Some common causes of fatigue include stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, poor liver function and low blood sugar. Physiological fatigue from overwork is a sure signal that it is time to slow down and have more relaxation time. Dietary and other appropriate lifestyle changes can be particularly helpful in managing tiredness.

Stress, anxiety and insomnia can be incredibly exhausting and can result in extreme fatigue. Nervine tonics, notably oat straw, St. John’s Wort and vervain, are used to strengthen and nourish the nervous system. Relaxing and calming herbs such as lavender, lemon balm and lime blossom have a long history of use for anxiety and stress. Interestingly many calming herbs are also used to lift mood and herbs including lavender, rosemary, vervain, rose and lemon balm are considered balanced in this way. Many of these herbs are combined to help with sleep difficulties. Adaptogenic herbs, including Ashwaganda, ginseng, gotu kola and schisandra, have a traditional use to help in adapting to the effects of stress.

Milk thistle is well known as a herb for the liver and is believed to help protect the liver and to support the function of this vital organ. Globe artichoke and schisandra are also important liver herbs. The root of the humble dandelion is used to increase the capacity of the liver to perform its’ detoxifying function. Stress and anxiety result in increased levels of cortisol and other hormones which rely on good liver function to be cleared from the body.

Reactive hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar can cause dips in energy through the day. Eating meals that contain protein at regular intervals throughout the day can help to manage blood sugar levels. Herbs that are used to support here include agrimony, cinnamon and gymnema (an ayurvedic herb whose name literally translates as ‘destroyer of sugar’).

Our qualified herbalists can advise you further and help to select the most appropriate remedies for you. You can drop in at any time and have a free 10 minute consultation for minor health complaints and have a remedy tailor made to suit your needs.

Brighton Apothecary
Unit 6 The Open Market
Marshalls Row
Brighton
BN1 4JU

Contact us on brightonapothecary@ gmail.com or 07477 886 777
Connect with us at facebook.com/BrightonApothecary
or twitter @BrightonApoth
or visit our website brightonapothecary.co.uk

The post Combat fatigue with herbal remedies appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Traditional remedies for hay fever are herbs that have an anti-catarrhal action and include plants such as elderflower, eyebright, goldenrod and ribwort plantain. Anti-allergic herbs are also used and common examples are German chamomile, nettle, and ribwort plantain. Sometimes herbs are used to help support liver function with a hepatic herbal remedy such as milk thistle or with a bitter remedy such as dandelion root. It may also be a good idea to use a probiotic supplement and maintain a diet high in soluble fibre to help promote a healthy bacterial population in the digestive system.

Herbalists may also employ a variety of herbs with the aim of normalising immune function, improving digestion and supporting the detoxification processes. Where stress plays a role in worsening the symptoms, herbs would be included to help with relaxation.

It is generally recommended to use herbs for two or three months prior to the onset of symptoms. For some, a simple blend of dried herbs to be consumed as a tea can be enough though where symptoms are more severe or harder to manage then it may be beneficial to see a qualified Medical Herbalist.

At Brighton Apothecary the herbalists are able to advise you further and help to select the most appropriate remedies for you. You can drop in at any time and have a free 10 minute consultation for minor health complaints and have your remedy tailor made.

Brighton Apothecary
Unit 6, The Open Market
Marshalls Row
Brighton
BN1 4JU

Contact us on 07477 886 777 or by email brightonapothecary@ gmail.com
Connect with us on Facebook or twitter or visit our website

The post Herbal remedies for hay fever appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

It’s easier than you think to experience the beauty and healing properties of lavender by growing and using your own fresh lavender for use in food, body care, bathing, and other purposes. It can easily be done indoors in pots or outside in your garden.

A Brief History of Lavender

Lavender has been in use for at least 2500 years, when it was used for mummification and perfumery by the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Arabs. Ancient Romans are also believed to have used lavender for cooking, bathing, and scenting the air.

Growing Lavender

There are many varieties of lavender, most ranging from one to two feet tall, and which form mounds of silver-green foliage topped with purple flowers when they are in bloom. They are simple to grow and require minimal care, making them the ideal plant for the lazy or novice gardener. Shorter varieties make a stunning edging along walkways while taller kinds make beautiful, scented hedges.

It grows best in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Pay attention to the spacing recommendations on the plant’s tag when purchasing lavender plants since some varieties can grow over a few feet in diameter. You can also grow lavender from seed as it tends to be quite hardy. It needs watering to get started but needs only infrequent watering after the plant takes hold even during hot weather.
Harvesting Lavender
To harvest, wait until the plant blooms and cut about one-third down the stems. Collect the lavender on its stems and place in a vase or pitcher indoors to give the air a fresh, sweet smell.

Alternatively, to dry the lavender, tie one-inch bundles of the herb together with string or elastic bands and hang upside down until dry. You may want to place a clean cloth or large bowl beneath it during drying to catch some of the flowers since they will sometimes fall.

Using Lavender

Alleviate Anxiety and Depression: In a recent study comparing the effects of a medication for depression to drinking tea made from lavender flowers, scientists found that the lavender was slightly more effective than the anti-depressant drugs. The researchers conclude that lavender might be used as an adjunct to anti-depressant drugs or on its own to assist with symptoms of depression. Study participants drank two cups of an infusion made with lavender daily. To make lavender tea: Add two teaspoons of dried flowers to boiled water and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Of course, never discontinue any medications without consulting your physician.

Insomnia Remedy: According to James Duke, botanist and author of The Green Pharmacy, lavender is an excellent insomnia remedy. He recounts stories of British hospitals using lavender essential oil in patients’ baths or sprinkled onto bed clothes to help them sleep. To use in a bath sprinkle 5 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil under the water as the tub fills to allow the oils to disperse. Alternatively, place a heaping tablespoon of dried lavender flowers in cheesecloth, tie into a bundle and allow to infuse in the bathwater while soaking.

Easy and Effective Insect Repellent: In a study comparing the effects of lavender essential oil to DEET-based tick repellents, lavender showed comparable results to the DEET sprays. At a 5% concentration the insect-repellent results of the lavender oil lasted for 40 minutes while at a 10% or higher concentration of the essential oil, the results lasted for two hours. Add 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil to your favorite unscented cream and apply before heading outdoors. Better yet, make your own Skin-Soothing Lavender Body Lotion.

PMS Relief: A new study published in the journal BioPsychoSocial Medicine found that inhaling the scent of lavender for ten minutes had a significant effect on the nervous system of women suffering from premenstrual symptoms. It especially decreased feelings of depression and confusion. You can place a few drops of lavender essential oil on a handkerchief and inhale periodically, make a tea infusion of the dried flowers as above, or breathe deeply of a plant growing indoors or outdoors to alleviate mood-related PMS symptoms.

Article courtesy of Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM, ROHP an international best-selling and 18-time author of Be Your Own Herbalist and 60 Seconds to Slim.

Learn more about her work at www.DrMichelleCook.com. Copyright Michelle Schoffro Cook. All rights reserved.

The post Benefits of Lavender appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Traditional remedies for hay fever are herbs that have an anti-catarrhal action and include plants such as elderflower, eyebright, goldenrod and ribwort plantain. Anti-allergic herbs are also used and common examples are German chamomile, nettle, and ribwort plantain. Sometimes herbs are used to help support liver function with a hepatic herbal remedy such as milk thistle or with a bitter remedy such as dandelion root. It may also be a good idea to use a probiotic supplement and maintain a diet high in soluble fibre to help promote a healthy bacterial population in the digestive system.

Herbalists may also employ a variety of herbs with the aim of normalising immune function, improving digestion and supporting the detoxification processes. Where stress plays a role in worsening the symptoms, herbs would be included to help with relaxation.

It is generally recommended to use herbs for two or three months prior to the onset of symptoms. For some, a simple blend of dried herbs to be consumed as a tea can be enough but where symptoms are more severe or harder to manage then it may be beneficial to see a qualified Medical Herbalist.

At Brighton Apothecary the herbalists are able to advise you further and help to select the most appropriate remedies for you. You can drop in at any time and have a free 10 minute consultation for minor health complaints and have your remedy tailor made.

Brighton Apothecary
Unit 6, The Open Market
Marshalls Row
Brighton
BN1 4JU

Contact us on 07477 886 777 or by email brightonapothecary @gmail.com
Connect with us on Facebook or twitter @BrightonApoth or visit our website

The post Herbs for Hay fever appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

The traditional way to kick start your digestion back into healthy functioning is through bitter herbs, such as dandelion leaf, artichoke, wormwood and hops. Bitters stimulate bitter taste buds to cause the release of saliva and stomach juices, and to encourage the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and the liver to release bile, which helps the breakdown of fats. Improving the digestion with bitters will help absorption of essential nutrients, as well as improving digestive symptoms to have you bouncing back in no time.

Medical herbalists use a combination of herbs with dietary and lifestyle advice to gently coax the body back to wellness. Herbs have been used for healing for hundreds of years and modern clinical science has helped to back up many of the traditional uses. The holistic approach taken by herbalists is a gentler way to heal that aims to get to the root of a problem, with the focus on supporting the different organs of the body to help them work more effectively.

Herbalism can treat a broad range of conditions, and there is evidence to support the use of herbal medicine to treat: IBS and functional dyspepsia, premenstrual syndrome, back pain and osteoarthritis, mild to moderate depression, acute respiratory infections such as rhinosinusitis, colds and ‘flu, as well as migraine.

At Brighton Apothecary, the friendly herbalists are always on hand to advise you about the best remedy or supplement for your specific health needs. They offer free mini-consultations for minor health complaints and can tailor make herbal remedies.

Brighton Apothecary
Unit 6, The Open Market Marshalls Row
Brighton, BN1 4JU

07477 886 777

10am-5pm Mon-Sat (excluding Tues)

brightonapothecary.co.uk
@BrightonApoth
facebook.com/brightonapothecary

The post The herbal route to healthy digestion appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Everyone has a different reaction to stress, and often it involves an increase in inflammation. For some it affects their digestion, others find skin conditions flare up, and other common signs of being stressed out include feeling tired or weak, insomnia or anxiety, high blood pressure, lower immunity or PMS.

To help your body cope a little better, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Eating healthily should be the first step, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Anti-inflammatory herbs that are used in cooking include, ginger, turmeric, and garlic. Foods that are inflammatory and should be avoided or reduced, include, animal protein, junk food, and refined sugars and grains.

Herbal remedies can also help the body deal with the effects of stress. A group of herbs known as adaptogens have the specific effect of helping the body deal with stress. They are tonic herbs, which are generally good for debilitated people, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the body.

At Brighton Apothecary, the qualified herbalists are on hand to advise which of the adaptogens are best for you: calming ashwaganda; liver-protecting schisandra; energising Siberian ginseng; or immune-boosting astragalus. Other herbs may help alongside an adaptogen, for example, oats to help with the nervous system or liquorice to support the adrenals.

Sarah, Maud and Marion offer free mini herbal consultations for minor health problems and can tailor make herbal remedies to help you stay healthy over a busy summer.

Brighton Apothecary
The Open Market
Marshalls Row
Brighton
BN1 4JU
brightonapothecary.co.uk
brightonapothecary @gmail.com
07447 886777
Twitter
Facebook

The post Herbal remedies for stress appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

“We are passionate about the benefits of herbal medicine and in using herbs to help support health and wellbeing.”

Herbal Medicine is a traditional and sustainable form of natural medicine. Herbalists take a holistic approach incorporating dietary and lifestyle advice and using herbs to gently ease your body back to good health. There is an ever increasing amount of scientific evidence to support the use of herbal medicine for many minor and chronic health com- plaints, including irritable bowel syndrome, mild depression, migraine, pre-menstrual syndrome and colds and ‘flu.
For many people herbal remedies are a first choice though it can be difficult to know which remedy is the most suitable. Our expertise allows us to help people make an effective and safe choice. Within the shop we offer health advice and have a free drop-in mini-consultation service. We can help you to select a remedy or supplement, and can even mix a tailor-made herbal remedy specifically for you. For complex health problems full consultations are available from our herbalists at their private clinics.

We stock high quality herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, herbal teas, essential oils, and natural skin care products. Brands stocked include Pukka, Salus, BioCare, Bio-Health and Lamberts because we believe in the quality that they offer and they are the products that we use ourselves. In addition to the products available to buy in the shop we also run a regular programme of educational workshops. Learning how to use herbs can be both fun and fulfilling. Check out the What’s On pages for forthcoming workshops.

The Open Market is a growing community of old and new ventures with a variety of interesting stalls, shops and cafes to visit. We find it a fun and vibrant place to be. When you visit our shop you can expect a friendly and professional service, safe in the knowledge that you can always see a fully trained Medical Herbalist. For further information please contact us, visit the website or pop down to the Open Market for a visit. Brighton Apothecary, Unit 6 The Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton, BN1 4JU – 07477 886777 – brightonapothecary @gmail.com Brighton Apothecary

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