Summer is nearly here …… I truly love this time of year 😊

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Written by Lara Jonasdottir

Medical herbalist BSc, Clinical Education MSc

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 😊

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 hlýjar kveðjur

Lara Jonasdottir 😊

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.

Overcoming the pressures Christmas brings

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.”

Buy the Dr Clare Relax Time Hamper (pictured above)

“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.

Preventing Spina Bifida by supplementing with Folic Acid.

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.