Botanica Health Blog

Why I Will Never Consume Diet Soda

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….. but occasionally enjoy a ‘full fat’ coke.   A chance conversation with a lady struggling to sleep lead me to this blog. When she informed me her evening beverage of  choice was Coke Zero I wondered could this be the issue? Much has been written about artificial sweeteners and the associated health issues and … Continued

The Happiness We Make By Sharing

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What really is the meaning and meaningfulness of life? Are we here to be served or to provide service to others? Just recently I met a friend who has been absent from work for some months after a serious illness. I paid for our 2 cups of coffee and as we got up to leave … Continued

The Healing Power of a Cat Purr

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Healing by Association “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Charles Dickens, Great Expectation   We visit pet shops and animal sanctuaries, watch Lonely Planet and veterinary programmes because there is just something about animals. They soothe and comfort, demand little and offer unconditional love. Growing up we had a varied collection … Continued

Magnesium is a Miracle Drug

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‘When someone dies in front of you it can be a little unsettling. Thankfully, sometimes, all they need is a little extra magnesium.’ Magnesium is a Miracle Drug is a guest post by Dr Dan Keown, an A&E doctor with a degree in Chinese Medicine and acupuncture and author of the best selling book The … Continued

Hold 2017 in the palm of your hand

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3 easy ways to improve your health in 2017   Every day, without any thought, the average person breathes in and out about 25,000 times. We are not conscious of this fact and yet science shows us that conscious deep breathing can boost immunity, ward off depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure and even help … Continued

Reflections of 2016

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“Dear old world’ she murmered, ‘you are very lovely and I am glad to be alive in you.” -L.M.Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables. Before we go headlong in to another year it is always good to reflect. We might already have ‘New Year Resolutions’, but surely we must look back a little to go forward. … Continued

Healing Turmeric Golden Paste Recipe

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HEALING GOLDEN TURMERIC PASTE Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to tropical South Asia. How to make and use this this highly bio-available golden turmeric paste   The Recipe 1/2 a cup turmeric powder 1/3 a cup of coconut oil 1 – 2 … Continued

Garlic, chilli and ginger special

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Let every meal be a medical prescription This is one of my favourite rapid recipes. I love it on oatcakes with cheese, added to omelettes, spread over hot cheese and toast and I do have friends who love it on the side of their roast dinner! It has numerous uses and health benefits and can … Continued