Healing chicken soup, often known as ‘Jewish Penicillin’, has a long held tradition as a ‘cure’ for colds and flu and while this may seem like an old wives tale, there is some science behind this. A study in 2000 found that consuming chicken soup could help reduce upper respiratory inflammation in turn helping you … Continued
As a child I was given a Yarrow infusion if I had a fever, a very bitter herb which would encourage profuse sweating. And so I grew up accustomed to these unusual flavours and knew the benefits they could bring. Consuming bitter foods and herbs is a long held tradition in many cultures around the … Continued
According to a team of researchers at Kings College London around 1 in 7 people with symptomatic COVID-19 could be ill for at least 4 weeks, 1 in 20 for 8 weeks and 1 in 45 for 12 weeks or more. Termed ‘Long COVID’, how can we determine if we are susceptible and what can … Continued
~ “it will comfort the heart and drive away melancholy” ~ Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a spring time herb known for its fresh lemon scent. During the growing season a freshly scented tea can be made to soothe and calm the senses. It is the perfect herb for a nervous disposition or where … Continued
As we enter the autumn, we would do well to safeguard our immunity. It is astonishing that virtually nothing is said in the media about our first line of defence, our awesome immune system. Why is this? Surely it cannot be ignorance or is there a deeper agenda? Whatever the answer, we must personally take … Continued
The arrival of the Rosehip (Rosa canina) is a sign that Autumn is truly here. Also known as Dog rose or Wild rose, the common Rosehip is an oval shaped berry, bright red and covered with small hairs. When it is cut in half you will find it full of small hard seeds. During World … Continued
There is nothing more soothing than a warm fragrant bath in a dimly lit room. I remember feeling soothed by the lavender bags as I opened my grandmother’s chest of drawers as a child. It was a comfort somehow and I would pick them up and inhale deeply. There is growing evidence that the aroma … Continued
“Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” Arthur Somers Roche During times of uncertainty levels of anxiety and depression can increase. Thoughts can become overwhelmingly troubled and negative. Black and white thinking is common and you can … Continued
According to Ed Yong in his best-selling book, I contain multitudes: ‘All of us are constantly seeding the world with our microbes every time we touch an object, we leave a microbial imprint upon it. Every time we walk, talk, scratch, shuffle, or sneeze, we cast a personalised cloud of microbes into space. Every person … Continued
Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food usually served in a wrap. A very easy recipe to whip up with minimal ingredients. Highly nutritious and rich in fibre and plant protein. Ingredients 1 tin or carton of organic chickpeas drained (380g drained) 1 small red onion roughly chopped 2 cloves of garlic roughly chopped 1 … Continued
