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

'Flu' vaccine in pregnancy?

This is a great, well-balanced article, written by a someone who is a US medical doctor, midwife and Medical Herbalist.

http://avivaromm.com/flu-vaccine-in-pregnancy-whats-a-girl-to-do

Four Thieves' Vinegar

This is perfect to have in the house at this time of year, to help fight off colds and 'flu'.

Four Thieves' vinegar

There are many versions, of the recipe and the myth. It is said that four thieves were arrested in France for stealing from the sick during the plague. They handed over their recipe for the medicinal vinegar that kept them healthy, in exchange for their life and freedom.

The essential ingredients are vinegar and crushed garlic, but the other ingredients vary depending on what is to hand.

Place equal amounts of garlic, and 4 or 5 aromatic dried herbs and/or spices in a jar (eg. rosemary, sage, mint, cinnamon) with a smaller quantity of cayenne (chilli) (optional).

Cover with red wine vinegar or cider vinegar. Replace the lid.

Keep somewhere cool and dark. Gently shake every couple of days.

Strain and bottle after 2-3 weeks.

Take 1 tsp regularly throughout the day to fight a cold (can also be used as a salad dressing or topically when you need a skin antiseptic).

The drugs don't work: a modern medical scandal (The Guardian, 2012)

"Drugs are tested by their manufacturers, in poorly designed trials, on hopelessly small numbers of weird, unrepresentative patients, and analysed using techniques that exaggerate the benefits........"

Read more:

http://m.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/sep/21/drugs-industry-scandal-ben-goldacre?cat=business&type=article

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) and PMS (Dr John Briffa)

http://www.drbriffa.com/2007/05/02/recent-study-suggests-magnesium-may-help-pms-but-i-recommend-herbal-help-for-this-condition/

"NHS knuckles rapped for putting patients at risk" (Dr John Briffa)

http://www.drbriffa.com/2006/11/01/nhs-knuckles-rapped-for-putting-patients-at-risk/

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)