Bare Health

Wednesday 30 April 2014

Our Favourite Products to help you Ease your Sneeze!





Once again it is the time of year that people start to suffer from hayfever and with approximately 20% of the population suffering it has become a very common and irritating problem. Usually encountered in the spring and early summer, it is part of the group of health conditions known as allergic rhinitis – an allergic reaction to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. People prone to the condition tend to develop the problem during their teenage years, and although the condition lessens in severity with age, it can certainly linger well into late adulthood. In the main, these airborne substances are pollens from grass, trees or flowers. In temperate climates such as in the UK and Ireland, pollen levels increase dramatically in spring as nature comes to life, and as the weather warms up and we head into the summer months, grass, bushes, trees and other plants grow and develop in a coordinated fashion. In this way, pollen levels are highest during spring and early summer.
Hayfever is the result of an allergy to these pollens with people being sensitive to either one or more of them, with symptoms varying from month to month and from location to location. If one is allergic to animals or house dust, this is referred to by doctors as ‘allergic rhinitis’. However, the terms ‘hayfever’ and ‘allergic rhinitis’ are often used interchangeably.
The Met office has produced a useful pollen count calender (see below) which shows an average pattern of release of the main allergenic pollen in the UK. The severity and timing of the pollen seasons will differ from year-to-year depending on the weather, biological factors and geographical location.

Hayfever - The Symptoms

The main symptoms of hayfever are experienced in the eyes, nose and throat. These commonly include:

  • Sneezing 
  • Itchy or runny nose
  • Irritation at the back of the throat 
  • Itchy or runny eyes 
  • Blocked nose 
  • Dry cough 



However, in severe cases, the inflammation triggered by hayfever can sometimes affect the entire body. When this happens, a number of symptoms may arise including: Feelings of tiredness or lethargy , itching all over the body or a general feeling of irritability In addition, those suffering from hayfever may exhibit a greater tendency for developing asthma, with symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing or Eczema with itching, dryness and scaling of affected skin.

Many of the worst symptoms of hayfever are caused by histamine levels rocketing as your body reacts to pollen. The key to reducing the severity of such reactions lies in minimising allergen levels in the bloodstream and buffering the response to them. And although many of the symptoms of hayfever are triggered by nature itself, did you know that there are many remedies also found in nature that have an effective antihistamine action that can also help relieve the reactions?


A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE NATURAL HAYFEVER REMEDIES :


1) A.Vogel Pollinosan tablets & Nasal Spray


Pollinosan tablets are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. It can be used to help treat allergies to grass or tree pollen (hayfever), as well as allergies to dust, animals and pets (allergic rhinitis) – both conditions give rise to symptoms such as itching and watery eyes, sneezing, tickly nose or throat and a blocked nose. Pollinosan tablets can be used together with Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray. 

Luffa is a useful herb if symptoms manifest around the eyes and nose. Swift in its effect, it appears to deal with both blocked and runny noses, as well as watery and itchy eyes and a tickly throat. As it is taken internally, it is a good option for those who wear contact lenses and cant use eye drops. It isn’t contraindicated with other medication, including other hayfever medication.

2) Haymax - Pollen Barrier

A pollen barrier balm, HayMax, could be the answer to easing your sneezing! Simply apply around the rim of the nostrils as soon as symptoms start; and it traps the pollen before it enters your body, helping you stay symptom free longer.

HayMax has been proven to trap over one third of the pollen in the air in independent studies by The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit [1]; which is enough to effectively reduce the pollen count from high to medium on all but the highest pollen count days. . HayMax works by reducing the amount of pollen getting into the body, keeping the sufferer below their trigger level, and symptom free, for longer – less pollen, less reaction.


Quercetin, Ester C and French Maritime Pine Bark are effective anti-histamines, stabilising the mast cells, which release the cause of all the misery. Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colour - natural sources of quercetin include onions, apples, parsley, sage, citrus fruits and green tea. MSM, a rich source of sulphur, helps keep mucous thin, eases the breathing and nourishes the liver, which is responsible for histamine breakdown. Liquorice has an anti-inflammatory effect and is soothing for those irritated mucous membranes.

Pycnogenol according to several clinical studies inhibits the release of histamine helping to maintain a normal response by the body to allergic or inflammatory challenge.  Since this powerful antioxidant is an anti-inflammatory, it inhibits production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Pycnogenol may help to relieve the swelling, reduce hives and help make breathing easier.

5) Stinging Nettle/Urtica


 UrticaDr. Andrew Wiel, the author of Natural Health/Natural Medicine, claims there simply is nothing more efficient than stinging nettle at relieving allergies. His belief is substantiated by past studies made at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. It is known that decongestants, antihistamines, allergy shots and even prescription drugs similar to Allegra and Claritin only work on the symptoms of allergies, plus they seem to lose their potency over a certain period of time. These prescription medications may also cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia or high blood pressure. Stinging nettle on the other hand doesn't induce any of these potential side effects. Stinging nettle has also been traditionally used to ease the symptoms of urticaria & prickly heat. Take in the form of a tea or as a tincture.

6) Local Honey


And don’t forget how a daily spoonful of local honey throughout the winter & spring season may help build your resistance to local pollen. Congleton’s own Howty Honey is a cold extracted floral honey from a variety of local flowers. It is a completely natural product with no additives. And if you're a lover of honey, this is one not to be missed! You can find this along with many other natural remedies for Hayfever in store at Bare Health.

For more Information & tips on how you can manage your hayfever naturally with the support of herbal remedies, supplements, homeopathy & nutrition please call into Bare Health, Congleton. We are always more than happy to chat to you to find the best natural solutions for health - tailored specifically to your needs.

We also have an experienced & professional team of Complementary Therapists available should you require a tailored one to one consultation. For more information click 'here'

The information contained within this article is intended for information purposes only and is not designed to replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek medical advice if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment.
















Tuesday 8 April 2014

Spring Offers at Bare Health



Udos Choice Beyond Greens

Beyond Greens brings together the finest green foods, essential fatty acids, fibre, whole food concentrates, phytonutrients and digestive enzymes in one formula. No other greens product offers such complete nutrition in one convenient formula, for a well balanced diet.
A diet lacking in fresh, whole foods, and consisting mainly of convenience foods with little nutritional value, is unbalanced. To help achieve a balanced diet, it is important to eat fresh, whole foods. Beyond Greens can help support that healthy balance aiding digestion and elimination, as well as the immune system.
Beyond Greens comes in powder form and blends quickly and easily into food and drink, making it great for people on the run who need an instant, nutritious boost or a quick pick-me-up snack. 
Containing premium greens from barley, alfalfa, oat and rye grasses, plus spirulina and chlorella. These greens are rich in detoxifying chlorophyll and provide a spectrum of nutritional components, helping support optimum health. For example, barley grass contains many nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, B-vitamins, carotene and vitamins C and E. 

Fats that Heal


What sets Beyond Greens apart from other greens products is its high content of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Each tablespoon provides more than 1000mg of high quality flax, sunflower and sesame seed oil, derived from the same seed mixture used to produce Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend. EFAs are required by every cell of the body for proper development, optimal function and structural renewal. Furthermore, EFAs are a source of energy and endurance.

Deep Cleansing Fibre


Beyond Greens supplies soluble fibre, which carries cholesterol out of the body and feeds friendly intestinal bacteria, and insoluble fibre which provides the necessary bulk for promoting regularity.
The average person only consumes an average of fourteen grammes of fibre a day, barely half the recommended daily amount. Without adequate fibre intake, food takes much longer to go through the digestive tract, and stagnates.
The stagnating food builds up ‘sludge’, or residue that clings to the microvilli, which are hair-like projections lining the entire intestinal tract. When the microvilli are covered with residue, nutrient absorption may be compromised.
Ensuring an adequate level of fibre in the diet loosens this residue and gently scrubs the microvilli so they are able to absorb a significantly higher amount of vitamins and nutrients. This combination of fibre, detoxifying greens, and digestive enzymes makes Beyond Greens an effective, deep cleansing formula. The ingredients provide day-to-day digestive support to maintain optimal nutrient absorption.

Antioxidant Protection


Another distinctive aspect of Beyond Greens is its content of antioxidant-rich whole food concentrates and phytonutrients such as carrots, soy sprouts, kale, bilberry and standardized grape seed extract. Flaxseed is the richest known source of lignans, which are antioxidants found in plant fibre.

Digestive Enzymes


Digestive enzymes are only a few of the thousands of known enzymes. They are like scissors that cut up the foods we eat into basic building blocks that our body then absorbs and reassembles to build cells, tissues, organs, glands and entire body systems. They have been included in Beyond Greens to ensure the proper breakdown and therefore optimum absorption of the full-spectrum of essential compounds in this formula.
The combination of fibre, detoxifying greens and digestive enzymes makes Beyond Greens an effective deep cleansing formula that rejuvenates the gastro-intestinal system, and provides day-to-day digestive support to maintain optimal nutrient absorption.
BUY NOW or pop into Bare Health to receive your 10% discount.

Offer ends May 31st!


Monday 7 April 2014

Time for a Spring Clean!



Spring is has finally arrived! And doesn't it feel great to feel the sun on our faces once again? Ok, I agree, it's not that warm just yet, but that re energised feeling when looking out of the window on a sunny spring morning as once again nature blossoms and springs to life, well, that cant be beaten and  it is so welcome after a dull and very damp winter. All around us there's evidence of new life, new energy & change.

However, whilst everything is blooming outside, are you flowering on the inside, feeling energised, healthy and ready to take on the world? Is your health blossoming? Or, is it a little stagnant and in need of a kick start?
Do you feel tired & sluggish? Is your skin dull and in need of a little TLC? Is your digestive system out of sorts - bloating? Constipation? Indigestion? Are you getting headaches? Are you emotionally drained?

Do these symptoms resonate with you? If so, there's no better opportunity for a 'spring cleanse' - time to regain your energy, vitality & 'joie de vivre'. 

PUTTING THE SPRING BACK INTO YOUR STEP


In this blog I'll be giving you some quick tips on how to help restore energy & vitality with a focus on cleansing the body, mind & soul. Why not set aside a little time to create the space to cleanse your body of toxins, replenish with nutritious food, unwind your mind and re-ignite your soul. Work towards finding your healthy balance and putting the spring back into your step so you can leap into life!

A healthy balanced diet is one of the foundations to achieving Optimum Health and should never be overlooked. Its vital to keep our digestive & eliminatory organs (bowels, kidneys, lungs,skin) in good working order so that the body can effectively digest & utilise the nutrients it needs from food and at the same time efficiently dispose of its unwanted wastes without them accumulating in the body.


DIET


1) HYDRATE! HYDRATE! HYDRATE! 
Keep well hydrated - try to drink at least 4pts of clean, uncarbonated water daily and avoid dehydrating drinks such as coffee, tea, & alcohol. Steer clear of fizzy drinks too. Substitute tea & coffee for herb teas and coffee substitutes such as Bambu. Remember your brain is 80% water and depends on it to function optimally, without adequate hydration your concentration & focus will deteriorate. Dehydration can also impair short term memory and long term memory recall. In addition, if there is insufficient fluid in the bowel there will also be constipation. Just a few of many good reasons to keep well hydrated!


2) Add 'swollen' foods to you diet, these are foods that hold water and help hydrate the body. Foods such as gentle grains, pulses & vegetables. Brown Rice & Millet are especially good grains to use.

3) Stick to proteins that are less challenging for the body to digest - e.g. pulses, seeds, fish & chicken are best. Try to avoid Pork & red meats. Dairy can also be very challenging on the digestion and produces a lot of mucous in the body, opt for dairy free milks such as coconut, rice & nut milks.

4) Fruit - try and eat indigenous, seasonal fruits where possible and always eat away from other food groups. Fruit digests much quicker than other foods. Fruit smoothies are great but be aware of the high sugar content, especially in ready to drink versions. It is always better to make your own from fresh - but again keep them in moderation.

5) A gentle cleansing diet should include: 45% Brown rice 45% Fresh Vegetables and 10% Pulses

6) Try to incorporate Raw Foods into your diet. Chopped raw veg can be used as snacks, you can also buy healthy 'Raw' snacks from your local health store. Raw Kale Chips are great and very moreish! The enzymes that occur naturally in raw food are important for health and greatly aid digestion. Eating a healthy salad a day is a great way to benefit from raw foods whilst introducing variety,colour and a whole host of healthy nutrients to your diet.

7) Reduce your intake of acid forming foods. Too many of these foods can lead to inflammation in the body and exacerbate problems such as joint pain, arthritis, skin complaints and a number of digestive complaints. Any condition ending in 'itis' suggests there is inflammation present. So its about getting your balance right. Aim for 80% Alkaline 20% acidic foods. Avoid acidic foods such as white bread, refined sugars, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, chocolate, red meat & processed foods. Incorporate a daily serving of alkalising green foods into your diet such as chlorella, spirulina and wheatgrass. These powders are packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants and are amongst the most nourishing foods in the world. There are great for restoring energy levels too! At the bottom of this article I have included a very useful chart from energiseforlife.com showing the various acid & alkaline forming foods. Hopefully this will provide a clearer understanding of the foods to include in your diet and those best avoided. It may be handy to print out a copy and pin it to your fridge. 

8) Avoid drinking water with meals - as this dilutes 'saliva' which is the body's best digestant. Food mixed with Saliva ensures proper digestion - which brings me onto my next point.....

9) Always chew food thoroughly. CHEW! CHEW! CHEW! Many people eat foods in such a rush i'm surprised that it even touches the sides and exits the body in the same form as it entered! Chewing your food is so important and the point at which digestion begins. Take your time when eating and never rush. Your food needs to be broken down into small pieces for its nutrients to be released and absorbed.



10) Grow your own sprouts! Sprouts are nutritional powerhouses and a great source of easily digestible protein, vitamins, minerals & enzymes. The germination process of seeds & pulses greatly enhances their nutrient and enzyme content. They are cheap & easy to grow at home on your window sill and all you need to do is add them to your food to obtain their extraordinary health enhancing benefits. You can purchase seeds/beans for sprouting from your local health store.


11) Soak linseeds or chia seeds. These seeds as well as being a great source of Omega 3, are exceptional at holding water, which can help prolong hydration in the body & retain electrolytes. They are also excellent for adding bulk to stools and improving the function of the bowels.

12) Include a variety of colourful vegetables to your diet to obtain the broadest spectrum of nutrients. Your plates of food should look like a rainbow! Organic is always the best option and ensures that your food is free of harmful chemical preservatives. It tastes much better too! Raw vegetable juices are great for helping renew vitality when we are feeling fatigued as well as being rich in health producing enzymes and vitamins, minerals and trace elements. They will also give you skin a healthy glow too! Juices should be made in a 'juicer' rather than a blender so to obtain all benefits. They should be drank soon after making so to avoid oxidation occurring and the loss of key nutrients.



13) Avoid frying food where possible and cook only with oils that have a high smoke point & remain stable at high temperatures e.g Coconut Oil or Rice bran oil. Olive Oil or flaxseed oil should only be used in salad dressings or stirred into foods once cooked. Cooking these oils will cause them to become unstable, oxidise and become carcinogenic. Steam or stir fry veg to retain their nutrients. If boiling - retain the water after cooking and use as stock, as nutrients will leach into the water during cooking, don't rinse them down the drain.

LIFESTYLE


Although nutrition is key, it isn't the only area to be spring cleaned! What about your lifestyle? Ask yourself -Are there changes that can be made here too? Have you been burning the candle at both ends and need some rest? Are you getting enough sleep? What about exercise - are you able to get out and enjoy the lovely spring weather and take in some fresh air? Even if its just going for a walk - getting away from it all out in the countryside can be a tonic in itself and very restorative. Getting more oxygen into the lungs is vital and poor breathing technique can limit our oxygen intake and hinder the release of toxicity from the lungs in the form of carbon dioxide. Its surprising how shallow our breathing becomes when under a lot of stress for example. Take time to practice deep breathing on a regular basis and really fill those lungs, increasing your oxygen intake with every in breath and releasing the toxicity with every out breath. Joining a yoga class or relaxation/meditation group is highly recommended, it's somewhere that introduces you to focusing on the importance of breath and breathing correctly. A place to focus and still the mind whilst at the same time it can be energising and revitalising! Its all about balance. Yin & Yang!



However these are only suggestions as every one of us is different and unique, our interests vary- so find that something that helps you to relax and restore your inner balance :)

We are only given this one body and it's up to us to care for it. The body will do its best in any given circumstance, however, we need to nurture it with good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to keep it in good running order. What happens if we put the wrong fuel into our cars? Yep, you guessed, they come to a grinding halt and until we remove the harmful fuel and replace it with the correct fuel - its going nowhere.The same happens to us if we constantly take in too much of the wrong stuff - we become ill, yet we have the choice to make changes and help heal ourselves.

Id like to make an important point here though - life is about balance. Yes its very important to fuel our bodies with the right foods and engage in the right lifestyle behaviours to keep us well and healthy for a very long time. And I believe that we are all capable of making positive health changes - armed with the right information & knowledge. But life is also for living. So, if now and again you have a naughty treat or go overboard at a celebration or on holiday or simply fall off the wagon- please don't beat yourself up. The worry itself can be just as harmful. Enjoyment of life is so very important too. It's all about moderation and not letting the occasional 'blip' become an ingrained bad habit that takes its toll your health. Our bodies, if, in good working order, should be able to stand the occasional blow out and be able to repair. If we are run down or taken ill - its a warning sign - so act upon it. Keep everything in balance - know what the right foods are to eat, remove the harmful sugar laden and over processed foods and chemicals. Be aware and take steps towards better health. Find your healthy balance! Take care of your body and it will take care of you!

If you would like to make changes to your diet and you are in need of a little extra support & guidance.It may be a good idea to seek the help of a qualified & experienced Nutritional Therapist. 

For more information and advice on how you can bring about healthy changes in your life, please pop into Bare Health or call the store on 01260 408413. Our team of experienced and professional therapists are always more than happy to help.









The information in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any existing medical conditions. Always seek the advice of a GP or healthcare professional if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any treatment prior to making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Supporting your Sleep......Naturally


I am experiencing a prolonged period of interrupted and un-refreshing sleep and I don't really want to take any sleeping tablets from my doctor – could herbal medicine help me?

As is often the case with a simple question like this, the answer is much more complicated  The short answer is yes, herbs can help quite effectively with insomnia, but the longer answer has to acknowledge that the effectiveness of herbal remedies depends on the correct identification of what is causing the problem and also on choosing the right herbs for you.



It is a fantastic feeling to have had a really good night's sleep. Not only does it make you feel better and ready to face the day, research has shown that it really is essential for good mental and physical health. There is thought to be an association between consistently poor sleep patterns and an increased risk of developing chronic condition such as type II diabetes and being overweight. On a mental level, anyone who has suffered regularly from insomnia will know that characteristic 'cotton-wool' brain feeling the following day. Sadly, over time sleeplessness can dull our thought processes and really begin to corrode our quality of life.

It is ironic that something that should be so natural as sleep can be so easily disrupted. Although insomnia probably affects most of us at onetime or another, this can be endured if it is only an occasional night. However, if poor sleep is experienced over a period of many weeks, this becomes a more serious problem for the sufferer and is really when you should seek help.

Admittedly, insomnia can be a tough nut to crack, particularly when it is chronic and long term. One of the reasons for this is that it can have a number of root causes and may be a conflation of different factors which can be difficult to untangle. It also means that in very intractable cases, self-treatment is probably not your best option, as you will need expert help to explore your problem and certainly with herbal treatment, professional advice is recommended for chronic conditions.

Classic amongst the causes of sleeplessness are anxiety, depressive and other stress-related conditions. These will give the characteristic sleep patterns of either not being able to get to sleep, despite being tired and/or waking up in the early hours of the morning and not being able to easily resume your slumber.

Hormonal imbalances, particularly the lower levels of progesterone, experienced during the menopause (aside from overtly disruptive night sweats) can also be a cause. Physical things like pain, poor digestion (gastric reflux, for example) can also impact on sleep quality.  All these issues will need treatment if your sleep is to improve. However, for some people the reasons for entrenched insomnia are more mysterious and it may take some time to test for and eliminate possible causes and find effective treatment strategies.

Of course life-style choices, poor sleep habits, bad sleep hygiene (ditch those electronic devices with their blue screen lights at bed time, which disrupt the brain's light sensitive sleep mechanisms, for example) diet, alcohol, caffeine and over-stimulating pre-sleep activities may also impact on the quality of your sleep.

There are also some natural variations – some people actually need less sleep and you need to identify and manage this if it affects you. Older people, for example tend to sleep less at night and more throughout the day and recent research has shown that for some of us waking up in the middle of the night for a few hours might be our natural sleep pattern – the only problem being that it doesn't fit well with the demands of our early -rising modern working lives.

That said, what can be done herbally for the sleepless in Seattle and elsewhere? There are in fact, quite a few herbs that you or your herbalist can use to help you with insomnia, both for helping with sleep onset and in maintaining sleep. These are herbs which have hypnotic and/or sedative properties. Some, but not all of these, are available in many over the counter formulas. However, you do need to find the right one for you as herbs can be idiosyncratic in their actions.


Probably the best known sleep herb is Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) actually a wild British plant, which is included in many commercial sleep remedies. Back to my point about idiosyncrasy. Valerian can be a highly effective anxiolytic, mildly sedative and hypnotic herb for some people,  but others actually find it stimulating (it is estimated  that this affects about 1 in 10 people – I am one such).  A mere whiff (it is very pungent) can cast those it suits into the arms of Morpheus, whilst those it doesn't, can remain doggedly wide-awake under its influence. This is a very individually dose specific herb, it also depends, as with so much herbal medicine, on the quality of the plant material used in the remedy – a poor quality preparation often gives poor results.  Valerian may also help with low level pain relief, panic attacks and emotional stress and would be particularly indicated in those cases where this kind of additional symptomatic support was needed.

One of my personal favourite sleepy-time herbs and one that is again widely known is Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Quite pleasant when taken as a tea at bedtime and helpful as part of wider formulas alongside other herbal sleep aids. Its actions are similar to Valerian and it can help with both sleep onset and maintenance and has additional indications for neuralgic pain. This is one to be a little careful of, however, as it can interact with anti-depressant medications, so best check with your herbalist, pharmacist or doctor before you take it.


Lime flowers (Tilia x europea) - the aromatic blossoms of the linden tree (not the citrus) much used in France and much ignored in the UK are another good choice for insomnia. Another of the herbal teas pleasing to the palate and a gentle sedative remedy even for fractious, wakeful children. This also might be indicated if you have high blood pressure and if you suffer from excitability and tension headaches.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is well known as an aid to sleep, in the form of its essential oil - put a few drops in a bath or on your pillow. It has anti-depressant and anxiolytic actions and can help with nervous digestion.  Less well-known is that the dried flowers can be taken as a tea (unlike the essential oil – which shouldn't be taken internally). This is more effective for me personally than the essential oil. However, I find it odd to take as it is so perfumed and even though I am quite hardened to the unusual flavours of herbal tea, I always feel that I should be dabbing it behind my ears! This one is perhaps not for lovers of a traditional cup of Builders' tea


Perhaps a less widely known plant, Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) but one found growing in many gardens, is another herb that has mildly sedative properties. This is one I have found useful for those patients whose day is still running through their minds on a continual loop as they try to get off to sleep. In my experience, it is helpful for stilling and settling the mind and if you go with the flow, it should ease you gently into sleep. This can again be taken as a warming a relaxing tea, but might not be the herb for you, if you have low thyroid problems.

Many of these herbs are found in combination remedies that you can buy over the counter, however, if these don't work for you, don't despair – you don't necessarily need to think about using sleeping tablets from your doctor.

Do remember that often symptoms such as sleeplessness can be the expression of a  range of long-standing conditions. The underlying cause of any condition will always need attention before things can improve and over the counter sleep remedies will not necessarily be formulated to deal with these. You may need a more in-depth assessment of your condition and a herbal prescription that isn't off the shelf. This is where consulting your medical herbalist scores highly. There are many more herbal options available to them and they have the training to look beneath your condition to individually tailor a herbal medicine for your needs in order to help you to (hopefully) to begin at last, to get a good night's sleep.

Catherine Schofield BSc BA MSc MNIMH is a practising herbalist and member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Catherine for a full consultation at Bare Health, please call the store on 01260 408413. 


This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended as a guide to self-treatment. Caution needs to be exercised with all herbs in terms of dosage and possible interactions and contra-indications and if you are pregnant, lactating or suffer from any other medical condition. Always consult your healthcare professional fist and make sure that you use the correct herbs from a reputable source