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 some other elevated position you see fields divided by hedgerows of beautiful Hawthorn. At this time of year full of fresh green leaves and tightly closed pink and white flowers waiting to spring to
Blog
Mar
2017 Total views: 474 Comment count: 0
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!”.
There are several thoughts about where the term “Spring Cleaning” came from. It appears to date back many centuries and could have been influenced by several traditions. The Jewish tradition during Passover (March and April) requires the removal of all leavened products from the house including utensils used for making these products. In doing so it is thought that this time was also taken for cleaning the house thoroughly.
Feb
2017 Total views: 808 Comment count: 0
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?
Jan
2017 Total views: 936 Comment count: 0
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.
Dec
2016 Total views: 589 Comment count: 0
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.
Oct
2016 Total views: 1,278 Comment count: 0
Herbs and Natural Brain Health
“Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his scientific knowledge. Remedies from chemicals will never stand in favour compared with the products of nature, the living cell of the plant, the final result of the rays of sun, the mother of all life.” –T.A Edison
Sep
2016 Total views: 475 Comment count: 0
As the news has been reporting, Britain has had the hottest September since 1911! Apparently this cannot be deemed an Indian summer, because it is too early. In any case whatever the term used, early September has things for us to gather and store in readiness for the coming winter.
Aug
2016 Total views: 425 Comment count: 0
August is a time of frantic activity in the hedgerow. As the month progresses grasses, flowers, and bushes go into flower ready to develop their fruit and or seeds for dispersion into mid September.
The theme this month is digestion and common complaints in the digestive system. The hedgerow is full of plants that are effective for common digestive and gastrointestinal problems that some of us suffer from, such as acid reflux, bloating and flatulence.
Aug
2016 Total views: 438 Comment count: 0
Several of my classmates went on an organized visit and herb tour of Kew Gardens recently. The gardens are spectacular and currently in full bloom, creating magnificent borders of colour, and filling the air with pungent smells to assault the senses.
Our guide and resident herbalist Jill Davies, the founder of “Herbs Hands Healing” is a herbalist and naturopath who is responsible for all products, nutritional and herbal sold from her company. What better person could you ask for to show us around Kew and give great insight into the plants and specifically the plants with healing powers that are so prevalent not only at Kew, but also in our countryside?
Jun
2016 Total views: 461 Comment count: 0
June sees the hedgerows growing madly and showing lush depth and beauty. Just taking a small patch of say one square foot you can see many different varieties of grass all vying for the top position to facilitate distribution of the seeds with the help of the wind, animals, insects or birds. What a feast for the eyes and how clever nature is!