Eating cherries "could cut gout"

Eating cherries can reduce the risk of gout attacks, a study has suggested.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19746453

Free health chats

For anyone in Wiltshire:

I will be offering free health chats and advice at Swindon Pulse Wholefoods (27 Curtis St) on Thursday 4th October, 2012. No booking required - just drop in between 10am - 12 noon (see also www.lynblythe.com)

Herbal remedy for digestive disorder (Daily Telegraph, 2012)

"Nikki Page finds her life is transformed when she discovers a cure for her chronic digestive disorder".

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/7930256/Herbal-remedy-for-digestive-disorder.html

If you ever doubted good food can make a difference.....

Dr. Terry Wahls - Minding Your Mitochondria

This short video clip is a lecture by Dr Terry Wahls, a medical doctor with Multiple Sclerosis, who changed her diet and was subsequently able to get out of her wheelchair. It's well worth watching.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

A better route to migraine relief (Dr. A. Weil) - The Huffington Post (2010)

An article written by a Harvard educated botanist and medical doctor:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/a-better-route-to-migrain_b_526945.html

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Alzheimer's Disease

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is familiar as a spice used in cooking, but over the last two decades research has been attempting to uncover turmeric's history of use by herbalists. It is frequently given to people with inflammation and ailments such as arthritis, circulatory disorders and skin conditions (eg. psoriasis), as well as to improve digestion.

Here's one of many such research findings (many other examples can be found in the references at the end of the article):

The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer's disease: An overview http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/

 

 

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

 

 

 

Capsule making - these contain turmeric, ginger, celery seed, black pepper and frankincense resin:

 

Capsule making

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arthritis and Boswellia

An extract of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has been reported to significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

It was concluded that the extract may have achieved this effect by reducing inflammatory modulators or by reducing degradation of cartilage in the joint.

Read more:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18667054

Herbalists prescribe Boswellia to people with many other conditions too, such as ulcerative colitis. Generally a prescription will consist of several herbs, tailored to each individual.

Boswellia serrata

 

Boswellia serrata resin

                                                        

More About Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is made from plants (for example, Echinacea and St. John’s Wort), and has been used for thousands of years. Medical Herbalists are trained to combine the benefits of this traditional use with information emerging from modern scientific research.

Medical Herbalists see people with most conditions treated by GPs

These conditions range from short-term or mild problems, to more long-term and complex.

Examples include:

• Heart and circulation problems– high blood pressure, high cholesterol, varicose veins, angina, poor memory
• Respiratory problems – asthma, hayfever, sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, coughs, colds
• Digestion problems – IBS, colitis, ulcers, constipation, reflux, bloating, food intolerance
• Nervous system problems – poor sleep, headaches, anxiety, depression, stress, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
• Women’s health – PMS, period pains, cystitis, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, menopausal symptoms, fibroids, irregular periods
• Men’s health – prostate problems, infertility
• Musculoskeletal problems – arthritis, gout
• Skin problems – eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Immune system problems –fatigue, allergies

 

Why use herbs

A benefit of herbs is that they are generally well-tolerated and safe, with a gentle action, yet can be amazingly effective.

Research is increasingly uncovering the way herbs achieve their effects.

The herbalist aims to identify and address the cause of symptoms, rather than suppress them, as symptoms are warning signs to indicate a health problem.

A prescription of herbs is tailored to each individual, so two people with the same condition are unlikely to be given the same combination of herbs. Often there are many herbs which may address the problem. The herbalist is trained to select the most appropriate for each individual, and to combine this with other herbs to support the effect.

The herbalist is often able to select herbs in a way which allows several health issues to be addressed at the same time.

Herbs are often easily accessible –including many of the “weeds” just outside your own home!

About Herbal Medicine

Medical Herbalists use plant medicines to address a wide range of illnesses, including long-term complaints. These herbal medicines can be used safely in all age groups, and are often used alongside medication from the GP.

There are times when orthodox medications or surgery are essential. However, at other times, there is often another way. By careful consideration of the cause of symptoms and illness, it is frequently possible to improve health. The use of herbs, many of which have been part of our diet for generations, offers a well-tolerated and safe alternative or addition to more modern treatment strategies.