Inflammation is an underlying factor in all disease. But it is also an important part of a natural immune response that keeps us healthy. Many drugs are available to suppress inflammation but they can also have nasty side effects. In contrast, nature provides us with a vast array of natural anti-inflammatories that are both safe […]
What is flaxseed good for?
This small, nutritious seed is full of good fats and fibre. But do you know what flaxseed is good for in terms of your health? What is flaxseed? Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is the seed of the common flax plant. The same plant that provides the material for the production of linen. Importantly, the […]
Migraine and nausea
Migraine headaches are very common and affect around 14% of people. With recurrent, moderate to severe headaches that last between 4 to 72 hours each time this health problem can have a devastating effect on quality of life. But it is not just the headache that disrupts day to day life. Migraineurs often have to […]
What’s the difference between herbal medicine and homeopathy
Herbal medicine and homeopathy have similarities but they are not the same. They differ in both the remedy itself and also in how the remedy is chosen. Let me explain… Herbal medicine Herbal remedies can be either the medicinal plant material itself or an extract produced from it. In some cases, the remedy might be a […]
Take control of your menopause with acupuncture
If you struggle with symptoms of the menopause such as hot flashes you are not alone. Symptoms due to changes in women’s hormone levels can make you feel like you’re going crazy. Most women have at least some symptoms at this time. But, for up to 20% of women these symptoms are very distressing. Symptoms during […]
Herbal medicine in cancer care
Sky News is reporting today on the use of herbal remedies by breast cancer patients. The article includes comments made by a breast cancer surgeon suggesting that using herbal remedies may do more harm than good and delay the recovery of cancer patients. The article goes on to say that complementary therapies such as herbal […]
Rosehips improve osteoarthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world. It causes destruction of the cartilage and other parts of the joints, mainly in the hands, knees, hips or the spine. The damage leads to the osteoarthritis symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, which impair joint function and inevitably impact on quality of life. Non-steroidal […]
Why I have a food first approach to optimum health
People that know me well know that good food is essential to me. I even chose my daughters’ school based on the food they offered. It is the same with my patients. My patients know that I am very interested in what they are eating. I have a food first approach when it comes to […]
The role of ageing in gut health and osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive and degenerative joint disease. It causes a great deal of pain and disability for millions of people. It commonly affects older people and we used to think it was caused by wear and tear. But, scientists now think there might be other causes. One such cause involves a link between gut […]
Can eating mushrooms reduce dementia risk and save your brain?
The number of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise at an alarming rate. Currently the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes there are 50 million people around the world with dementia. But this number is expected to triple in the next thirty years. Yet scientists believe that we can reduce our risk of […]