St John's Wort - nature's mood booster

Pretty yellow flowers with a powerful effect, St John's Wort has been used as a mood enhancer from the ancient Greeks to modern doctors and was one one of the first (and few) herbs successfully licensed under the new EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD).

It is non-addictive and safer than prescriptive anti-depressants.

Natural ways to beat the blues

According to the NHS Information Centre, 39.1 million people were prescribed antidepressants in the UK in 2009, up 9% on the previous year. While 55% of people cite money worries as their reason for feeling down in the dumps.

A low mood is very different to depression, however a low mood can become depressing when it is frequent and affects your family, work and every day life.

It's not uncommon for people to feel low without knowing why, or to burst into tears for an apparently unknown reason, but if left unchecked, these mild feelings can lead to a greater sense of heaviness, and result in serious mental health disorder.

How to tell if you are feeling depressed?

EU Herbal Medicine Ban - the next steps

The EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD), signed and ratified by the UK government in 2004,  came into force on April 30th 2011.

However confusion is rife amongst consumers, retailers and manufacturers as to what it actually means - will unlicensed stocks be withdrawn, will consumers have fair choice of product or will an elite group of wealthier manufacturers lay claim to herbal remedies?

The good news is that many herbs are sold under license so we are not without a herbal supply.

Krill oil v Fish oil - which is best for Omega 3?

The debate between whether krill oil or fish oil provides the best source of Omega 3 in quantities the body best absorbs, continues. Expert nutritionist, Dr Mercola has come out on the side of Krill oil, but whichever side of the fence you're on, one thing is certain - Krill oil is a superb antioxidant supplement and packs a powerful punch of Omega 3.

Acai berry for weight loss

The Acai berry (ah-sigh-ee) is an Amazonian superfood with high nutritious properties and an ability to support weight loss.

However beware as some 'scam' miracle diet products linked to the berry have led to a misunderstanding of the super food and caused consumer concern over legitimate trading and health claims.

In this article, I'll explain what the berry is, what are the nutritional benefits and how it can help the ongoing management of weight loss.

Defend natural healthcare & fight the EU ban

Did you know our choice to take vitamins and supplements is about to be taken away from us? Fight the ban.

EU Ban
The law has been seeping into UK & European legislation since January 2010 and comes into full force this April, 2011.

• But It's not too late to sign the petition.

Fight the ban on natural health therapies, foods and vitamins

 

The UK government ( a cross party committee) has SECRETLY signed an EU law banning health foods, vitamins, therapies, cures medicines.

This is an infringement of your basic Human Right to Choose. stand up for your rights now and Sign the petition

Say no to EU ban on vitamins & natural healthcare

While the CAM Expo was successfully underway at the weekend so too was the Joining Hands for Health Campaign - both attempting to safeguard the future of natural medicines and therapies.

The CAM EXPO is the UKs largest complementary therapy and alternative medicine show and attracted over 5000 visitors throughout the 2-day event covering education, innovations, natural remedies, superfoods and new therapy techniques. The holistic therapists, doctors, health specialists, nutritionists, manufacturers and health retailers shared, learned and demonstrated the importance of taking responsibility for our own health while considering natural health solutions.

Magnesium deficiency linked to cancer, insomnia, muscle ache

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, with 50% of it found in our bones. It is essential for us to function healthily, but many of us lack this basic of ingredients without realising it.

If you go into your local health food shop you will see a plethora of brands selling magnesium products - gels, oils, salts and tablets. Why? Because many common disorders result from magnesium deficiency.

Vitamins - what you need to know!

Every year millions of us munch our way through dietary supplements and vitamins. The Food Standards Agency, in 2008, reported that one third of the UK population are taking vitamins and mineral supplements.  Last year, the food supplements industry - vitamin pills and herbal supplements - was worth £13.5bn ($50bn) worldwide.*  

But do they work? Do we need them, or are they pretty placebos?