Napiers Cypress Essential Oil appears in the April 2010 issue of Sportsister Magazine. 

Herbal Health and Body Care for Men

One of the principle health related issues facing many men is their reluctance to talk about their problems. Men are less likely than women to seek help for problems such as depression, stressful life events, and even lingering health problems that can sometimes be a warning sign of something more serious.  I see this from my own experience in my clinic.  Only 1 in 7 of the patients I see are male, and often they have been persuaded to come in by their wife or partner. In this newsletter

I want to share some of the recommendations I do make on a regular basis to the men attending my clinic.

You may find this useful and interesting to read for yourself or to pass on to a friend or partner.

Herb and plant remedies have been used for thousands of years to support men’s health. In the past they would have been used to increase ‘vitality’, increase ‘potency’ and to ward off the winter ailments. Herbs were even used to treat wounds and heal bones. Plants medicine was used for both physical and the emotional healing.

Many of the men’s health problems I see in clinic originate in the emotional spectrum and then develop into the physical.

One of the big underlying issues is stress. Stress is part of many people’s daily lives and this is especially true in our modern fast pace of life and with the stresses caused by the economic downturn. Short-term stress can be useful in achieving goals and overcoming challenges but long term and prolonged stress can be damaging to your health.  It challenges your immune system leaving you prone to colds, flu and allergies but also is implicated in more serious health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, mental illness, stroke and adrenal gland exhaustion. There are however many ways to minimise the negative effects of stress, using a combination of diet, herbal medicine, relaxation and exercise and I have outlined this in my free stress management leaflet.

A balanced, nutritious diet based on wholegrains, fresh fruits, vegetables and good quality protein is very important. Many people find it is helpful to avoid too many stimulants such as tea, coffee and sugar as these can lead to irritability and insomnia. Try drinking herbal teas instead, there are many new brands and flavours on the market now.  I regularly recommend my clients to make sure they include oats in their diet.  Oats were used (especially in Scotland) both as a food (porridge) and as a medicine. Oats act as a tropho-restorative (meaning to restore back to the original state) to the nervous system and are also included in Duncan Napiers original Nerve Debility Tonic.  Today we now know this as Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound. Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Another side effect of stress can be sleepless nights. To help break the cycle of stress and sleep loss I recommend Passiflora (Passionflower). This is the traditional remedy to aid sleep and uplift mood and is the main ingredient of Sweet Dreams, which is my sleep mix formulation. It’s an easy to use formula and a great alternative to capsules and tablets.

Regular exercise is also a great way to control stress levels and keep blood pressure and cholesterol down. You don’t need to join an expensive gym – a brisk 30-minute walk everyday will improve your sense of wellbeing.  Swimming, yoga, stretching and cycling are all great ways of taking exercise.  It is important to take a break.  Get out of the house or office. Setting time for you to relax can also be a bit of a challenge.  But many of us do really need this time to charge our emotional batteries and it is equally important for men.  Go to see a film, read a book, and take a long relaxing herbal bath.

One of the big issues for men as they get older is prostate health.

Little symptoms such as difficultly stopping and starting the urine flow can indicate prostate problems. It is essential that anyone who has any of these symptoms, or any pain in this area should seek medical help. Often a simple painless examination can put ones mind at rest. A traditional remedy for the prostate and one, which is still recommended today, is Saw Palmetto. This is a available as Saw Palmetto Tincture and can also be effectively combined with Nettle Root Tincture, Research has shown that nettle root is beneficial in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement, particularly the early symptoms. If you have problems and your health care practitioner has decided to just keep an eye on the situation, Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root could help to maintain your prostate health. Managing prostate problems should only be under the advice of a practitioner.

Skin problems are a common reason for men to come into the clinic, often suffering from Eczema or Acne and very often Psoriasis.

All of theses problems are made worse stress.  Psoriasis for example is characterised by itchy, scaly pink patches commonly appearing on the elbows, knees, shins and scalp, and often appears after a stressful time.  Napiers Pokeroot ointment is specific for easing psoriasis and combines well with stress reducing herbs such as Napiers Skullcap, Oat and Passionflower. It is noticeable that when many of the stress management ideas above are adopted there is often an improvement in the condition of the skin. Due to the sensitivity of the skin in both eczema and psoriasis, it is a good idea to use only unperfumed soaps and a non-biological washing powder. Fabric conditioners should be avoided. Protect the skin from chemicals and detergent as much as possible.  In some cases of psoriasis, salt water as in sea swimming improves the condition of the skin. To help soothe some of the symptoms associated with psoriasis or dermatitis of the scalp I recommend using Napiers No2 Hair Lotion.  This can be used for psoriasis, allergy or just dryness. It contains calendula, which is both soothing and healing to irritated skin.

Many men experience thinning of the hair as a result of stress and advancing years.

My suggestion is try Napiers Eucalyptus Hair Tonic. This is a traditional hair tonic, known in the past as Eucalyptus Hair Restorer and can be used to reduce  dandruff and other dry, itchy scalp conditions. It also helps to stimulate circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Nettle and Sage have been used for centuries to enhance shine and to condition of ones hair. Nettle stimulates the scalp and encourages hair growth, while gentle plant based foaming agents and pure organic herb extracts to cleanse the hair and scalp. We have now combined these in our New Nettle and Sage Shampoo and Conditioners.

Herbs have been successfully used in the treatment of many health problems, including skin conditions, stress, high blood pressure, prostate problems and many more. Ideally, you should consult a qualified medical herbalist who can work out a specific prescription to suit your needs. Alternatively, we strongly recommend that you ask our Dispensary assistants for advice.

Wishing you the best of natural health

Dee

Napiers Lobelia Cough Syrup appears in the March issue of My Weekly.

Napiers Organic Grapefruit Detox Salt Scrub appears on the ‘Pamper Time’ pages in the March issue of Post Plus Magazine – the monthly supplement for the Sunday Post. A reader gave it a fantastic five star rating!

Napiers Detox Formula appears in the February 2010 issue of High Spirited Magazine.

We hope you find our newsletters informative & helpful.  This month Medical Herbalist Dee Atkinson MCPP, MNIMH is sharing her thoughts on how traditional herbal remedies can help support slimming and weight loss.

Herbal Help for Slimming and Weight Loss

I am not a big fan of quick fix weight loss programmes and the frenzy of activity that surrounds losing weight. However the sad fact is that many of us do gradually put on weight as we get older, and for many, those extra few pounds gained over Christmas do stick around for the rest of the year.

The key is not to switch to eating simply grapefruit and salads (especially when it’s snowing outside!), but to switch to a sensible healthy diet, which you are likely to enjoy and stick to. One which is rich in whole foods, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables cutting out the high fat and high sugar and processed foods. My FREE 10 Day Detox Leaflet gives a few sample tasty menu suggestions to help you on your way and also provides a gentle regime of herbs, diet, and exercise will help you break unhealthy habits and form healthy new ones that you can sustain throughout the year, bringing you optimum health, greater energy, clearer skin, balanced mood, and easier weight management.

To help your body’s cleansing process and assist weight loss I recommend a combination of Cleavers and Seagreens Organic Kelp . Cleavers traditionally used to help the body make the transition from winter to spring. It helps support the liver and elimination of waste and works well when combined with Kelp. Cleavers has the added benefit of being a mild diuretic and a skin purifier and sometimes used for the treatment of eczema and acne. Dandelion Root can also help your body detox as it has mild laxative properties and also can be used for skin conditions.

The food that we eat and the nutrients we absorb from our foods are vital for our health. Many foods are processed or sprayed with chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and this can have a long-term effect on our health. I often feel that this continual challenge to our immune system, can contribute to long-term health problems. Try to eat organic where possible. Many areas have good value Box Delivery Schemes – this means you are eating locally as well as organic. If you can, make meals from scratch and avoid processed food. Cook a few extra portions and freeze them for another day. Be prepared – always have a healthy, tasty snack with you so that you’re not tempted by sweet, sugary snacks during the day. Handfuls of nuts and raisins, oat cakes  and seeds are all good snacks. If you can, invest in a juicer and have fun blending fruit and veg to make tasty combinations and it’s a great way to disguise cabbage! . Add psyllium husks , spirulina or green food powder to your juices for a superfood boost!

Although it is good to reduce your intake of alcohol, coffee and tea, itis very important to drink plenty of water (at least 2 litres a day, filtered or mineral water from glass bottles). I also recommend drinking Nettle Tea which has a cleansing and de-toxing action on the body. It is used to help relieve congestion in the body and helps to excrete toxins and can be useful for water retention problems, gout and sluggishness.

Foods to avoid or reduce in your diet include red meat and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate. Use organic chicken or turkey occasionally as a source of quality protein. Dairy products use olive oil or cold pressed vegetable oils instead of butter. Reduce your intake of bread, crisps, cakes, biscuits, crisps and savoury snacks including salted nuts, chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar. Processed foods often contain high levels of salt, sugar and fats so it is better to avoid these whenever possible. As your reward treat yourself to an aromatherapy or manual lymphatic drainage massage. This will help to eliminate toxins and break down cellulite and is a great way to relax. Dry skin brushing daily before a bath or shower stimulates the circulation and the lymphatic systems. Epsom salt baths are deeply relaxing and detoxifying – soak for at least 20 minutes before going to bed. If you are unable to use a bath, try an Epsom salt foot soak instead!

Awaken your senses with our new Organic Grapefruit Body Scrub fantastic detox body scrub. Himalayan salt crystals packed full of juniper essential oil, help with fluid retention and cellulite. Combined with detoxifying grapefruit this leaves your skin feeling smooth and uplifted. It is also important to remember to combine your diet with gentle exercise. You don’t need to join a gym to achieve this. Brisk walking is an ideal enjoyable way to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic systems and yoga, Pilates and tai chi also aid relaxation and increase wellbeing.

Wishing you the best of natural health    Dee

(Posted Feb 2010)

This is not a new problem! For centuries people have felt low energy and low mood in the winter months. This is especially so in our northern climates, with long nights and the sun low in the horizon. Traditionally herbalists have made up lotions and potions to keep the spirits up in the form of herbal tonics, uplifting oil blends and comforting herbal drinks.

Herbalists traditionally have used herbs such as Skullcap used for centuries to relieve anxiety and moodiness, Lemon balmcan be drunk as a refreshing and uplifting tea. Oats were used (especially in Scotland) both as a food (porridge) and as a medicine. Oats act as a tropho-restorative to the nervous system. This means that they help to restore it back to the original state. St John’s Wortis one of the best-known herbs to beat the winter blues. Clinical trials have shown that this herb relieves mild to moderate depression. Available in tincture (liquid) and tablet form, this herb has become one of the UKs best selling herbal products.

Duncan Napier developed the remedy that is used most in Napiers Clinics, in 1860. He prescribed it to deal with stress and depression. We have access to his sales records and he sold double volume of this product in the winter months. And as Duncan Napier said, (in his turn of the century mail order catalogue) ‘when the whole world seems dull, and you just want to sit down and cry, when the stresses and strains of modern living get on top of you’… that was the time to take his Nerve Debility Tonic. Today we now know this as Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound. Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Another side effect of low mood and stress can be sleepless nights. Passionflower is the traditional remedy to aid sleep and uplift mood. This is the main ingredient of Sweet Dreams, which is my sleep mix formulation. It’s an easy to use formula and a great alternative to capsules and tablets.

What you eat during the day can also affect how you feel. You might think you are boosting your mood and energy levels by eating high carbohydrate foods such as white bread, potatoes and pasta, but it usually has the opposite effect. These foods give an instant boost, but they also trigger the release of a large dose of insulin to counterbalance the effect. The result is that you are left feeling lethargic and drained of energy. Brown rice and salad, wholemeal or granary bread sandwiches with hummus or peanut butter are great mind boosters at lunchtime. Try to include some oily fish, rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that help to maintain the health of brain cells and regulate neurotransmitters. A range of vitamins is vital too, so try to make lunches as varied as you can. Avoid sugary sweets, biscuits and highly processed snacks, fizzy drinks and sweetened juices or cordials because they are the worst offenders on energy levels and your mood.

Other things I find that can help to uplift your mood are Essential oils. These can be perfect in the bath or in an oil burner. Try soothing Lavender or Rose to aid relaxation and ease muscular tension. Also I recommend try to begin each day by standing in front the lightest window in the house and allowing as much light as possible to reach you. It also very important to get out of the house or office and move around. Go out at lunchtime each day and have a half hour walk – this is when there is the most light available and you can get maximum benefit.

Wishing you the best of natural health
Dee

Osteopathy:

Coltilde Chereau is offering 15 min free spinal checks on Saturdays from 12pm to 2pm and 20% off  next treatment when you refer a friend.She also gives £5.00 concession (student mainly).
Lynn Bennett is offering 15min free spinal check on her clinic days and a 25% reduction for new patients
Jessica Weatherall is offering 15 min free spinal check on her clinic days and 20% off next treatment when you refer a friend. She also gives £5.00 concession

Craniosacral:

Coltilde Chereau is offering 20% off next treatment when you refer a friend She also gives £5.00 concession (student mainly).
Lynn Bennett offering a 25% reduction for new patients
Jessica Weatherall is offering 20% off next treatment when you refer a friend

 Call our reception team on 0131 225 5542 to book appointments or find out more.

This month Medical Herbalist Dee Atkinson MCPP, MNIMH is sharing her thoughts on herbal first aid and coping with icy blasts of winter.

Herbal First Aid for Coping with Extreme Weather

Winter is most definitely upon us with a vengeance this year with temperatures almost on a par with the South Pole! But how can we keep ourselves well and fight the elements?

In extreme cold many people suffer from sinus headaches, nose bleeds, sore throats and dry irritated skin, and I would like to share with you a few really useful simple herbal hints and remedies to help you combat these problems.

Firstly, when you go out into the cold, make sure you wrap a warm scarf around your mouth and nostrils to heat the air up, as this aids normal breathing.  Put a few drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil or Chamomile Essential Oil on your scarf. These oils have broad spectrum antimicrobial and antibacterial actions and will act as a protective barrier to germs spread by droplets.

Catarrh and Sinus Problems are characterised by nasal congestion, excess mucus, headaches, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sore throats and ear problems. These problems are often associated with upper respiratory infections such as colds and flu. I usually recommend the traditional licensed medicine Sage and Garlic Catarrh Remedy which has been a firm favourite for decades. Garlic has good antibacterial actions and will help the body to fight infection. It combines well with Sage which has antimicrobial and antiseptic actions. Sage will also ease sore throats and reduce inflammation in the sinus area. One of the special features of the Sage and Garlic Catarrh Remedy is that is also contains Liquorice which is an adaptogen tonic, which supports the body’s energy store as well as having an immune support action. You can alternatively make your own herbal tea combining sage leaf, crushed garlic and liquorice root.

Echinacea is, of course, one of our key herbs for the immune system improving our resistance to bacteria and infection. Napiers Elixir of Echinacea is a highly concentrated, potent formulation, enhanced by the addition of Wild Indigo and Fumitory. It is also effective for catarrh and minor skin conditions.

Not surprisingly, there are many herbs traditionally used to support the body and aid recovery from sinus and chest problems. To ease sinus congestion, and to back up the actions of Sage and Garlic we recommend Napiers Sinus Rub. This traditional warming and decongesting cream, contains Myrrh, Lobelia, Myrica and Lavender Essential Oil.

Using a vapouriser with a blend of invigorating oils at home can help relieve symptoms and ease breathing. Vapour Ease Oil a blend of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint and Pine helps clear airways and has both antiseptic and antiviral properties. If you don’t have a vapouriser or humidifier, a saucer of water placed on a radiator will help to put moisture back in the air and relieve the drying effect that central heating can have on the airways and your skin.

Winter is also a time when we need to feed and nourish our skin. Extreme cold and the contrast between the cold outside and the central heating indoors can dry out your skin.  Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate and regularly moisturize your skin. The appearance of the skin can also change. It can become rough and easily flaky and sometimes itchy. To protect and nourish your body from the outside I regularly recommend Starflower Cream. This is a popular cream for dry and irritated skin and can be especially useful if you are an eczema sufferer. Starflower cream is made from Borage oil which has similar properties to Evening Primrose oil, and is combined with chamomile and chickweed oils. It is wonderfully moisturising and nourishing on the skin, helping the skin to retain moisture. If you have very  delicate or sensitive skin try using the milder Infant Starflower Cream.

One of my favourite winter oils is Frankincense Essential Oil. This oil has a long history of use in skin care. It has even been shown in a clinic trial done in Italy, (using women in their mid 40s), that a cream containing Frankincense was shown to significantly improve the skin’s texture and appearance of surface lines.  I have used this oil in our Herbal Skin Nutrition Nourish Night Cream – a deeply nourishing and restorative night cream. In addition, I have also recently created a range of lovely body balm and massage sticks rich in coconut oil and cocoa butter (that melts on contact with your skin), as well as antioxidant oils and therapeutic herbs.

Wrap up warm, wishing you the best of natural health       Dee

(posted Jan 2010)

To Detox or not Detox?

It’s that time of year again! The papers are full of the best books to buy to help you detox, after the Christmas eating and drinking fest. But do you really need to detox?  How does detoxing help and why? And does it really have to be so demanding?

Detoxing is not a recent ‘new fad’. It is, in fact, something that we have been doing since the Middle Ages except we used to call it fasting! In the past, detoxing has always been at the end of the winter, the time to clear out your system, a time to help the body make the transition from winter into spring and then summer. Before we all had fridges and freezers, we tended to eat salted and pickled foods during the winter. There were few vegetables and people did much less exercise. The first new growth of the year in the garden – the “spring greens” – include many of the herbs used to detox the body;

Nettle ,  Dandelion and Cleavers also known as Goosegrass.

These herbs were traditionally used to help the body to recover from heavy, fatty foods. These spring herbs were also made into meads or weak beers, the drinks of choice in the Middle Ages. Country folk knew the benefit of herbs to encourage elimination and the herbs they used were often blood cleansers.

Detox does not have to mean fasting or going on faddy diets. It is a time for eating healthily, allowing the body to rest from excess (this is often alcohol, caffeine and fatty processed foods), and giving the whole body support. If you do this gently and follow a sensible plan you should quite easily achieve a weight balance, a reduction in fluid retention and puffiness, and a wonderful healthy feeling.

Following on from the herbal detox tradition I have designed the Napiers 10 Day Detox Plan to be effective and easy to follow, helping you to get into better shape for the year ahead.

FREE 10 Day Detox Plan

Click here to download your copy.

This gentle regime of herbs, diet, and exercise will help you break unhealthy habits and form healthy new ones that you can sustain throughout the year, bringing you optimum health, greater energy, clearer skin, balanced mood, and easier weight management.

The program supports your body’s natural detoxification processes using a diet of tasty, easy-to-digest and highly nutritious foods alongside the herbal Detox Formula and other ways to boost cleansing.

Getting Started

I recommend you download this FREE leaflet and read the information carefully. Start your detox on a weekend to give you time in the first few days to relax and get a good start on the Detox Plan. Ask a friend or family member to join you and make it a time of fun and discovery.

Keep Up The Good Work!

At the end of 10 days of detox you should be feeling fitter and healthier than you were 10 days ago. We hope you have discovered many new ways to help yourself feel great, that you will continue the new, healthier eating habits you’ve formed and that you will leave behind the unhealthy ones.

Remember to eat a variety of fresh and whole foods daily, never skip meals, limit tea, coffee and alcohol, and to take time out to relax and unwind.

Wishing you the best of natural health       Dee

(posted Jan 2010)