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  1. Good to Get Nettled!

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    If you take walks in parkland and country lanes you may be noticing nettles starting to Spring up!
    So what? You might say I can take them and even prefer to leave them because brushing too close can leave me with a nasty rash that may or may not be relieved by rubbing the juice of an adjacent dandelion or dock leaf into the offending area.


    Okay then nettles can be unpleasant if not handled properly but if handled with care they can bring us a raft of possible health benefits.


    Many people don’t realize that nettle if nothing else can brew an excellent herbal tea that compares well with green tea and other herbal brews and at this time of year when there is an abundance of fresh nettle about it tastes much better than the dried tea bag version.


    So what other health benefits has nettle to offer.?


    Like a number of other green herbs nettle acts as a diuretic but it has also been associated with expectorant qualities and pain relief as well as a tonic.


    It has been known to help with anaemia and arthritis and rheumatism, hey fever and other allergic disorders.


    Nettle has been used in hair care products as it is said to stimulate the follicles and regulate excessive scalp oil.


    If none of these impresses  you then drinking nettle tea, eating nettle soup or nettle spinach can supplement your mineral intake if you are short as the nettle contains up to ten minerals including: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulphur and zinc.
    If that’s not enough it also contains fatty acids and a number of B vitamins.


    Remember, while nettle is not guaranteed to solve health problems it may help with some ailments and as we have said at the very leats makes an excellent tea!


    Some nettle tips. When gathering nettle use gloves and plastic bag to protect you from stinging .
    Wash thoroughly in running water to clear off any dirt and bugs.


    If making tea pouring boiling water over some leaves will neutralize the stinging effect as will cooking if you are making soup or spinach.

    Barry Todd (Nutritional Therapist)

  2. Rosemary can help you remember

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    No it's not a new messaging service we're introducing:

    Sniffing it can improve your memory by up to 73%

    From Shakespeare singing the praises of the memory enhancing effects of Rosemary research has now produce good evidence to suggest that it is in fact true.

    Sniffing Rosemary (the herb I hesitate to add) in any form helpw with future memory - so that's remembering to do something at a specific time, remembering what you did go into the other room for etc.

    It doesn't just help with memory though.  Rosemary is and excellent mood uplifter and it is said to keep you young.

    It's said to help with pain relief although any natural pain relief that you take only goes so far and you need to do lots more by taking several herbs and foods that are good for pain relief and pretty much all the time too.  If you do tackle pain in this way it can at worst mean that you need to take less pharmaceuticals and at best begin to help you to cope without any drug intervention at all.

    It's also anti bacterial and great for the digestion.  It's  a diuretic amd liver detox (Hippocrates used to use it for this).  It increases your circulation and majes your breath smell sweet and it boosts your immunity.

    Making a fresh herbal infusion is aa great way to use Rosemary and you can add other herbs too.  Drinking dried herbs just doesn't taste the same.  Use it abundantly in your cooking, it's similar to sage, burn Rosemary incense for an uplifting and and alter atmosphere, use Rosemary essential oils in the bath or burner.  If youa re using pure essential oils in the bath they will just float so use a bland bubble bath or some creamy milk to break up the molevules and let them get to your body in the water. 

    We will be making good use of fresh Rosemary for the after class drinks so don't forget to come along to classes and get uplifted in more ways than one.

    We have Rosemary growing in our garden and will bring some in if you let us know next time you are in the centre. I like to patiently pluck a few of the little flowers that spring up around the end of the branches and add them to salads.  it gives a mild Rosemary flavour and fragrance that is more acceptable to eat raw in a salad.

    We also have a pure Rosemary incense priced at 75p or Auroshika or £1.25 for the Stamford  range both are pure and hand rolled.

    Caution if pregnant as there are contra indications for this herb when taken in a medicinal dose.

    P,S, Don't forget to share this with you friends ... if you can remember who they are! 

     

  3. coconut oil

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    Here are some of the health benefits of coconut oil:

    It is a good choice for cooking with as it is slower to oxidise and less altered by heat.

    The fat in coconut oil converts in the body  to energy rather than fat it is a medium chain fatty acid and is the nearest to that found in breast milk.  The recommended daily intake is 31/2 tablespoons but you should not rush into taking that amount, especially if you are on a low fat diet.  You could initially experience diahorrea

    If you imagine all the things that a mothers breast milk offers the newborn baby then you can expect that support from coconut oil:

    It enhances the immune system,

    Is antiviral and antibacterial,

    It's heart friendly

    Great for the skin as a moisturiser (though a bit greasy) and can be used as a deodorant as the enzimes react with perspiration and neutralise the odour.

    Lauric acid is one of the wonder ingredients of coconut oil and it  converts into monolauric when digested into the body.

    Recent research studies have shown that Monolauric Acid has the ability to help the body fight off viruses.  Monolauric acid is an important agent which is natural and fights against foreign invaders like viruses.  This particular acid was first found in human breast milk when scientists were studying antiviral properties.  Monolauric acid is a natural agent with absolutely no potentially dangerous side effects in humans.  Some viruses can cause a host of problems in individuals while others don’t seem to cause any care for concern.  Viruses are overall interesting in how they replicate and enter the human body.  Many scientists have thought there has been a causal relationship between some viruses to the development of cancers and even Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; this has never been proven at all.  Problems for finding ways to fight viruses include: antibiotics have no effect on viruses, many drugs which have been researched have extremely damaging effects on the body’s good cells, and new viruses make it hard for medications to even work.  This acid is a sage alternative supplement to safely destroy viruses.

    Viruses cannot live outside of the body without a host for an extended period of time.  If they are expelled by one host like a sneeze or cough they must be taken up by a new host almost immediately or they will of course die.  Many viruses hide in body fat so that they are hidden from the immune system which wants to attack them.  Monolauric acid enhances the immune system against fungus and viruses.   It is extremely effective is fighting off the cold and flu and should be taken on a daily basis to be effective.  A study performed in Atlanta, Georgia showed that Monolauric acid was extremely effective in treating most viruses.  However, this acid has no effect on rotaviruses, the polio virus, and the virus associated with encephalitis.   Treatment doesn’t have to depend on pharmaceuticals.

    Coconut oil medicinal uses:

    Virgin coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut. Expeller pressed oil has no scent or taste and both types can be used medicinally.

    --Kills bacteria causing urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, gum disease, staphylococcus, MRSA...
    --Destroys fungus causing candida.
    --Kills viruses causing flu, infectious disease, typhoid, HIV...
    --Inhibits parasite growth such as tapeworm, liver flukes, giardia...
    --Eases acid reflux, relieves gallbladder disease.
    --Enhances proper bowel function and lowers incidence of hemorrhoids when oil is consumed.
    --Relieves and heals intestinal disorders, ulcers, colitis, IBS, and Crohn's disease.
    --Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin production.
    --Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.
    --Protects against osteoporosis and reduces problems from cystic fibrosis.
    --Enhances pancreatic function, enzyme production and reduces pancreatitis.
    --Improves magnesium and calcium absorption, promoting stronger bones.
    --Reduces joint and muscle inflammation, supporting repair of tissues.
    --Regulates thyroid function.
    --Protects against cancers of colon, breast, and digestive tract.
    --Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) protect against development of Alzheimer's disease.
    --MCFA strengthen heart and circulatory system protecting against artherosclerosis and heart disease.
    --Prevents oxidation of fatty acids.
    --Provides antioxidants to fight free radicals slowing aging and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.
    --Relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
    --Reduces incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures.
    --Stabilizes female hormones reducing hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause.
    --Lessens symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
    --Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration.
    --Soothes earaches when mixed with garlic and olive oil.

    Topical uses for coconut oil:

    --Forms a chemical barrier on skin to protect and heal infections.
    --Topical applications relieve pain and swelling from hemorrhoids.
    --Moisturizes and softens dry skin.
    --Reduces bags, puffiness and wrinkles under eyes.
    --Lessens occurrence and appearance of varicose veins.
    --Preps skin before shaving.
    --Mixed with baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective toothpaste.
    --Soothes sunburned skin and promotes healing of burns and blisters.
    --Heals psoriasis and eczema lesions.
    --Stops pain, burning, and itching of bug and snake bites.
    --Prevents itching from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
    --Promotes firm skin tone, preventing age spots, sagging and wrinkles.
    --Eliminates head lice.
    --Removes makeup easily.
    --Heals nail fungus under finger and toenails.
    --Prevent nosebleeds by applying light film inside nostrils.
    --In combination with cornstarch and baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective deodorant.
    --Makes an excellent massage oil, a natural personal lubricant, and great sunscreen.
    --Conditions hair, prevents split ends, reduces frizz, controls flaky scalp and dandruff.
    --Removes scars and stretch marks.
    --Repairs cracked, sore, dry nipples from nursing.
    --Heals diaper rash and removes cradle cap on babies.

    Nutritional uses for coconut oil:

    --Enhances absorption of nutrients and improves digestion.
    --Provides a quick energy source and stimulates metabolism.
    --Produces immediate, usable energy source rather than being stored as fat.
    --Increases metabolic rate, stabilizes body weight, and controls food cravings.
    --Enriches milk supply for breast-feeding women.
    --Doesn't form harmful by-products during cooking when used at high heat.

    So you see nature provides a way to deal with most things that are a threat to us.  It's only when we get impatient looking for a quick fix that we turn to drugs (often with side effects that require more drugs) that the viruses start to kick back and mutate.
     
    Information from
    Natural News
    Wikipedia
    Chiropractic organisation magazine
  4. Coconut oil

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    You may have know for a while that there are  benefits to replacing your normal oil with cocnut oil.  Up until now it has always been an expensive exercise as it has been imported in relatively small quanities.  We were therefore delighted to find in a recent trip to Sainsbury's that they have tubs of coconut oil at a very reasonable price - so no excuses now.  We list below some of the benefits of using coconut oil in your daily diet.

    In case you're wondering coconut oil doesn't seem to taint the taste of the food at all, in fact it tastes fresher and cleaner when made with cocnut oil.  Even using as a spread it is tasteless and just adds that moisture to the bread or whatever you are using it on.  Of course if you are used to enjoying the taste of butter on bread or hot toast for instance it does take a bit of getting used to.

    Here are some benefits of using coconut oil:

    Do you suffer from sluggishness and feel as though you have no energy?

    Coconut oil will help with that.

    Fat content. The fat in coconut oil is of a type that is absorbed by the liver and converted into energy.  So in effect you are not taking fat into your system but are creating a boost of energy which will therefore aid in weight loss. 

    Are you heavy than you would like to be and do you have extra weight on your belly?

    Belly fat is very hard to shift but with a combination of exercise and cocnut oil it is possible to shift it - very important as belly fat is associated with heart problems.

    Is your brain not as sharp as you would like?

    These energy boosts also send extra fuel to the brain and this is especially useful in stressful times.  Coconut oil is said to help to eliminate the bacteria in your brain that makes it feel sluggish.  It has also been said to prevent nerve damage that causes problems like parkinsons, alzheimers, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

    Do you feel unbalanced in the nicest possible way)?

    Coconut oil has been shown to balance hormones, hence the value in hypothyroidism, balances glucose levels and  reduces inflammation (another important aspect for a healthy heart).

    Immunity

    We all need as many antioxidants as we can get and although maybe not the best source it is good to know that coconut oil provides them.  Reducing inflammation is also essential for your immunity.

    Breast milk contains  lauric acid which protects the baby from virus and bacteria, promoting a stronger immune system, in turn encouraging the body to more quickly recover from infections and other diseases minimising the use of medication.  Coconut oil is one of the few additional places where you will find lauric acid.

    Do you want to look young for longer?

    Beauty comes from within and coconut oil is said to slow down the aging process.  It is good for the skin both internally and when applied externally and can be used safely on babies and small children.

    Coconut oil is one of the good cholesterol oils that helps get rid of the artery clogging bad stuff.

    So whether it is for health or for vanity coconut oil is a great ingredient to include in your daily food list.  Rush down to Sainsburys and grab your tub.

     

     

     

     

  5. What are you reading over Christmas?

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    books

      People are coming into the centre and talking about the books they are going to read over Christmas so we thought it would be a fun idea to find out what other people are reading.

    You never know it may inspire others to read the book too.

    So for our latest competition we are giving a prize for the most interesting or inspiring comments.  The prize will be that we will choose a book for you from our books on sale.  We will use your comments to pick something that we feel matches the things you look for in a book.  All you have to do is pop in and collect it.

     

    I'll start!

    I will be reading

    'The Spontaneous Healing of Belief' Shattering the paradign of False Limits by Gregg Braden.  I was attracted to this book because it is about quatum physics.  The author is a scientist and novelist who specialises in writing books that the average Joe Public can understand.  After seeing the film 'The matrix' I have always been fascinated by the possiblities.   The book is said to be showing evidence that dispells many myths and proves that heart felt beliefs can effect everything from the healing of our bodies to the atoms we are surrounded by.  It proffers that our thoughts can change reality.  Well how will I know?  I am really excited by this book I have discovered.

    'Doppler' An Elk is for Life - not just for Christmas by Erlend Lee -  it says on the back cover that is is a deeply subversive fable about consummerism. existence and a baby elk called Bongo.  Sounds a bit whacky to me - right up my street.  What better time to read a fable than Christmas and it is a norwegian novel translated into English.   I am looking froward to a bit of quirkiness. Often foreign books give a new slant on life  - we will see. The fly sheet says that it is compelling and perceptive.  It also says that it's gentle approach looks at some of the harsher aspects of life.

    'Snow Drops' by A D Miller.  This is the fictional story of British Lawyer living in Russia.  He find the disregard for human poverity, homeless people who are left to die in the snow, off the wall night clubs and corruption in high places begins to corrupt him and his vision of life.  Led and encouraged by  his relationship with an enigmatic local he begins to lose sight of who he is.   I enjoy reading about other peoples experiences - even if it is only fiction.

     

     

     

  6. Halloween and vampires

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    If you are thinking of going to your Halloween Party later this month as a  Vestal Virgin, then  it would be prudent to  ensure the string or garlic is well embedded around your neck.

    Peter Pan would be equally dangerous as it turns out that those vampires were not far off the mark and  the fountain of youth may be closer than you think

    Research at Havard has shown that injecting  (mind you not drinking) the blood of young mice significantly improved the status of very old mice. It seems that it works on the brain mainly and was found whilst trying to find a cure for Alzheimers.  The belief is that if the Alzheimers can be caught early enough it can be stopped.

    Of course, this age old fascination with taking blood from the young has been tried many times before and hence the vampire stories.  One man notoriously injected himself with the blood from virgins but found no improvement.

    However, turns out  he wasn’t quite  dedicated enough and to be effective needs 5% off blood being replaced with  ‘young blood’ 8 times over the course of a month.  Not only can Alzheimers  be halted but the memory and mind can become sharper too.

    But if it is all in the mind then is this going to be the next big development in hypnotherapy - similar to the gastric band  therapy for weight loss?

    Many implications spring to mind for a real live process - will people have more children to ensure that they have a constant supply of fresh young blood as they age? Will students be selling their blood to pay their college fees?

    We await  more news.

    Andrea Lowe

    http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/10/young-blood-reverses-signs-aging/58079/