The recent news and discussion on the connection between ill health and loneliness is sad, whilst at the same time the root of many questions. Humans are social animals. Socializing in a face-to-face manner may not only be fun, stimulating, comforting and motivational, but also necessary to sustain who we are whilst essential to support a healthy mind and body.
At this time of year, as schools begin to wind down for the festive season, the excitement of meeting family and friends to share celebratory moments, bring gifts and Christmas cheer starts to dominate. So too do seasonal colds and flu.
With shorter days and colder temperatures seasonal and opportunistic bugs take the opportunity to spread virulently. Those with a weak immune are the first to go down. Supporting and boosting the immune system to avoid falling victim becomes important and for the weaker members of society- children and the elderly, perhaps even urgent.
When looking at the word “bitter” there are many uses in the English language – to be bitter about something, to have a bitter taste, or to refer to the weather – It was bitter on top of the mountain. Humans are not exempt from this word “bitter” as it can also be used to describe an attitude or emotion of a particular type of person or a person’s feelings on a situation – “he is very bitter about…. “.
Reported in the BBC news headlines this morning is the fact that antidepressant use, based on a doctor’s prescription is increasing dramatically in school children. The UK has seen the fastest rise in the prescribing of antidepressants and other mind-altering drugs to children, a new study of nine countries shows. In total, there were 950,000 prescriptions issued between April 2015 and March 2018.
German Chamomile (Chamomila recucita) - we all know this flower as Chamomile tea, drunk before going to bed to relax body and mind from infusing the flowers in boiled water. Known to calm the spirit. This herb flowers profusely at this time of year creating a yellow and white carpet. Not only good for calming and relaxing, Chamomile is very effective in addressing gut issues and skin disorders.