Movember – Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st  clean shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month.  The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men.  Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.

Read more about Movember and joining in to support awareness about men’s health here

‘Flu Season Natural Protection Tips

Now that ‘flu season is upon us, with the change of weather and clocks going back, here are some top Green Daisy tips for keeping healthy this Season.

1. Fortify your immune system: Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, lack of exercise and unhealthy living, as well as underlying health conditions can all undermine your immune system. Vitamin D3 may be more effective than vaccines at preventing influenza infections because it supports immune system function during the winter when many people become deficient in this essential hormone due to lack of sunlight. The herbal tincture of Echinacea taken regularly is also linked to immune boosting. Nutritionally, garlic is said to be a natural antibiotic. A whole clove of garlic crushed and mixed with honey is said to help the body fight off infection. Early nights and uninterrupted sleep, whenever possible, will allow your body to rest and recover. For those of you living and working in towns, exercise needn’t be reserved for weekends or late night gym sessions. Get on your bike. Cycling to work is a fantastic way to frame a sedentary day at the office with immune, metabolism and general health boosting exercise.

2. Respiratory System protection: For those of you forced into crowded tubes or buses or plane travel with coughing and spluttering commuters a fantastic tip and first line of defence for the respiratory system is the use of Essential oils. Rosemary is an uplifting oil, ideal for the morning commute. Mix a drop or 2 in a teaspoon of almond or olive oil and dab around the nostrils. As long as you can smell the rosemary it will be acting as a antiseptic to any nasty antigens making their way into your respiratory system.  Lavender can be applied if you are after some shut eye, useful for long-haul flights, as it is a calming and sedentary oil. (Do not use Rosemary essential oil during pregnancy and Lavender essential should not be used during the first Trimester of pregnancy)

3. Homeopathic Remedies for ‘Flu symptoms: There is a homeopathic remedy that may help to nip a cold in the bud, if it is taken for the on-set of ‘flu like symptoms. One pillule or tablet can be taken once a hour for 3 hours or stop with improvement. If symptoms develop another remedy will be more suitable,  with remedies indicated that may address the sensation of heaviness; aches and pains in the joints or muscles; high fevers. Repeat a remedy as often as needed as long as it is helping, even every 15 minutes and stop with improvement. The fever is the bodies natural immune response to a virus. A fever is produced by the body to burn off the virus. To force the fever down when it is stable and not at a dangerous level is potentially going against the natural immune response. Homeopathic remedies may support this process and may help to stabilise the fever. Reach for a homeopathic remedy and apply a tepid sponge to the face. For gastric ‘flu symptoms with vomiting and diarrhoea there are homeopathic remedies that may help.

3.Be kind to yourself: Stay in bed, or at least rest as much as possible. Avoid strenuous exercise and keep your fluids up. Broths and Soups are easy on the digestive system, help to keep fluid levels up and Chicken Soup is regarded as a medicine in itself by some. Freshly squeezed lemon in hot water sweetened with honey and a dash of cider vinegar is so much better than any over-the-counter powdered cold remedy, cider vinegar being considered a panacea in some circles. Many people struggle into work heroically with a heavy cold. Don’t. Stay in bed. Your work colleagues will be grateful that they don’t end up catching whatever you’ve brought in and will survive your absence.  Get well soon.

Health & Vitality in 2012

2012 heralds the arrival of the Olympics to the UK, focusing our attention on optimum fitness, athleticism, endurance and the potential stamina and strength capable within the body and spirit. To be an Olympic athlete requires incredible dedication to training and practice, healthy diet and lifestyle as well as talent, speed, strength and will power.

For those of us non-Olympians, who may struggle to keep up with regular gym training and who enjoy the odd indulgence, while leading a more sedentary life, there are some great natural support supplements and remedies to give us a bit of a boost.

Festive over-indulgence can be hard to avoid and rich food and more alcohol than usual can put a strain on the liver. There are several homeopathic remedies and ’tissue salts’  that act as organ support remedies to boost a sluggish system.

Carduus Marianus, also known as Milk Thistle in herbal tincture form, works by helping the liver with elimination of toxins especially after alcohol. The main action of this remedy is on the liver and portal system; it treats attacks of gall stone colic and griping, stitching pain with abdominal bloating. 5-10 drops of Milk Thistle tincture can be added to a small glass of water and taken before bed every night for a week. For anyone not wishing to combine herbal tinctures with allopathic medication, the homeopathic preparation of Carduus Mariasnus 12x  can be taken twice daily, morning and night, for a week instead. Chelidonium Majus is another liver support remedy indicated especially where there is a feeling of lethargy and aversion to mental exertion. Discomfort, throbbing or stitching pains in the right region around the liver which improve after eating may indicate the use of Chelidonium. This can be taken as a tincture (5-10 drops before bed every night for a week) or in a homeopathic 12x potency, twice daily morning and night for a week. Natrum Sulph 6x is a ’tissue salt’ indicated for supporting liver function, especially for people with a tendency to slow or sluggish digestion, distension and bloating, flatulence and gurgling in the bowels with diarrhoea. Tissue salts can be taken up to 3 times per day (2 tablets as a dose) and for as long as needed. For anyone with on-going digestive sluggishness try Natrum Sulph 6x for 2 months and monitor improvements.

Weight loss at the start of a New Year, especially after all the best intentions for healthy eating are abandoned completely with the festive season, is on the cards for many at this time of year. The best approach is to see a homeopath for a consultation. A remedy indicated and selected to address you as an individual will boost your system so that whatever is causing the excess weight, whether it stems from low resolve and no will power, to eating for emotional support or having a sluggish digestive system can be addressed. Homeopathy stimulates the system into balance and it is often the case that after homeopathic treatment weight loss occurs as the patient’s vitality increases and they feel a greater sense of well-being.

Swine ‘Flu and 3 approaches for natural protection.

Homeopathy and swine flu

The Society of Homeopaths advises anyone concerned about Swine Flu to consult the NHS advice available at
www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx and to follow the symptom checker if necessary, contacting their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 if they are still worried.

The single most effective way to stop or slow the spread of diseases such as swine ‘flu is to prevent the spread of germs by:

• washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze
• disposing of used tissues as soon as possible
• staying at home if you do become ill

Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths (RSHoms) regularly prescribe for patients suffering with common ailments such as colds and flu.

(reproduced by kind permission of The Society of Homeopaths)

Green Daisies Homeopathy suggests these natural approaches against Swine ‘flu:

1. Fortify your immune system: Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, lack of exercise and unhealthy living, as well as underlying health conditions can all undermine your immune system. Vitamin D3 may be more effective than vaccines at preventing influenza infections because it supports immune system function during the winter when many people become deficient in this essential hormone due to lack of sunlight. The herbal tincture of Echinacea taken regularly is also linked to immune boosting. Nutritionally, garlic is said to be a natural antibiotic. A whole clove of garlic crushed and mixed with honey is said to help the body fight off infection. Early nights and uninterrupted sleep, whenever possible, will allow your body to rest and recover. For those of you living and working in towns, exercise needn’t be reserved for weekends or late night gym sessions. Get on your bike. Cycling to work is a fantastic way to frame a sedentary day at the office with immune, metabolism and general health boosting exercise.

2. Respiratory System protection: For those of you forced into crowded tubes or buses or plane travel with coughing and spluttering commuters a fantastic tip and first line of defence for the respiratory system is the use of Essential oils. Rosemary is an uplifting oil, ideal for the morning commute. Mix a drop or 2 in a teaspoon of almond or olive oil and dab around the nostrils. As long as you can smell the rosemary it will be acting as a antiseptic to any nasty antigens making their way into your respiratory system.  Lavender can be applied if you are after some shut eye, useful for long-haul flights, as it is a calming and sedentary oil. (Do not use Rosemary essential oil during pregnancy and Lavender essential should not be used during the first Trimester of pregnancy)

3. Homeopathic Remedies for ‘Flu symptoms:There is a homeopathic remedy that may help to nip a cold in the bud, if it is taken for the on-set of ‘flu like symptoms. One pillule or tablet can be taken once a hour for 3 hours or stop with improvement. If symptoms develop another remedy will be more suitable,  with remedies indicated that may address the sensation of heaviness; aches and pains in the joints or muscles; high fevers. Repeat a remedy as often as needed as long as it is helping, even every 15 minutes and stop with improvement. The fever is the bodies natural immune response to a virus. A fever is produced by the body to burn off the virus. To force the fever down when it is stable and not at a dangerous level is potentially going against the natural immune response. Homeopathic remedies may support this process and may help to stabilise the fever. Reach for a homeopathic remedy and apply a tepid sponge to the face. For gastric ‘flu symptoms with vomiting and diarrhoea there are homeopathic remedies that may help.

If you suspect you have Swine ‘Flu seek immediate medical advice. Contact NHS Direct (0845 4647) or The Homeopathic Help Line (09065 343 404. Calls are charged at £1.50 per minute)

Homeopathy for Hayfever

There are many homeopathic remedies that may treat the specific symptoms of Hayfever, including remedies to address symptoms of red and watery eyes and tickling in the nose; violent sneezing and extreme sensitivity to flowers; or for those suffering with a burning and smarting sensation accompanied by profusely watery eyes. Homeopathic remedies may also address dryness of mouth, nose and throat and itching of the palate and back of nose, and there is even a remedy that may address hayfever symptoms accompanied by extreme irritability and impatience.

There are numerous homeopathic remedies that may address acute symptoms to help hayfever sufferers, however for more lasting treatment that addresses the underlying issue that causes the immune system to over react every Spring and Summer, it is recommended that “constitutional” ie deeper acting treatment begin during the winter months.