Our Blog is a selection of various topics on herbs, foods, attitudes and much more that overlap between Dr Clare's Clinic and her separate bricks & mortar store and online Apothecary shop products.
Showing posts with label Health and herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and herbs. Show all posts
It is the start of May and the plant growth is in full swing here in Ireland. I really like this time of year when the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. The leaf growth on the trees is so rapid that it is hard to keep track of it and the same goes for all other plant growth. Some of the most commonly used medicinal plants are in full growth here in Ireland. These include Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine) (also known as Robin-run-the Hedge or Stickleback), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), ….and many more. Many of these herbs, especially the Stinging nettles, Cleavers, Lemon balm and Dandelion are all herbs that I would frequently use in my clinic practice and I have seen their benefit on repeated bases for many of those attending our clinic. Each of these plants are used for different reasons. Let’s look at two of these in a bit more detail…
Daisy (Bellis perennis): is a low (approximately 10cm) growing plant of the Daisy plant family (Asteraceae) which can be found growing in lawns, along roadsides, and in other short grasslands throughout Ireland.
The leaves and flowers can be used. Daisies can be made into a salve which can be applied to bruises, sores and skin swellings to aid the healing as well as to ease tired muscles. Infusion of daisy can be used for coughs as well as joint pain.
It is also important to mention the lovely tradition of making daisy chains which is therapeutic in its own right 馃槉
Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica):can grow up to approximately 1m high and have opposite and heart-shaped leaves. The whole plant is covered in small hairs which give the nettle its characteristic sting. Stinging nettle leaves should be harvested when the plants are young. If the leaves have gone too mature or the plant has gone into flowering then it can be cut right back to stimulate new leaf growth for second harvesting.
I use Stinging nettles very frequently in my clinical practice (commonly in formulations) with consistently successful outcomes for my patients. The seeds, young leaf tops and roots can be used although each is used for different reasons. The leaves are rich in a variety of essential elements including iron, zinc, calcium, and many more nutrients which makes this plant very popular for hair growth, skin health, bone support, as well as for general wellbeing. It is also frequently used for allergies and hayfever. These are, however, only a few of the health benefits the amazing stinging nettle can offer. The following diagram offers a good overview of the numerous health benefits of nettles that is, itself, not an exhaustive list.
Diagram as presented by Khuma Kumari Bhusal, et al. (2022).
One well-known spring cleanse that has been recommended for centuries is a combination of cleavers, nettles and dandelion leaves. This is made into an infusion which is then drunk throughout the day. See recipe below.
All of the herbs mentioned in this post are commonly found in the wild in Ireland, except perhaps Lemon balm which would be more commonly found grown in gardens. I, therefore, invite you to see if you can spot them all next time when you are out walking. Just remember that if you intend to forage herbs for use to be 100% certain about identification of the plants that you harvest. Feel free to get in touch with us in Dr. Clare’s clinic at any stage if you have any questions (www.drclare.ie or by phone 091 583260)
Warm wishes …. or as we say in Iceland hl媒jar kve冒jur
Lara Jonasdottir 馃槉
Medical herbalist BSc, Clinical Education MSc
Ref: Khuma Kumari Bhusal, et al. (2022) Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review. Heliyon, Volume 8, Issue 6, ISSN 2405-8440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717.
The Christmas season can be an emotional rollercoaster, with festive cheer mixed with much stress and worry. Many of us can feel the pressure in relation to decorating the house, buying presents, attending all the pre-Christmas get-togethers, managing any family tensions, and so on. The joy of the moment and watching happy memories being created can help override any negativity where it might exist, but not always.
Christmas can be a painful time for a variety of reasons, with increased feelings of isolation for some, stress of the in-laws coming to visit or feeling anxious about socialising. Medical Herbalist, Lara Jonasdottir of Dr. Clare’s Apothecary & Clinic in Galway explains how the right lifestyle and the help of relaxing herbs can come to the rescue. “As a medical herbalist these are the things that crop up in clinical practice as individuals have a full hour to discuss their concerns during their first appointment. A distinct pattern seen is that existing medical conditions including chronic stress and anxiety can flare up during the Christmas season.”
“It is therefore helpful in the approach to Christmas to manage expectations all round and to focus on the smaller positive things that do not involve major commitments. Time invested in oneself at this point including regular exercise, eating healthily, having relaxing baths, and getting more sleep can help to build up the energy needed to face the world and navigate through any expected or unexpected choppy waters.”
“Herbal medicine can also be helpful with many relaxing herbs available such as chamomile (Matricaria recutita), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), linden flowers (Tilia europea), lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). These can be taken as teas or tinctures.” (links go to Dr Clare's Shop product offer)
Many of us have a laundry list of symptoms and a central role of the medical herbalist is to take the time to listen and help to make sense of these with a view to providing a beneficial course of action. For some this might involve a combination of more straightforward lifestyle changes and useful additions like herbal teas, creams, or other off-the-shelf products. For others this might involve an individualised herbal therapeutic plan in combination with a comprehensive review of potential contributing factors to ill health and any follow-on referrals. The aim in all cases is to find an appropriate level of intervention that delivers sustained improvement without causing any additional problems.
So when approaching the stresses that unfold this Christmas think about yourself first, without looking after you, you cannot look after anyone else.
For more information on stress free Christmas go to drclare.ie or call Lara on 091 583260.
Monday, 12 April 2021
Dr Clare’s Apothecary - Witch Hazel Cream
At Dr Clare’s Apothecary, we have created a comprehensive range of traditional herbal-based natural personal care creams to help with our customers physical and emotional wellbeing. Our personal care creams are part of our integrated medicine approach that combines the best of pharmaceutical medicine and complementary medicine.
Dr Clare’s Apothecary has carefully curated a high quality, sustainably sourced range of therapeutic herbal medicines. This includes a wide range of supplements, dried herbs, tinctures, capsules, pessaries and creams. Our therapeutic herbal medicines are available from the clinic dispensary, online shop or by telephone order. We also provide online consultation about the health and wellbeing benefit of all our products.
Witch Hazel Cream
Witch hazels (Hamamelis) are a plant family, with three species in North America, one in Japan and one in China. Witch hazels are deciduous shrubs with leaves that are oval with a smooth wavy border. Hamamelis means "together with fruit" which likely refers to the plants flowering and the maturing of their fruit both happening at the same time.
Witch hazel cream offers a broad range of medical applications that can be used in a number of different ways. Its leaves and bark can be made into ointments and applied to the skin for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
Here are Dr Clare’s top 5 benefits of witch hazel.
1. Relieves Inflammation
Witch hazel contains numerous compounds that provide anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidant properties also help to prevent further spreading of inflammation and neutralize the build-up of free radicals within your body. It is therefore understandable that witch hazel is widely known for its potential to help with conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.
2. Helps Sensitive and Irritated Skin
Research has suggested that witch hazel can be beneficial for sensitive skin including the treatment of inflamed, irritated or broken skin. Witch hazel may help to reduce skin redness and provide relief for irritated and sensitive skin.
3. Helps Fights Acne
Witch hazel offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in the treatment of acne by acting as an astringent, causing your tissues to contract and help shrink skin pores. This has the benefit of preventing acne-related bacteria from entering your pores.
Witch hazel is therefore commonly found in many over-the-counter acne products. It is particularly useful for people with oily skin and can also be applied through steaming.
4. Relieves Scalp Irritation
Witch hazel may help reduce scalp irritation and inflammation, including the treatment of dandruff and dry skin. Scalp sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema.
Dabbing your scalp with witch hazel before washing your hair may help treat scalp sensitivity and provide relief from dryness, itching and tenderness.
5. Offers Relief from Hemorrhoids
Witch hazel may be used as a natural remedy to provide relief from the itchiness and pain frequently caused by haemorrhoids because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Add witch hazel to a clean cloth or cotton ball and dab directly to the affected area to soothe the skin.
In Summary
Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to haemorrhoids.
Dr Clare’s witch hazel cream can be applied directly to your skin and safely administered for the treatment of haemorrhoids after each bowel movement. Doing an initial skin patch test on a small portion of your skin can help prevent unwanted side effects and skin reactions.
You can read some of our many product reviews on our Facebook page, to see what dozens of our happy customers think of our range of herbal remedies. If you would like to discuss a specific treatment such as the use of witch hazel or any of our other properties, you can call us on+35391583260, email us at support@drclare.net or book an appointment through our website.
Can
I remind women to take care of themselves and their families with a reminder
regarding preventing Spina Bifida. We had a major public health campaign a few
years ago but recent study shows that a reminder might be helpful. Mention it
to friends, daughters, daughters-in-law and nieces where appropriate.
Eating
steamed greens is good for all ages so
Steam those Greens.
Three out of four women in Dublin do not
have enough folic acid to prevent Spina Bifida in their babies according to a
recent University College Dublin Study at the Coombe Maternity Hospital.
Eighty families each year in Ireland cope
with the distress of dealing with this condition affecting one of their own.
Spina Bifida affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis.
Ireland has a particularly high incidence
of Spina Bifida. Many cases can be prevented by supplementing with Folic Acid
for at least 3 months before you try
to conceive and while you are trying to get pregnant. Continue the supplement
throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
‘Fol’ in folic acid is the Latin for ‘leaf’
and this vitamin is high in green leaves. Folic acid (known as folate in its
natural form) is one of the B-group vitamins.
There is more folic acid remaining in steamed leaves rather than boiled leaves.
It can be hard to get all the folic acid consistently
in your diet so it is recommended to take 400 micrograms per day continuously if
you are not using relatively foolproof contraception.
A lack of folic acid could lead to anaemia.
What
does Folic Acid do?
•It works together with vitamin
B12 to form healthy red blood cells
•It helps to reduce the risk of
central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn babies
Herb sources of Folic Acid.
Nettle leaf is loaded with folic acid
and calcium, lots of minerals, and tons of vitamins, including E. It
strengthens hair, blood vessels, and the kidney/adrenal complex. It is
considered as safe as kale.
Food sources of Folic acid
Folate is found in small amounts in
many foods including:
•broccoli
•brussels sprouts
•kale
•liver
•spinach
•asparagus
•peas
•chickpeas
•fortified breakfast cereals.
Folic
acid cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every
day.
Osteoporosis is a silent process of losing minerals from
your bones. They become brittle and fracture easily.There is no pain unless you experience a fracture which is
why it is important to look after your bone health with preventive measures.
Good bone health is achieved by ensuring that you have an
adequate intake of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, preferably through diet. It is also important to do regular gentle weight building exercise.
I have created a Bone Building Tea that includes a range of herbs that are naturally
rich in minerals and helpful in supporting strong healthy bones. Many of these herbs can be found in your back garden. The amount of vitamins and minerals you can get from these plants is significant.
Boneset (Eupatorium) Boneset helps build healthy bone mass as well as helping to treat with arthritis. It is also used as a pain reliever for broken bones and may help them heal faster. This wonderful herb is also used for the body pains and aches you get with influenza and helps to reduce fever. Boneset has a very bitter taste.
Mallow
Mallow looks beautiful and tastes great. The whole plant can be used but the root has the most virtue. It contains phytoestrogens which help in bone remodelling.
The leaves are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins ( calcium, iron, vitamin c, copper traces and more. They also release soothing mucilage.
Yellow Dock Root
Yellow dock has been used as a multi-purpose plant for centuries. Today it can often be found as an ingredient in toothpastes. The plant is also known as narrow dock, curled dock and curly leaf dock.
The leaves contain high levels of organic oxalic acid which is no problem to eat raw in very small quantities but if eaten in large quantities can lock up other nutrients in the food. The leaf stalks are used in salads. The root is used as medicine.
Oxalic acid readily combines with calcium and helps the digestive assimilation of the calcium.
Alfafa
Alfalfa is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a high source of vitamins A,C, E and K4. It is also high in minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and easy to assimilate. It contains essential amino acids which are not made by the body but must be obtained from foods sources.It contains one of the highest chlorophyll content of any plant.
It is also a useful alternative for helping to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Because of it's high magnesium and calcium it is wise to use it for keeping bones strong. It is also good for arthritis and joint issues. As with most herbs, alfafa should be used with caution is on blood thinning agents.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle is found all along the roadsides and in most people's back garden. I believe stinging nettle to be Ireland's nutritional powerhouse herb. It contains several nutrients and active constituents. The leaves have significant amounts of carotene, vitamin A,C, D, K, potassium and calcium, all in a form that is easy for the body to use. The boran in nettles helps protect bones. Stinging nettles is one of natures best nutraceuticals.
Dandelion Leaf
Although you probably think of dandelion as a weed, the plant has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for centuries all over the world.
Dandelion root is a great digestive tonic and is used for stimulating bile. The leaf is a great source of vitamins A,B, C and D and the minerals iron, potassium, calcium and zinc. Dandelion leaves can be picked from your back garden and put into your salad.
To establish your risk of bone fracture see the FRAX index. This is a simple academic and WHO (world health organisation) approved index of bone fracture risk. Check out the websitehttp://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/ for Bone Density under calculation tools. On the website there is a questionnaire to answer. You will be asked for your weight and height on the right side of the page so it is better that you have this information to hand before you start. On the dropdown "select BMD" you are asked to put the results of your bone scan into your T score (if you have had one done). Otherwise you can leave it blank. It is wise to check this index before starting medication and discuss with your health provider. For diet and exercise advice see betterbones.com
I could not be more fortunate than having
my first trip to Iceland in the company of my colleague L谩ra J贸nasd贸ttir and
her husband Tim Morrissey who is a geologist. The warm hospitality of Augusta
and Jonas (Lara’s parents) framed all of the herbal and landscape outings along
with the welcome of their friends and herbal colleagues along our travels.
The wild flowers were in abundance, the
Blue Lagoon of hot springs and mud packs were great fun, natural geysers and a
trip to meet the Director of Floral and Horticultural studies brought me to the
unsuspected vision of bananas growing in Iceland.
The herbs of Iceland are both familiar and
strange. Familiar because many of the same herbs are common in Ireland but the
herbs are adapted to the long cold winters and short summers with long
light-filled days. So the seasons are condensed. I was not prepared for the
profusion of wild flowers and herbs.
The Silver Birch is much more aromatic and
full of flavour and is in fact used to flavour soft cheeses. Traditional
indications for the Silver Birch are similar between our two countries for arthritis and
inflammation.
Our cleavers , Galium aperine (photo to the left) are not found
in Iceland, these are known as Robin Run the Hedge or Sticky Willy Back at home
and are traditionally used for encouraging lymph flow. Here in Iceland they use
a closely related herb called Lady’s Bedstraw ,Galium verum (photo to the right) for the same
indications.
Rhodiola rosea does grow wild here and is
much loved by the sheep, hence it is hard to find. I did see it growing in the
Botanic Gardens in Reykjav铆k. This is a lovely place to visit, if only for the
wonderful caf茅.
Geum Urban
Emerging Beech
There are not many herbalists practising
herbal medicine in Iceland, but they create a big impact:
Anna R贸sa R贸bertsd贸ttir has written a beautiful
fully illustrated book on Icelandic medicinal herbs. She includes both the
traditional therapeutics and scientific information. She has a clinical
practice and a best selling range of creams available in pharmacies and health
food shops throughout Iceland. She makes many of the medicines she uses in
clinical practice.
Kolbr煤n Bj枚rnsd贸ttir also makes many
medicines, she has a beautiful herbal dispensary in Reykjav铆k and dispenses
mainly powders and capsules alongside her clinical practice. She has written a
beautiful herbal nutrition book.
I am inspired to make more of the herbal
riches that grow on our own doorstop.
Longer days, later nights, over-eating, too much alcohol and increased socialising gives your immune and digestive system extra work to do.
With this in mind I created a blend of herbal bitters to help combat the effects of over-eating and hangovers. The bitters are great for any type of digestive issues and can be used as a general tonic. It is especially good if you feel that your body is in need of a detox.
The blend comprises of the following herbs:
Dandelion root
Dandelion root is a great digestive tonic and is used for stimulation the bile. Bile regulates healthy functioning of the bowels. The dandelion is a a great source of vitamins A, B, C and D and the minerals iron, potassium and zinc. The root is generally richer in minerals than the leaf which is richer in vitamins.
Gentian
Gentian is a common flavouring for bitter foods and drinks.
You may have tasted bitters on your travels abroad as they are common after dinner aperitifs. Gentian has a beautiful flower and is commonly used to stimulate digestive juices. There is an abundance of Blue Gentian to be found in the Burren in the West of Ireland, but do not pick it as it is protected! For medicines we use Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea).
Use caution if you have excess stomach acid (digestive upset relieved by antacids) although in my experience Bitters in a blend with other digestive herbs rarely causes problems. Introduce them very slowly and see how you get on.
Ginger
Probably the best known of the herbs, ginger is a great herb for any type of sickness or nausea. It is also used to promote sweating and to get the circulation going. In my opinion it also tastes great. The parts of the ginger used for medicinal purposes are the rhizome
(root like system) and the root.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has enjoyed a great reputation as the herbal cure for hangovers and is used for chemical toxic liver damage, jaundice, and inflammatory liver disease. It improves liver enzyme function and this action is supported by research. For digestive issues it works well for loss of appetite, dyspepsia and gallbladder complaints, diabetes and diseases of the spleen. Like all herbs, milk thistle works better with the right blend of certain herbs for the specific ailment than alone. In particular I rarely use Milk Thistle without accompanying Dandelion Root.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a common wild flower in Ireland. It has a form of salicylates that are not damaging to the gut. In fact other constituents of the herb are soothing for the gut. It flowers between June and September and can be found on roadsides, damp meadows and near streams. It has a beautiful perfume. It is a helpful for indigestion and heartburn. It also promotes urine flow..
Peppermint
Everyone knows the taste of Peppermint from toothpaste or chewing gum. The leaves and the stems are used as medicines. Peppermint helps with belly cramps and wind. It is also a good herb for tension headaches and gallbladder complaints because of it's antispasmodic effects.
Peppermint is cooling because it disperses heat via sweating if you have a fever, this accounts for its widespread use in management of 'Flu (along with Yarrow and Elderflower.
Silver Birch
Both the leaves and the bark of the silver birch trees are used in herbal medicine. The main reason I chose the silver birch tree is because it is a great herb for aiding eliminatory processes.
I hope that you find this blog post helpful. Summer is a great time to see Ireland in full bloom and to have a go at foraging some of nature's natural medicines.
Why not start by picking a few of the dandelions in your garden and make a tea out of it?
If you haven't seen Canada's Best Selling herbal book The Boreal Herbal you are missing a wonderful experience. It is beautifully written and illustrated, the author is deeply immersed in her subject matter. Her journalistic background is clearly evident drawing you in to experience the treasures of the world'ss northern forests. These forests form a circle around the northern lattitudes of the world similar to the rain forests of the tropics.
We had the pleasure of giving a great welcome to author Beverley Gray when she shared her experience with us lst Saturday (March 9th 2013) at our clinic in Health and Herbs Galway.
She talked us through beautiful slide shows of the Yukon and Norway, shared stories from First World Nations from her region.
As always it is the stories that catch our interest and engage us in another world.
However Bev brought that right back home and down to earth as she showed us how to make a soothing salve very simply, using a recipe from her book 'The Boreal Herbal'.
Order your copy from Health and Herbs. We are currently awating a new order as Bev sold us out completely. We will hold your book for you on its arrival.
Thank you to all who made the event such a success, especially to Keith Finnegan on Galway Bay FM Radio, his interview with Bev generated a great deal of interest
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