, and will slow down your metabolism.

 

4. Eat smaller meals more frequently.

Smaller, more frequent meals keeps your blood sugar stable and provides a steady source of energy to fuel metabolism.

 

5. Get enough aerobic exercise.

As much as you can is really a help for your metabolism, and if you do it in the morning, you'll raise your metabolism all day.

 

6. Build muscle with weight training or resistance exercise.

At least two to three times a week, you should add weight training or progressive resistance exercise that builds muscle. Muscle burns more calories than fat, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest!

 

7. Water, water, water!!

You've heard it before, but drink those 8 8-ounce glasses of water every day. The energy burning process of metabolism needs water to work effectively.

 

8. Get enough B vitamins.

Among supplements, if you are suffering from flagging energy, you need to make sure that you are getting enough B vitamins. Vitamin B-12 in particular is one that is essential for energy. To ensure you're getting enough B vitamins, consider taking a B complex, plus a separate sublingual B-12.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Try a supplement for fatigue.

Another type of supplement useful for fatigue is in the area of substances that the body naturally produces for energy production. Supplements in this category include:

•                Co-enzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, which supplies energy to muscles

•                L- Carnitine

•                NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Finucleotide) which helps cells convert food into energy

•                Green Tea extract

 

10. Try Chinese Herbs

In terms of herbal remedies, while you should avoid ephedra and ma huang stimulants, you can ask your practitioner about schizandra--a Chinese herb that is used for fatigue. Ginseng is also popular for energy. Before trying any herbs, supplements, or vitamins, you should of course consult with your practitioner to ensure they are safe for you. Ginseng, for example, is not recommended for someone with high blood pressure and many herbs and supplements are not recommended during pregnancy.

 

11. Try mate tea

In the process of writing my book, Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know, I had the opportunity to interview herbal and aromatherapy expert Mindy Green of the Herbal Research Foundation. I asked her what, as a person with hypothyroidism, I should reach for when I'm just completely out of steam, and am ready for a giant double espresso in order to make it through the day. Mindy, said, unquestionably, mate tea. Mate, pronounced, "mah-tay," is an herbal tea native to South America. Mate is considered far more nutritious than black tea or coffee, and though it also has some caffeine, its effects are energizing, rather than making people jittery.

 

12. Consider Energy Work

Energy and body-work , such as yoga, tai chi, qigong (pronounced chee-gung), and Reiki, can all help in adding and balancing energy. In qigong, tai chi, and yoga, gentle movements are used to move energy along the energy pathways of the body. In Reiki, a practitioner helps open up energy channels.