Detox Or Not To Detox

nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendGood health is determined by many factors, one of which is the body’s ability to detoxify effectively. This is the process whereby toxins, compounds that have harmful effects on cells, are either neutralised or excreted from the body.

Exposure to toxic substances is unavoidable, they are present everywhere – in the atmosphere, the food we eat and the water we drink. A significant amount of toxins are also generated within the body as a result of the metabolic processes that go on within it.

The liver, is the primary organ of detoxification. All the toxins that accumulate in the body pass through the liver to render them harmless; as such, the liver bears a large responsibility in cleansing the body. Modern living has seen a tremendous rise in the toxic load the liver has to deal with, leading to an overburdened liver in some individuals. It is believed that conditions such as psoriasis, acne, chronic headaches, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue may in part be a consequence of poor liver function.

Mobilisation with lipotrophic nutrients

The production of bile from the liver is vital to detoxification since this fluid acts to remove fat-soluble toxins from the blood. Low secretion of bile may result in cholesterol and other fat- soluble toxins building up in the liver. There are herbs and nutrients that are lipotrophic agents, substances known to encourage the expulsion of fat from the liver, which may help to encourage detoxification. Artichoke is commonly used to assist detoxification; cynarin key compound in artichoke has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties and may prevent cell damage in the liver.

Elimination

Once toxins have been metabolised into less harmful molecules they need to be eliminated to prevent them accumulating and being reabsorbed into the blood. The healthy functioning of the bowel is necessary in order for this to occur properly. A balanced diet incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables and adequate water intake alongside the use of supplements may help to regulate bowel movements.

Eat Your Way to a Pain-Free Summer

Whether it’s the colourful flowers in full bloom or the longer, brighter days, there’s just something about summertime that gives us that extra zest to be fit and healthy. To help you boost your health this summer, our Southend chiropractor lists three surprising foods that are known to have pain-fighting components. Enjoy…

1: Ginger

Although ginger is traditionally used to combat nausea, it has also been found to contain inflammation-fighting compounds.

2: Coffee

Possibly the trendiest drink in the world right now, low doses of coffee are believed to help reduce the perception of pain.

3: Red Grapes

As if the juicy and refreshing taste of red grapes wasn’t appealing enough, they have now been found to contain resveratrol – a chemical compound that is believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Feed your spine well this summer; you are what you eat after all!

Why Not Make It A Summer Of Herbs

herbal and nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendThe days are longer, the sun is supposed to be shining but even in this wet summer weather the extra high pollen count can lead to aggravation.

Common herbs or medicinal plants are capable of cooling the body, aiding digestion, cleansing the system, supporting healthy skin or providing a gentle waft of aromatherapy to lift the spirits.

So why not get outdoors this summer and harvest a few medicinal plants. Many of you will have these herbs in your garden or they can be found on walks in the countryside.

Here are a few tips for harvesting medicinal plants.

Pick them when the flowers are just forming and first thing in the morning when the dew has dried. During the growing season leaves and flowers are best gathered and used fresh. However, herbs that are worth storing are those that could be useful for treating winter coughs or colds such as hyssop, thyme, marjoram, chamomile, yarrow or elderflower. Freeze them or dry them for later use. Elderberries made into a syrup or even home-made wine is an excellent old-fashioned cure for respiratory infections.

Make a Herbal Tea

To make a herbal tea use 50g of herb per pint of water or 2 teaspoons per cup. Cover to stop essential oils escaping and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Infusions like this are best drunk whilst still hot and are taken usually three to six times a day to be effective.

herbal and nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendRed clover

Red clover is a common cover crop for replenishing soil nutrients. It’s one of the oldest cancer preventative medicinal plants and contains trace minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. In tea or tincture form, the herb stimulates your immune system, cleanses the blood and as it is oestrogenic can be used for menopausal problems. Topically, you can use it to treat psoriasis and combat itchy bug bites.

herbal and nutrition advcei from cliffs chiropractor southendMint

Mint cools the body and the scent is invigorating. It’s commonly used as a digestive aid, it is analgesic and decongestant for headaches and colds. For a refreshing drink, make “sun tea” by placing a jar filled with fresh mint and lemon balm leaves with water in the sun for a half-hour. Chilled in the fridge this is delicious. Mix the tea with hibiscus flower for an added kick of colour and Vitamin C.

herbal and nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southend Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has a long tradition of being used to improve memory and promote longevity. It is great for soothing the nervous system and settling anxiety, elevating the mood at the same time. Taken as a tea regularly it is antimicrobial, decongestant and has anti-histamine properties so is helpful with hay fever and colds. The fragrant plant was traditionally used in Europe as a “strewing herb,” thrown on the floor to freshen a room.

herbal and nutrition advice from herbal and nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendRose

Splashing your skin with rose water is a great way to rehydrate during the hot summer months. The water helps soften your skin, maintain elasticity and also treat bug bites. A few drops of rose oil, diluted in carrier oil (around 60,000 Damascus roses are needed to make just one ounce of pure rose oil) reduces scarring and promotes healing in minor cuts. The flowers are uplifting and calming and are used for insomnia, depression and irritability especially with fatigue. Rose hips, the fruit from the rose, are also high in vitamin C and taste delicious as a tea or jam.

Home Made Rosewater

Ingredients
• Organic Roses (as many as you like-I use 6-7 stems)
• Distilled water (enough to cover the rose petals- I used about 1.5 litres)
For the Homemade Rosewater Face Toner:
• 25ml pure rosewater (recipe above)
• 100ml of distilled water (or enough to fill your spray bottle)
Instructions for Rosewater
• Remove petals from stems and run them under luke-warm water to cleanse.
• Add petals to a large sauce pan and top with enough distilled water to just cover (no more or you’ll dilute your rosewater).
• over medium-low heat bring the water to a simmer and cover.
• Let simmer for 20-30 minutes or until petals have lost their color and are a pale pink.
• Strain the mixture to separate the petals from the water.
• Discard petals and place water in a glass jar to store.

For the Homemade Rosewater Face Toner:
• Combine all ingredients in spray bottle and shake.
• To apply: spray directly on face or spray a cotton pad and wipe face to remove any residue.

Note: Using 7 stems makes around 1.5 litres of rosewater. This seems like a lot but it keeps for a long time in the fridge. Just store in a sealed, glass container until ready to use.

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It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!

spicy mulled wineAh, that distinctive festive aroma is starting to fill the air… that sweet, spicy scent that conjures up everything that is Christmas and creates that special warm and fuzzy feeling in the depth of our bellies.

What produces that unique Christmas aroma and how can you use these flavours to recreate a famous festive tipple?

The Smells of Christmas

The smell of Christmas today is one of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger – four sweet aromatic spices that instantly conjure up Christmas, and are used in a lot of our cooking over the festive period.

Spices have always cast a spell on our imaginations; conjuring up exotic images of colourful, vibrant distant lands.

The first expeditions for spices in ancient times were to ensure that these coveted commodities would always be in supply. Legend has it that in 1000 BC, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem to offer him “120 measures of gold, many spices, and precious stones.” A cupful of cardamom was worth a poor man’s yearly wages, and slaves were bought and sold for a few handfuls of peppercorns.

The Arabs were the first to introduce spices to Europe. Knowing that they controlled a commodity in high demand, they kept their sources a secret and made up amazing tales of the dangers involved in obtaining them.

spice mixIn medieval Europe, soldiers returning from the Crusades loaded up their bags with these fragrant foodstuffs; prompting a comeback in the powerful courts of Europe. It was mainly from the Orient, overland via Arabia, the Red Sea, the ports of Venice and Genoa that spices reached Britain. Venetian merchants, strategically located midway between the Levant and Western Europe, became the great middlemen of the spice trade.

Certain spices were worth so much that one of them even became currency: pepper. Forerunners of sugared almonds, some spices were covered in honey in order to disguise them as candy. Their culinary and medicinal uses overlapped, and grocers and apothecaries often worked in the same companies. Besides traditional black pepper, some of the other prized spices of the era were long pepper from Sumatra, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

It was Vasco Da Gama discovering India in 1498 that led to the downfall of the Arabian/Venetian spice monopoly. The Portuguese held onto it for a century to lose it to the Dutch in the 1600’s.

During this period, British cooking was still heavy with ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The food of Italy, Portugal, France, Holland and Germany was similarly spiced and scented.

It was not until towards the middle of the seventeenth century that the British East India Company held a monopoly on all trade with India and that the British began developing it’s cooking along the lines that we recognise today. Spices and sugar were readily available and therefore became relatively cheap and available to the everyday cook.

Cinnamon

cinnamon   Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of evergreen trees from the bay family.
It has a complex, fragrant and sweet citrus flavour. Cinnamon’s perfumed aroma is unique but has hints of clove, nutmeg and sandalwood. Cinnamon is commonly used in sweet baking as well as in savoury foods such as curries.

As a medicinal herb, it is antibacterial, antiviral, a circulatory stimulant, an antispasmodic and a digestive. It is used to enhance digestion and given to people for indigestion, nausea, colic and wind. It is also effective in helping to treat gastro-enteritis. More recently it has been found to enhance the effects of insulin; helping to prevent glucose intolerance that can pre-dispose to diabetes. So the perfect spice to add to all those Christmas cakes and mince pies!

Cloves

clovesCloves are the dried, unopened flower buds from an evergreen tropical tree, Syzygiumaromaticum. The clove tree is originally a native of the eastern Indonesian islands, called the Moluccas.
The flavour is strongly pungent, while the aroma is somewhat peppery.

Cloves can be used both internally and externally. Internally they can soothe and relax the inner lining of the intestines, aiding in digestion and calming an upset stomach. They can help the esophagus to produce more phlegm and act as an expectorant, making coughs less severe and more productive.

Cloves have also been shown to have analgesic properties. The old wives tale of applying clove oil for toothache is true. A whole clove applied directly to the gum in problem areas or a drop of clove oil rubbed into the gum can help to provide relief from pain.

When the oil is applied topically, it can relieve pain from rheumatism, arthritis, and other inflammation-based conditions.

Nutmeg

nutmegNutmeg spice comes from the nutmeg tree, Myristicafragrans, which was originally native only to the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia.

Nutmeg trees are a tropical evergreen tree that grow some 7-10 meters high and have shiny dark green leaves.

The medicinal use of nutmeg is due to its essential oil, Myristicinwhich, which is used as a stimulant to the intestinal tract, aiding flatulence, and alleviating nausea and vomiting. It is regularly used in mixtures of oils to relieve pain and inflammation and also has antibacterial properties.

However the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime classes nutmeg as a narcotic. It has a hallucinogenic effect and can induce stupor. The evidence is mainly anecdotal but is considered so frequent as to be overwhelming, “Excessive doses of nutmeg have a narcotic effect; symptoms of delirium and epileptic convulsions appear after 1-6 hours.”

We are talking of dosages being in the region of 1-2 whole nutmegs per person for any harmful effect but maybe it brings a hint of danger to eating our Christmas cake and puddings

Fancy creating your very own home-made mulled wine this Christmas?

Here’s the secret recipe:

Spicy Mulled Wine

mulled wineIngredients
• 2 oranges
• Peel of 1 lemon
• Peel of 1 lime
• 250g demerara sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 fresh bay leaves
• 6 cardamom pods
• 1 whole nutmeg
• 1 whole vanilla pod, halved
• 2 bottles of red wine
• 120ml Sloe Gin (optional)

Method

1. Peel large sections of peel from your oranges, lemon and lime using a peeler. Put the sugar in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the pieces of peel and squeeze in the juice from the oranges.

2. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cardamom pods and about 1/2 grated of nutmeg. Put in the halved vanilla pod and stir in enough red wine to cover the sugar. Let this simmer so that the sugar has dissolved into the red wine and then bring to the boil. Keep on the boil for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until you have a thick syrup. This infuses the spices and the wine to give a base syrup.

3. When the syrup is ready, turn the heat down to low and add both bottles of wine. Gently heat the wine and after around 5 minutes, when it’s warm, add the sloe gin, ladle it into glasses and serve.

Delicious!

Improve memory and concentration while calming a nervous stomach and alleviating stress

lemon balm nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendLemon balm or Melissa Officinalis has a long tradition of use as a herbal medicine. Used mainly to calm spasm in the gut and as an anti- depressive it has more recently been found to improve memory and concentration. This makes it ideal for anyone who suffers from a nervous stomach or could be a good idea this time of year for children under exam stress. Further aided by the fact it is antimicrobial and decongestant it may help keep colds away, which no one wants when they are studying.

nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendIt is safe and gentle herb and very easy to grow, tolerant of a range of conditions and unaffected by many pests and diseases. It also has the added benefit of attracting bees, which feed on the small white flowers. A handful of leaves in a mug of hot water make a very pleasant soothing tea.

nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendFor real ease of use that has added benefits Lamberts have produced Theanine and lemon Balm complex. L-Theanine is a fascinating amino acid that is present in normal tea and is believed to be responsible for that unique ‘nice cup of tea’ feeling.

It has been shown to raise levels of GABA and alpha waves in the brain and this can result in a calming effect without drowsiness. As a result, L-Theanine is widely recommended for those during times of stress and anxiety.

Three relevant B vitamins are also included. Folic acid and biotin both contribute to normal psychological function and pantothenic acid as it contributes to normal mental performance.

For a naughty treat why not use Lemon Balm in a dessert!

Lemon meringue ice cream with lemon balm (courtesy of Mary Berry)

Lemon balm gives a gentle citrus tang to this impressive but easy ice cream. Try serving it with a raspberry coulis or summer berries.

nutrition advice from cliffs chiropractor southendIngredients
300ml/½ pint double cream
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 jar good quality lemon curd
50g/1¾oz meringues, broken into chunky pieces
2 tbsp chopped fresh lemon balm
3 passionfruit, halved, pulp and seeds scooped out
sprigs of lemon balm, to garnish

Preparation method

Line a 450g/1lb loaf tin with clingfilm, overlapping the sides. Whisk the cream lightly until the whisk leaves a trail, add the lemon zest and juice and half the jar of lemon curd then fold in the meringue and chopped lemon balm.

Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin, cover with clingfilm and freeze for at least six hours.

If the ice cream has been freezing overnight or longer, remove it from the freezer for 10-15 minutes before turning onto a plate. Lift the ice cream from the loaf tin, invert it onto a board and remove the clingfilm. Dip a sharp knife in boiling water and cut the ice cream into thick slices.

Mix the other half of the lemon curd with the pulp and seeds from the passion fruit.

Place a slice of ice cream on a plate and top with a spoonful of the passionfruit sauce. Decorate with sprigs of lemon balm.

Herbal Medicine can improve Eczema shares Melanie at Cliffs Chiropractor Southend

image1Eczema is a common skin problem that Melanie, as a Medical Herbalist, helps patients with. Recently, Melanie, using herbal medicine, helped a Gill Scales, a patient with Eczema on her hands and the improvement in just one week can be seen in these photos. The patient did complain about the taste of it but it’s a small price to pay!

 

Before:

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After:

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Eczema is an internal problem not simply an external irritation. The skin is a route of elimination and when the other pathways such as the bowels and kidneys or immunity may be lowered the skin is put under pressure and can become inflamed, itchy, red and sore.

Our skin is a mirror of our health and is used by Melanie as a Medical Herbalist as a useful diagnostic tool reflecting the effects of the outer environment as well as the condition of your inner state, physical and emotional. When we are healthy our skin glows; when unwell, it may look more sallow. Rashes and eczema maybe related to outside allergens, pollutants and chemicals but they are also associated with emotional problems, poor diet, anxiety or often an over stressed digestive system. The health of your gut can often be seen in your skin.

Making your own infused oil is easy and good to have on hand for many minor injuries and illnesses.

herbal medicine at cliffs chiropractor southendHow to make your own infused oil.

Simply combine the herbs chosen for the condition they’ll treat and in a heavy non-reactive saucepan. Cover them with extra virgin olive oil and heat on the lowest possible setting for 30 minutes. Then pour the oil and plant matter into a jar that seals tightly and steep for two weeks, shaking daily. Strain the oil and put into clean jars and label them clearly.

herbal medicine at cliffs chiropractor southendPossible herbs:

  • Calendula flowers for mild burns, sore skin, wounds, and eczema.
  • Chamomile flowers for inflamed skin and wound healing.
  • Capsicum for osteoarthritis- use sparingly with caution.
  • Rosemary for rheumatism and osteoarthritis.
  • Lavender for wounds, sores and ulcers, minimizes scaring and is anti septic and anti-inflammatory.

 

Leaky Gut – Could this be the cause of many modern day illnesses shares Melanie at Cliffs Chiropractor Southend

Do you have a Leaky Gut?

hrebal medicine at cliffs chiropractor southendDid you know the digestive system has been called ‘the second brain’? It is not an overstatement to say that a healthy digestive system is the gateway to good health. The highest-quality, organic, wholefood diet and supplements will be entirely wasted on you if your body isn’t processing any of that food.

The secret to any diet or supplement programme lies is in your body’s ability to digest properly. It is your digestive system—your stomach and intestines—that does most of the work of turning what you eat into nourishment for your body.

However, there’s a condition called leaky gut that can lead to a host of health problems. In fact all manner of modern-day illnessand many of the chronic problems medicine has no answer for can link back to disturbances in the digestive system.

These include: joint and muscle pains, skin conditions of every variety, mood problems, chronic fatigue, allergies, sleep problems, general immune dysfunction and even emotional or mental problems of all varieties.

It might be a surprise to learn that one or more of your chronic and seemingly unrelated complaints could be caused by a leaky gut.

What is a Leaky Gut?

Think of your gut as a one-way fence. The lining of the gut is permeable—small particles of food are able to pass through it to reach the other cells of the body—and, in a healthy body, these ‘holes’ are small enough to keep out molecules which might otherwise cause harm.

herbal medicine at cliffs chiropractor southendIn addition to the nutrients we need which pass through our permeable gut, food contains a toxic load that the body needs to be protected from. This protection is supplied by complex mechanisms: intestinal secretions, the lining of the intestine and certain white blood cells.

It is through this complex system that the digested, important portions of food are able to pass through to the body while toxins are barricaded out.

However if the gut mucosa is injured or somehow compromised, unwanted products can escape from your intestines and travel throughout your body via your bloodstream. Your immune system marks these “foreign invaders” as pathogens and attacks them. The immune response to these invaders can appear in the form of any of the nine signs you have a leaky gut, which are listed below.

What causes leaky gut?

herbal medicine at cliffs chiropractor southendThe main culprits are foods, infections, and toxins. Gluten is the number one cause of leaky gut. Other inflammatory foods like dairy or toxic foods, such as sugar and excessive alcohol, are suspected as well. The most common infectious causes are candida overgrowth, intestinal parasites, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Toxins come in the form of medications, like anti-inflammatories, steroids, antibiotics, acid-reducing drugs, and environmental toxins like mercury, pesticides and BPA from plastics. Stress and age also contribute to a leaky gut.

9 Signs You May Have a Leaky Gut

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Seasonal allergies or asthma.
3. Hormonal imbalances such as PMS.
4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or coeliac disease.
5. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
6. Mood and mind issues such as depression, anxiety.
7. Skin issues such as acne, dermatitis, or eczema.
8. Diagnosis of candida overgrowth.
9. Food allergies or food intolerances.

Repairing a leaky gut:

In my Clinic I have patients follow an elimination diet, which removes the toxins and inflammatory foods for a certain period of time. In addition, I have them follow a 4R programme to heal their gut. The 4R program is as follows:
1. Remove.
Remove the bad. The goal is to get rid of things that negatively affect the environment of the gastro-intestinal tract, such as inflammatory and toxic foods, and intestinal infections.
2. Replace.
Replace the good. Add back the essential ingredients for proper digestion and absorption, such as digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid and bile acids. The liver and gallbladder can be stimulated with herbs such as Dandelion and Milk Thistle.
3. Reinoculate.
It’s critical to restore beneficial bacteria to re-establish a healthy balance of good bacteria.
4. Repair.
It’s essential to provide the nutrients necessary to help the gut repair itself. One of the best supplements is L-glutamine, an amino acid that helps to rejuvenate the lining of the gut wall. Herbs such as Marshmallow and Licquorice can be used to sooth and repair intestinal tissue.

It’s possible to cure a leaky gut with a nutrient-dense diet and appropriate herbs and supplements. Nothing will replace consulting a professional for a correct diagnosis and a tailor made prescription so try the advice above and if you are still having problems give me a call.

What are the health benefits of tomatoes? Melanie at Cliffs Chiropractor Southend explains …

Whether you refer to a tomato as a fruit or a vegetable, there is no doubt that a tomato is a nutrient-dense, super-food that most people should be eating more of.

The tomato has been referred to as a “functional food,” a food that goes beyond providing just basic nutrition, additionally preventing chronic disease and delivering other health benefits, due to beneficial phytochemicals such as lycopene.

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C and folic acid. They contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene and lutein.

As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C and other antioxidants, tomatoes can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have shown that people who have diets rich in tomatoes may have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach.

The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in tomatoes all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.

The folic acid in tomatoes may also help with depression.

How to incorporate more tomatoes in your diet.

Make sure to store fresh tomatoes at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as this causes tomatoes to lose their flavour.

Tips:

Tomatoes can be easily incorporated into your daily diet, from using them in sauces and soups to creating a quick bruschetta appetizer.

  • Dip grape or cherry tomatoes in hummus or plain yoghurt dip and have as a side or a snack.
  • Always add sliced tomato to your sandwiches.
  • Add diced canned tomatoes to homemade or jarred pasta sauces.
  • Used canned diced or stewed tomatoes in soups.
  • Have a piece of toast with avocado and tomato slices.
  • Make your own quick salsa with diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, coriander and freshly squeezed lime.
  • Dice fresh tomatoes and add them to to your omelets or scramble egg for breakfast. If there is no time to grill fresh have tinned with your bacon and eggs.
  • Drizzle freshly sliced tomatoes and sliced mozzarella with balsamic vinegar and top with chopped basil.

Risks and Precautions

Yes these days there is also a risk to eating tomatoes!!

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) produces a list each year of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as the Dirty Dozen. Cherry tomatoes are high on the list of produce that the EWG suggests that you buy in the organic version to ensure a lower risk of pesticide exposure. If you cannot afford organic, do not fret; the nutritional benefit of eating conventionally grown (non-organic) produce far outweighs the risk of not eating produce at all.

Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium foods such as tomatoes should be consumed in moderation when taking beta-blockers.

What are the health benefits of lavender? Melanie from Cliffs Chiropractor Southend explains …

Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. It is highly regarded for skin and beauty and is commonly used in fragrances and shampoos to help wash and purify the skin.

In fact, the word lavender originally stems from from the Latin word lavare which means “to wash”.

However, there are also many medicinal properties associated with lavender.

Lavender is the most versatile of oils, it has relaxing and rejuvenating properties making it useful for relaxing the mind body and spirit. Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, sedative and promotes healing and prevents scarring.

Research has revealed that the essential oil of lavender may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. Some studies even suggest that lavender can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea and intestinal gas.

In addition to helping with digestive issues, lavender is used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. It is also used to prevent hair loss and repel insects.

Lavender is one of the only essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin but only use one drop.

Here is how to use it:

  • Massage: Muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, stress
  • Skincare: Spots, acne, cuts, insect bites, stings, inflammation, burns and eczema

100% Pure Essential Oil – Balancing and Purifying used for:

  • Massage – 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml base oil
  • Vaporisation – up to 10 drops of essential oil
  • Inhalation – up to 4 drops of essential oil
  • In the bath – 2-6 drops of essential oil

One drop can be used neat on insect bites to relieve itching. For mild burns apply ice cold water for 10 minutes then put 5 drops of lavender oil on a dry cold compress and cover the area. Repeat as needed. For headaches mix 1 drop of lavender oil to 1 drop of carrier oil and massage into the temples.

We now stock 10ml bottles of pure French Lavender oil in the clinic, perfect for the first aid kit.