Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries have become incredibly popular in the form of dietary supplements over the past few years, both in capsule and powder form.
Why are they considered as Superfruits?
This is in no small part due to the significant media attention they have received, since being more widely recognised in the Western world as a “superfruit”. In other words, a fruit with an exceptionally high nutrient-to-calorie ratio compared to other fruits of a similar kind. For example, in terms of antioxidant, essential fatty acid, vitamin or mineral content.
Although having only just recently entered the wider public consciousness in the West, South Americans native to the Amazon have been enjoying the nutritional benefits of these tasty berries for many years. In fact, they are considered to be an essential food source for three traditional Caboclo populations in the Brazilian Amazon, because they make up a major component of their diet – up to 42% of their total food intake by weight! A fact which reflects their incredibly high nutrient content.
Found only in swampy areas of the Amazon rainforest (Central and South America), acai berries are pretty exotic – which explains why they haven’t ever popped up on the shelves of our supermarkets! They are small and round (approximately 25mm in size) and grow on large palm trees called açaí palms, which can reach over 80 feet in height. The berries grow in bunches (similar to bananas) and an average açaí palm tree can yield between 3 to 8 bunches of berries.
Once ripe, acai berries bear a strong resemblance to grapes and blueberries, except that they are not quite as pulpy. They contain a large, inedible seed, which constitutes as much as 90% of the entire fruit! Although hard to find in their natural whole food form, everyone can now access the nutritional benefits of these berries on a daily basis through the convenience of health supplements, which will often incorporate both acai berry powder and concentrated extract.
But why might you want to incorporate acai berry nutrients into your daily diet?
Immune system support: A big clue to their high nutrient content is given away by the deep blue / purple colour of acai berries. Like most other brightly coloured natural foods, they contain healthy pigments, which support immunity, health and vitality. For example, flavonoids and potent antioxidants (such as anthocyanins). They are also a rich source of Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids (good fats).
Heart health support: As well as containing high levels of anthocyanins, research has also shown that acai berries are rich in phytosterols which may provide cardio-protective support for our cells.
Energy support: Acai berries contain high levels of plant protein. Combined with their high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients, they can offer ideal support for high energy levels, stamina and general vitality.
Weight management support: When trying to shape up, you are obviously looking to decrease your intake of high-calorie unhealthy foods, in favour of nutrient-packed foods that are naturally low in calories. Not only will this encourage a healthy weight, it will also help to ensure that your general health remains strong during any periods of slimming and reduced food choice. In this way, acai berries can provide ideal weight management support.
So now you know why acai berries have been causing a stir in the natural health world! And these are just some of their nutritional benefits. Plus, if you favour an organic lifestyle or are trying to detox, it is worth bearing in mind that acai berries are wild harvested, as opposed to farmed. This means that they aren’t exposed to harmful pesticides and fertilisers.
Acai berries offer great all-round healthy living support – why not try them for yourself?
A High-potency formulation of Brazilian freeze-dried Acai Berry powder and extract, combined with a range of other beneficial ingredients including vitamins, minerals and herbs to provide support for immunity, energy level, bones, hair, skin, nails and more.
What does PMS has got to do with Candida, you may ask. Well, in short, it could be the side-effect of Candida overgrowth alongside other very interesting symptoms like:
Now, that is quite a varied list, don’t you think? I bet most of us could tick quite a few of these symptoms.
So, how do you know if you have yeast overgrowth? If you are worried that you might have oral or vaginal thrush, it can be easily tested by your local GP by taking a swap from the affected area. If you suspect that the yeast infection is more insidious, you could try Gut Fermentation Test or Bioresonance.
NOTE: If you suffer from irritating or offensive discharges, seek advice and diagnosis from your GP as your first point of contact before deciding on the best route to deal with your problem.
What is Candida?
Candida is an opportunistic yeast with a quick ability to proliferate if left unchecked, able to increase from just 1 to 100 cells within 24hr period which can then produce another 100 cells within the next 24hrs and so on. We ALL have yeast within our intestines but its growth is usually checked by the bacteria which live in our lower digestive tract. Whenever we go through antibiotic therapy for an acute infection or if we take small doses of antibiotics on daily basis for more chronic health problems, this this yeast vs bacteria balance gets tipped over, allowing for Candida to spread out unopposed in two ways:
through direct invasion of ALL length of the gut and vagina, which is often portrayed as recurrent vaginal thrush- rings a bell?
spread of toxins to other organs via bloodstream- chronic Candidasis can lead to what we commonly know as ‘leaky gut’ and create a whole range of both physical and psychological symptoms
Other factors which may increase risk of yeast overgrowth include:
Use of contraceptive pills- due to changes to body’s natural hormone levels and cycles
Immune deficiencies
Diabetes- due to increase in blood sugar
Steroids- due to their immunosuppressive character
Specific immune-suppressants used during cancer treatment
Poor nutrition
Synthetic underwear
How to get rid of Candida?
Like I mentioned before, yeasts are a part of our intestinal flora so there is no talk of getting ‘rid’ of it. What we should focus on is how to reduce the levels of Candida and keep them in check so they stop being a problem to our health and wellbeing.
Bad news: no, there is NO magic pill which will go *poof* and make it go away (at least not if you don’t want a yo-yo effect). If you have extensive overgrowth of Candida, it will take some time for it to ‘die off’.
Good news: you can balance the levels of yeasts through low-carb high-protein diet, supplementation and homeopathic treatment, it works really well when dealt with as a part of contraceptive or antibiotic detox therapy.
If you’d like to find out what Nature has to offer in terms of combating the overgrowth of yeast, we have put together a list of Top 10 Herbs:
Aloe Vera- works by soothing and promoting healing of tissue, both externally and internally where it is traditionally used in cases of constipation, haemorrhoids and liver problems. Aloe Vera is believed to display antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and so especially effective against strep, staph and Candida.
Cat’s Claw- displays antimicrobial effects for fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites
Cinnamon- Displays a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic and well as drying, warming and tonifying action. Traditionally used in treatment of diarrhoea as well as nausea, vomiting, cramping, gas and bloating.
Clove Bud- Is believed to display antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, reduce gastrointestinal spasms, expel gas and bloating, improve digestion, relieve constipation and even expel parasites.
Garlic- is high in bioflavonoids and sulphur-containing compounds. Thought to help in lowering cholesterol levels, protecting the liver and nervous system as well as improving brain function and having powerful antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant effects.
Grapefruit Seed Extract- Rich in antioxidants which can help in supporting a healthy immune response, looking after circulatory system, improving collagen formation and protecting bones, brain, kidney & liver function, whilst reducing risk of inflammation, fungal and bacterial infections as well as tissue damage.
Olive Leaf- shows a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral action whilst supporting the immune system Olive Leaf is believed to aid in eradication of yeast and candida and removal of toxic cellular waste
Oregano Oil – is a strong antiseptic, traditionally used in anti-Candida and anti-parasitic treatment, to loose phlegm and help in expectoration as well as improve and soothe digestion and reduce formation of gas.
Rosemary Leaf- Is a potent antioxidant which can help to detoxify the liver and nourish adrenals as well as aid in feelings of panic, heart palpitations and depression. Rosemary leaf is often used to help the feelings of poor health, fatigue and exhaustion, it can assist in recovery from long-term stress or illness and improve brain function. It is said to protect small capillaries that deliver oxygen and nutrients, improve circulation and heart health as well as inhibit the growth of Candida albicans.
Tea Tree Oil- is thought to display a strong antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral action. It’s often used externally for problems relating to athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, vaginitis and ringworm.
If you are looking for a synergistic combination of herbals, probiotics and vitamins, check out our Canditox Clease Complex
Designed to work alongside Candida diet and homeopathic or detox treatment.
We all have experienced indigestion at one time or another. Even if you are not prone to it on a regular basis, you may have noticed an uneasiness in your stomach after overindulging yourself on one occasion or another, like after family gathering, Christmas, Birthday parties and so on…
There are many reasons for indigestion, from occasional overindulgence as mentioned above, through stress, fatigue and overall poor diet or even parasites and fungal infections.
How do I know if I have indigestion?
Indigestion is usually diagnosed based on symptoms which most often include:
Bloating
Belching (burping)
Acid Reflux
Heartburn and heaviness
Nausea
Fatigue and feeling of dullness
Note: If you suffer from a severe, chronic indigestion, it could be a sign of a stomach ulcer or inflammation which could have a negative impact on your whole digestive tract.
Best options to remedy indigestion
Widely-advertised antacids suppress the production of stomach acid. The main issue here is that they tend to create what is commonly known as an ‘acid-rebound’ effect where your body produces even MORE acid than it did before (talk about a vicious circle!). In addition, they often contain aluminium salts which may add onto the heavy metal toxicity of your body which comes with a whole new array of problems.
So the question is: will it be the proverbial last straw which broke the camel’s back? How much more can your body take?
What are your other options?
Homeopathy can be very effective in dealing with both chronic and occasional cases of indigestion. The key lies in matching the correct remedy to your experience, i.e.
If your indigestion is linked to overindulgence in alcohol, stimulants or rich & spicy foods (as in a post-Saturday Night Out syndrome with an added hangover) then you could seriously consider taking Nux Vomica- a remedy most commonly used when the food lies on your stomach like a stone, you have an acid or bitter reflux and feel overall chilly.
If you simply suffer every time you eat something too fat, you could look at getting a dose or two of Pulsatilla or Carbo Veg. The difference here is that Pulsatilla can still taste the food they ate for ages afterwards whilst Carb Veg will have a lot of burps and feel tired and sleepy.
If you are not a fan of antacids yet your indigestion in of a long standing, you could take Nat Phos, a biochemic tissue salt which is widely-known for its acid-calming properties with NO acid-rebound effect!
Top 10 Herbs for Indigestion based on Traditional Usage
There are also plenty of herbal options, depending on the type of indigestion you are experiencing, e.g.
Anise- traditionally used in order to relieve indigestion with a lot of mucousy reflux and to improve appetite
Artichoke- considered as a liver supporting herb, usually taken for abdominal pain, heartburn and bloating
Cayenne- most commonly used by people with sluggish digestion and metabolism
Chamomile- ideal for cases of ‘nervous’ stomachs with a lot of cramps and gas
Gentian- commonly used to stimulate stomach and gallbladder secretions in cases where there is too little stomach acid
Geranium- traditionally used to decrease acidity, relieve pain and help in healing ulcers
Liquorice, Slippery Elm & Marshmallow- most useful when dealing with inflamed stomach lining due to their promotion of a protective mucous
Peppermint- most commonly used to neutralize excess acidity and spasms
If you are looking herbal and food supplements which were specially selected in order to provide support for digestion, why not visit our online store?
You can find a wide range or herbals in our online store
If you would like to address the way your body is reacting to certain foods or bring balance back to your digestion rather than taking temporary measures, you could try bioresonance or homeopathic treatment.
Elderberry is a deciduous shrub which is native to most of Europe. It’s well known and valued within the field of Natural Health for its broad medicinal qualities . Elderberry can be used to prepare syrups, juices and tinctures, the most common ingredients being flowers or the characteristic black berries. Elderberry is traditionally used to boost immunity and aid in colds, or even just as a healthy and tasty addition to tea, especially during the colder months of Autum and Winter.
Elderberry’s flowers and berries contain a high amount of flavonoids which have a strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and duretic qualities. The berries contain vast amounts of Vitamins B and C which are crucial for optimal metabolism and immunity.
It is important to note that Elderberry stems, leaves and roots contain cyanide-inducing glycosides which can cause nausea, vomiting and can lead to a toxic build up.
This is why a proper preparation of Elderberry is of a crucial importance.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is traditionally used to aid in dealing with symptoms of colds and flu. it can also serve as a tasty addition to flavour teas and desserts. The Syrup is a rich source of Vitamin B and C so it’s especially useful during Autum/Winter season.
Recipe
To prepare an Elderberry Syrup, you will need:
1kg of Elderberry berries
approx 1kg of sugar (or other sweetener, honey works just as well!)
water
Elderberries don’t have any particular taste to them so feel free to spice the recipe up by adding some orange, lemon, ginger or turmeric!
Wash the berries throughly (but watch out, they STAIN!) before placing in the pan and covering with sugar and topping up with enough water to ensure a slight coverage.
Cook on medium heat until the berries release all juices (you could speed it up by mashing them a little).
Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until you reach desired thickness.
Leave to cool before straining and transferring into clean jars or bottles. Elderberry Syrup can be pausterised for longer self-life or just kept in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Enjoy as 2 tablespoons per day on its own on in a nice cup of tea.
Sometimes we all need a little boost to keep us going.
If you suffer from:
🌷 lack of motivation
🌷 fatigue
🌷 burnout
🌷 emotional overwhelm
and would like to address it in a way which is natural and designed to work with your body without overwhelming it and making you feel like a washed-out, emotionless shell, then Homeopathy is your answer!
Homeopathic treatment can help you:
🌷 feel more motivated
🌷 regain energy
🌷 find clarity & focus
🌷 balance your emotions
🌷 improve memory & concentration
We offer FREE 15 minute introductory consultation online or face to face. Contact us if you have any questions or to book your slot.
You can find out more about homeopathic treatmenthere
