Rachel Shackleton's blog

It is funny how things stick in your memory?  I was sitting in one of the many lectures at college and this time it was about cardio vascular disease and how herbs can positively affect symptoms and disease processes within the heart, the venous and arterial systems, such as arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol and high or low blood pressure.  The main herb that stood out from all those discussed was Crategeus monogyna or Crataegus oxyacantha.  In other words Hawthorn.  The lecturer introduced Hawthorn as the “Arteries of Great Britain” and its true when you look from an airplane window, or s

This time of year is always so special.  Everything starts to buzz with life and oscillate between bright, fresh, intense sun, extreme wind and rain.  All elements playing their role in generating new bright green growth, vibrant flowers and energy in everything and everyone!  Energy for “Spring Cleaning!”.

It is easy to get on a soap-box and start to spout about eating habits and following a healthy food regime,  to be self-righteous and ignore the challenges of day to day life that affect us all.  What are those challenges?

This year the immune system of many people seems to be under terrible attack, irrelevant of age.  Viruses are sweeping through schools, public transport and any other public place, grabbing victims on the way and forcing you take to your bed for at least four days (that’s if you were lucky!) with fever, general weakness, coughing and in some cases even vomiting. 

To maintain a healthy gut throughout life the balance between acidity and alkalinity is very important.  Naturally, as we age, the gut becomes less effective at digesting and absorbing foods, therefore it is important to ensure gut health earlier in life to serve us well into our later years.  Digestion determines energy level, physical and mental health as well as longevity.