Welcome to Bare Health!

Hello I'm Mel Ball and I own Bare Health, Health Store and Complementary Therapy Centre in Congleton, Cheshire. Healthy Living has always been a passion of mine. Having initially achieved a degree in Sports & Health Studies at MMU I went onto train as a Sports Massage Therapist and then for the last 15yrs I have worked in the Natural Health Industry as a sales advisor and as a Complementary Therapist. Throughout this time regularly attending seminars, workshops and undertaking further courses on many topics related to Natural Health. 

It was always a dream of mine to one day open my own Healthy Living Store & Complementary Therapy Practice - a One Stop Shop for natural Health! And in October 2011 this dream became reality! Bare Health opened its doors for the first time! So far its been an exciting and indeed challenging journey.

There's never a dull moment and at the heart of Bare health is a shared vision to promote the benefits of natural health and wellbeing to the public, offering support and advice so our customers can make informed choices about their health. I feel its so important to recognise that each and every one of us is unique and the approaches we adopt at Bare Health are holistic and tailored specifically to individual needs.

A Team Effort

Its truly a 'team' effort at Bare Health. The store is managed by myself and my mum Sue, and supported by our team of experienced, professional therapists all sharing a united passion for Health. And with a Holistic approach being at the heart of Bare Health It was important to offer a variety of disciplines that treat 'Mind, Body &  Soul'. And from this, 'Bare Health Holistics' has started to grow from strength to strength.

Out in the Community  

In addition to the Store and Therapy Centre we also put on a regular events program with monthly clinics from Leading Nutritionist and Food intolerance tester Gareth Zeal, free in store days with nutritional advisors, regular workshops, In store sampling days, Angel evenings and our hugely successful Ladies Nights and early morning Yoga Sessions! We've also been busy taking Bare Health out into the community! Giving talks at the WI and other local groups, supporting local sports events like the Cloud 9 Hill Race and participating in the Congleton Food Festival. Like I said earlier, never a dull moment!

Latest Developments

Our latest venture is our new online store www.barehealth.co.uk so for those of you who struggle to visit us in store there is now the option to order your favourite products with us online! And don't forget we are able to access thousands of Natural Health Products so if you cant see what your'e after in store or online you can contact us at Bare health 01260 408413 or email mel@barehealth.co.uk with your enquiries.

My Personal Recommendations

Our products at Bare Health are all tried and tested quality brands. We also like to offer things that are a little unique and different too but most important is quality ingredients! We don't want our customers throwing their money down the drain! 

So, on a day to day basis what keeps me going?

•  A good breakfast

Well, I start my day with a pint of water or a herb tea followed by a healthy nutritious breakfast, I recently came across Primrose's Kitchen - fantastic Raw Muesli's, a nutritious blend of gluten free oats, fresh carrot, cinnamon, nuts, seeds and psyllium husk which tastes great too I also add a good tablespoon of Superlife Breakfast topping on top this gives me the steady release of energy I need to see me through to lunch! Im also enjoying Orzo an Italian Coffee Alternative made from Organic Barley this comes in an instant powder or granules for a cafetiere. As I keep dairy to a bare minimum I add Koko Coconut Milk to cereals and beverages - in my opinion, this is the closest, taste wise, to semi skimmed milk.

And if I need a snack during the day? Then I love Bounce Balls, naked bars or an oatcake (or celery stick) with Organic Almond or Peanut Butter - this help sustain my energy levels. And when I feel like a bit of Chocolate? IQ Ingredients RAW Cacoa Chocolate fills that craving - I can personally recommend the lime flavour - added bonus - its actually shown to have health benefits too :)

• Supplements  

I take SunChlorella daily, I find this again helps my energy levels, boosts my immunity and aids skin health. Alongside this I take Cherry Active for its high level of antioxidants and I find it aids my recovery from exercise. It also naturally contains melatonin which helps to regulate my sleep patterns too! (which I find extremely beneficial for those nights when my mind just wont switch off). I also like to take a good quality multivitamin that's free of binders, excipients and is easily digestible- TerraNova Multivitamin and Mineral is my product of choice along with a good source of omega oils I particularly like Solgar Wild Alaskan Fish Oil and I like to add Udos Choice Blend to salads and smoothies.

And for when there are times where i'm, lets say, 'run off my feet' and finding it a little hard to concentrate, then BetterYou Femergy  helps restore balance and my focus! My additonal coping strategy!

• Exercise

I have to make the time to exercise! And I always feel better for it! And this is why i'm now getting myself a regular routine started. Boot Camp on a Monday night, Early Morning Yoga at Bare Health on Wednesdays and then I've recently take up Tennis (It must have been the Wimbledon fever!!) which i'm really enjoying. I can highly recommend Adele Hartshorn of Ignite Personal Coaching she's the person who is pushing us to our limits at Boot camp and then stretching us (pardon the pun) to our limits at Bare Health Yoga. Yes, she pushes us hard, but she gets results and i'm really starting to feel the benefit, not just physically, mentally also! I also love the fact that she walks her talk, is so passionate about her work and gives 100% to everything!

And Finally, one of the best tips I could give?

Keep Hydrated! Drink at least 4 pts of water a day!

I hope this has given you a little insight into Bare Health and that you will find our regular blogs on Natural Health of interest - if there's any topics you would like us to cover in future posts then please contact me on mel@barehealth.co.uk 

Dont forget you can also follow us on  TWITTER @barehealth1 or 'LIKE' us on facebook  'Bare Health' to get regular updates

The information in this blog is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or other healthcare professional. Always consult your GP if taking prescribed medication or prior to implementing making any changes to your health regime

Beat the Bugs this Summer

 

By Bare Health Homeopath - Jane Bowdenleigh MSC, LNWCH. 

http://www.barehealth.co.uk/jane-bowdenleigh.html

Beat the Bugs this Summer!

Have the bugs been bothering you this summer?  Enjoying my garden on these sunny days has been a pleasure but just recently I have noticed the horseflies dancing in attendance. These bites tend to be really itchy and as soon as I give into the temptation to itch then they cover a large, red swollen area giving off a lot of heat.  The homeopathic remedy Apis is a great soother for bites like these.  Apis can be taken to ease wasp and bee stings as well as nasty bites from other insects that become hot, red and swollen.  Take Apis 6c every hour until you feel some improvement and then reduce the frequency accordingly.  If you only have a 30c then take every 2 to 3 hours and again reduce the dose, as the symptoms ease.

Most people react differently to bites and stings and matching the symptoms to the most suitable homeopathic remedy will give you the maximum relief.  Bites that burn and irritate the skin will be soothed more readily by taking Cantharis.  While reactions that cause the skin to go red and blotchy like nettle rash will gain greater relief from Urtica Urens, the remedy made from nettles.  Homeopathy treats like with like, so always match your symptoms with the symptom picture for a specific remedy.  For someone who is quite irritated from a bite or sting and sensitive to the touch Staphysagria may gives more relief.  Especially if they find the area is worse for a cold application and better for warmth.

If the individual remedies are not easily to hand, especially if you are on holiday, then a general application of Hypercal (containing Hypericum and Calendula) cream or tincture will give relief from mosquito or midge bites.  Urtica is also available as a cream to give topical relief to the types of reaction indicated above.  While I have found Rescue Remedy great for relieving an itchy bite when I have not had access to my homeopathic first aid kit.  Just put a couple of drops neat from the bottle direct on the skin.  

Of course most bites and stings can be managed at home with first aid remedies to good effect.  Though if you or someone you are with, experiences difficulty in breathing, swelling of a body part and/or palpitations ensure you access emergency medical care straight away.  This may be the first signs of an anaphylactic reaction which can be severe and life threatening.  While waiting for emergency help give Aconite 30c or 200c or if nothing else is to hand then give Rescue Remedy.  Both can ease the shock and fear.   

The good news is that there is a lot of homeopathic help to beat the bugs this summer.   Bare Health has many of the remedies and creams in store.  If you would to discuss how to best use them, I am available most Thursday mornings to answer your questions.

Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH.  Homeopath.  07740 798595 www.jbhomeopathy.co.uk

My favourite products for supporting my health and well being - Lisa Barlow,Personal Development Coach

http://www.barehealth.co.uk/lisa-barlow.html

I am interested in all things related to 'health and well being 'and although my main passion is emotional health I love the range of natural, quality products on offer at Bare Health that help to keep me in tip top condition. There are many supplements for specific ailments and health conditions but the following list are the ones which I feel support my overall well being:

1) Sun Chlorella A
Sun Chlorella "A" is a high quality and balanced nutritional supplement, rich in various nutrients. Sun Chlorella "A" contains many nutrients found in green vegetables such as essential amino acids, protein, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll and carotene that are essential to a healthy body. Remarkably, Sun Chlorella "A" contains 60% protein by weight.  I use this as part of my supplementation programme to help maintain energy levels and promote good digestive health.

2) CherryActive - Available in concentrate or capsule
I love the taste of cherries so I choose CherryActive concentrate but the capsules are good for taking on my holidays. The main benefit of CherryActive is that it is especially high in antioxidants. So what?

Antioxidants protect the body from damaging ‘free radicals’ produced during activity and free radicals are linked to ageing skin, cancers, heart disease and arthritis.

As I am a keen runner I probably have lots of free radicals floating about so increasing my antioxidant intake to 'mop them up' is extremely useful for my body.  Running can also be quite tough on the joints so luckily for me Montmorency cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins which possess natural, anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to reduce exercise-induced soreness and promote rapid recovery meaning that I can train more regularly without having so much muscle fatigue.

Cherry Active has other benefits too.   Current research shows taking CherryActive Concentrate daily improves quality and quantity of sleep.  It is made from Montmorency cherries, which are high in naturally-occurring melatonin. Melatonin is produced by the brain to regulate healthy sleep cycles. Bonus!

3) Better You Vitamin D and B12 spray
I use vitamin D spray particularly in the winter months as I can suffer more with mood swings when there is a lack of sunlight. As we are getting less natural exposure to sunshine it is unlikely we can get enough Vitamin D for our physiological needs (food sources being oily fish and eggs).

B12 boost contains vitamin B12, chromium and green tea extract, all associated with energy production and body metabolism, providing an effective source of natural energy in the form of a daily oral spray. By obtaining B12 under the tongue, the vitamin is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, avoiding the digestive system which can destroy essential nutrients with strong enzymes and acids. In fact, B12 is so difficult to absorb that only one per cent of intake from food is actually retained. As I also suffer with digestive problems the spray is an ideal alternative to tablet form.

Vitamin B12 is specifically known for its role in producing healthy amounts of red blood cells which are necessary for the proper delivery of the required oxygen to the body's cells and tissues. This is excellent for anyone going through stressful periods at work, home or those with an intensive exercise programme. Research has also found that B vitamins are linked to cognitive health and memory, and in particular maintaining the body’s energy levels.

4) BioStrath
Bio-Strath provides a convenient, effective way to strengthen resistance to colds, flu and illness, to speed up recovery after illness or debilitating disease, and to help regain and sustain good health. It can be taken regularly as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The weaker your immune system, the more noticeable Bio-Strath’s benefits. It is designed to optimise immune function and promote mental and physical well being.

Made in Switzerland from a special, highly concentrated extract of herbal yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bio-Strath’s uplifting formula can combat everyday tiredness and fatigue. This can be taken on a continual basis and is particularly useful in the winter months to help fend off colds and flu. However, I have found that it is also useful to support the immune system when under periods of stress.

5) Quest MegaBiotix or Terra Nova Probiotic

I have suffered with IBS type symptoms for many years and having stumbled on 'probiotics' I have found my symptoms to be massively reduced (alongside more effective emotional coping strategies). Probiotics help to keep the gut healthy with good bacteria.

I am a firm believer in balance in life and although I do use supplementation to aid my performance and support my body's systems in times of additional stress I believe that a healthy diet, regular exercise and good mental/emotional health provide the foundations for our overall health. Our minds and bodies are intricately linked and so it is just as important to keep the mind healthy as it is the body. At Bare Health I help to empower individuals to take full charge of their minds and create a vessel which only contains thoughts that provide the most helpful fuel for a fulfilling, balanced life. Enjoy x
ps. Currently I am loving the Baobab and Onion Kale Chips on sale at Bare Health which are a healthier alternative to crisps and are absolutely scrummy. Get some before they sell out!

For more information or to purchase any of the products mentioned, just follow the links below, alternatively please feel free to call Bare Health on 01260 408413. We are always happy to help.

http://www.barehealth.co.uk/sun-chlorella-a-tablets-300.html
http://www.barehealth.co.uk/brands-en/cherry-active/
http://www.barehealth.co.uk/brands-en/betteryou-en/
http://www.barehealth.co.uk/brands-en/terranova/

It takes guts to be healthy!

You can now visit our new online store just follow this link:

 http://www.barehealth.co.uk/

It takes guts to be healthy!

                                     

A healthy digestive system is perhaps the most important factor in promoting long-term health. If any element of this complicated system is working inefficiently there could be a negative influence on health. This could range from indigestion and bloating to poor immunity and malnutrition.

Common problems

Heartburn, constipation and diarrhoea are some of the most common everyday ailments suffered by many people. Bad digestion caused by not absorbing the nutrients within your food may also result in diminished immunity, poor bowel function, delayed wound healing, allergies and muscle wasting.

Digestion is the process which breaks down foods, allowing the body to absorb and utilise nutrients; carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals.  Factors which can negatively affect digestion include stress, ageing, a poor diet, the use of antacids, antibiotics and other drugs.  Improper digestion can lead to many symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation and/or diarrhoea, IBS and food intolerance reactions.

However, there are a number of ways to help digestion.  If, after assessing your diet and lifestyle you find digestion is still a problem it may be beneficial to use supplements as an alternative to using antacids, which can be damaging to health.  Natural products such as acidophilus, pancreatin, hydrochloric acid, bromelain and pepsin are all excellent digestive aids. Digestive aids play a specific role in the process of supporting the different stages of digestion, absorption and elimination.

Digestive Enzymes

When it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system, enzymes are key. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, food will not be properly broken down and absorbed. Undigested food particles promote unfriendly bacteria, leading to flatulence, bloating and a host of other digestive conditions. Digestive enzymes help to boost the digestive process, and can be taken with foods to help with the breakdown and absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Botanical Options

Nature provides an abundance of botanical compounds, which have properties that support digestive wellness. Studies have highlighted the synergistic benefits of using many of these herbs and spices. Chamomile, fennel seed, lemon balm, peppermint and yarrow have a long history of use for calming the gastrointestinal tract and relieving intestinal spasms. Research has also repeatedly confirmed these effects. Dandelion and gentian root contain various bitter principles, known to stimulate digestion and support liver health. A combination of gentle herbs such as these may help to alleviate annoying and uncomfortable symptoms of poor digestion, such as excess gas, bloating and intestinal cramping.

Some tips for good digestion:

-          Chew, chew and chew some more! Digestion starts in the mouth. Food has to be well broken down to be properly absorbed and there are no teeth in your stomach!

-          Don’t drink with meals, as you’ll dilute your much-needed stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

-          Avoid using antacids. Heartburn is often a sign of low stomach acid, which will be reduced even further with antacids. Try taking digestive enzymes with meals instead.

For more information please call into Bare Health or phone 01260 408413. For a limited period you can pick up a free digestive 'Comfort Zone' sample pack and leaflet from Bare Health on High St, Congleton.

The information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or Healthcare Professional. Always seek advice from your GP if taking prescribed medication.

 

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

By Sarah Rhodes, Bare Health Hypnotherapist

http://www.barehealth.co.uk/sarah-rhodes.html

 

I was at a party over the weekend and someone asked me what I did for a living,

“I’m a Hypnotherapist,” I said,

“Ooh, don’t look at me,” came the reply, “you might make me do something stupid and embarrass me!”

If this is what your reaction would have been, you are clearly not alone.  This is a typical response from someone whose only experience of hypnosis is watching a stage hypnotist.  They think there is some magic or mystery associated with hypnosis, and that a hypnotist merely has to look at you, to put you ‘under his spell’, and get you to reveal your deepest secrets or fall in love with a brush!  However there is a lot more to hypnosis and hypnotherapy than most people realise.

Many people are frightened of hypnosis for a variety of reasons, most of which come down to one thing - lack of information.  In the past hypnosis has been associated with magical, mysterious powers and even the occult.  It was used as a tool of power to dominate people.  Practitioners kept their methods mystifying so that they could fool people into thinking they had special powers.

Some practitioners still like to keep their methods secret and this goes to perpetuate the myth that hypnosis requires special powers and that the subject is at the mercy of the hypnotist who has ‘taken over their mind’.

This is definitely not the case.  There are no special powers involved.  It is a completely natural state, which the therapist helps you to achieve yourself.  The subject always remains in full control.

 

So what is hypnosis and hypnotherapy all about?

Well, stage hypnosis is certainly only the tip of the iceberg and, whilst being entertaining, it often gives people the wrong impression of the hypnotic state.  Many people have the idea that the hypnotist is in control of the people on stage, that he has ‘put them under’ and they will now do anything he says.   In actual fact the six or so subjects, actually on the stage doing the entertaining, have been selected from perhaps thirty people that initially volunteered.  The Hypnotist will have carried out some simple suggestibility tests, which give an indication of how susceptible a person is to hypnotic suggestion.  He will then have whittled down the volunteers to the few who were highly suggestible.  The hypnotist will also assess the volunteer’s character a little, to select the most outgoing, increasing the chance of having very entertaining volunteers.  Any suggestions given by the hypnotist are all things that these people would probably also do, for example, under the influence of alcohol.  They cannot be made to do anything they would object to in normal circumstances and are free to act upon the suggestions, or not, as they wish.  Hypnosis, in this situation, merely reduces inhibitions, much like alcohol would do.

Hypnosis, or trance, is actually a completely natural state of very deep and total relaxation. In the state of hypnosis, you are not awake, neither are you asleep; you are in between these states, like a halfway house. There are many levels of hypnosis and everyone, at some time in their life, has experienced some level of trance, most without even realising it.  I’m sure almost everyone has experienced that feeling when you wake from a dream and you’re not sure whether it was real or not; when you have driven a long way, arrive at your destination and you can’t remember a significant chunk of the journey; or when you have been so absorbed in a book or film that you have been unaware of what is going on around you.

All of these examples are light forms of the hypnotic state, daydreaming too is a form of trance.  However, to get the real benefits from hypnosis it is necessary to enter a much deeper level of the hypnotic state; this is where a hypnotherapist can help.

The success of all hypnosis is dependent on the willingness of the subject to co-operate fully with the hypnotist, and the ability of the subject to concentrate his or her mind.  It is also very important that the subject trusts, and has complete confidence in, the therapist.

A hypnotist does not possess any special powers

Contrary to popular belief, a hypnotist, or hypnotherapist, does not possess any special powers and cannot hypnotise anybody against their will.  All hypnosis is, in fact, self-hypnosis, and to reach the hypnotic state takes the total cooperation and concentration of the subject.  The hypnotherapist will teach you how to achieve this trance state.  He or she is able to guide you to much deeper levels of relaxation and states of hypnosis, before giving gentle suggestions to address your particular issue.  You are always totally aware of what is happening and in full control of the session.  You cannot be made to do anything against your will. 

We are all products of suggestion.  A newborn baby’s mind is pure; there are no phobias, anxieties, compulsions or opinions.  From the moment a baby is born these things are being formed in the baby’s mind by external suggestion, whether it is verbal or, at this young age, experienced.  It is from these suggestions that many issues originate. When we are very young we do not have the ability to use reason and logic, this means the reaction to any suggestions we receive is purely emotional and is therefore very powerful.

For example, if a 3-year-old girl is terrorised by an older brother with a spider, she cannot apply reason and logic to convince herself he is just being mean and the tiny spider he has will cause her no harm.  Indeed if she wanted she could squash it between her fingers to get rid of it.  Her brother has put the powerful suggestion in her mind that the spider is something to be feared and from then on every time she sees a spider she is terrified something awful will happen to her.  This feeling may get worse as she gets older, called a Syndrome Effect, resulting in a woman who is terrified at the very thought of seeing a spider and is continually looking around the room in case a spider should appear. Quite often the original reason for the fear is so deeply hidden in the subconscious that the person is not even aware of the fear’s origin. 

All human minds respond to suggestion, there are suggestions surrounding us everyday; advertisements, news stories, books, magazines, even other people.  For instance, you may wake up one morning feeling fine and ready to face the day, but the first person you meet says, “Are you okay, you look a bit pale?” 

If then, throughout the day, several people comment on how pale you look or ask if you are alright, gradually you will start to wonder if indeed you are a bit off-colour.  By the end of the day you will probably feel quite below par, as if you are coming down with something.  This is the power of suggestion.

In the hypnotic state, the conscious, logic mind is bypassed, enabling suggestions to be given directly to the subconscious mind, which greatly magnifies the power of the suggestion, and therefore increases its effect.

What does hypnotherapy actually do, how can it help me?

This is all well and good, you might say, but what does hypnotherapy actually do, how can it help me?

Well, hypnotherapy can help many people in many ways. It may be used to help with a wide range of issues, ranging from smoking cessation, overeating, stress, insomnia, phobias, lack of confidence/self esteem, improving performance at work or in sport to use by pregnant women enabling them to experience a more relaxed, calm and comfortable pregnancy and birth.  Hypnotherapy can help with all of these issues and more by giving appropriate suggestions over a period of time. 

If you would like more information about how Hypnotherapy can help you, please contact Bare Health on 01260 408413, call Sarah Rhodes on 07881 816 439, or visit www.appletonpractice.co.uk

Hayfever – Ease the Sneeze!

Hayfever – Ease the Sneeze!

After a very long winter, it seems that Spring has now finally arrived. For many of us, it is a time of year that brings new life and renewed energy, lighter mornings and nights and nature itself truly starts to awaken once more. We start looking forward to the Summer, and begin to plan our holidays, time with friends & family and long days in the outdoors . We could liken it to our emergence from Hibernation! However, for some of us, the return of Spring also brings the misery of Hayfever Season!

Hayfever is a common problem that arises during the Spring & Summer months and is part of the group of health conditions known as Allergic Rhinitis – allergies to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. ‘Hayfever’ mainly refers to an allergy to ‘Pollen’.

It has been estimated that between 15-20% of the UK population and other Industrialised western countries suffer from Hayfever. The condition usually presents itself in response to an abnormal (allergic) reaction of the body to pollen that comes into contact with the nose, eyes or throat. The Immune system reacts to what is usually a ‘harmless’ substance because it views it as ‘harmful’ as if being under attack. Consequently, it retaliates, releasing large amounts of histamine which in turn causes itching, inflammation and irritation in local tissues.

The common sources of pollen that brings about such reactions are from grass, trees and flowers. In temperate climates, such as the UK, pollen levels dramatically increase in Spring as nature returns to life.

So, what are the Symptoms and how can it be treated? The main symptoms are often sneezing, itchy or runny nose, irritation at the back of the throat, itchy or runny eyes, bronchial congestion and blocked noses. With the degree of severity of these symptoms  differing from person to person. Conventional treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops and steroids. However, there are also a number of natural remedies that may also offer significant relief.

The key to reducing the severity of such reactions lies in minimising allergen levels in the bloodstream and buffering the response to them. Making some simple health changes can also help reduce the strain on your mucous membranes, strengthen your immune system &
reduce the amount of histamine floating about inside you. Quercetin, Ester C and Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) are effective anti-histamines, stabilising the mast cells, which release the cause of all the misery. Natural sources of quercetin include onions, apples 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. 

Echinacea may help support effective Immune function as will taking low doses of Vitamin C throughout the day. Nettles (urtica) are especially good if you have high histamine levels & suffer from ‘prickly heat’, they work as a blood tonic and help reduce histamine levels. They also contain Silica which may help strengthen lung tissue. Nettle can be found in the form of tincture, tablets or tea bags.

A tincture of herbs including Sponge cucumber (Luffa Operculata) is suitable for Hayfever sufferers and is safe to be taken by adults, children and people on medication, although it is available in tablet form, it often gets into the system quicker as a tincture. It works by eradicating the most common symtoms.

The Homeopathic Remedy ‘Euphrasia’ (Eyebright) is also an effective remedy to ease the irritation of itchy, inflamed eyes and a consultation with a qualified Homeopath will ensure you get a remedy tailored to your unique symptoms.

All of these remedies can be found at an Independent Health Store near you.

In addition, sufferers should minimise or cut out the following products to alleviate the strain on your immune system and mucous membranes: Dairy products, Caffeine, Artificial colourings and flavourings, and artificial sweeteners. Whilst increasing fruit, vegetable and water intake.

Finally, don't forget that a daily dose of local honey can also help ease the seasonal sneeze!

Let’s hope that this year your Hayfever becomes less sneeze & more of a breeze! So you too can enjoy the delights summer can bring and ditch those tissues!

For more advice on the information or products mentioned within this article please call Bare Health, Congleton on 01260 408413 or alternatively email mel@barehealth.co.uk

This information does not replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek their advice if taking prescribed medication

Holiday essentials for your packing

 

Which essential items do you make sure are packed in your bag for a holiday away?  A good read for the beach? Sun hat and sun cream?  As an optimist they are all on my list when holidaying home or abroad.   I also add Arnica and Rescue Remedy to my essentials list.  Both are fantastic acute remedies for those moments when holiday events can take a turn for the worse. 

How many of us are taken over by the enthusiasm for those extra activities when we get away from the routine of home and work?  Maybe it is the unplanned walk that can become a 5 mile hike over cliff paths; or hiring bikes for the day to explore the local countryside when you have not been on a bike for a very long time.   It may be lots of fun at the time until you find you get up the following day and suffer with those stiff, aching muscles and can hardly walk.  The good news is that help is at hand with a few doses of Arnica 30c.  Arnica has a number of uses homeopathically including soothing bruises and easing tired and painful muscles after strenuous activity.  It can help you recover quickly, easing the aches and pains and allow you to enjoy the rest of your holiday.

At other times the stress of getting away can cause sleepless nights and anxieties.  From holiday traffic jams to fears of flying or sailing; a few drops of Rescue Remedy, a Bach Flower Remedy, can help calm those nerves and ease the tension.  Rescue remedy can also be used for sunburn when you have nothing else to hand.

To find out what great allies these and other homeopathic remedies can be on your next holiday join my next workshop at Bare Health.  The workshop will provide a valuable introduction to using homeopathy.  The aim is for you to be able to select some suitable first aid remedies for a range of holiday ailments.    A great opportunity to find out how homeopathy can help your holiday go that little bit more smoothly if needed.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, 27^th April from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Bare Health in Congleton town centre.  The cost is great value at £10.00.  Places are available and need to be booked in advance to guarantee a place.  Call in at Bare Health to book or call for more information.  Jane Bowdenleigh, LNWCH.  Tel 07740 798595   janebl1@hotmail.co.uk