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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.

Socialization is about brain stimulation, laughter, positive interaction and contact with others giving each one of us a purpose, whilst feeling valued.  Touching, whether that friendly pat on the back, hug, kiss on the side of the cheek or any other physical contact gives reassurance that we are “alright” and that we are recognized as being a valued part of the community.

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…. “. As a naturopath and herbalist, I am especially interested in the bitter taste of certain vegetables, herbs and fruits.  The bitter flavour being generated when bitter taste buds in the mouth are stimulated by a particularly bitter food.

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.

Most of us can relate to the Nettle as mostly an unpleasant experience when inadvertently coming in contact and receiving a tingling, itching sensation to the skin for hours to come. The more nettles that manage to sting you the longer it lasts and the more intensive the tingling.  The humble and prolific nettle is also very nutritious containing vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as being packed with minerals including iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and selenium.  The high iron content makes it useful for treatment of anemia when mixed with molasses.