Winter infection prevention: Easy and practical recommendations - Part 2

     III.      Strengthen defenses:

Oligotherapy

Oligo-elements are naturally part of our body; they reset the deficient functions of the body.

Oligotherapy is A BIOLOGIC INTEGRATED THERAPY. It is an ionised form which goes immediately into the blood.

The other therapies are therapy of substitution.

The micro-nutrients for the immune system are copper-gold-silver. In Switzerland, the laboratory Bioligo condensed these micro-nutrients in a preparation called le pere Michel syrup also called preparation No 20: it is an excellent synergy: for prevention, convalescence, reinforcing the terrain: Copper-Gold-Silver-zinc-Manganese-Magnesium + Essential Oils: cajuput, eucalyptus, niaouli, thyme, + propolis.
This formula is for all ages.1 DOSE/DAY for adults for 1 Month and you will be fine during the winter (1/2 dose for the children). You can take this formula throughout the winter; it will boost and strengthen your immunity for the whole year. Also should be in preparation for an operation.

Fatigue, chilling, and flue causes lack of energy, if you are already fighting something, you have a diminution of the auto defenses, or when cold is coming Bioligo preparation No14 is a powerful anti-infection and will stimulate the immune system rapidly (Copper-Gold-Silver-Manganese-zinc-Magnesium + Sage)

 *For Children and diabetics: bonbon du pere Michel: without sugar

Here is another preventive immune booster:

Ecchinacea tincture+ Acerola 500mg + magnesium. Ecchinacea will be for only 2 weeks; but you may carry on with acerola vit C. If you are fighting an infection you can take also propolis.

To boost the mood, the mental and physical energy: Eleutherococus, ginseng panax, spiruline, guarana, maca, shiitake, Plasma of Quinton are also amazing to help us with the season transition.
The adapted formula and doses will be recommended when consulting and according to your health and conditions to get the most efficient prevention.

Secondly, Grapefruit seed extract: (CitroBiotic - Organic Grapefruit Seed Extract) is really reliable, doesn’t contain pesticides and no additive: 5 drops 1 times a day (at any time of day), 10 drops for adults.

Natural "antibiotic" (without side effects) and antiviral, preventive and curative (in this case increase the dose); it supports effectively the immune system. It is a great protection against stomach bugs.

We should occasionally o to take it, for example on weekends, to avoid accustoming the body.
Beware, the extract of Grapefruit seed is unsafe if you take blood thinning medication, or if you will soon undergo surgery.

Thirdly: Draining, detoxifying, antioxidant and protecting action: Your liver needs to be efficient if you want to have a strong immune system. The Liver constantly filters blood: 1.5 liter per min.

Liver evacuates all the toxic substances, kills microbes and viruses, and neutralizes their toxins. It deactivates and gets rid of all the toxic substances we absorb: additives, synthetic vitamins, dangerous minerals, toxic medication, drugs, alcohol…

Winter is not the best time to do a real detox but you still can help to reboot the liver function: Many plants such as Dandelion, artichoke, black radish, boldo, milk thistle, peppermint, fumetery, burdock, fennel… can be used alone or combined to gently cleanse and reboot your liver, intestinal and kidney functions during the winter.
A champion remedy for the liver are olive oils: cold pressed only: For 10 to 15 days every morning before food: 1 to 2 tablespoon with a few drops of lemon to help the digestion.

  v.      Aromatherapy for the winter

RAVINTSARA and Niaouli essential oils:

Among its properties, the RAVINTSARA is probably the most powerful natural antiviral; it helps to increase the immune defenses. Also anti catarrhal, expectorant, it clears up the respiratory tract. Therefore, this is an indispensable essential oil for this winter.
Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia, cinolifera). Niaouli is a powerful sanitiser with powerful antibacterial and antiviral action, and is indicated for respiratory infections such as bronchitis, cold, sinusitis and pharyngitis
Apply externally, locally on the wrist, on the chest and under your feet: 6-8 drops morning and evening for an adult.
Ravintsara is compatible with Skin. Niaouli is fine but you can mix it with a virgin oil of your choice as st John, almond…you can also use them in inhalation or diffuse them in the atmosphere. They can be used for preventative purposes, to protect and to treat.

Do not exceed 10 days of application

Caution Ravintsare and Ravensara Aromatica essential oils have long been confused even by aromathérapeutes. The "Ravensara Aromatica"has different properties

Cinnamomum camphora chemothypet. Cineol.

The quality of the EO is very important
Finally, take one or two handful of goji Berry for snacks per day. This is one of the richest in vitamin C fruit (even more than acerola), which also contains flavonoids which increase its efficiency. Choose ones without sugar and additives.

acerola contains 20 à 30 x more vitamin C than an orange ; Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) (30-40x), Goji 400 x vitamin C than an orange. 

Finally: what is the greatest enemy of your immunity? Is it a nasty virus? Malicious bacteria?
No, sugar is the greatest enemy! Its consumption almost instantly decreases the rate of white blood cells, it disarms the immune system, which is then powerless to invasion of viruses and bacteria, which are just happy to settle on a terrain which is favourable to their multiplication!

Here is the dark side of white sugar: for instance: in a normal condition: 1 white blood cell (leukocyte) neutralise 14 bacteria

After a banana split + one biscuit: 1 white blood cell neutralise ½ bacteria, it is almost inactive.

Think about it when you are tired or ill, you won’t’ help your immune system with a muffin, a sweet yogurt, a sweet for the throat....

The worst is white sugar and its derivatives. The refining process destroys the enzymatic complexes, vitamins from the B group (which are indispensable for the good assimilation of sugar and for the immune system), minerals and oligo elements such as chromium

So I recommend moderation with Christmas chocolates which are already on the supermarket shelves

Book your consultation for a personalised prevention or treatment plan to restore your immune system for the winter: 01428 641560 or 0790 8605969

copyright © 2011 Florence McVeigh

Winter infection prevention: Easy and practical recommendations - Part 1

Light and temperature variation, stress of work or school and awareness that we are in the winter, plays an important role in our health. Suddenly our immune defenses may weaken and we already report ENT (ears, nose and throat) problems. Strengthening our immune defenses can prepare us to fight any flu, cold and bacterial attack. We will see all the aspects in naturopathy:

Winter infection prevention: Easy and practical recommendations

As well as basic hygienic measures such as frequent washing of hands, we certainly can do something to boost immunity for ourselves and our children and to help defend against infection. So I will tell you how to help with Food, exercises, strengthen defenses with natural supplements and herbal therapy, with aromatherapy for the winter; and how to tackle one of your worst enemies.

       I.      Food:

1^ST: Diet is important, we should not forget that it is the first factor which is polluting and burdening the body.

So it is important to adopt a hypo-toxic diet and nutrition rich in antioxidant such as having raw food at the beginning or during every meal, I mean salads, and have lots of fresh vegetables and fruits (fruits at breakfast and outside of the meals). But I should add that we should follow the energy of the season, as Chinese medicine recommends, and eat mainly the fruits and vegetables of the season. There are good reasons for it.

Adding fresh ginger and raw onion in dishes will boost the immune defenses.

Ginger: is an excellent tonic, warming, stimulating and efficient against fatigue. Protector of the liver and improves digestion

Onion: general stimulant particularly for the nervous system, liver, kidney functions, powerful diuretic, will help the elimination of urea and chloride: anti rheumatism, antiseptic, anti-infection (as an antibiotic effect, with staphylococcus), expectorant…

2^nd step: Hydration – Drinking water is extremely essential and the choice of water crucial: we must drink the least mineralized water which allows the kidneys to function well.

Thirdly, one of the secrets of body protection:

Essential Fatty Acids= OMEGA 3 ET OMEGA 6 (EFA of vit F) : ): 

It has an anti-inflammatory action, makes us less resistant to insulin, stimulates the metabolism, slows the speed with which the stomach empties (prevents nibbling between meals), it also makes assimilation of carbohydrates slower and more efficient. They are important for our nervous system and our brain, joints, intestinal system, immune system, the mood and the cardiovascular system…

Where to find good omegas:

Extra Virgin and cold pressed oils. Avoid the oils which are not cold pressed; they are acting as saturated fat in the body. They are pro-inflammatory. Eliminate margarines which are made with refined and hydrogenated oils, these are Trans fat, this is not food.

Walnut oil has the best ratio of Omega 3 and 6 ratios (must be used cold only). We should use different oils and some are to be used cold only and others can be used for cooking. An adult needs two table spoons of cold pressed oil per day.

▲ Note that palm oil is a very saturated oil.

Eat oily fish: 2 to3 times per week:

Oily fish: mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon, white tuna, cod

Nuts and seeds; excellent sources of omega 6 and a rich source of minerals such as zinc and Selenium:

Flaxseed/linseed: have at least 1 full table spoon per day of grounded seeds. Nuts and seeds balance hunger, great for mood, help with sleeping problems; and boost the good cholesterol.

Chew well: Nuts and seeds (Particularly seeds) to extract the oils (essential fatty acids), vitamins and minerals, as our digestive enzyme can not break the seeds walls and they will pass through our digestive system without assimilation.

Note: Brussels sprouts and cauliflower also contain omega-3.

I advise taking Omega 3 supplements from: salmon, wild fish or krill: 1000mg per day, according to need.

    II.      Physical exercise:

Exercise is important in every day life. However you should never go beyond your ability (especially if re-starting a sport, which you didn’t do for a while) because not exercising is harmful, but exceeding your capacity may be worst.

To improve Immunity we need oxygenation: Green exercise is the best: by this I mean outdoor exercise such as walking from 20 - 45 min per day.

Deep breathing exercises is a must do

Yoga – Pilate- Tai-Chi- Qui gong

Part 2 will approach how  to Strengthen defenses using Oligotherapy (Element-trace therapy) and herbal therapy, having a fully efficient liver,   Aromatherapy for the winter, vitamin supplements and warnings.

copyright © 2011 Florence McVeigh

Season affective disorder or winter blues

Season affective trouble or winter blues; affect 100 thousand people each year. Symptoms are often moodiness, anxiety, and lethargy, difficulty to sleep, decreased libido and increased appetite. As we know at the moment, this trouble affects more women than men; and concerns more the Nordic population than the one leaving in the south, which is an easy deduction.

And before being totally demotivated winter blues can be treated with luminotherapy, exercise, meditation,aromatherapy and eventually some well selected supplements; and there are some nutritional advice which will have a positive impact on the prevention of stress and depression.

Luminotherapy = light therapy:  level of light radiating from the sun drops from 50 000 lux in the summer, to just 500 lux in the winter, which is not enough to keep our bodies working in the same way.

The lack of light has a direct impact on the mood, so go out to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural light as much as possible. If needed, you can use the luminotherapy light every morning. We can find easily these special lamps designed to reproduce the sun light. In 20minutes we can get a beneficial dose of artificial sun which will activate the serotonin production, a hormone which helps to be in a very positive frame of mind.

Do some exercise: for sure the best natural antidepressant, which avoids low moral, and as efficient as the chemical antidepressant is sport. Walk, jogging, swim, tai-chi, qi gong… A daily training of 30 minutes 3 times a week or per day, and should be maintained! Exercise increases the production of serotonin.

Meditation:

Practice of meditation lower the stress level, we all know it. Chose the technique using the focalisation, as concentrating on a mental image, a sound or a word; or a more active from of meditation such as tai-chi. Whatever the technique, the wanted result consists to decrease stress, which will release the emotional burden of the person affected by winter blues.

Nutrition:

I meet lots of people who are deficient in serotonin. We need to know that women who follow a restrictive diet are often deficient in triptophan; which explain the rebound effect of this type of diet: we start to lose weight but the kilos come back over the repetitive diets and more comes in addition!

Add to your daily menus the food which promote the good function of the brain by acting on the neurotransmitters called dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin who are the messengers of the nervous system; they are the regulator of the mood and behaviour. A deficiency in one of these will promote an immediate sensibility to stress.

Here is an adapted nutrition to remedy to a lack of serotonin:

¯     Eat food rich in triptophan: eggs, turkey, soy, almonds, dates, nuts…

¯     Chose snacks which will stimulate secretion of serotonin: a banana and 2 pieces of black chocolate

¯     Every day eat food rich in omega 3 and vitamin B which will increase the production of serotonin, eat oily fish 4 time week: sardine, hearing, salmon mackerel , use extra virgin oils and cold pressed oils: rapeseed, sunflower, olive.

¯     Omega 3 has an anti-inflammatory action and is an anti ageing of the brain.

Booster Food:
Leguminous such as: Lentils, dried beans, chickpeas, etc. are an excellent source of low GI (Glycemic index), because the brain is a big consumer of carbs.
- Whole grain cereals (as rice, bread…): like the leguminous, the wholemeal/wholegrain cereals have a low GI, a way to avoid drowsiness and the temptation of nibble between meals. They are rich in vitamins B, which are the vitamin of the well-being and participate to the synthesis of the neurotransmitters
- Wheat germ: wheat germ flakes are rich in vitamin B, magnesium, phosphorus…sprinkle it generously on your salads, soup, yogurt…
- Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, nuts: oleaginous are a very good source of magnesium, the trace element which is literally leaking from our body in situation of stress.
 - Corn salad, broccoli, spinach, lettuce… all green leaf vegetables are riche in vitamin B, but also in calcium and magnesium; eat them fresh and raw as possible.

Aromatherapy: the essential oils to rescue you!

Essential oil of Bergamot (citrus bergamia): will help to recover your self confidence and smile, it can give a boost to move on and to be proactive.

Keep the bottle in your bag and breath in as often as you need; or put a drop on your wrist or on the solar plexus.

Essential oil of Niaouli (melaleuca quiquinervia): if you spend lots of time in front of your computer, which is a big energetic vacuum, put 2 drops of niaouli on your wrist, you will be protected and your mental energy will be boosted.

Supplements: to add on the previous techniques, we can use supplements and herbal therapy. An adapted supply in vitamin D can be useful. Vitamins B help with stress and a B complex supplement containing selenium, chromium as well as folic acid will have a great effect.

Some Herbal therapy and supplements can be great to get over the lack of energy such as red ginseng, eleutherocoque, spiruline, camu-camu, shi-ta-ké, kola, acerola, rose hips, alfalfa, lapacho, nettle, sage, thyme, ginger, brewer yeast. The appropriate supplement and herbal therapy should always been recommended by a qualified therapist or practitioner; never take it off the shelve.

If you trouble persist, you must consult you GP and Natural practitioner to get the best treatment to make sure that you can get through the rest of the winter with optimum well-being.

Book your consultation: 07908 605969 or email: fmcveigh.sunnylife@googlemail.com

copyright © 2011 Florence McVeigh 

Travel sickness: Natural solutions to anticipate and fight it

• Herbal therapy
• Aromatherapy

Plants for Travel Sickness

Ginger: Zingiger Officinale

Ginger is the most efficient anti-nausea and anti-sickness plant. The 6-gingerol as well as other compounds is responsible for the antiemetic action by fixing its central receptor 5HT3.Completed by its action of suppressing the gastric contraction. This plant can be used fresh or dried and is also recommended to suppress nausea induced by chemotherapy or post surgery situation.

For transport sickness: 2 to 5g of fresh ginger or 500mg of dried ginger (powder) in capsules to take ½ to 1 hour before the departure, renew every 4 hours, but do not excess 2 to 3g per day

Counter indication: gall-stones

Lemon balm (Melisse):

Lemon Balm Water Organic smooth jet lag, transport sickness and stress. Pour in a little water or few drops in an herbal tea (mint, green tea or chamomile for instance).

Or Lemon balm capsules: 2 capsule (200mg each) 2 to 3 hours before departure (to renew 6 to 8 hours later, in case of long travel, jet lag or stress)

Herbal tea: Put one tea bag of (each) peppermint, sage and lemon balm in a tea pot and let to brew 5 minutes. You can also use dry sage and lemon balm to add on to a tea pot with the peppermint tea bag (5g of plat for a cup).

      

* For children Under 6 years old: Lemon balm water can be use alone in a little water or on a piece of unrefined cane sugar. Herbal tea of Lemon balm can be combined with verbena, chamomile, or fennel herb tea; or alone. (For infant, seek advice).

Aromatherapy to defeat Transport Sickness

     

Preparation :

Essential oil of Basil tropical: 1 ml

Essential oil of Mandarin of Orange (sweet) (Citrus sinensis): 2 ml

Essential oil of Peppermint : 2 ml

3 drops of this blend on a small piece of cane sugar, let dissolve in the mouth or in a teaspoon of olive oil. Renew if necessary.

*This is not recommended for children below 12 years old, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers.

Peperminth (mentha x piperita) essential oil: 1 drop on a piece of unrefined cane sugar or a teaspoon of olive oil. Renew if necessary.

*Not for children under 6 year old and breast feeding mothers.

In prevention before traveling: Tarragon essential oil (Artemisia dracunculus): 1 drop on a piece of unrefined cane sugar and let it melting in the mouth; and 2 to 3 drops on the plexus solar.

Beautiful skin and anti-ageing mask with Honey

For thousand years, honey has been used not only just as a sweetener but essentially for its aniseptique properties and healing the skin. It is renowned for healing skin scares and wounds and accelerating the healing of burn.

 Honey has different actions for the skin: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and powerful tissue growth activator.

 Try it on a burn, it is surprising: start by putting the burnt area under fresh water for few minutes, dry it gently, and directly put a thick layer of honey, it will melt  and will only leave  few droplets of honey on the surface of the skin. The Pain will be extensively reduced. The healing will be activated and the skin will be quickly regenerated, the burn mark will disappear rapidly and without pain.

 Same with sunburn, wound; honey have the capacity of disinfecting and cleanse the wound, while activating the healing.
Honey contains anti-oxidant which gives its anti-ageing qualities, it works at the skin level, but also deeply as it captures the molecules of water; and so nourishes and re-hydrate. It is particularly recommended for dry or irritated skins.

That is why honey is a precious ingredient of the homemade beauty recipes: Nourishing and nurturing, beautifying, anti-ageing, smoothing, hydrating, honey is all of those!

Pamper your skin with this homemade Anti-wrinkle and hydrating mask with a synergy of essential oil and honey:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon of crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon of accacia honey (*)
• 3 drops of either of these essential oils: geranium (Perlargonium graveolens), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), rosewood (Aniba rosaeaodora); or a drop of each (**)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until the texture is smooth.
Apply on the face and neck and leave for 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse with rose water (hydrolat) or fresh water

Essential oil of Geranium is astringent, firming, rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle

Essential oil of Palmarosa is firming and anti-wrinkle

Essential oil of Rosewood is regenerating and anti-wrinkle

 

Simpler recipe: just apply the honey directly on the skin and leave it for half an hour before rinsing it with clear water and/or rose water. Instant beauty effect!

* The quality of the honey is crucial; make sure that it is pure and preferably organic

** Make sure that the essential oil genotype is mentioned, chose quality essential oil as there are lots of impure essential oils on the market (even when mentioned pure on the packaging). Good brands are Neal’s Yeard, Eve Taylor, essential oils on Santi-shop.co.uk….

copyright © 2011 Florence McVeigh

Summer Natural hydration: Make your own herbal tea cocktail to hydrate your body naturally, refresh, and stay slim and serene!

Pleasant colour, fresh mint aroma, fruity and aromatic plants: a good refreshing everyday drink for the summer and your wellbeing.

Put one bag of organic mint tea with a bag of rose hip tea and one bag of Sencha green tea (you can add one bag of hibiscus tea if you can find some at your local health shop) in a jar or bottle with 1 litre of fresh filtered water. Let it brew for 4 to 5 minutes minimum. You can stir or shake very gently to help the plant to ‘express‘their aroma.

You can eventually add 3 to 4 ice cubs.

If you want a stronger tea, let brew the bags in hot water; then let it cooling down.

And drink it fresh (but never too cold).

Three glasses per day bring about a third of your need in water, indispensable for the balance of your body.

Think of sharing this pleasant hydrating drink with older people and children!

Simple hygiene measures to be protected from Escherichia coli

This killer bacteria is part of the Escherichia coli group and are particularity present in the digestive tract of bovines. They produce toxins which stop our cells to synthetise proteins. The bacteria responsible for the epidemic in Germany is a rare strain called Oype 104:H4.

Outside of the digestive tract of bovines, the bacteria spread via raw or underdone meat, raw unwashed fruits and vegetables, un-pasteurised dairy food, un-pasteurised apple juice and seafood. Contact with a contaminated person (improperly washed hands) is also a factor of propagation, particularly in public areas.

The incubation time is from 3 to 5 days. Symptoms are severe abdominal cramps, sudden diarrhea, often with blood. Other symptoms include vomiting occurs or a light fever. Serious complications such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic and uremic syndrome can occur.  

9 essential hygiene measures to be protected from Escherichia coli

• Cook meat thoroughly, particularly minced beef. Seafood should also be well cooked.
• Avoid unpasteurised milk and foods which contain it. Choose hard cheese such as cheddar, emmental, etc, and pasteurised cheese,
• Wash fruits and vegetables in fresh water and add some vinegar to eradicate the bacteria. You can also peel them.
• Wrap and separate the raw food from the ready to eat or prepared food. Do not store the prepared for long.
• Wash kitchenware thoroughly which has been in contact with raw food.
• Carefully clean work surfaces before using again.
• Wash your hands before eating and when leaving the toilet.
• In case of diarrhea, what ever the cause, avoid swimming pools and other public bathing areas, or preparing food for others.
• Do not drink unfiltered or untreated water from springs, etc; and avoid swallowing water when bathing in lakes, ponds, etc.

To avoid risks of epidemic

• Eat lots of food for the immune system such as oily fish, food rich in Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrot, butternut squash; green leaf vegetables….
• Vitamin C - you can take more than the RDI with this vitamin. Ascorbic acid reduces by half the virulence of the E.coli bacterias (shingatoxines).
• Take probiotics, to regenerate the intestinal flora, which is one of our principal protective barriers, as it will neutralize the dangerous germs such as E.coli. Note that the probiotic doesn’t settle in the intestinal flora, so we need to take probiotic regularly; and also eat plain yogurt, cheeses, sauerkraut, fermented milks, brewer’s yeast...

If you have any questions regarding your digestive system or want to book a consultation, please contact me by phone: 07908 605969 or email: fmcveigh.sunnylife@googlemail.com

copyright © 2011 Florence McVeigh