Latest from our Blog
Herbs from Sunrise to Sunset
Western herbal medicine is one of the approaches taught in the 2 year NCIM master’s Diploma in Integrative Healthcare for healthcare practitioners. Whilst there is growing public interest in herbal medicine driven by a desire often for more gentle remedies with less side effects than pharmaceuticals, often herbal medicine is seen as difficult to introduce for daily life – people don’t know where to start! There is often a knowledge gap within the general population as herbal medicine is often regarded as left of mainstream s and many people are often hesitant to talk to their doctor about how herbs can be used effectively.
Supporting Your Immune System Through the Seasonal Change
Have you ever noticed how colds tend to arrive almost on cue with cooler, darker days? Or perhaps like me, when you are on holiday! I returned from a trip last week with a full blown viral infection and feeling pretty awful with it. That combined with a drop in temperature and different weather patterns as we move into more autumnal days, made me remember how actually it’s the change in season combined with the mass return to work/school/education when we see the biggest uplift in viral infections.
The Power of Ritual: Creating Daily Practices for Inner Peace
As September ushers in the change of season, it brings a subtle shift in energy. One way I like to embrace this seasonal shift is by creating a new ritual, something which can sometimes be lacking for us in the wildness of summer when routine has fallen out of our daily rhythm.
Nourishing Your Skin Naturally This Summer
Our skin is the largest organ of our body (it covers approximately 1.5-2sqm of an average adult) and its main job is to act as a protective barrier to our external environment. So look after your skin if you want it to look after you!
How Herbal Teas Can Benefit Your Health
Herbal teas offer numerous benefits, both as a form of nutrition and as a therapeutic tool. Viv explained that herbal teas are hydrating, typically low in caffeine, and often free from added sugars, making them a great alternative to sugary beverages. But beyond hydration, herbal teas also provide valuable plant compounds like polyphenols, antioxidants which are found in many colourful fruits, vegetables, and herbs, that are crucial for protecting the body from oxidative stress and supporting long-term health.
My Journey With Fasting
My Journey With Fasting I'm doing my next 5 day fast and this time I'm using the new generation of fasts from Prolon, which has liquid soups that are a major improvement on previous iterations. Some of you may know I have been working on my metabolic health for many...
Hydration for Healing
It is summer and a hot one this year in Europe. Whilst we all know about the importance of hydration when it is hot but actually there are a lot of misconceptions about drinking water, when really this is one of the most simple, free and easy ways to improve your health!
The Power of Switching Off
The Power of Switching Off Our world today is more hyperconnected than ever and I increasingly find myself dominated and quite literally surrounded by by screens! So today I am highlighting the crucialness of taking a digital break something I plan on doing this...
Integrative Health on the Go: Wellness Tips for Summer Travel
Summer travel can be such a beautiful and important opportunity to connect with yourself, others, and the world around you. I always think with just a little planning and awareness, you can stay well and return home with a sense of vitality and balance.
Herbal Medicine in Modern Times
Traditional systems of medicine, like herbal medicine —approach health and illness from a very different perspective to modern medicine which can feel quite foreign to those of us who have been brought up with or trained in conventional medicine.
Unlocking the Healing Power of Essential Oils
Aromatherapy, is the therapeutic use of essential oils, which are highly concentrated extractions from plants. It has been gaining increased recognition within integrative medicine particularly within integrative oncology and palliative care. We often associate aromatherapy with anxiety relief or mood improvement (the calming properties of lavender being a famous example!) but there have been various studies in its use to complement conventional cancer treatments across a range of physical and psychological conditions particularly nausea, vomiting, cancer pain, fatigue and quality of life.
Fasting for Life
The evidence is compelling: intermittent fasting can help with weight control, supports fat-burning hormone production, boosting metabolism, lowering insulin levels and reducing insulin resistance; it improves the gut microbiome, helps regulate blood sugar, reduces liver fat, cholesterol and blood pressure and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The evidence strongly supports its role in improving metabolic health and also potentially cognitive function which is promising for the world of dementia and Alzheimer’s research – now the leading cause of death in the UK.