How to Fight Colds And Flu Naturally and Effectively

It seems a number of my lovely clients are under the weather with cold or flu at the moment. So with this in mind this has led me to write this post...

Image source

In 2011 I was hospitalised with Pneumonia after suffering from countless severe colds and chest infections. I normally steer clear of antibiotics (being the natural kind of lady) but as I'd been ill on and off for over 5 months I had actually taken a good few courses, but nothing seemed to be working.

My doctor was also concerned that I had asthma - this unfortunately took 3 months just to get an appointment with a Respiratory Specialist (which took place after I was discharged from hospital!!)  Turns out I do have mild asthma.

Since then I've been a lot more cautious about coming into contact with people with colds or flu; if I catch one and if I'm not careful they tend to go to straight to my chest which means more antibiotics (which I am loathe to take not only because of the side effects but also I don't want to build up an immunity to them as I may really really need them again one day!)

Don't get me wrong antibiotics have their place and indeed they saved my life. The RVI Hospital in Newcastle did an amazing job getting me back on my feet and I'm forever in their debt.

However I refuse to pop them down my neck them lightly and will try my utmost to find natural remedies first with the help of my amazing alternative therapists.

Enough about me, let's move on to those helpful hints and tips!...


How to Fight Colds and Flu Naturally and Effectively

The tips in these blog articles from my amazing herbalist Nick Hudis have been a huge help to me and has nipped many a cold in the bud for me and let me get on with my daily life and running the salon a lot quicker.

Beyond Echinacea: How to survive the winter part 1
How to treat colds and ‘flu’s naturally

                         

Images via Boots and Holland and Barrett

I now take daily doses of Sambucol Elderberry Syrup (easily available from Boots and usually on 3 for 2!) and a Vitamin D3 supplement from Holland and Barrett all year round.

Why not give these tips a try next time you feel a cold or flu coming on, they've worked wonders for me and may for you too.*

Herbalism and How It's Helped Me

Nick also sends me with a monthly bottle of prescribed herbs to help build up the strength of my lungs and keep my immune system fit and healthy. I've even managed to stop taking my preventative steroids (under the guidance of my doctor) and bonus I clear my throat and cough far less as the steroids were actually exacerbating these major symptoms of my asthma. I still carry around an inhaler at all times, but it's great to know I don't need to take daily steroids at the moment (fingers crossed!)**

If you live in Newcastle and would like to see an alternative therapist I'd highly recommend Nick, he's helped me and my family with various problems for over 9 years. To read more about Nick and his healing herbs click here.

* These links will take you to the website of a professional, certified and practising alternative therapist, but if you have a medical condition and have any concerns they may not be suitable for you, please consult your doctor first.

** Always consult your doctor or medical practioner before reducing or stopping any prescribed medication.

Why Does a Beauty And Health Blog Feature Cupcakes?

My husband asked me this question the other day...

Well...

My 'Beautiful Cupcake Gallery' started off with a 'Beauty' theme and was such a success it grew from there. As the weeks went by I discovered other cupcakes I thought were equally beautiful and I just had to share - sharing is healthy! 

Not only are my Galleries fun to do, but little boy gets involved as he loves scanning the web for inspiration with me; so quality family time is involved - very healthy and incredibly important to me and my family.

To me a healthy life isn't just about looking after your body with products and food; it's also about an all round balance and a huge extra portion of enjoyment.

I love to feed my family and friends, so I share my recipes.

I adore reading, so I share my favourite books.

I love visiting beautiful places, so I share these too.

My blog is about helping you to live a healthier happier life and...

I truly believe that you should...

however...

because we are on this planet to....

so...

ENJOY SOME CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

preferably made with excellent quality ingredients and home baked hee hee!

Images via:

Question cupcake - Flickr

Precious moments - My Fun Cards

Take care of your body - Healthy Life Tool Kit

Everything in Moderation - Etsy

Live Laugh Love - Yours Truly Was Here

Baby eating cake - Jen P Photo

Home Made Beauty Rituals - Natural PMT and Menstrual Pain Remedy

If like myself you suffer from that monster called "PMT" taking over your body every month or have a daughter going through puberty or approaching it; then this easy peasy recipe could help. 

Image via Toon Pool

1 drop of good quality Roman Chamomile Essential Oil in your body lotion every day throughout out the month regulates the hormones and can help reduce or alleviate symptoms of PMT and menstrual pains. For pre-teen and teenagers add 1 drop to 20ml of body lotion.

Interesting Fact:
Girls start hormonal changes approximately 3 years before their period's start - WOW am I glad I have a son?!!

Take a look at my other articles on Essential oils including some great companies to buy from:
Amazing Essential Oils - Not Just a Pretty Smell
Tips on Using Essential Oils & Diffuser Blends

PLEASE ALWAYS take note of the contraindications (condition or factor in which the use of a particular product or treatment is not advised) of the various oils. Always do the patch test before applying the oils to detect the reaction of your skin. For use on pregnant women (or trying), babies & children, or if you have any medical condition, please refer to a qualified Aromatherapist first. 

Tips on Using Essential Oils & Diffuser Blends

In my Amazing Essential Oils - Not Just a Pretty Smell article I gave you interesting history and facts about essential oils, so you will know why I absolutely adore these precious beauties. So I thought it was about time I told you about the many easy ways you can use these gorgeous oils.

Image via Energy Healing Info

This is information I have gathered and sent to various friends, family and clients since studying Aromatherapy.

 Many Uses of Essential Oils

Collage Images via:
Aromatherapy, Health Benefits, Health Medical Articles, Squidoo, Find Home, Remedy, Salvoweb, Deolivia on Pinterest, Debeloh on Pinterest, Decor Pad.

Diffuser/Nebulizer
Put 1-6 drops in oil diffuser/burner or nebulizer (liquid vaporiser).
For children 1-3 drops.  Babies 1 drop.

Steam Inhalation 
Put 2-3 drops into a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply.
Not suitable for babies and children due to the risk of burns, we recommend using in a warm bath or diffuser method.

Bathing/Footbath
Mix 2-4 drops to 10ml of oil or milk and to bath once run.
Children 1-2 drops/10ml. Babies 1 drop/10ml.
A mix of Lavender and Roman Chamomile is great for calming stressed out little monsters!

Massage 
Add 2-4 drops to 10ml of massage oil.
Children 1-2 drops/10ml. Babies 1 drop/10ml.
 
Radiators
Put 1-4 drops on a cotton-wool ball or tissue and lodge behind the pipe or somewhere in contact with the heat.
Children's rooms 1-2 drops. Babies room 1 drop.

Wardrobe and Linen Cupboards
Put 1-4 drops on a cotton wool and put in drawer or base of wardrobe or in your linen cupboard/airing cupboard to keep clothes, bedding and towels fresh.
I like to use Lavender as moths and flies hate it!

Bathroom Freshener 
Put 2-4 drops on the cardboard ring inside the toilet paper roll.
Lemon works really well.

Utility Room
Put 3-5 drops into the softener compartment of your washing machine.
I like to use Lavender and Roman Chamomile for our sensitive skins.

For use on pregnant women (or trying), babies & children, or any medical conditions, please refer to a qualified Aromatherapist first for safe oils.

Which Oils To Choose?
If you have had Aromatherapy treatments, have you ever wondered why one time you may love a smell and hate it another? Well if your body needs an oil you will like the smell, if it doesn't you won't - so  - makes sense! So get sniffing and listen to your body!

My idea of heaven.

Prometheus Springs Aromatherapy Apothecary

Some of My Favourite Oil Blends - the list could be endless so I've whittled it down to just 3!


Eve Taylor's Winter Blend 10ml £6.37
This goes with me everywhere, this amazingly effective blend of Tunisian Rosemary & minty Eucalyptus clears & cools the sinuses, chest & head. Ravansara clears the chest & is anti-viral. French alpine Lavender soothes & comforts. Madagascan Palmarosa clears the mind & stimulates the senses.

Safe for all the family. Anti-bacterial & anti-viral - for colds, coughs, seasonal allergies & sinus congestion. Use around the house, at work, on planes, public transport or stuffy atmospheres to help keep a clear head  & fight off bugs in the atmosphere.


Eve Taylor's Relax Blend 10ml £6.30
And Relax! Unwind your mind  & body. This oil blend is fantastic for de-stressing and great for using in a massage blend as well as a diffuser. I use this a lot around the house and in treatments as it is so effective and everyone loves it - who doesn't need to relax hey?!

I quote: It has warm earthy aromas of Egyptian Geranium, sweetened by the richness of Indonesian Patchouli, gently unwind the senses. The hint of ripened Italian Mandarin, permeates through the subtle smoothness of Bulgarian Lavender. Sounds like a fine wine!!


Aromatherapy Associates Revive 10ml £20
I love this blend of Bergamot, Pink Grapefruit and Frankincense - it's 'Wake Up and Shake Up' in a bottle! Detoxifying and uplifting - just what we need!

Great for any time of the day, fantastic to use at work or for studying to get the concentration levels and enthusiasm going hee hee! Ideal for using after work to revive the senses for an evening out. Makes you happy and generally perked up!


Diffusers
Eve Taylor do a fantastic range of environmentally friendly diffusers and nebulizers which are flame free - so super safe for the entire family.

Eve Taylor Mio Petite Personal Diffuser £14.60
I never travel without this pocket sized and battery operated diffuser. It comes with 5 re-usable cotton pads to put your favourite oil blends on.

Eve Taylor Diffusers, Oil Blendss and Essential Oils are available from Rituals Beauty!

Always do the patch test before applying any products to detect the reaction of your skin.

To order any product from Rituals Beauty, call 0789 4120073 or email hello@ritualsbeauty.co.uk. If you aren't local, I offer a postal service for a little extra cost. Now taking Paypal.

I will be doing more posts using Essential Oils in Home Made Beauty, Home Making, Cleaning and Health Rituals in future posts, so keep your eyes peeled!

Homemade Beauty Rituals - Natural Hayfever Remedies

The weather may be misbehaving, but the Hay Fever season is looming. So what better time to pass on some of my tried and tested natural Hay Fever home remedies?

Image via The Telegraph

So What is Hay Fever, What Causes It and What Are the Symptoms?

Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis), is an allergic response to airborne substances such as pollen and the time of year you get it is dependent upon which of these substances you are allergic to. 

Hay Fever happens when your immune system thinks a harmless airborne substance is a threat and produces the antibody 'immunoglobulin E' to beat the living daylights out of it! Your body release a chemical called 'histamine' which causes your symptoms. 

Image via Pollen Allergies Symptoms

Some causes are:

Tree pollen - tends to affect people in the spring.

Grass pollen - tends to affect people later on in the spring and in the summer.

Weed pollen - tends to affect people common in the autumn.

Fungi and mould spores - more common when the weather is warm.

The common symptoms are: sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat, itchy nose and blocked/runny nose.

The more extreme symptoms are: sweats, headaches, loss of smell and taste, facial pain caused by blocked sinuses or itchiness spreading from the throat, to the nose and ears. 

Helpful Healing Honey
Taking a tip of a teaspoons worth of local honey daily, really has worked wonders for my Hay Fever. This was recommend by our family Acupuncturist. I take it all year round. I buy the smallest pot I can get so the honey contains pollen from this season.

My delicious local honey. Image via Pride Of Northumbria

By 'Local' honey I mean honey made by bees kept near to where you live or work. The reason being you may be allergic to specific pollen, from plants growing in your area. If the honey contains minute quantities of that pollen, then eating the honey little and often may help to desensitise you.

Soothe Your Sore Eyes

I like to keep my Eve Taylor Eye Gel in the fridge and pop around my eyes. It contains Aloe Vera and Seaweed to soothe and cool my sore and itchy eyes.

Milk Eye Pads are fantastic for sore eyes, just pop some on a cotton pad lay them on your eyes and relax. Milk has antibacterial and other amazing healing powers. Obviously not one to go for if you are allergic to dairy!

Image via Science Daily

Cool Chamomile Tea bags are great for the eyes as Chamomile is anti inflammatory and soothing. Make a cup of tea, pop the tea bags in the fridge until cool and pop on your eyes for a nice relaxing treatment. Drinking the tea will help the body calm from the inside. Great for kids too.

Image via Fashion Addict

Drink Nettle Tea
Nettles contain chemicals with antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory properties, these are thought to help suppress the allergic response of Hay Fever. I like to mix mine with Chamomile Tea and honey to get a triple whammy!

Nettle Tea - image via Natural Health and Home Business

DIY Pollen Barrier Balm
This balm helps reduce the allergens from entering the body. The Chamomile is anti inflammatory and soothing.

1. Take a little pot and add 2 tsp of Non Petroleum Jelly (see recipe below) and 4 drops of Roman Chamomile and mix thoroughly with something thin like a cocktail stock.
2. Pop a small amount in the lining and base of your nose.
3. Re-apply regularly and after sneezing or blowing nose.

Why Make Non Petroleum Jelly?
For those of you who have read my Are You Using the Right Lip Balm? article, you will know why I don't rate using Vaseline and other Petroleum Jellies and prefer Beeswax.

Here is a quick recap:
Mineral oil or Paraffin (cheap by-products of petroleum) draws moisture away from the lips and skin. It is known to clog pores and block the skin’s ability to moisturise itself. So here is my recipe to make a safer and more effective version.

Image via From Nature With Love

Non Petroleum Jelly Recipe (makes approx 200ml)
You can then use this as a base for other products such as lip balm, antiseptic balm, vapour rub, muscle rub. I'll be adding recipes for these over time, so keep your eyes peeled!

You will need
1¼ oz. beeswax pellets
3/4 cup (175ml) sweet almond oil (or organic coconut or olive oil)

1. Put the ingredients in a heat proof bowl on top if a pan of simmering water (just like when melting chocolate). Ensuring the water doesn't touch the bowl.

2. Melt ingredients together.

3. Remove from heat and pour into a suitable container. I like to put mine in recycled sterilised beauty potion pots. I keep all my beauty potion glass jars and lip balm jars and sterilise them in the dishwasher.

(You can buy the beeswax pellets and the oils from Phyto Essential Oils)

Image via A Delightful Home

Thickness of Your Jelly
For a softer consistency use 1 oz. of beeswax.
For a firmer consistency use 1½ oz. of beeswax
For a very soft consistency - like an ointment use ½ oz of beeswax

I would love to know how these remedies work for you and any of your own.

86 Year Old Gymnast - Amazing

Wow, maybe my life long dream of being a professional gymnast is still possible!

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/86-old-steals-show-top-gymnastics-event-122103910.html

Makes Perfect Sense!

Image via http://www.certaintype.co.uk

Chicken Pox - Natural Remedies

Chickenpox is doing the rounds again, one of my clients little girls has it and popped a comment on Facebook asking for advice, which lit the fire for this post!

Image via http://babesabouttown.com

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It is highly contagious and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, part of the herpes family. It can be very uncomfortable and can vary in its severity. A child or adult can catch chickenpox, which develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that erupt and form a crust.

It can be a severe illness, but in Chinese medicine is it seen as eventually bringing benefits to the child, in relation to the process of growing up and expelling poisons from the body - Extract from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD 

Baths 
Baths are very soothing and should be with luke warm water. For best results, soak for about 15 minutes. Be careful to gently pat the skin dry to avoid lifting the scabs - ouch!

Hee hee this cool bumble bee bath would cheer any poorly kid up!
Image via http://theluxhome.com

Oatmeal Bath
Give them a Cleopatra style milky bath - take a few handfuls of porridge oats* (rolled oats not the likes of Oats So Simple!) into a sock or muslin cloth and tie. Pop it in when you start running the bath. Oats are soothing, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial. Squeeze it over the body when the bath is ready, you will get a lovely thick milky liquid. You can also add a few tablespoons of healing bicarbonate of soda to the running bath.
* Not to be used for anyone with sensitivity to gluten

Image via http://naturelivings.blogspot.co.uk

Tea Bag Baths!
Pop 2 to 3 tea bags into a running bath:
Chamomile - soothes the skin
Nettle tea - helps relieve itchy skin
Peppermint - calms and cools the skin
Or make a cup of the tea, keep covered and use throughout the day to bathe the affected areas with a cotton pad or muslin.

Image via http://www.soapdelinews.com

The above remedies are also great for soothing eczema, psoriasis, prickly heat and sunburn.

Aromatherapy
Add 5 drops of both healing Lavender and anti inflammatory Chamomile German to 100ml of Calamine lotion or cream. Shake/stir well before use.
(Always do a patch test first, on the inner elbow to check there are no sensitivities)

Image via http://www.nightingalehealth.co.uk

Alternative Therapies
My family and I have found Bach Flower Remedies, Homoeopathy and Acupuncture extremely helpful for all sorts of illnesses and it's reassuring to know there are other options than the conventional drug route.


Bach Flower Remedies
Chicory, Hornbeam or Cherry Plum may help relieve irritation. For more information on remedies visit Bach Original Flower Remedies.

Image via http://www.joanneburrell.com/blog/

Homoeopathic Remedies
This Homoeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox article from Dana Ullman, M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health, U.C. Berkeley) has some great remedy suggestions. Dana is widely recognized as the foremost spokesperson for homoeopathic medicine in the U.S, author of 10 books and has a regular column at the The Huffington Post internet newspaper.

You can buy Homoeopathic and Bach Flower remedies from Holland and Barrett, Boots and other good health shops or online at Helios. Helios has a fantastic telephone service where you can speak to a qualified Homeopath for free advice. I am never without our Helios Nursery Kit or Basics Kit and I used their amazing Child Birth kit during and after having our son.

You can book in for a thorough consultation with a registered Homoeopath to achieve the best results. To find one near you, click here.

Here are some tips from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD. Julian is an experienced practitioner of natural medicines, specialising in herbal remedies and acupuncture. We were given this book as a gift from our family Acupuncturist Ferris Jerjis when our son was born and it has become invaluable to us:

1. During the feverish stage, keep your child quiet, preferably in bed.
2. Cotton gloves tied on the hands will help prevent a baby or young child from scratching the skin.
3. Cotton garments worn next to the skin are the most comfortable. (I still remember insisting on trying my new denim skirt with elasticated waist band and have the scar to prove it!)
4. When temperature starts to fall, start off with simple foods including cereal and porridge* as the digestive system will be weak.

Ahhhh soon your child will be back to this peaceful state of bliss... well I can't guarantee the peaceful bit lol!
Image http://www.sheknows.com/

As with all illness it is very important to drink lots of fluids particularly water, to flush the toxins away from the body. Regular drinks of calming Chamomile tea will soothe from the inside and help soothe the digestive system too (if necessary you can sweeten with a little honey it if your child is over 1 year).

Image via http://karenjeffery-acupuncture.com

I do hope this post helps anyone you know get relief from their pesky Chicken Pox. xx

Homemade Beauty Rituals - Avocados; don't just eat them!

Avocado is actually a fruit as it has a seed. It is one of the best beautifying ingredients Mother Nature has given us; feeding the skin from inside and out. It has unbelievable benefits containing everything we need to keep our skin cells healthy and smooth and helps the skin cells regenerate. It is jam packed with Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), B Vitamins (maintains healthy skin), Vitamin E (antioxidant), Beta Carotene (anti-ageing), Potassium (helps the growth of new skin cells) and the pulp nearest to the skin holds the most vitamins.

Image via http://www.garnier.ca

It contains rich oil which penetrates deeply into the epidermis. It is one of the best oils for soothing dry or dehydrated skins - look for darker oils as they have gone through the least processing. Studies have shown avocado oil increases collagen in the skin significantly, helping our skin stay younger for longer - I'm hooked!

Here's an interesting fact via http://www.takeourword.com

The word avocado comes from the Spanish word aguacate, which in turn is derived from the Aztec word ahuacatl which meant "testicle"... Nice!

Image via http://www.el3mentsofwellness.com

It is also fantastic for relieving the dryness and itching of psoriasis, eczema and is great for nourishing and softening mature, dry, dehydrated or sun damaged skin. All that in a big green testicle - who'd have thought it hey?!

Here are some ideas for including Avocado in your beauty rituals at home:

Amazing and Cheap Body Exfoliator 
Rub the inside of the avocado skin all over your body to remove the dead skin cells. Do this just before you take a shower, otherwise you'll look like The Incredible Hulk! Your body will be left feeling super smooth!

Image via http://hairtreatment2011.com

Nourishing and Smoothing Avocado and Honey Face Mask
1. Mash up half an avocado
2. Add 2 teaspoons of honey*, mix well.
3. Spread over your face, neck and decollate (chest area).
4. Lie back, relax and leave for 15-20 minutes.
5. Why not pop a couple of slices from the other half under your eyes - great for reducing puffiness (lie still mind!)
6. Result - a face as smooth as a baby's bot!
*Honey is soothing and also a mild antiseptic so pesky bacterium can't survive in it!
If you are allergic to honey, just leave it out.

Arghh childhood nightmares coming back!!

Image via http://scifimafia.com 

Here are some great tips from Super Food Profiles on the benefits of Avocado Oil for Eczema and Psoriasis sufferers: Treating Eczema With Avocado Oil and Psoriasis, Avocado Oil and Fish Oil – A Topical Treatment.

Hope you enjoyed this post. Would love to know what you think and if you try any of the recipes xxx

LOL This About Sums It Up

Amazing Essential Oils - Not Just a Pretty Smell

I trained in Aromatherapy massage with pre-blended oils; this included studying the benefits and uses of many amazing essential oils. I was very lucky to have an amazing lecturer, who thrived on taking us that step further; encouraging us to blend our own products at home and telling us fascinating stories of her time working in Health Spas in France.

I will never forget her and feel very fortunate to have had such a passionate and enthusiastic mentor. She inspired me and gave me the confidence to delve deeper into nature's powerful and medicinal essential oils. Now they are a part of my family's daily skincare, body care, health and even cleaning, I just can't get enough of them, I love mixing up potions and lotions and always have my books to hand when anyone has health or emotional concerns. I have also been lucky enough to train with Decleor, Aromatherapy Associates and Eve Taylor.

Here's the science bit! Essential oils are not actually oil; they are a concentrated liquid/essence which comes from plants, flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds and barks. The oil is extracted through a process of either steam distillation, maceration (soaked in vegetable oil, heated and strained) or cold pressing.

Distillation Apparatus

They are the life force of the plant and are incredibly versatile. Each oil has array of benefits, healing properties and uses and best of all they are natural! The therapeutic effects have been recognised for over 5,000 years. Egyptians embalmed their dead with aromatic essences using frankincense, myrrh and cedar wood to embalm and galbanum, cinnamon and clove to mummify. The Greeks used essences as perfumes, to cure illnesses and for massage.

I love this story:  In the early 20th Century a French Chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was working in his lab when he burnt himself badly with a Bunsen burner. He plunged his hand into the nearest thing to hand - a vat of lavender oil and discovered how quickly the burn healed, leaving no scar or subsequent infection. WOW! After this he did a lot more research into essential oils and published his first book on aromatherapy in 1928.

Most essential oils are antiseptics and bactericides meaning they inhibit the growth of bacteria. They have affinities with different organs of the body, are absorbed into the bloodstream, are mood enhancing and have many beauty and well being uses including stimulating or toning, healing or decongesting, relaxing or soothing.

I will be doing lots of posts with recipes for Homemade Beauty and Homemaking Rituals and many of these will include this powerful and natural beauties!

If you would like to learn more about essential oils here are some great books:
The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood - a classic and my favourite
New Vital Oils by Liz Earle

Or even better take a course - you'll love it! And involve your family too, my son loves making products and they make a gorgeous, personalised gift.

Image via http://littleyoyostyles.blogspot.com/

Some great essential oil companies:
Eve Taylor
Neal's Yard Remedies
Phyto Essential Oils - formerly Phytobotanica - a mass of oils, base products, lotions and potions and much more to buy - I love this place and find it so relaxing.

Phyto Essential Oils in Ormskirk, Lancashire 

PLEASE ALWAYS take note of the contraindications (condition or factor in which the use of a particular product or treatment is not advised) of the various oils. Always do the patch test before applying the oils to detect the reaction of your skin. For use on pregnant women (or trying), babies & children, or if you have any medical condition, please refer to a qualified Aromatherapist first.