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Are You Feeling Flat, Run Down, Burnt Out or Exhausted?

April 30, 2018 By admin

Run Down, Burnt Out or ‘Adrenal Fatigue’? Here are the Essential Solutions to Having More Energy

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One of the most common issues plaguing so many of of us these days is a combination of – feeling tired all day, afternoon slumps or feeling “burnt out,” “run down” or “worn out.”

Take for example, the story of Emma. Emma is a 40 year old full-time working mom with two kids. She works a full day and had no help at home, she pretty much does everything herself!

On the weekends, between her kids’ extra-curricular sports and activities, she rarely has time to relax. When she goes on holiday, they’re more like sightseeing missions than an actual time to rest.

Initially, Emma felt like she could handle her busy, stressful life as she felt motivated and energised. But as time went by, the feeling of being able to handle things started to diminish.

Getting to sleep at night became more difficult as she often felt ‘tired but wired’. She began waking up early in the morning, around 3-4am, and found herself unable to fall back asleep. Mornings became challenging as she often woke feeling unrested, even when she did sleep 8 or 9 hours.

She started to experience blood sugar crashes. She found that she needed to eat more frequently and often craved salt and sweets. She also noticed she was starting to gain weight around her abdomen even though she hadn’t done anything to change her diet. Exercise, which once helped her feel good, now made her feel exhausted.

As things started to deteriorate, life was no longer easy to manage. Work now easily overwhelmed her and she has little energy for her family or friends.

Can you relate?

This is a common experience. What Emma has going on is Adrenal Fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction.

We know that stress causes many diseases, however doctors often dismiss the idea that adrenal fatigue and stress could have any possible links to physical fatigue and illness.

To figure out why you got here, and how you can feel better, you need to understand just how chronic stress creates adrenal imbalances, otherwise known as adrenal fatigue.

How stress creates an imbalance in your adrenal function

Your adrenal glands have many responsibilities, including responding to stress and the situations that cause it. They give us the energy and strength for “fight or flight” in crisis situations by pumping adrenaline and cortisol throughout the body to mobilise resources for this effort. It’s helped keep us alive for millennia.

There are two big problems in our modern world:

#1:Your body can’t detect the difference between life-threatening danger (tiger chasing you) versus when you feel mentally or emotionally stressed (running late), your body reacts exactly the same way – releasing cortisol.

#2:Today’s stress is continuous — perhaps relentless.

Fight-or-flight situations are supposed to be short, giving your body the chance to recover from the negative effects of cortisol and adrenaline. The constant stress means your adrenal glands have to work overtime to keep up.

When scientists measure stress, they find that stress is a function of both demands and control: the greater the demands on you and the lower your control over the outcomes, the higher your stress.

A challenging job, constantly juggling, worrying, taking care of children or elderly parents, skimpy sleep, eating poorly, over-or under-exercising, living in a troubled relationship — are all common examples of high-demand, low-control situations that many women are experiencing.

What is the downward spiral from being worn out, then burnout and finally adrenal fatigue?

Stage 1: Wired and tired

This starts of when you feel wired most of the time, due to an extended release of adrenaline and cortisol in response to a high stress load. You may even think you’re handling everything just fine because it feels as if you’re getting so much done.

Further down the line, as your normal daily cortisol cycle continues to be disrupted by trying to manage more and more stress, you can become both wired and tired.

Stage 2: Stressed and tired

This is the phase you say you feel so wiped out that you can’t get out of bed in the morning, but when it’s time to go to sleep at night, you’re wide awake for hours.

Stage 3: Burnout

The final stage of chronic adrenal stress is exhaustion, when you feel tired all the time, with no energy at all. At this point, cortisol levels decline drastically as the natural rhythms between the brain and the adrenal glands become so disrupted that the adrenal glands stop functioning normally.

At this point, women feel truly exhausted and find it difficult to carry out even simple daily activities.

Make a change now — stress is at the root of many chronic diseases

Stress can be a killer because it is a driving factor in most major chronic diseases. It raises the rates of everything from unhealthy weight gain and hypothyroidism to early aging, heart disease and cancer.

Stress-driven cortisol levels cause all sorts of issues over time, including:

suppressing the immune system
raising blood sugar
ruining sleep-wake cycles
wrecking digestion

Once cortisol becomes imbalanced, many other hormones and systems go off the rails too, and that’s why stress lurks at the root of most health issues, both minor and major.

Because stress hormones are designed to alter almost every cell and system in your body, when stress is frequent, prolonged or chronic, it can negatively affect your health over time.

The most common health issues arising from chronic stress result and elevated cortisol are its effects on blood sugar, insulin/insulin resistance, blood pressure, immune function, gut health, sex hormones, sleep, mood, memory, cell growth and repair, digestion and thyroid function.

Recognise Any of These Signs of Possible Adrenal Fatigue?

A feeling you’re constantly racing from one task to the next?
Feeling wired yet tired?
A second wind that keeps you up late?
Difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep?
A feeling of anxiety or nervousness—can’t stop worrying about  things beyond your control?
A quickness to feel anger or rage?
Memory lapses or feeling distracted, especially under duress?
Sugar cravings (you need “a little something” after each meal, usually of the chocolate variety)?
Dreaded abdominal fat, or muffin top—not bloating?
Skin conditions such as eczema or thin skin?
Bone loss?
High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat?
High blood sugar?

More than 3-5 symptoms indicate that you are likely to have a problem with dysregulated adrenal function.

If these are feelings that you can identify with.

A basic DIY test

It isn’t a 100% scientifically accurate. It’s free and simple and if your results are positive then it may mean you want to get a more in-depth saliva test to check out your cortisol rhythm in the day.

NB: Your results will not mean you have a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. It can help give you an idea of whether investing money in further private lab testing is worthwhile.

Your practitioner can point you in a direction to get you adrenal test.

How to do the test

To complete the test you will need some sort of torch (use your phone light) and a mirror.

Go to a dark room or just cover your eyes for a while, make sure your eyes have adjusted to the darkness that takes a minute or two.

Stand in front of the mirror and try to find the pupil in your eyes and shine the torch from the side of your face (at a right angle to your eye NOT in front of your eyes as this will damage them!)

Watch your pupil, as soon as you shine light on your pupil it should contract and get really small and stay small. If there are adrenal issues going, your pupil might shrink and then expand again or might shrink and pulse slightly.

Adrenal fatigue is indicated by your pupil doing anything other than contracting and staying contract i.e. if there’s pulsing or any dilation of the pupil while light is shining

Most GPs don’t have these tests available, as they will only check for serious adrenal issues like Addison’s disease.

3 x 3 Steps to Recovery From Run-Down Adrenals

In my experience there are some key things that you should have in place if you want to heal.

Things to Avoid 3 x

Avoid Caffeine – it raises your cortisol and reduces insulin sensitivity. Caffeine effects the body by forcing your adrenals to pump out cortisol, it also messes with your cortisol rhythm and affects your sleep cycle. If you must have caffeine, stick to one cup in the morning before 10:30am.

Avoid Sugar and sweeteners – cause blood sugar spikes which can be more exaggerated if you have adrenal dysfunction. Because of the relationship between cortisol and blood sugar, you can get into a vicious cycle of worsening blood glucose and adrenal dysregulation if you don’t manage your blood sugar well by eating foods that stabilise it, like clean protein, good fat, and fibre. Anything that can impact your blood sugar levels can also affect your cortisol levels.While fruit is not necessarily bad in itself, you do need to beware of the quantity that you eat. Try to stick to 1-2 servings of fruit a day. Emphasise fruit that contains less sugar like berries, apples, pears and peaches. Grapes and tropical fruits are all very high in sugar.

Avoid Food intolerances – particularly gluten, dairy, soy they can trigger the stress response in your body. You can try an elimination diet.

This is a short list so bear in mind there are other considerations. Alcohol? Mould? Being stuck in a job or marriage you don’t love?

Foods to Eat x 3

Eat a nutrient-dense diet – protein at the right dose for you. For most women, that’s 20-30 grams/meal or 75-100 grams/day.Get rid of foods that you are sensitive to and foods that cause inflammation, eating lots of brightly coloured vegetables, and whole grain gluten-free carbs.
Replace important nutrients – B vitamins (B5 and B6 in particular) are food for the adrenals, B12 and folate also help with energy production. Vitamin D, selenium, magnesium and zinc are all important for proper thyroid function and adrenal function.
Eat healthy fats every day – like cold-water fish i.e salmon, sardines or trout.Last but probably the most important you need to reduce the stress in your life.

Also:-

Saying no to more things
Give yourself permission to not exercise if you’re tired
Do deep breathing
Find some green space to spend time in

Other things you could try for Adrenal Fatigue:

These are more personal and depend on your health history medication and preference. Use Adaptogenic herbs like liquorice or Ashwagandha.

Final Word

Stress and the effect it has on your adrenal issues, is the root of many hormone imbalance. There are many ways to support your adrenal health — from targeted supplements to key lifestyle changes.

If you suspect that you have adrenal issues, consider working with professional.

As you head in a healthier direction, you’ll feel stronger and more resilient, and your life will change for the better.

Whether you’re wanting to have more energy so that you can keep going all-day long, defy-ageing, have clear glowing skin, to eat better + cleaner you can try any of these free guides to help you on journey to managing these changes, so that you can be a healthier version of yourself.

DISCOVER THE SECRETS TO NOURISH + REJUVENATE your BODY + your LIFESTYLE + your SOUL + yourPURPOSE

The Essential Guide To Having Long-Lasting, All-Day Energy & Vitality

3 Steps To Endless Energy

Shout Yes if you want to….

Look vibrant, feel younger & feel more confident

Get you’re energy levels back up & soaring…

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Have clearer thoughts & be mentally alert

Have a strong immune system

Click HERE to get your Guide – “3 Steps To Endless Energy”

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Cinnamon Spice – Superfood, Antioxidant & Sugar Cravings

November 8, 2017 By admin

Cinnamon has been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda and has long been revered it for its near superpowers, using it to treat things such as colds, indigestion and cramps, not to mention for its anti-clotting properties as well as attributes for the brain function and memory. These societies also believed it could improve energy, vitality and circulation. It’s no wonder Cinnamon is considered a superfood!??

Just some of Cinnamon’s benefits:

☘️ Among Cinnamons most impressive health benefits is impact on blood sugar and ability to improve glucose control. this herb can normalise blood sugar levels, helping to reduce cravings for sugar. By controlling blood sugar levels you can prevent spikes after meals.

☘️Ranks #1 with it’s protective antioxidant levels than many so-called antioxidant foods, like-for-like. For example, one teaspoon has as much antioxidant capacity as a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries.

☘️Over seven kinds of flavonoid compounds so it is highly effective for inflammation throughout the body.

☘️Studies have shown that it reduces several of the most common risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure.

☘️Contains many antioxidants and it’s anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the effects of aging on the body and brain – activates neuro-protective proteins that protect brain cells from mutation and undergoing damage.

? A natural anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral agent. The immune-boosting abilities are found in the essential oil.

☘️ Its naturally sweet taste, adding cinnamon to foods and recipes can help you cut down on the amount of sugar you normally use, thereby lowering the glycemic load of your meal.

Balance your blood sugar and keep your energy consistent all day

Sugar may be one of the reasons you tend to get energy highs and lows throughout the day, and the cause of your roller-coaster with energy – can’t get up in the morning and / or you get that terrible afternoon slump! So it’s essential to keep your glucose levels consistent throughout the day. How do you do that? The most important thing to do is to include the right foods at the right time (that’s a whole story on it’s own and for healthy eating guidelines for woman – READ more HERE

When adding cinnamon to your diet, daily, you can also make a big difference to controlling sugar cravings and the glucose spikes. Of course if you want to know why sugar makes you look older than you are – read more HERE What do you need to do to reap the benefit? manage blood sugar with cinnamon

By just having a ¼ or ½ teaspoon of cinnamon you can start lowering and regulating your blood sugar levels. Just remember that unless you’re adding it to a balanced healthy diet – high in vegetables and extremely low in fructose and grains – you’ll likely not experience any benefit.

Sprinkle cinnamon onto your whole grain oatmeal, cereals, yogurt, soups and sauces – even your smoothie! Simmer your favorite tea, coffee or beverage with cinnamon sticks or sprinkle with cinnamon powder, creating the perfect breakfast drink or bedtime nightcap.

To find out more about how you can have optimum wellness as you enter your 40’s and feel radiant have vitality, and energy to do all that you want to have radiant skin, calm any digestive issues, cope better with stress, anxiety and have much higher long-lasting energy levels.

You can make use of my Complimentary 15 minute phone call to get your questions answered Schedule Appointment

No Bake Lemon Cashew Energy Bites

May 8, 2017 By admin

No Bake Lemony Cashew Energy Bites

No Bake Lemon Cashew Energy Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup cashews

1 cup dates

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, pulse until finely ground, transfer to a bowl, scraping the sides.
Form into an inch ball. Keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Stress is Not Good For Your Immune System

February 23, 2017 By admin

We Live in an age of anxiety caused by stress

Our modern, rushed lifestyles have allowed stress to filter into almost every area of our lives. When you feel stressed your body reacts by releasing chemicals giving you more energy and strength. A good thing if you’re facing physical danger and a bad thing, if it’s due to emotional stress and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength.

There are many different causes — could be physical (such as fear of something dangerous) or emotional (such as worry over your family or job.) Identifying what may be causing you stress is often the first step in learning how to better deal with it.

So stress is best described as a state of mental and emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding events in your life. Of course, it’s impossible to avoid all the stressors that come your way.

The solution however, lies in the way you react to it.

How stress weakens the immune system

Scientists have long been aware of the connection between your stress and your immune system, and how it compromises your immunity.

The immune system is your body’s form of defence, which is made up a myriad of cells, tissues and organs, which work together to fight toxins and other foreign substances which threaten to do harm to your body. When you’re stressed the immune system’s ability to defend the body is reduced, and we become susceptible to infections etc.

This is how your immune system is compromised by stress:

Studies have shown that the immune system of highly stressed people have sluggish responses to health challenges.
The raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol, over-produced by chronic stress, can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections.
While cortisol does its job, the immune system receives signals to slow down, and if the stressor is not eased and cortisol stays high, the immune system may remain in low gear.
The under-performing immune system can then result in serious inflammatory conditions, which is the cause of many ailments.
The immunity of those who would normally have a healthy immune system, is subsequently lowered.
Chronic levels leads to a lower amount of a certain protein being produced, which is instrumental in the signalling for “reinforcements” between immune cells. Without this communication the body is in danger of contracting acute illnesses, and may have to endure extended recovery times.
Can have an indirect effect on the immune system if a person uses unhealthy coping strategies like binge-eating of unhealthy foods, and smoking or drinking much more than usual.

The bottom line is that if you have constant, chronic stress which is not effectively handled, you lay yourself open to various illnesses which can have a devastating effect on your health. Learning to cope in a healthy way will minimise the negative impact it may have on how your immune system functions.

Steps you can take to help reduce stress

Follow a healthy diet, be sure to eat a good nourishing breakfast. Stress reduces levels of magnesium and vitamin C – be sure to boost your intake of these. For MORE detail on this read Boost Your Immunity and Keep Healthy All Year Round
Stay away from sugars and bad fats (trans/processed). These put unnecessary stress on you, spiking blood insulin and your digestive system.
Avoid excessive caffeine, which may give you a short boost, but could leave you feeling jittery and anxious as you wind down.
It’s very important to get enough sleep. Sleep pattern disturbances, or even mild insomnia, will be perceived by the body as major stress. The cortisol will rise to new heights, and immunity will fall to new lows.
Interact socially often, and talk to family and friends if you feel the need to unburden or get some advice. Boost the love hormone to reduce your stress.

The efficiency of your stress-coping skills will be the key to a vital, fully-functioning immune system.

Some good news

The good news is that a little stress is not a bad thing, as it keeps you alert to react to sudden, unexpected dangers. Short-term suppression of the immune system will not put you into danger, it is only when it’s chronic that you will be prone to infection and disease.

Brief, and short bouts of stress due to unforeseen events or circumstances in your life, will simply keep you on your toes to respond quickly to the situation, and will have no negative effect whatsoever on your immune system.

In conclusion

Stress is no laughing matter, as it plays a part in many diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, obesity, and chronic digestive problems (IBS), to name but a few.

Many women don’t realise the knock on effect that it has on their hormonal system – think Adrenal fatigue, PMS, hot flushes, skin problems. After all everything is connected, cortisol – the stress hormone causes all the other hormones to go out of balance.

Surveys conducted worldwide have revealed some disturbing facts.

In the US results showed 75% of adults reported experiencing high to moderate stress in the past month, and more than half felt it had increased over the past year
91% of Australians presently feel stress in at least one part of their lives. Australian employers report absenteeism due to stress costs the economy about $14.2 billion annually.
3.7 million working days are lost annually in the UK, thanks to stress related issues, at a cost of about 28.3 billion British pounds.

A serious situation indeed!

You do not have to be a statistic of poor health because of stress. If you cannot handle it on your own, get assistance from someone who has the expertise to help you. Do what is best for your health.

My clients have seen the benefits of using herbs called adaptogens which have an amazing ability to help you’re body deal with stress, Adaptogens Might Be Your Answer To Fatigue, Stress or Anxiety

If you want to get all the latest news, blogs and programs be sure to sign up to Sue’s newsletter. You” also get your copy of the FREE e-book: 5 Foods that will help boost Your Energy Levels and Lose Weight Naturally. Sign up here

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References.
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in/stress/art-2004603
www.livestrong.com/article/22689-stress-affect-immune-system/
www.gostress.com/stress-facts/

Flax Seeds – Why You Should Use Daily

November 9, 2016 By Sue

A daily dose of Flax Seeds – provide you with Omega 3’s and help to balance your hormones

Why are flax seeds so good for everyone – in particular helping women balance their hormones?

Flax seeds are very high in lignans or phyto-oestrogens and bear a strong resemblance to the female hormone oestrogen in shape, structure, and some functionality. Phyto-eostrogens are plant compounds that have very mild oestrogenic effects that can be used to modulate the influence of the body’s excess oestrogenic hormones on body tissues. Phyto-oestrogens help with hormone imbalance and may help prevent many types of cancer, such as breast, colon and prostate cancer The flax seed plant contains a higher concentration of photo -oestrogen lignans than any other food.

Aside from the lignans flaxseds are loaded with the best source of vegetarian essential fatty acid Omega-3 (or ALA) essential to our health and wellbeing. More than that, our bodies can’t produce these fatty acids on their own. So you have to get them as part of your diet.

Flaxseed contains a perfect balance of omega-3’s and omega-6’s which work to form the membranes of every cell in your body and play a vital role in the active tissues of your brain.

Flaxseeds can also improve the quality of your hair, nails, and skin, as well as helping you to lose weight or bulk up, and it lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and prevents arthritis and cancers.

Flax seed also really helps the digestive system creating an ease of bowel movement combatting constipation. One of the great benefits also is the help flaxseed can bring during the menopause.

What else do Flax seeds Help You With?
– Contain complete proteins (it has all the essential amino acids your body needs)
– High in minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc and B vitamins
– Important role in the metabolism of fat
– Full of both soluble and insoluble fibre (you need both types),
– Flaxseeds contribute to an alkaline pH balance in the body

Research Backs Flax Benefits
Recent research indicates that flaxseed may have the ability to reduce blood pressure, lower level of harmful cholesterol, offer both estrogen-like and anti-estrogenic effects, and is being studied for its ability to protect against cancer.

Follow up studies show that just 2-3 tablespoons of flax daily can help up to 2/3rds of severely depressed women bounce back within eight weeks. Flax, says Udo Erasmus, PhD, has a mood boosting ingredient: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is essential for the proper function of brain cells, yet up to 85% of women aren’t getting enough of it.

How to store flax seeds
The best way to keep a fresh supply of flaxseeds either ground or whole is to store them in an airtight container in the freezer and use them as you need them.

How to use flax seeds
For both hormone health and general health, it’s a good idea to have 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds a day, preferably added to other foods like breakfast cereals, soups, salads, yoghurt.

Here are some ideas:
1. Add to cereals, oats or porridge, topped with fruit and cinnamon
2. Sprinkle on salads, along with ground/whole pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds
3. Add to your soup (add at the very end, so that heat doesn’t destroy the essential fatty acids)
4. Sprinkle on baked peaches, custard, rice pudding or fruit and yoghurt just before serving
5. Add to fruit smoothies or green / vegetable smoothies

If you’re struggling with any kind of hormone imbalance, tiredness, low energy or wanting to lose your excess weight. I’ve put together a FREE guide for you, so you can start to learn how and why specific foods, and drinks, can help you have more energy and lose weight naturally.

You’ll find it is easy to add these ingredients into your diet on a daily basis – get your downloadable guide here

In fact, at the end, I’m going to share one simple recipe you can make in under five minutes that incorporates all of these foods.

Get your copy of the FREE guide:
5 Foods that will help boost Your Energy Levels and Lose Weight Naturally.

HERE

Herbal Teas – kitchen healing essentials

May 17, 2016 By admin

Nothing like a good cuppa tea to sort out the problems of the world. My grandmother loved her tea and it was the first thing we’d do when we visited her, I do miss being able to sit down and share a pot of tea with her.

Who meets for a cup of tea these days? It seems we’re all more likely to meet for a coffee. But, a cup of tea is so much more than just about the socialising. I wanted to share with you how ‘just’ a cup of tea could be one of THE most simple ‘healing’ tools that you could have in your kitchen. I know you might say, it’s only a cup of tea!

Research studies and ancient eastern traditions show that herbal teas can have the most positive effect on supporting you with illness, ailments and for ensuring optimum health.

As a herbalist and lover of simple, effective, quick and easy solutions there are some essential herbal teas in my kitchen for when first aid is needed – either to settle a sore or nervous tummy, insomnia, anxiety, cramps, heartaches, the beginnings of a cold or flu, bloating, indigestion and even PMT.

Be sure to stock up on chamomile, rose, peppermint, cinnamon and ginger teas for your home and then you’ll be covered with the basics. Of course you 05_05_10_01_12_chamomile-bsp-150x150 need to know which one to use when and you may have be unaware of some of the other things these common herbal teas can be useful for. Chamomile is calming but so much more, peppermint for wind and so much more, ginger for nausea and so much more…..

Fresh grated ginger is one of my personal favourites, it has an amazing taste and is more than a treatment for nausea, which many pregnant women can attest to. It’s one of the foundation herbs used in Ayurvedic and TCM and it’s brilliant for balancing your digestion, great to have before a meal to boost the ‘fire in your tummy’ to help digest your food and get the nutrients you need. I would say most of us would benefit from drinking warming ginger, daily.

I love having a flask of ginger tea ready to drink at anytime, during the day. Ginger is one of the most researched herbs (along with turmeric) and it has many uses, it’s anti-viral too – so brilliant for colds or flu. Herbalists consider it a universal medicine with multi-healing properties that benefits everybody and all diseases. With ginger think – digestion, lungs and circulation.

Chamomile is most commonly considered a calming tea, but herbalists call it the ‘Mother of the gut’. I found this tea to be particularly useful when ever we have tummy upsets because it works on the nervous system found in your gut or as we like to call it the – ‘second brain’. Think tummy aches from unknown causes, IBS and when someone is nervous about something and have that tight feeling in their tummy. Chamomile excels at treating what is commonly known as a “nervous stomach”, which generally implies digestive upset alongside anxiety, nervous tension.

That aromatic component from Chamomile’s high essential oil content, has a specific relaxing, calming effect on your nervous system and can be helpful for insomnia, cough, bronchitis, cold or fever, gas, gut cramping and mild constipation. .

Rose – heals the heart, balances hormones and is uplifting. It’s a bitter, cooling herb so it can help with headaches and inflammation. Used in combination with other herbs it adds beauty and colour to a blend.

I often recommend rose tea for PMT, periods that are painful, excessive or irregular and if there is an underlying nervousness, sadness or grief the role of rose is nourishing on the nervous system. It has a calming effect on the emotions and as it has an affinity for the heart. It’s often used in times of sadness and grief.

Peppermint – a great pick-me up if you ever need an alternative to coffee. It’s full of aroma that awakens the senses helpful in congestion in the head, use as a hot tea to cause sweating with colds and flu. Useful when there is a lot of mucous. It can lift feelings of emotional ‘heaviness’ and relieves the symptoms of abdominal gas, bloating, muscle spasms and nausea (without vomiting). Peppermint tea can also be made using fresh herbs from the garden’and it’s one of the easiest herbs to grow.

Researchers from the University’s Department of Psychology have found that drinking peppermint tea improves alertness, while chamomile tea has a calming effect. These findings were presented at the annual British Psychological Society Conference in Nottingham this week (26-28 April 2016).

Cinnamon – useful for poor circulation, colds, flu and a bout of diarrhoea but among this spice’s most impressive health benefits is its ability to reduce your sugar cravings. By controlling blood sugar levels you can prevent spikes after meals, normalise your blood sugar levels and improve glucose control.

Cinnamon has more antioxidants than many so-called antioxidant foods, like-for-like. For example, one teaspoon of cinnamon has as much antioxidant capacity as a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries. Two of the main types of cinnamon, are Cassia and Ceylon. A better option for taste and health is Ceylon cinnamon (also called Sri Lanka cinnamon or “true cinnamon”).

I recommend that you drink herbal teas because it’s a fantastic and safe way to maintain your health over time. Consistent tea drinking gives your body what it needs in doses that it can handle.