Banish warts with banana peel

By Juliet Gellatley, CNM graduate and founder and director of VIVA!

Peel a fresh banana, one that has just turned yellow so it’s not overripe, and rub the inside of the peel over the wart every night until it disappears.

“It’s thought that the high potassium content burns away the wart layer by layer, without damaging healthy skin or causing scars,” says Juliet. “I’ve recommended this treatment to many clients with warts. One client had two warts on the side of his chest after clearing his skin of eczema and the warts disappeared with the banana treatment in just three days. Another client bandaged the banana skin each night to a wart on her hand and it took two weeks to disappear. It’s seemingly miraculous to clients because when you’ve been blighted with warts and tried many treatments this is such a painless, easy way to get rid of them – and it’s practically free!”

Juliet Gellatley launched Viva! - Vegetarians International Voice for Animals – in 1994, running campaigns energetically to end the abuse of animals killed for food. In 2002 Juliet also founded the UK national charity, the Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation, which concentrates on campaigning on health and nutrition. In 2008 Juliet graduated from CNM to become a qualified nutritional therapist and two years later launched a nutritional consultancy, Revive, specialising in vegetarian and vegan nutrition.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Dandelion root liver cleanser

By CNM Graduate & Naturopath Dana Kraft

Chop 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion root and add to 1.5-2 pints of water. Cover and bring to the boil, simmer for 15 minutes, leave to sit covered for 15 minutes, then strain and drink either immediately or it can be refrigerated for later – it’s safe to reheat it – drink up to three cups a day for a safe way to cleanse your liver.

Dana says, “With its bitter qualities, dandelion root encourages production of stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes, encouraging stronger digestive function. Bile production increases, thereby helping to move the bowels and providing a gentle laxative effect. Dandelion is also known as a ‘blood purifier’, and is frequently used for addressing skin conditions and lymphatic congestion.”

“If you are collecting the roots you have to be sure what you are getting, only use fresh roots if you are absolutely certain that it is dandelion root and not another nearby plant root. Make sure that it does not come from a yard that has been sprayed by any pesticides. If you’re unsure I would recommend either sourcing dried herbs from a reliable source like Neal’s Yard or using dandelion teabags which are widely available from health shops.”

“Be aware that you shouldn’t drink dandelion root if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver or gallbladder disease, or have an allergy to dandelions. Please check with your health practitioner if you are regularly taking any medications, to ensure no interactions with the herb.”

After qualifying from CNM in Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy and Herbal Medicine, in 2010 Dana moved to central Mexico where she is the Resident Naturopath at LifePath Center (www.lifepathretreats.com).

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Post-holiday fast

If you feel that you’ve overindulged during Christmas, or at any other time of the year, a good way to ‘unload’ is fasting.

This tip comes from Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. Dr. Natasha specialises in Nutrition for children and adults with a focus on digestive problems.

Dr. Natasha says, “If you’ve overindulged during the holidays your digestive system would have had to work hard to process the festive diet. Fasting is a great way to rejuvenate your system as it diverts the energy of your body from digesting food to cleansing itself.

“My New Year’s fasting plan is to skip dinner, then fast for a whole day and start eating again the day after at breakfast. During the fast drink water when thirsty. A short fast like this is one that everybody can do at home safely without any supervision.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Longer periods of fasting need to be supervised. Book onto CNM’s guided juice/broth fasting programme to deeply cleanse your body tissue of waste and toxins leaving you rejuvenated and energised under the guidance of fasting expert Zoë Palmer-Wright.

18th January to 25th January
6.30pm – 9pm
Book online or call 01342 306264

Christmas Special: Healthy cooking tip

Save yourself time in the kitchen and keep vegetables chunky: Julienne style veggies may look pretty, but valuable nutrients will be lost from the increased surface area. If preparing vegetables in advance, cover and chill them with a little squeeze of lemon juice for antioxidant protection, as soaking in large amounts of water will make the water-soluble vitamins leach out. When you’re ready to cook, use a pan with a tight fitting lid and a small amount of water, or better yet steam them.

This tip comes to you from Nutritionist Georgie O’Connor, who says “To be healthy, our diet needs to contain antioxidants, a class of nutrient that can prevent and repair damage and ensures a robust immune system, so doing what you can to preserve antioxidants when you cook really makes sense.

“Generally, keeping vegetables raw or lightly steamed will retain the highest levels of antioxidants. In summer most people would find it easy to source salad ingredients, but remember that a variety of winter vegetables can be put to good use in salads and coleslaws too; grated beetroot, carrot, celeriac, swede, finely shredded cabbage or kale will work out more economical than out of season products. Try to make these as close to the time of eating as possible to preserve their nutrient value. Grain mustard vinaigrettes or honey & mustard dressings go particularly well with raw winter veg.

“My recommendation is to go for quality rather than quantity, by opting for the freshest, most vibrant food you can find, preferably organic. Use glass, stainless steel, or other non-toxic equipment for storage and cooking. Finally, remember that eating healthy food should be celebrated every day, not just for special occasions! Enjoy!

Georgie O’Connor is a lecturer for CNM in Bristol, and practices as a naturopathic nutritional therapist in Plymouth. She can be contacted on realisinghealth@aol.com.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Natural cough mixture

Finely chop an onion and cover with honey, heat gently in a casserole dish for 40 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a glass jar and put in the fridge. Half a teaspoon of the natural mixture a day can relieve all types of cough.

This tip comes from Fabrice Leu, Swiss Naturopath and author, and co-ordinator of Health Professionals for Cellular Medicine, who says:

“This mixture is so easy to prepare, completely natural and can be used to relieve coughs for anyone over the age of three. Onions support our immune system and body cells – whether it’s to help flush out toxins, or to repair, replace or replenish cells, onions are essential to our health. Cooked with sweet, soothing honey it makes the perfect natural cough mixture to encourage peaceful sleep and won’t disrupt your daily routine as it won’t make you drowsy.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Relieve PMS symtoms

Take the herb agnus castus for a period of 3-6 months to see if this relieves symptoms of PMS and balances your system.

This tip comes from Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD who says, “Agnus castus is classed as an adaptogen as it has a balancing effect on hormones. It works on the pituitary gland which is the gland that sends the message down to the ovary to release hormones. Agnus castus can help increase certain hormones if they are too low and decrease them if too high.

“It is the best herb to take for PMS symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety and tension. A good double blind placebo controlled clinical trial in the British Medical Journal showed that agnus castus is an ‘effective and well tolerated treatment’ for PMS. Its effects have even been compared to an anti-depressant in the severe form of PMS termed premenstrual dysphoric disorder and there was no statistically significant difference between how well the drug worked versus the herb.” There are no unwanted side effects with agnus castus.

The herb is widely available from health food stores in capsule or tablet form or you can buy a special organic formulation in combination with other herbs helpful for hormone balancing, ‘Agnus Castus Support’ formulated by Dr Glenville for the Natural Health Practice at www.naturalhealthpractice.com costing £16.67 for a month’s supply.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Stiff and painful joints

Add a few drops of a ‘rubefacient ‘ essential oil, such as rosemary, black pepper or wintergreen, to a carrier cream or oil, such as almond oil, to apply as required to affected areas. The oils will be available from a good local health store. Use a maximum of 20 drops of oil per 100ml of carrier oil.

This tip comes from Ed Berger, a lecturer on CNM’s diploma course in Herbal Medicine, who says, “Rubefacient ‘ oils are those which stimulate local circulation and redden the skin. Massaging in the oils gives a lovely warm feeling that brings relief from stiff and painful joints that may be more commonly experienced by older people in colder, damper weather than in warmer, dryer seasons. The oils are equally comforting, however, against joint stiffness after playing sports or undertaking hard physical work.”

Ed practices in London and in Suffolk and can be contacted through www.edberger.co.uk

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Relieve the pain of arthritis

Carry 2-3 horse chestnuts (removed from their ‘conker shells’) around in your pocket to help relieve arthritis pain. When the nuts become dried up and hard, replace them with some fresh ones.

This is a tip from CNM’s Principal, Hermann Keppler, who says “Carrying chestnuts in your pocket to help relieve the pain of arthritis is part of ‘folk medicine’ in central Europe. It has no medical evidence to back it up, but it seems to work for some people. Just last week I recommended it to a local person who came back 48 hours later to tell me that his pain had noticeably reduced. Since everyone has a different constitution and a different type of arthritis, it won’t work for everyone, but as conkers can be picked up for free at this time of year, it’s worth trying out this tip if you suffer with arthritis pain.

Horse chestnuts contain a number of active constituents which have therapeutic properties”, says Hermann. “They are used in herbal medicines to increase blood flow, strengthen veins, reduce inflammation, reduce edema, etc. The anti-clotting action means that people taking certain medications should not take horse chestnut internally. Always consult a qualified herbalist before embarking on a course of herbal medicine, as the effects are very powerful.

“Arthritis, which has links to poor diet, obesity, and the state of the immune system can be avoided or effectively managed through good nutrition,” says Hermann “so as well as putting chestnuts in your pocket, you need to look at your whole lifestyle, and take steps to ensure that you are eating an anti-inflammatory, non-acid forming diet.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Allergy-free laundry tip

The shells of Soapnuts offer a natural and allergy-free alternative to using detergent in your laundry wash. Put 4-8 of the reddish brown half shells in an unbleached cotton bag, then pop the bag into the washing machine with your clothes. They’re effective at any temperature and can be left in for pre-wash, wash and rinse cycles and for delicate fabrics. Shells can be used for up to 5 washes, but discard any remains when they go dark brown and soggy. There’s no need for fabric softener. Soapnuts shells can be purchased from a variety of outlets including via mail order from Cellande.co.uk, who offer bags of 500g soapnut shells plus one wash bag, for £3.95 inc Vat plus p&p. 1kg of soapnuts can be used for more than 100 loads of laundry so they’re very economical.

This tip comes to you from Joanna Randle of natural based cleaning product company Cellande UK, who says: “Soapnuts (Sapindus Mukorossi) are grown in India and Nepal and are harvested in a sustainable way in October from 15m high trees. The shells contain saponin, a natural detergent, and when they come in contact with water they make mild suds that leave your laundry fresh and clean and keep colours bright. They’re allergy-free, so especially good for babies, eczema and sensitive skin. Being chemical free and biodegradable, any remains after use can go in the composter. “Soapnut shells are useful for all sorts of cleaning”, says Joanna. “You can also use them to make a liquid soap to clean jewellery, cars and windows, and to help remove parasites from your pet’s fur. Details are available on the Cellande link above.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Iron deficiency?

Eat at least 3 avocados per week for a minimum of 2 weeks, to address your imbalance.

This tip comes from Fabrice Leu, Swiss Naturopath and author, and co-ordinator of Health Professionals for Cellular Medicine, who says:

“Iron deficiency anaemia, for which the most common symptoms are tiredness, lack of energy, and pale skin and finger nails, occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells because the body does not have enough iron to produce them. If a ferritin blood test indicates that your body has low levels of stored iron, your doctor may recommend iron supplements to be taken over a number of months. Since iron supplements can have side-effects such as feeling sick, and too much iron in the body can be harmful, many people prefer to achieve a better iron balance naturally. Obviously, as with all conditions, you should ensure that you eat a fresh, high quality, well balanced diet that gives you the nutrients your body needs, and cut down on alcohol, tea and coffee which can impair iron absorption.

“My experience of treating iron deficiency indicates that an extremely helpful boost to the armoury of things you can do is to eat avocados. I imparted this knowledge most recently to a lady who visited my practice in Switzerland because she was suffering severe vomiting episodes as a result of taking iron supplementation which her doctor had prescribed. My recommendation was to stop the tablets immediately, and to consume at least 3 avocados per week (preferably more) for a period of 2 weeks. Her doctor, who confirmed that she still showed evidence of the iron deficiency, laughed at this advice, but said that at least it wouldn’t do her any harm. After two weeks of following my advice, my patient returned to her doctor who confirmed that her iron and ferritin levels were normal.

“Avocados, which contain high levels of Omega 3 and Vitamin E are known to be tremendously beneficial to health and have been shown to assist in cancer protection, heart health, stroke prevention etc.However, they do not appear in lists of ‘foods rich in iron’, although they do contain modest amounts. What studies including those at the renowned Dr Rath Research Institute in California have found, is that specific nutrients in avocados provide a dramatic increase in the absorption of iron which is ingested through normal diet, and that the vitamin B6 contained also works on the production of blood cells.

Avocados really do pack a punch! They are also highly versatile and can be enjoyed either on their own or used in a variety of recipes for meals and drinks or juices.My recommendation is to always eat organically.

“I look forward to sharing with you other tips about the fabulous power of micronutrients, at my seminar Cellular Medicine: The power to beat disease, being held at CNM London on Tuesday 27th September 2011 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Guard against Adrenal Exhaustion

Expecting your body to go without something substantial to eat, when you are already stressed, will only increase the problem, so make sure that you eat a little protein every 4 hours throughout the day, for example, quinoa, beans, goats cheese, fish, beans or tofu*. It will help slow down the release of insulin that plays havoc with your blood sugar levels and makes you more vulnerable to the damaging effects of stress.

This tip is brought to you by Stephen Langley, Naturopath, Homeopath, Acupuncturist and Medical Herbalist. Stephen says “This is not advice for everyday, it’s for when you are feeling generally stressed and want to avoid tipping over into the more serious condition of ‘Adrenal Exhaustion’, which in turn can lead to additional complications.

Adrenal Exhaustion generally arises from protracted, unremitting stress or exhaustion in the absence of good nutrition, so that the demands on the body outstrip its supply of nutrients. Overall it’s important to give your body high quality fuel, unprocessed and organic, to provide the necessary ‘buffer to stresses’ and to protect your body from deficiencies in the first place.

Symptoms of Adrenal Exhaustion vary but usually include persistent tiredness, moodiness, cravings for stimulants, and poor physical or mental functioning. Naturopaths will treat the condition with wide-ranging therapies, including herbs, and specific nutritional advice.

*CNM advises: Tofu is a soy based product. Since most of the world’s soya crop is now genetically modified, eat organic soy if you wish to avoid GM.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Soothe Toothache

Put a few cloves on to the painful area and try and keep them there for 30 minutes. After a few moments the cloves will soften and then you can chew them a little. The affected area will go numb and the pain reduces. Leave in place until the pain has subsided

The benefit of using whole cloves is that you may have them in your kitchen cupboard. Alternatively, you can get clove powder, or oil of cloves from a herbalist or some health shops. If using oil, make sure you dilute it (e.g. with some olive oil) otherwise it is too strong. You can use a cotton bud to apply it specifically to the affected area.

This tip comes to you from Suzanne Roelofs, a qualified dentist who also graduated in Nutrition from CNM. “Clove buds come from the clove tree and are dried” explains Suzanne. “It is a common spice, used to warm Chai tea and mulled drinks, and is an ingredient in gingerbread. Cloves contain Eugenol, which is a strong anaesthetic. It also works as an antiseptic to help kill germs that could lead to an infection. Besides this, cloves work as an antiviral, antifungal and have stimulating properties. That’s why they are used for helping with a variety of health issues like toothache, indigestion, cough, asthma, stress, sore gums and mouth ulcers. They’re also effective against cavities. Hence clove oil is often added to dental products like mouthwash and toothpastes. Dentists also mix clove oil with zinc oxide and use it as a temporary filling to calm the nerve of the tooth.

Suzanne is setting up a holistic dental practice called ‘White & Holland’, based at The Hale Clinic in London from October 2011. She can be contacted on suroelofs@yahoo.com.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Settle your dog’s stomach

If your dog has had a bout of diarrhoea, give him/her Slippery Elm powder (sometimes known as powdered tree bark). Give 200mgs per 10lb of your dog’s bodyweight, twice per day for five days. It can be taken by mouth, or mixed with food if necessary.

You can get Slippery Elm powder from www.naturalmedicinecentre.co.uk (01707 662058) or from a herbalist or natural health food store.

This tip comes to you from Holistic Vet Richard Allport, who says “Diarrhoea in dogs is one of the commonest conditions that vets treat, partly because dogs are scavengers by nature and regularly eat things they really shouldn’t! Far too often antibiotics are prescribed. Slippery Elm powder is a great herbal remedy for settling down bowel inflammation as it has a soothing effect on the lining of the intestines. It can also be very helpful to give your dog a probiotic over the five days, as it helps re-establish normal gut function by colonising the gut with ‘friendly’ bacteria. Ideally give a powdered probiotic that’s intended specifically for pets, such as LactoB.

If the problem was caused by scavenging, then a course of the homoeopathic remedy Nux vomica in 30c potency may also help. Administer one tablet 3 times per day for 3 days. Mix them with food if you have to, but they are better taken alone. Most dogs quite like the taste so hopefully you won’t have a problem. All the remedies I mention are available through the Natural Medicine Centre but you can get LactoB through your vet, and Nux Vomica through a local health food store or homeopath.

In my experience, pets, like humans, can avoid many on-going digestive problems by eating naturally. I recommend a fully organic, no-additive diet for your furry or feathered friends.

Richard Allport is a qualified veterinary surgeon who is also a trained homeopath, acupuncturist and herbalist and uses these therapies together with herbs, flower remedies and nutritional medicine for his animal patients. He practices at the Natural Medicine Centre in Hertfordshire and in London, and gives internet and postal advice. Richard has published several books on natural healthcare for pets.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Help stave-off wrinkles!

Add Rosehip oil to your skincare routine!

To use this antioxidant-rich oil made from rosehips, simply apply a few drops to clean skin; gently massaging in well with the finger tips using soft circular massage. Use daily for dry or sun damaged skin to get the best results from its regenerative properties. Alternatively you may add a few drops to your moisturiser or body lotion, mix in the palm and apply to face or body.

This essential oil has been used in Chile for centuries and is now widely available in Europe. 100% certified organic Rosehip seed oil is available from Neal’s Yard Remedies priced at £16.35 for 50ml.

This tip comes to you from Tipper Lewis, who is responsible for in-company training at Neal’s Yard Remedies. Tipper says “Rosehip oil is a vitamin and antioxidant-rich oil that reduces scar tissue, hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles. The regenerative properties of the oil have been proven in clinical studies to improve the condition of the skin and to reduce the effects of premature aging. The combination of Vitamins A and E alongside essential fatty acids promotes tissue healing and re-growth plus boosting collagen production for keeping skin supple and smooth.

“To give your skin the optimum opportunity to glow, repair and renew, combine this with a varied diet including a rainbow selection of coloured fruit and vegetables, fibre and essential fatty acids. Drink plenty of water, cut down on alcohol and caffeine, ensure you get moderate exercise and fresh air, and learn how to relax.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Help overcome insomnia

Take half a teaspoon of Passionflower tincture (Passiflora incarnata) and half a teaspoon of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) tincture, mixed in a little warm water, one hour before going to bed.

These tinctures can be obtained from most Medical Herbalists. Tinctures come in different strengths and the 1:2 or 1:3 strength would probably be best.

This tip comes to you from Sarah Williams, a qualified medical Herbalist and Ayurveda practitioner who has practiced for over 20 years and who also lectures on CNM’s diploma course in herbal medicine.

Sarah explains “There are many different causes of insomnia and a whole array of treatments are available. For chronic insomnia best results are delivered by treating the person rather than the problem so it’s important that a therapeutic plan be devised for the individual patient. For occasional bouts of insomnia, I have found the tinctures above to have had very good results.

“Tinctures are liquid extracts of herbs and a mix of alcohol and water making them a convenient way to take herbs, without the need to make infusions. If you wish to avoid alcohol make sure that you opt for the alcohol free versions such as tinctures made with glycerine instead of alcohol, and my advice is always to go for the organic ones.” says Sarah.

“Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for hundreds of years.” Sarah explains. “As part of its botanical name ‘somnifera’ suggests, it is a non stimulating tonic which has been found to help with sleep. It is also an Adaptogen, which increases the body’s resistance to physical, biological and emotional stressors and provides a defense response to acute or chronic stress, helping restore balance.

“Passionflower is a herb that is used specifically where insomnia is associated with anxiety. Research has shown that it helps people to fall asleep more easily and to wake less frequently during the night. Although scientists aren’t sure, it is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells resulting in the ability to relax.

Sweet dreams!

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Ancient Secret to Oral Hygiene

Using natural toothpaste, place a small amount on your toothbrush, then lightly dip into charcoal powder and brush thoroughly. While brushing, do not spit out. When finished, hold in your mouth for a minute or two, release, then rinse your mouth out with warm salt water using Celtic Sea-Salt.

You can buy both activated charcoal powder and celtic sea salt from www.grammaseshop.com 0208 470 8751

This tip comes to you from Dounne Alexander MBE FRSA, who is founder of GRAMMA’S, a specialist manufacturer of traditional herbal foods.

Dounne says “Charcoal helps to eliminate sensitivity, removes stains (like tea, coffee, red wine, nicotine), it also buffs & polishes your teeth plus absorbs, neutralizes and efficiently removes all manner of toxic poisons, infections and bad odours. Using Charcoal powder could help keep your gums healthy, assisted by the antiseptic properties of Celtic Sea-Salt. I suggest using my tip once every other day.

“Seventy years ago, ‘dentistry’ and ‘toothpaste’ was unknown in the Caribbean.” explains Dounne. “People relied solely on nature to maintain life long health which included perfectly healthy teeth and gums. I was 5 years old when my great-grandmother (an African spiritual-herbalist & midwife) died at the age of 113. Looking no more than 70, she was physically strong, fit, had an impeccable memory; excellent eye sight; no age related conditions such as aches, pains or feebleness; plus her teeth were perfectly strong, clean, white and devoid of plaque, infection or decay. However, my grandmother was not unique, as this was the norm in those days. Her daily routine consisted of simply brushing her teeth with the twig from the Hibiscus plant. After, she’d rub both teeth & gums with charcoal powder, then rinse with salt water.

“In 1964, (aged 16), I moved to England with absolutely perfect teeth, but within a year of using a commercial toothbrush & toothpaste, I ended up in a dentist’s chair (for the first time in my life) and my teeth went downhill from there. About 3 years ago, I re-called the benefits of charcoal powder and started using it every other night and rinsed with Celtic Sea-Salt (reminiscent of the Caribbean). When I last went for a routine check up, my dentist was amazed with how my teeth & gums were in such good condition. Astonished he simply told me to continue whatever I was doing. That can’t be bad at aged 62!”

Pioneering businesswoman and natural health campaigner Dounne Alexander also founded the ‘Joining Hands In Health’ campaign (www.joininghandsinhealth.com) raising public awareness of the catastrophic affects the ‘EU Food Supplements Directive’ will have on our health, lives and livelihoods. Please sign her petition ‘THE NATION SPEAKS – NO! Not In My Name’ and spread the word today.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Discourage Insect Bites

This is a tip to discourage flying insects such as mosquitos, sandflies, gnats and horseflies from biting you when you’re sitting down to enjoy a meal al fresco on a balmy summer’s evening.

Mix 4 drops of geranium essential oil and 4 drops of rosemary essential oil, into 40ml of carrier oil, and apply it liberally over exposed skin, especially around the ankles, every hour. If you have sensitive skin, use only two drops of each oil. NOTE: This mixture is best used only in the evening as essential oils can make your skin especially sun sensitive.

This tip is brought to you by Gemma Hurditch, Naturopath and Director of Nutrition at CNM. Gemma’s upbringing in Australia meant that she encountered various biting insects. “Obviously the first line of defence is covering up,” says Gemma, “and not using perfumes, soaps or skincare preparations that are going to attract insects, for example those containing lactic acid. Luckily, this mix of oils has a great fragrance to us, but one that’s discouraging to mosquitos and flies. Whilst there are other effective natural insect-repellents available, such as citronella, lemon grass and tea tree, they can be harsher on young or sensitive skin. The above mixture is gentle enough for children with sensitive skin. With record temperatures forecast for Summer 2011 - which the insects love, it pays to have a remedy to hand.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Animal Health Tip: How to clean your dog’s teeth

Give Your Dog A Bone!

Warning: Be sure that the bones are raw, as cooked bones can splinter and cause problems.

“Raw meaty bones act as Nature’s toothbrush for dogs and other carnivores, helping them achieve glistening white teeth and to avoid gum disease” explains Catherine O’Driscoll, founder of Canine Health Concern. Catherine, who brings dog owners this health tip says “It also helps keep your dog free of worms, and increases his health and vitality, so feed your dog as Nature intended!

“On a raw natural diet, dogs utilise much more of what they eat, so there is less waste matter. As a result, they are likely to have sweeter smelling breath and fewer digestive problems. By eating a natural diet, they are more likely to have lean muscular bodies, and a reduction in allergies and skin problems. Just as with children, an animal’s diet may also affect his behaviour. Many dog owners have reported that hyperactive or aggressive dogs become much calmer on a natural diet.

“Rather than throwing away raw chicken or turkey carcasses after the meat has been removed for human consumption, feed them to your dog.” advises Catherine. “Never give your pet cooked bones.”

For further information on how to feed your dog naturally and inexpensively, using bones, carcasses, leftovers and offal, click on www.canine-health-concern.org.uk, which is a non-profit organization that seeks to help dog owners raise healthy, happy, vibrant dogs by promoting natural canine health care, or www.grandmalovesthedog.com. Catherine has lectured on natural pet health around the world and has written books including “Shock To The System” and “What Vets Don’t Tell You About Vaccines”.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Instant freshener for oily-skin

If you have oily skin and need a quick freshen-up before going out, rub the inside of some lemon peel across your face for an instant zing. You’ll definitely feel rejuvenated, and your body will benefit too from consuming the rest of the vitamin C-packed lemon in your food or drink.

This tip comes to you from Lauriane Etienne, CNM trained nutritional therapist and director of CNM short courses. “Use this tip as a stand-by only and NOT as a way of dealing with an on-going problem,” says Lauriane, “or you could upset the acid balance of your skin still further. Our skin is the window which tells the world how healthy our bodies are. If you are out of balance and have a skin problem, you need to address the reason. You can help yourself achieve and preserve great skin by eating plenty of fresh organic vegetables and fruit, drinking lots of pure water, steering clear of alcohol, cigarettes and processed food, not overdoing the sun, and avoiding putting a cocktail of chemicals on your skin. “

CNM’s 2 day course on Skincare for Beauty, Health & Wellbeing runs at CNM London on Tuesday, May 10th and Tuesday May 24th. It covers the major factors influencing our skin and how fast we appear to age, and focuses on specific skincare issues such as acne and rosacea. You can book and pay on-line or contact Lauriane for further details on 0207 580 0439.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Coping with shock

To help restore calm after sudden, acute emotional upsets, take 4 drops of “Dr Bach’s Rescue Remedy” either straight on the tongue, or added to 1 teaspoon of water or fruit juice. You can take it 2 or 3 times per day for the first 3 days after a shock. It’s safe to give to babies and children.

Dr Bach’s Rescue Remedy can be bought from most health food stores, and some pharmacies and supermarkets, or you can find them at Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy www.nelsonshomeopathy.com Tel: 020 7079 1288. 10ml drops costs £6.90.

This tip is brought to you by Ranjni Janda, registered homeopath at Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy.

“Dr Edward Bach was a medical physician and a Homeopath” Ranjni says, “who was fascinated by the link between emotional states and physical illness. In the early 20th century he researched the effects of different plants and trees in balancing emotions, and as a result developed a series of 38 individual remedies, known as ‘Dr Bach’s Flower Remedies’, with each having relevance to a specific emotional and mental state.

“The ‘Rescue Remedy’ is reported to be highly effective in bringing calm in many cases of acute shock. If stress is on-going after the initial shock, other Bach Flower Remedies may then be more appropriate. For example ‘Impatiens’ could be best if the patient is irritated that recovery is not quick enough. ‘Walnut’ could be appropriate for those unsettled by change or who feel in need of protection from outside influences. If you are not sure which remedies to take there are self help leaflets to help you choose between the 38 emotions and their corresponding remedies. Or you could have a consultation with a trained Bach Practitioner. Up to 7 Bach Flower remedies can be mixed to your individual needs.

“Dr Bach wrote that “Health is our heritage, our right. It is the complete and full union between soul, mind and body; and this is not a difficult far-away ideal to attain, but one so easy and natural that many of us have overlooked it’. “

Ranjni Janda is available for homeopathic consultations at Nelson’s, whose contact details appear above.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

(Bach Flower remedies are covered by CNM’s Naturopathy diploma course.)

‘Spring clean’ your lymphatic system for free– with a weed!

This is a seasonal tip relevant to April and May in the UK. Collect a bunch of the ‘weed’ called Cleavers, which you’ll find growing almost everywhere in the UK in April and May. (See below for information on how to recognise the plant.) The most convenient and freshest way to take Cleavers is to have what is called a cold infusion. Pull or cut a handful of the herb, rinse well, and chop coarsely into pieces. Pour cold water over the plant, cover and leave to sit overnight. In the morning, strain off a cup of the liquid and drink it. It is a beautiful pale blue-green colour with a mild taste. If you are not on any medication you can drink up to 3 to 5 cups per day, for up to one week. (If you want to take any more, or if you are on medication, you should consult your health practitioner to check for any interactions and as longer term use of diuretics can deplete potassium levels.)

What does it do?

Dana Kraft, CNM trained Naturopath and Herbalist who brings you this tip says: “Cleavers is a fantastic spring cleanser because it is believed to support the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an often overlooked system in the body which contributes to keeping us healthy by removing larger unwanted molecules which the blood cannot easily accommodate. When the lymphatic system becomes congested phlegm and mucous can more easily accumulate, for example, leaving you with signs such as a nagging cough after a winter cold or an allergy, or even such chronic conditions as Fibrocystic Breast Disease. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, phlegm accumulation is considered a major contributor to long term chronic disease. Cleavers may clear residues by giving the lymphatic system a kick-start. It is also a diuretic, helping to flush toxins from the system and reducing water retention, and through this cleansing action could also improve some skin conditions. It was also used traditionally to calm the nerves. By improving the health of the lymphatic system you are boosting your body’s immunity overall.

How to recognise the plant:

Cleavers (the Latin name is Galium aparine) is a classic British weed. It’s the famous ‘Sticky Willy’ which always grabs your clothes when you are out for a country walk. It often grows alongside another fantastic medicinal ‘weed’ - the Stinging Nettle. From April to the end of May it grows prolifically in gardens, as well as near hedges, field edges, park borders etc, in fact any where it can grow quite tall by hooking on to another plant for support. Be sure to choose carefully where you pick your plants, away from polluted roads or pesticide sprayed areas. Cleavers typically has delicate stems which grow up to 1.5m. Every few centimetres along the stems are ‘rings’ of splayed, slender leaves. By the end of May, it starts to seed so you can’t use the fresh plant any more. “Cleavers has a wonderful cleansing and calming nature about it, and my morning cold infusion is always a part of my spring routine which I look forward to after a long winter. Personally I find it inspiring that you can make something for yourself that’s extremely effective and completely free, courtesy of nature! “Alternatively you can take Cleavers as a dried leaf tea in a hot infusion, or in tincture form, available through a herbal supplier such as www.english-herbal.com or over the counter by Viridian (www.viridian-nutrition.com).”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Mouth ulcers

For instant relief for a mouth ulcer that’s driving you mad, shake a little liquorice root powder on to a saucer, wet the end of your finger, dab your finger tip in the powder to coat it then apply it directly on to the ulcer. Make sure that your hands and the saucer are clean and well rinsed beforehand! It’s a quick and effective solution, and what’s more, it tastes delicious unlike some other home remedies such as salt or myrrh.

Where can you get liquorice root powder?
Any herbal suppliers should stock it but sometimes only in large quantities for herbal practitioners. If you can’t find any locally try www.baldwins.co.uk who supply small quantities of herbs very inexpensively. 100g might cost around £3.

This health tip is brought to you by Peter Jackson-Main, CNM lecturer in Herbal Medicine and Iridology. Peter says:
“If mouth ulcers are persistent they definitely indicate a compromised immune system. You may be suffering from over-acidity or bacterial dysbiosis (imbalance). See your herbalist for advice, and if appropriate they’ll give you a herbal formula designed to cleanse the digestive tract, or to remedy an overgrowth of unhelpful bacteria.
“People who have mouth ulcers are less inclined to eat, especially fruit, but it’s essential to get your nutrients so fresh fruit or vegetable smoothies and broths are a good option whilst you find food uncomfortable to chew.”

Peter Jackson-Main is a herbalist and iridologist. As well as lecturing at CNM in both disciplines, he has clinics in London, Cambridge and Lancashire. You can contact him via his website www.thenaturalcentre.com or on 01223 212 744.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Soften up dry skin – naturally

Use a teaspoonful of organic virgin coconut oil as a body moisturiser. Coconut oil solidifies in the cold, but quickly liquefies in your hand and can be applied in the same way as any other body oil.

“Forget chemical laden lotions and potions and you’ll save yourself a small fortune, have great skin and tick the eco box without even trying” according to broadcaster, author and natural health advocate, Janey Lee Grace, who brings you this tip. “The cheapest and finest moisturiser for all skin types (wonderful for babies too) is coconut oil. We’re often advised not to put anything on our skin that we can’t eat. Coconut oil is a great functional food and weight loss aid. It’s extremely high in lauric acid, which is the main component of breast milk.

“If you are not planning a night of passion,” says Janey, “smother your hands and feet with the oil and go to bed wearing gloves and old socks to feel silky soft the next day. Coconut oil is also a wonderful hair conditioner.” Organic virgin coconut oil can be purchased from www.janeysnaturalstore.com

Janey Lee Grace will be asking ‘Is Your Skincare Making You Sick’ at CNM’s Open Weekend in London in March 2011. Click for the full programme of speakers and subjects.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Fight cold sores

To stop cold sores in their tracks, mix 2 to 3 drops of Propolis tincture with a quarter teaspoon of honey, and dab it on to the offending area as soon as you feel the first warning tingle that a cold sore is on the way. Use the mixture 2 or 3 times per day until symptoms disappear.

The mixture will help to reduce the pain, and will accelerate the healing process.

The quality of the Propolis is key to its effectiveness. High quality British Propolis tincture can be obtained from Propolisman, whose product is collected from the clean natural surroundings of the North Yorkshire Moors. Email propolisman@live.co.uk or telephone 01947 895559.

This tip is brought to you by Rosie Bort, nurse, naturopath and bee-keeper in Germany, who will be visiting the UK to give a talk on the healing power of a whole array of bee products, at CNM’s Open Weekend in March 2011.

Rosie adds: “The Propolis should come from bees which have been kept in as natural a state as possible and from a local (UK) source. For best effect, make sure that the tincture you choose uses an alcohol solution of no more than 70% to extract the active ingredients.

“Propolis is a wonderful product provided by bees, who collect a resin from the buds, leaves and bark of trees and bushes which they then use to protect their hive against all kinds of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and fungus that could otherwise thrive in the crowded environment of the beehive.

“There are many clinical trials detailing lots of positive effects for the anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties of Propolis. Take a look at www.apitherapy.blogspot.com for more information about the wonder of bee products. I look forward to seeing you at my talk at CNM on Sunday 13th March 2011.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Ease Psoriasis

To ease the symptoms of Psoriasis drink 3-4 cups of skin soothing herbal tea each day. Good herbs to include are:

• Burdock - Cooling action helps clear toxins from the body to improve skin clarity and reduce spots and boils
• Chickweed – Cools and soothes itchy skin
• Liquorice – Anti-inflammatory, steroidal effect, also soothing and moisturising for the skin, (not for use with high blood pressure)
• Oregon Grape – Purifier for skin conditions
• Sasparilla – Useful in scaling skin conditions, reduces irritation.

The herbs can be used individually as recommended by a herbalist and based on your main symptoms, but are best mixed to make a tea. Contact your herbalist or a mail order herbal tea supplier such as www.gaia-therapies.co.uk who can mix up a bespoke blend for you.

This tip is brought to you by Holly Taylor, Director of Biomedicine at the CNM and a regular lecturer at the college. Holly is a qualified Nutritional Therapist with a first class honours degree in Chemistry.
Holly says: “Herbal teas can help soothe symptoms of Psoriasis but as with all symptoms, it’s important to get to the root of the cause and take action to redress it. Sufferers have underlying imbalances that influence Psoriasis, and free radicals and stress are common drivers. Fasting and anti-inflammatory diets can reduce symptom flare ups, and improving gut health can work wonders.”
“I’ll be giving a public talk on all aspects of Psoriasis management at CNM in London on Saturday 12th March 2011.” To book please call 01342 410 505.

Holly practices in both London and the South East as part of Equilibria Health as well as heading Higher Nature’s practitioner education programme. She can be contacted on holly@equilibria-health.co.uk.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

DIY Flu Tonic

If you’re still sneezing, coughing, tired or feeling congested after a cold or flu, give yourself a boost with this home-made Onion & Horseradish tonic. You will need:

• A blender / liquidiser
• 500ml of apple cider vinegar
• A rough handful of each: fresh root of ginger, hottest chillis and Horseradish root (if you can’t find any of these, use a tablespoon of paste instead)
• 1 tsp of ground black pepper
• 2 or 3 white onions (chopped)
• 1 whole bulb of fresh garlic

Blend together all the ingredients, except the apple cider vinegar which you then add in stages to make the mixture a thick pulp. Keep it in the fridge in a glass jar/container. Strain off small amounts only as needed as the mixture will become stronger if left to ‘pickle’. To alleviate symptoms, take as many teaspoons as you like throughout the day. Add to a little juice to disguise the taste. The tonic is suitable for those on medication but do not use if you are allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients.

This tip comes from Lorna Driver-Davies, who lectures on CNM’s Herbs for Everyday Living short course which is designed to help beginners create their own ‘kitchen pharmacy’ for self-treating common ailments within their family.

“This tonic is quick, easy and cheap to make, containing basic kitchen foods which all have natural anti bacterial and anti viral properties,” says Lorna. “Ingredients such as the chilli pepper are rich in antioxidants which help to support the immune system and garlic is known to be nature’s ‘antibiotic’. The tonic is an expectorant (breaks up mucus), disinfects the throat and ‘warms’ the throat and lungs, helping to improve breathing. It also generally warms the whole body.

“A teaspoon a day can also be taken as a preventative winter tonic so don’t forget to make yourself up a mix next Autumn. It will keep for up to 6 months in the refridgerator, strengthening daily.”
Lorna is a Holistic Nutritional Therapist & Herbal Medicine Dispenser based in London. She offers private consultations and can be contacted through www.feelbetternutrition.co.uk

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Body brushing!

To aid your detox, get yourself a body brush made with natural fibres. Starting at your feet, brush the soles and tops of your feet firmly before working your way up your legs and buttocks using long, firm, sweeps of the brush. The strokes should be moving in the direction of the heart. Use these brush strokes over your tummy, back and arms but avoid delicate areas like your face and chest.
After brushing your whole body for 5-10 minutes, take a warm shower. If you want to stimulate your blood and lymph circulation even more, you can finish off with a 30 second blast of cold water (if you dare)!

CAUTION: Please avoid body brushing if you have high blood pressure or damaged, irritated or broken skin.

Body brushes are widely available at health and beauty shops, but make sure that you buy one made of natural fibre because synthetic bristles can scratch the skin. www.nutricentre.com offer a choice, including Tisserand aromatherapy sisal body brush at approx £6, or Green People body brush for around £10.

This tip is brought to you by Zoë Palmer-Wright ND, BA (Hons), Ad Dip Nut, CNM Nutrition lecturer and Fasting expert.

Zoë says “Detoxing is about cleansing the whole system but you can help things along by using this body brushing technique daily. Regular dry body brushing assists the body in normal removal of metabolic wastes. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is sometimes called the ‘third kidney’ due to its role in the elimination of waste from the body. Elimination of waste occurs via the lymphatic system. Dry skin brushing helps improve the movement of lymph, so that the cells excrete waste back to the blood at a better rate. Stimulating the blood and lymphatic flow is fabulous for removing dead and flaking skin cells, leading to skin that is softer, more evenly toned and radiant. It can even reduce the appearance of cellulite, and can boost immune function!

“I also recommend starting each day off with a glass of warm water that has the juice of half an organic lemon squeezed into it. Have this on rising, before you have your breakfast. This drink is refreshing, alkalising for the body tissues and detoxifying.”

Zoë offers private health consultations and can be contacted through www.ml-chiropractic.com, a multi-disciplinary clinic in Fulham, London.

Zoë holds guided Fasting Courses at CNM. Click for details of the next course which is running over 5 evenings in London from 19th-26th January 2011.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Hangover remedy

For typical ‘hangover’ symptoms which may include headache, sensitivity to noise, bloated abdomen, but most especially, a feeling of needing to regurgitate but being unable to do so, try a dose of the homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica 30c. Pop it out of the cap into your mouth without touching it with your hands. Take just one 30c pillule and let it dissolve on or under the tongue. Make sure that you have no food or drink for at least 10 minutes before and after.

Nux Vomica can ‘bring relief’, ie send you rushing to the bathroom, within 30-60 minutes, (but sometimes sooner, so be prepared).

This tip is brought to you by Ilana Dannheisser, MSc RSHom, Homeopathy Course Director and lecturer at CNM, and practitioner.

“If the pillule hasn’t worked, you can take a second one two hours after the first. If that doesn’t work, then do not repeat the process. Like every general remedy, it doesn’t work for everyone, but Nux Vomica has long brought relief to a great many people who have over-indulged in alcohol or rich food, something that happens more than usual at this time of year! It should only be taken occasionally, however, not relied upon to deal with the after effects of a lifestyle which needs changing!

“You can buy Nux Vomica at some wholefood and health food shops, usually for around £5. It’s very important to get the 30c potency so if you can’t buy it locally you’ll certainly get it from specialist homeopathic pharmacies such as www.ainsworths.com, www.nelsonshomeopathy.com or www.helios.co.uk.

“So if you’re out partying, have fun, but remember that it will soon be the morning after!”

Ilana can be contacted for homeopathic consultations through ilana.dannheisser@btinternet.com

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Soothe irritated skin

For itching and irritated skin (and perfect for children with chicken pox), reach for the organic porridge oats or oatmeal to add to your bathing water. Simply fill a little muslin or thin cotton bag with rolled porridge oats or oatmeal and run the water through the bag.

This tip comes to you from Janey Lee Grace, broadcaster, speaker, and author of several books on holistic living. Janey says “Oats are soothing and antibacterial and as the milky water oozes out it feels rather like you’re bathing in milk, Cleopatra-style! You can also use the bag as a wash mit and if you’re feeling creative add a few sprigs of fresh lavender or rosemary or even drop a few drops of your favourite essential oil onto the bag to release a gentle natural fragrance.”

Janey, who will next be talking at the CNM in March 2011, runs an online store selling products which she endorses, at www.janeysnaturalstore.com. Her latest book is Look Great Naturally – without ditching the lipstick (Hay House). www.janeyleegrace.com

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Fight off the Common Cold

During the season when you’re surrounded by colds, consume between 1 and 2 whole cloves of garlic every day to help boost the immune system and to keep you from getting a cold.

If cold symptoms do appear, take a larger dose – 1 -2 cloves, three times a day. A garlic tea may boost your body’s disease-fighting power and soothe your sore throat and cough.
How to Prepare Garlic Tea to Treat Colds:

• Finely chop cloves of garlic. By doing this, you’re activating the allicin in garlic that will combat the cold virus.
• Add the finely chopped garlic to boiling water. Allow it to steep for a few minutes.
• Allow the tea to cool before you drink it. It will taste better warm rather than cold.

Fresh is best, but there is no need to store your garlic in the fridge, a dry, cool area works well.

This tip comes from Diana Bowman who has been a practicing naturopath in Australia for 20 years and a university lecturer for 10 of those years. Having completed a Master’s degree in Health Science (Herbal Medicine) in 2006, Diana now works for CNM as an educationalist.

Diana says “Garlic has long been known to stimulate the immune system and has been used in medicinal practices for centuries in Asia. It is said to possess several antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can be beneficial in preventing and treating colds.

“A study found that those who did catch a cold while taking garlic were more likely to make speedier recoveries than those who were not. Why? Well, it’s all down to a chemical compound in garlic called allicin. Allicin provides the defence that helps keep garlic plants healthy–and this plant defender also fights viruses in humans”.

CAUTION: Do not take garlic on its own for more than three months. It is a medicine with lots of positive side effects, and could cause over-reaction if taken for too long on its own. If garlic is used regularly in cooking, always cook it with onions.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Fertility; Are you getting enough zinc?

Enhance your fertility by topping up your zinc levels: eat more whole grains, peas, nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin seeds, and cut down on alcohol which reduces zinc absorption.

Dr Marilyn Glenville, (www.marilynglenville.co.uk), renowned nutritionist specialising in women’s health, says: “Zinc is an incredibly important mineral for women hoping to conceive, as well as for pregnant women. It is needed for normal egg production in the ovaries and for your body to produce and use the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The growth and development of the embryo depends on zinc. Zinc is equally important for men as it is found in high concentrations in sperm and it has been shown that reducing zinc in a man’s diet actually reduces his sperm count. If you’re trying to conceive you should aim to supplement with 30mg per day for you and your partner.”

One in six couples now finds it difficult to conceive and a quarter of all pregnancies can end in miscarriage. Scientific research has shown that certain vitamins and minerals can increase your chances of getting and staying pregnant. Fertility Plus for Women and Fertility Plus for Men are supplements which have been specially formulated by Dr Glenville to contain optimum levels of the most important nutrients for fertility, including zinc. They are available through www.naturalhealthpractice.com

Dr Glenville is the author of many books on the subject of women’s health, including Getting Pregnant Faster. Dr Glenville will be speaking about Fertility at CNM in London in Spring 2011.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Cystitis

To help prevent cystitis or to ease symptoms when they occur, drink Home-made Barley Water:

To make it you will need:

• 1/2 cup of dry whole barley
• 5 cups of water
• 1 cinnamon stick - crumbled into mixture
• A little grated fresh ginger
• The juice of two freshly squeezed lemons

Buy everything organic if you can!

Place all the ingredients in a pan, bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. After cooling, refrigerate overnight. You can drink the juice throughout the day for 1 to four days.

This tip is brought to you by CNM lecturer and Holistic Nutritional Practitioner, Lorna Driver-Davies MA, who says:
“Barley is a remarkable food containing a wide range of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that the body needs. It has been used since ancient times as a healing food, and is highly beneficial for encouraging proper urinary flow for both sexes as it supports kidney and bladder function. You don’t even need to have any specific symptoms to benefit from barley. Make the above recipes in smaller quantities and take a glass a day for all round health and energy.”

Lorna comes from a family of natural practitioners and her passion for natural health stems from a childhood sitting in on professional lectures given by her mother and other experts. Today Lorna is a fully qualified holistic practitioner herself, using foods and herbs to detoxify and heal. She also lectures at CNM’s ‘Herbs for Everyday Living’ course. Lorna practices in London and her website is www.feelbetternutrition.co.uk

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Beat sugar cravings!

Take a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon daily by adding to cereal, yoghurt or porridge as the best natural sweetener. Cinnamon tells the brain that it has received something sweet without creating a damaging sugar surge in the bloodstream, which leads to those draining highs and lows throughout the day.

This tip is especially good for diabetics, who need to regulate their blood sugar constantly, and great for everyone else too, as sugar surges damage our tissues and DNA and cause inflammation. This helps avoid giving in to refined sugar cravings, which in turn accelerate the ageing process!

This tip comes from Charlotte Watts, TV Nutritionist (GMTV’s Beach Body Boot Camp and BBC3’s Freaky Eaters), author of several books about nutrition, practitioner, and lecturer at The College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Charlotte explains: “Cinnamon contains MHCP (methylhydroxychalcone polymer) which mimics the hormone insulin and actively helps prevent diabetes by reducing circulating blood sugar. MHCP also stimulates glycogen production, the form of sugar that we store in muscles and the liver for peak energy needs, thus reducing cravings for ‘instant fixes’.

“Cinnamon is a fantastic weight management tool, used both to stem cravings and as a superior, natural sweetener for food and flavouring for sweets and desserts.” Cinnamon is widely available. Buy it as sticks or the ground spice. It has a sweet smell for as long as it is fresh. The sticks keep for longer but the powder is stronger.

“Cinnamon really is an amazing therapeutic food”, says Charlotte. “A teaspoon of cinnamon has the same antioxidant power as 1/2 cup of blueberries or a cup of pomegranate juice! It has anti-bacterial properties that kill microbes and yeasts that upset digestion and immunity, and when added to hot honey and lemon tea it helps relieve colds and flu. Simply smelling cinnamon has been shown to improve brain reactions and memory. Oh,” adds Charlotte, “and it’s reputed to be an aphrodisiac!”

In between TV appearances, seeing patients at her practice in Brighton and lecturing at CNM, Charlotte also finds time to write books. Her new book 100 Foods to Stay Young is coming out through Ivy House Publishers in Dec 2010. www.charlottewattshealth.com

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Bad Breath

Try this tip!

Drip 2 drops of essential peppermint oil straight on to the tongue. It’s a great fast fix!

Please note: Essential oils should NOT normally be taken orally. Peppermint oil is a safe exception in small doses, but don’t use it more than once a day.

This health tip is brought to you by Peter Jackson-Main, CNM lecturer in Herbal Medicine and Iridology. He goes on to add: “Halitosis, the medical term for the condition we know as bad breath, can be a result of bacteria in the mouth and it’s important to look after your oral and dental hygiene for all round health. Many people do not know, for example, that poor oral hygiene can lead to a heart condition.

“To help clear bacterial infection in the mouth I suggest choosing a powerful and completely natural anti-bacterial mouthwash in the form of a tincture. I make one which is available by mail order (see contact details below). It contains echinacea, wild indigo, myrrh, thyme, goldenseal, and bayberry, with peppermint oil to sweeten the taste. Apart from freshening the breath, it’s highly effective for other problems in the mouth, helping to discourage plaque and gingivitis.

“Bad breath can also be unrelated to what’s going on in the mouth. For example, it can be caused by dysbiosis, the condition that results when the natural flora of the gut are thrown out of balance, such as when antibiotics are taken. This creates a bad ecology for the body and for one thing, the gastro-intestinal tract needs to be regularized. Constipation can often cause bad breath, for example. You need to address dietary and lifestyle issues which may be causing the problem.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Peter Jackson-Main is a herbalist and iridologist. As well as lecturing at CNM he has clinics in London, Cambridge and Lancashire. You can contact him via admin@thenaturalcentre.com, through his website www.thenaturalcentre.com or on 01223 212 744.

Overacidity/heartburn?

Try this tip!

Boil some potatoes in their skins and drink the water they were cooked in. Fill a jug with this ‘potato juice’ so that you can drink glassfuls throughout the day, especially before eating. It’s extremely effective at neutralizing the acids raging in your stomach and it has no unpleasant side-effects. Continue for as long as you need.

This tip was brought to you by naturopathically trained Jorge Bustamante, who works on CNM postgraduate courses. Jorge says that potato juice was commonly used as an effective solution to acid indigestion in his native Peru. “My mother even used it successfully to relieve the pain of a stomach ulcer,” says Jorge. “Don’t forget to leave the skins on when you boil the potatoes, or if you don’t want to cook you can ‘juice’ a raw potato.”

Commenting on the tip, Jacquie Lane, CNM lecturer in Nutrition and Director of Studies at CNM in Brighton, said: “Potatoes do indeed contain great natural antacid properties which make them ideal for someone suffering from acid indigestion as there are no side effects or problems with persistent use. If you are a frequent sufferer, however, you also need to look at why you’re getting indigestion as it could lead to a range of other problems, including allergies. If your body is trying to tell you something get some advice and start eliminating the cause of the problem!”
Jacquie runs her own nutrition clinic in Brighton and manages a biological testing lab specialising in digestive issues. Tests can be run to find Candida, Coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, leaky gut, Helicobacter pylori, good and bad gut bacterias etc. Contact jacquie@candidatest.co.uk or call her on 0844 330 1909.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Constipated?

As a short term measure if you’re constipated, CNM Nutrition lecturer Zoë Palmer-Wright suggests that you try this natural tip:
Put a tablespoon of organic flaxseeds in a large glass of water and drink it. It’s best to do this in the morning. You will need to drink at least 2 litres of pure water or organic herbal teas or juices during the day. The seeds expand and if you don’t take enough liquid, you’ll make the problem worse, not better. The seeds are ‘slippery’ and help move waste out of the colon.
For the best effect, combine this with a simple abdominal massage you can do yourself: Pour a little oil (preferably olive oil or castor oil, you’ll need about 2 teaspoons in all) a bit at a time on to the palms of your hands. Start your (gentle) massage on the lower right side of abdomen then massage up towards ribcage, across the top of your abdomen and then down to the lower left of your abdomen and across the bottom of your abdomen back to the lower right side (a clockwise motion). Spend a little extra time at the lower right as this is where the small and large intestine meet and where lots of people have spasms and gas. Breathe deeply and continue this massage for 5-10 minutes at least.

What’s normal?
Healthy bowel activity is considered one or two movements of moderate size every day. Fewer bowel movements, e.g. every other day or once or twice a week is simply not enough for optimum health. Read on to find out why.

Why does it matter how ‘regular’ you are?
Zoë: Because if body wastes don’t move through the bowel quickly enough, toxins can get absorbed back into the body through the mucous membranes causing a range of adverse health effects. It’s incredibly important to keep that waste moving! Part of the problem is the ‘modern’ diet, full of processed foods, alcohol, coffee etc as it causes the digestive tract to produce mucus layers to protect the digestive tract from the toxins in these foods and these layers build up and prevent the body from absorbing nutrients from what we eat. Also, these processed, low-fibre foods rot away in our gut – putrefying, fermenting and leading to bacterial growth and this can lead to unbalanced gut flora. Common signs of this happening include headache, backache, bad breath, body odour, skin problems, irritability, abdominal gas and bloating.

This build up of wastes in the digestive tract can be severe; the bowel can become impacted with a huge amount of accumulated material, like an old sewage pipe, until the opening is no bigger than a pencil! Of course, if you want to beat constipation for good and be truly healthy the best solution is to make long term positive changes to your diet and lifestyle.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Roger Groos, who teaches Colon Hydrotherapy at CNM, describes the process of colon hydrotherapy as follows: “A typical colon hydrotherapy session normally lasts approximately 45 minutes during which time around 75 litres of filtered water from either a gravity or machine system is used to gently stimulate the colon by feeding water in and waste out. Water temperatures are adjusted according to bowel response. Through the appropriate use of massage, the colonic hydrotherapist is able to work loose and eliminate even more toxic waste than any other short-term techniques, for example enemas, suppositories or laxatives, leaving the patient feeling lighter and clearer with enhanced wellbeing. Relevant herbs may be implanted during the procedure or probiotics afterwards in order to encourage good gut flora.”

No fuss, quick, easy and nutritious meals for babies:

There’s no need either to resort to expensive pre-packaged food for your baby or to slave over a hot stove for each nutritious meal you want to give him or her. Simply make your baby’s food in larger quantities by steaming separately some healthy fresh organic veg/ fruit/ meat, then puréeing the result and freezing it in ice cube trays, ready to pop out the required mix and quantities in the morning to defrost in time for lunch or dinner. Once defrosted, heat gently in a pan then allow to cool to a safe temperature for your baby.

WARNING: Please do not use a microwave either to defrost or cook, as this denatures food. Do not refreeze foods or reheat them more than once.

This ‘freeze a cube’ tip comes from mother of two boys, Lynne Ott who works full time as a Course Consultant for CNM.

“When I first went back to work after having Andrew” says Lynne, “I was determined not to feed my children processed food, but I didn’t have time to become an expert in making sure they got all the goodness they need.”

“Luckily I work in the right place, and one of my knowledgeable colleagues recommended a slim paperback book called ‘Optimum Nutrition for Babies and Young Children’, which still has pride of place in my kitchen. It gives step by step guidance how and on what to feed your child from weaning through to toddlerhood and beyond. The sample daily menus are just brilliant and so easy and quick to follow. There are also lots of suggestions for desserts, even no-sugar added birthday cakes which are deliciously sweet just using dried and fresh fruits. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough for parents of young children, especially those who are pressed for time and want the reassurance of knowing that they are doing the best they can to feed their children.”

‘Optimum Nutrition for Babies and Young Children’ by Nutritionist Lucy Burney, first published by www.piatkus.co.uk in 1999 and reprinted since. In her foreword the author says ‘What you choose to feed your child during the first few years of his life will directly affect not only his growth, but also his energy levels, his mood, his resistance to disease and his ability to concentrate and do well at school.’

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Feeling Stressed? Try this 5 minute stress buster!

Alison Manos, CNM’s lecturer in Kinesiology recommends this Emotional Stress Release technique as a way of ‘supercharging your batteries’ when life seems to be getting on top of you:

Locate your Emotional Stress Release Points on the forehead, in between the eyebrows and the hairline, directly above the iris of the eye.
Contact them with a very light touch and remain that way for as long as you can, but for a minimum of five minutes.
Either use the middle and forefinger of both hands, or just use the thumb and forefinger of one hand.

You will be placing light pressure on the neuro vascular points for the stomach and brain meridians, thereby bringing the blood to the frontal lobes of the brain and to the stomach. The increased blood flow relieves stress dramatically and will result in clearer thinking and a lighter, more positive view on life.

“We live in stressful times,” explains Alison. “Our bodies were designed originally for us to live peacefully most of the time and to use stress to energise us when necessary. Nowadays many people live in a state of heightened stress much of the time, with deadlines to meet and not enough hours in the day. Stress inhibits our ability to think clearly and burdens us with negative thinking. So many of the symptoms I see in my patients are due to stress, from unexplained pains to anxiety and weakened immunity. In Kinesiology we have the most amazing techniques to relieve stress. This one’s a great start because you can do it to yourself , even on the bus, at work etc. Focussing on the issues that are causing the stress also magnifies the relief hugely. After a few minutes the issues seem to drift away, or you get a ‘brainwave’ about how to deal with them.”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

For the last ten years Alison Manos has run a busy Kinesiology practice in South London, where she has helped thousands of people reclaim good health, using Kinesiology, herbs, nutrition and flower essences. www.alisonmanos.co.uk

Soothe Teething Blues – with an Amber Necklace

Some babies have problems when first teeth start to come through their gums. Coleen McEntyre first noticed her baby daughter, Mckenna, suffering from the age of about 3 months when her teeth began to appear. Painful gums, flushed cheeks, irritability and an increased tendency to wake up at night crying were all evident. Anxious not to resort to routine use of pharmaceutical solutions for her daughter she was intrigued when a friend recommended an amber teething necklace.
“Within a day of my putting the necklace on Mckenna, her temper had calmed and she became much more peaceful,” says Coleen. “I really notice the difference because if I take it off her then within a day she’s back to how she was.” Mckenna certainly looks well-tempered in her picture here!

Amber is fossilized resin, traditionally prized for its beauty and its healing properties. Good quality Amber contains oils with analgesic, calmative and anti-inflammatory properties and it’s tiny amounts of these oils that are said to be released by the skin’s warmth into the bloodstream.

Amber teething necklaces are a tried and tested remedy for baby teething problems in many countries in Europe, where you will find them stocked in local pharmacies. In the UK they are less well known, so if you can’t find one locally you may have to buy one on the internet, which is what Coleen did. A number of companies sell them, obviously designed to be child-safe. They are relatively inexpensive, ranging between about £8 and £20.

“Amber teething necklaces are great for providing natural pain relief whilst avoiding the need for medication and chemicals.” says CNM Principal and Naturopath, Hermann Keppler. “I know that they work because they’re a frequently used remedy in Germany, where I come from. However, we are all individuals and as with any remedy, it may work better for some than for others. If your baby isn’t soothed by the necklace then I suggest that you visit a homeopath who will work out a specific remedy for your baby’s individual type. And when baby is ready to cut his or her teeth on something, I advise that you DO NOT choose a plastic teething ring! Although manufacturers of toys and teething rings have been asked to remove harmful phthalates from their products, I still wouldn’t recommend plastic. In my opinion an organic carrot or a crust of organic bread is a simpler and healthier option for baby to chew on!”

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Hayfever

Ed Berger, CNM’s course director of Herbal Medicine recommends drinking Elderflower tea or Elderflower cordial to alleviate the symptoms of runny eyes and nose which typically blight hayfever sufferers at this time of year.

‘Elderflower tones and astringes the mucus membrane in the sinus’ Ed explains, ‘and thereby reduces the watering of eyes and nose.’

Like many herbal traditions, the practice of using Elderflower in this way was forgotten as people left the land and pharmaceutical solutions were introduced to an industrialised population. The Romans described the Elderflower tree as ‘Nature’s medicine chest’, since all parts of the plant were used for medicinal purposes.

Ideally it would be good to collect the Elderflower fresh off the tree to make your own cordial, but Ed doesn’t recommend this course of action to anyone who isn’t thoroughly familiar with the plant. It can easily be mistaken for one of its look-alikes, some of which can be poisonous.

See your natural health professional for any health related questions.

Ed’s website is: www.edberger.co.uk.