​When you or a loved ones needs to move away for work or education, or perhaps some other reason, it can be heart breaking  and affect how we cope and function on a day to day basis.

In this FB Live recording, we explore some self help and a top remedy to help you.

For a more in depth workshop, please sign up to the Natural Health Empowerment Community, where you will find the recording of my workshop on Homesickness, along with all of my other Natural Health Empowerment workshop recordings. The sessions started in 2024, so that is a lot of great content for you to catch up on. (and it is excellent value too).

I have spoken with quite a few mums over recent weeks about their struggles with letting go of “stuff” that they no longer want, but find emotionally difficult to part with. The conversation usually turns to how their partners are quite able to throw it away / take it to the charity shop for them, as they are more logical about the clutter, and the fact it no longer serves a purpose at this point in time.

It got me thinking, letting go of stuff on a physical level is quite similar to letting go of emotional stuff (such as thoughts, memories, emotional pain etc). So in this post, I will share some thoughts on letting go of physical clutter, but bear in mind, it can all apply to the emotional clutter in your mind too.

Before I share some of my thoughts on how to process your mind on the clutter, I just want to share a quote I heard from a Buddhist monk. “We are all born with nothing, when we die, we take nothing, in our life we have to learn to let go of everything at least once”
 
I also want to add in that more is less, and therefore, by default, less stuff is more (in terms of space in the home and mind).
 
The chances are, when you are clearing “stuff” you will reach decision and emotional overwhelm or fatigue. So to start off, focus on letting go of three things a day. When you are ready, tackle one box / draw / space a day. This helps minimise the room looking like a bomb site and feeling like you are creating more problems than you are resolving.

When letting go of stuff, consider if there is an organisation that would want your stuff ( for example, a local school may want your craft supplies, the Men’s Shed Charity may want your old tools, a local Crafting Bee may want craft supplies, or charity shops will take most things (not duvets, pillows or coat hangers).

Do you want to sell things, do hold in mind that you may be holding on to the stuff whilst you try to find a buyer, so if you want quick wins on space, this may not be the best option.

When letting go of things, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
1 – if I had my time again, would I buy it again? If no, then let it go.
2 – Do I actually like it? If no, let it go
3 – How long since I have used this, and would I ever actually use it… let it go
4 – If it is something that someone bought you and they are no longer here, then you may want to keep it from a sense of grief / duty / respect, but ask yourself, “will it bring them back?”, “will it change anything”, “is it time to move on”.  If you are not ready to process the answer, but it to one side for now, your mind will process the answer and make a decision at some point soon.

I probably should have put this point in at the beginning, but all the thoughts I have feel quite important. It is really helpful to have a vision or sense in your mind of how you want the room / home / space to feel. This is an image you need to keep coming back to when you are deciding what you want to keep and let go of.

Cut yourself some slack, if you are mentally struggling, have a break. Keep the areas in bite sizes and clear away stuff to charity shops / good will organisations / friends who may say yes please to something you no longer want, but their children are just about ready for.

Clothes… go through these one draw / shelf etc at a time. Better to do a little regularly than loads at once and not want to face returning to the activity again. Ask yourself – do I like myself in this, do I like how it fits, how I feel, what it reminds me of. Be honest with yourself. Also, will I ever wear this again. Maybe it was you in your 20’s, but is it you in your 40’s? Also, shoes… are they comfortable? Are they worth the cupboard space. If yes, then keep, if no, let them go. If you get rid of one thing from each space, your will have probably cleared a bin bag of stuff from your home. One thing is generally easy.

Let’s look at art and children’s makes, and also children’s clothing. I know I have kept quite a number of pieces of art and cute clothes from my children. When I have returned to them, art has faded, peg dolls have crumpled and the elastic in clothing has degraded or stains that were not visible have aged through. I had to let them go in the end, and had I known that would happen, I would probably have let them go sooner. If there are special items you want to keep, store them carefully, make sure clothes are stored with acid free paper to minimise age damage and sore paintings in a dark acid free place, or take good photos and create an album so you can look back at it all when you are ready.

As a sewist, I have pared down my fabric pile a little, I have passed on some beautiful fabric to people I know will appreciate it and make something, I have given lots of scraps to a local school for their art projects, I have passed on some to a charity, and I have promised myself to stop the fear that most sewists hold. The fear is what if I ruin the fabric. My flip side of this thought is “what if I never get chance to sew all this fabric”. It has certainly changed my creative outlook, one day, all of this will have to go, I want to enjoy all I choose to have, and not hold on to stuff in case.
​
What about you, do you have any tips to share on decluttering and letting go of stuff (physical clutter). In letting go of the physical stuff, you let go of quite a bit of emotional stuff too. But we will explore more of letting go of emotion in a future post.
 

Accountability, in the context of improving your health naturally, means having a person, system, or routine that helps you consistently follow through on the habits you've chosen. It's not about being judged or punished, it's about creating support and structure so you're more likely to do what you said you would. I go into this in more detail in the video below, but here is a summary for you.

For someone working on their health naturally (through nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, hydration, and other lifestyle changes), accountability can take many forms:

• A health coach or practitioner to check in with regularly.
• A friend or family member with similar goals.
• A journal, vlog or habit tracker.
• Scheduled progress reviews with yourself.
• A support group or online community.

How accountability helps
It keeps you consistent.
Most health improvements come from small actions repeated over time. Accountability encourages you to stay on track even when motivation is low.

It increases awareness.
Tracking meals, exercise, sleep, or symptoms helps you notice patterns. For example, you may realize you sleep better after evening walks or have more energy when you drink enough water.

It provides encouragement.
Changing habits isn't always easy. Having someone acknowledge your progress and remind you why you started can help you keep going during setbacks.

It helps you overcome obstacles.
Instead of giving up after a difficult week, accountability helps you identify what got in the way and adjust your plan.

It builds confidence.
Each commitment you keep strengthens your belief that you can make lasting changes. Small successes build momentum.

It creates realistic goals.
An accountability partner can help break a big goal like "get healthier" into manageable steps, such as:

• Walk for 20 minutes, 4 days a week.
• Eat vegetables with two meals each day.
• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.
• Drink 2 litres of water daily.

What accountability is not

• It isn't perfection.
• It isn't guilt or shame when you miss a goal.
• It isn't someone controlling your choices.
• It isn't comparing yourself to others.

Good accountability focuses on learning and making progress, not on being flawless.

Here is a simple example
Imagine someone wants to improve their energy naturally.
Without accountability:

• They start strong for a week.
• Life gets busy.
• Healthy habits gradually stop, often with the thought of, I am busy / tired / needed elsewhere, I can do it tomorrow.

With accountability:

• They check in with a coach every Monday.
• They review what went well and what didn't.
• They adjust goals if needed.
• They celebrate improvements, such as better sleep or increased energy.
• They stay committed over months rather than days.

​
In simple terms
Accountability is having someone or something that helps you keep the promises you make to yourself. When approached with encouragement and flexibility, it can make healthy habits easier to maintain, leading to more sustainable improvements in overall health and wellbeing.
 
We all need to be accountable to ourselves, and sometimes we need support to help us do that. If you want me to support you on your journey, please do get in touch. 
.

What is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves over time.

It involves a persistent low mood or loss of interest in things, along with other symptoms such as tiredness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness or guilt. It’s more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch, it can last weeks, months, or longer and can interfere with daily life, relationships, and work.

Depression has multiple causes, often a mix of biological, psychological, and life factors (such as stress, trauma, or genetics). It is not uncommon for individuals to be unaware they are depressed, as they may put it down to feeling low from tiredness, overwork etc. (Remember, being too exhausted to live is quite a depressing situation!)

When working with depression, I like to explore what is not working in life, and then explore what is working, and what needs to change to start working towards a better life, and feeling happier. Of course this is not the entire fix, but it is an important step on the road back…. Via hope and understanding.
Along side an action plan, I also look at lifestyle changes. Are you looking after you? That means the basics, such as fresh air, exercise, loving yourself and feeding yourself wholesome food. Mental Health Hygiene is also important, as is meditation and sleep.

Then we can look at supplements to help you. I often see clients benefiting from B complex and they may need B 12 too to help them after prolonged stress, or errors in eating. There are a lot of nutrient deficiencies that can be linked to depression, along with heavy metal imbalances (and of course, that means higher specific nutrient needs to help support the natural detox process).
 
Three Top Bach Flower Remedies

• Mustard: This is traditionally used for sudden, unexplained periods of deep gloom or sadness. Feelings may come in waves without any apparent clear reason.
• Gentian: This is often chosen when discouragement, setbacks, bad news or disappointment have led to low mood.
• Gorse:  This is associated with feelings of hopelessness or giving up, feeling that any improvement is unlikely to happen.

 
Four Top Homeopathic Remedies

• Ignatia amara: This is often chosen for grief, emotional shock, or mood changes after loss. The person may be depressed as a direct result of the grief and loss of a loved one or possession, or from the loss of home (eg, depression since leaving home / moving away etc)
• Aurum metallicum: This is traditionally used for feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or severe sadness. The client may prefer being shut away in their room, maybe listening to music. They may want to sleep during the day, and struggle to sleep at night.
• Natrum muriaticum: This remedy is commonly selected for people who are withdrawn, dwell on past emotional hurts, or suppress grief. They are caring people who do not like asking for help, and often help others, though over time, they may become bitter and resentful as a result.
• Sepia: This remedy is a good remedy for depression linked to hormone imbalances; it may be teenage depression, postnatal depression or menopausal depression. It is also really useful for men too. There is often a quality of indifference about the person.

 
What I have shared here is just the tip of the iceberg, I go into a lot more detail on my Natural Health Empowerment Community.
The workshop is FREE via Zoom on Wednesday 15th July at 7.30pm (via Zoom).
If you miss the free class, you can always catch up, and receive the notes too, via the Natural Health Empowerment Community Membership. (it costs a lot less than you would expect!)

If you would like an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch using the contact form. 
 
To book your free place on the workshop, or any of the future workshops, please go here. 
 
IMPORTANT NOTE
Always seek professional help and support when struggling with depression, and/ or suicidal thoughts. Make sure you reach out for help. 
 
​​

Capturing a Beautiful Moment with Chelsea
 
It was a beautiful mild late spring day, the sun was warm and comfortable, and the breeze was welcome and comforting.
 
I met Chelsea at Cudmore Grove for a relaxed business photo, I was really not sure what to expect, and I had certainly not been sure what to wear – so I went with a simple light blouse and my Jeans with a sleeveless jacket (because whilst it was a comfortable temperature, you never quite know what the sea breeze temperature will be).

Chelsea’s gentle calm nature just made me feel at ease, her gentle guidance and suggestions on poses, options, exploring the environment, noticing the little details of the surroundings to help create photos that work with my business (I am a Homeopath, maybe I should have shared that with you earlier).

We walked on the sea wall, enjoyed the breeze by the shore, looked at flora and fauna, all the time chatting, simple chat, but relaxed and comfortable chat.

My favourite of all the photo moments was when I was sitting on the ruins further along the shore. Sharing my favourite books (Repertory and Materia Medica – every Homeopaths essential books), remedies and meditated for a moment. The location is special, it is a place I enjoyed taking my children to when they were little, and the place I used to run my coastal school sessions from many years ago.

Taking photos in a place dear to my heart, with so many special memories was another lovely conversation to share whilst Chelsea took her amazing pictures, capturing a moment.

I was impressed with how quickly Chelsea shared the final photos with me, and was pleased with how easy they are to download, with photos ready for FB and Instagram.

Chelsea offers an amazing package, puts you at ease, and is so calm, gentle and professional. I could not have asked for a better photoshoot – and I really should not have been nervous; it was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend.
Thank you Chelsea

If you would like to see more of Chelsea's work, please do follow her on Instagram, where you can also contact her if you would like to book a session with her.

​​When your hair suddenly starts falling, maybe you see loads in the sink or shower or your hair brush seems to have more hair than you do, you naturally are concerned as to what is going on. Sudden rapid hair loss can have many causes, including stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, medications, scalp conditions, or more significant medical issues. If you're losing hair in large amounts over a few weeks or noticing bald patches, it's worth seeing professional therapist or your GP to identify the cause. A diagnosis can help you find the right natural treatment to deal with the root cause.
I covered this topic in a lot of detail over on my Natural Health Empowerment Community, and if you would like to join, you can enjoy comprehensive notes/ slides and videos on this and a wide range of natural health Subjects.  You can cancel at any time (so binge watch in a month, or watch at your leisure and enjoy fresh monthly detailed content.
Back to a few of the natural remedies for hair loss….
​
1. Common Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair shedding is often linked to low levels of:

• Iron
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Protein
• Vitamin B12 (if you are a vegan, please make sure you supplement)

Natural sources include:

• Lean meats, fish, eggs
• Lentils, beans, chickpeas
• Pumpkin seeds
• Spinach and leafy greens
• Nuts and seeds
• Oily fish

 
2. Increase Protein Intake
Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein.
Good sources:

• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Fish
• Chicken
• Tofu
• Beans and lentils

 
3. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil can stimulate hair growth when massaged into the scalp.
How to use:

• Mix 2–3 drops with a tablespoon of a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil).
• Massage into the scalp 2–3 times weekly.
• Leave for 30 minutes or overnight before washing.

Never apply essential oils directly to the scalp without dilution.
 
4. Gentle Scalp Massage
If you do not want to use a massage oil on your head, try a  daily 5-minute scalp massage it helps:

• Increase blood flow to hair follicles
• Reduce tension and stress
• Improve scalp health

 
5. Manage Stress
A common cause of sudden shedding is telogen effluvium, where stress or illness pushes hairs into a resting phase.
Some helpful practices help:

• Walking
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Adequate sleep (7–9 hours)
• Regular exercise

 
6. Avoid Hair and Scalp Trauma
If you are losing excessive hair, it is wise to temporarily avoid:

• Tight hairstyles
• Excessive heat styling
• Harsh bleaching or chemical treatments
• Aggressive brushing

Instead, be kind and gentle with your hair (but do keep it clean and tangle free).
 
7. Support Scalp Health
Natural options that may help if the scalp is healthy and not irritated:

• Aloe vera gel
• Coconut oil applied before washing
• Oatmeal-based scalp treatments for dryness

 
8. Homeopathic Remedies to Consider
I have a lot of remedies that I can use for hair loss for my clients. When considering which remedies are appropriate, I look at the whole case, so what is happening in life, what the hair loss is like, and how the patient is as a person. There may be layers to the clients

• Fluoricum Acidum  - Is often considered for hair loss with brittle, dry hair and premature balding.

• Phosphorus - Used when hair falls out in large handfuls, particularly after illness, anaesthetics, stress, or emotional upset.

• Lycopodium Clavatum - Is a common remedy for early balding, especially when associated with digestive issues (such as IBS) or hormonal concerns.

• Silicea - Silica helps with assimilation, so in a low potency should help you have better absorption. This remedy is good for brittle hair and slow hair regrowth. It is a slow acting remedy.

• Natrum Muriaticum - This is often used when hair loss is thought to be linked to grief, stress, or hormonal changes.

 
 
When to Seek Professional Advice
Arrange to see your GP if you have:

• Hair loss that started suddenly and is severe
• Bald patches
• Scalp redness, pain, scaling, or itching
• Hair loss following a new medication
• Fatigue, weight changes, or menstrual changes
• Hair loss lasting more than 2–3 months

 
If you would like an appointment, please do get in touch using the contact form, you can also sign up to the Natural Health Empowerment Community Here.

Natural Support for Teenage Acne
 
Teenage acne is extremely common and usually linked to hormonal changes during puberty. Hormone changes increase oil (sebum) production, which can clog pores and lead to spots. Here are some practical tips that usually help manage it.
 
1 - Keep a Simple Skincare Routine - Consistency matters more than lots of products.
 
Morning - Wash face with a gentle cleanser (not harsh soap), then apply a light oil-free moisturiser. If hot, sunny weather, use SPF sunscreen if going outside
 
Evening - Cleanse again to remove oil, sweat, and dirt. Apply a spot treatment if needed
 
2. Don’t over wash - Washing your face twice a day is enough. Too much washing can irritate the skin and actually trigger more oil production.
 
3. Avoid Picking or Squeezing Spots - Picking spreads bacteria and can cause scarring and darker marks after spots heal
 
4. Watch Hair and Makeup Products - Choose non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) products.
Hair gels, heavy conditioners, or oily makeup can make acne worse if they touch the skin.
 
5. Lifestyle Habits That Help, these are small habits make a difference:

• Change pillowcases regularly
• Shower after sports or sweating
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat balanced meals (some teens notice fewer breakouts with less sugary or ultra-processed foods)

 
 
As teenage acne is often linked to hormonal changes, excess oil (sebum), clogged pores, and bacteria. Gentle, natural ingredients can help calm inflammation, reduce oil, and support healing without irritating young skin. Here are some safe and effective natural ingredients commonly used for teenage acne:


1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree

• Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
• Helps kill acne-causing bacteria
• Can reduce redness and swelling

How to use:
Dilute 1–2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil (like jojoba) and apply to spots.
Always dilute to avoid irritation.

2. Raw Honey
Honey

• Natural antibacterial and soothing
• Helps reduce inflammation and redness
• Supports skin healing

How to use:
Apply a thin layer as a 10–15 minute mask, then rinse with warm water.

3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera

• Calms irritated skin
• Helps reduce redness and swelling
• Supports healing of acne marks

How to use:
Apply pure aloe gel as a light moisturiser or soothing treatment.

4. Green Tea
Green Tea

• Rich in antioxidants
• Helps reduce oil production
• Anti-inflammatory

How to use:
Use cooled green tea as a face toner with a cotton pad.

 5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal

• Soothes irritated skin
• Absorbs excess oil
• Gentle natural cleanser

How to use:
Mix ground oats with water or honey to make a gentle face mask.

6. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba

• Similar to skin’s natural sebum
• Helps balance oil production
• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

How to use:
1–2 drops as a lightweight moisturiser.

 7. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel

• Natural astringent
• Tightens pores and reduces oil
• Helps calm inflamed spots

How to use:
Apply as a toner after cleansing.


Important tips for teenage skin:

• Keep routines simple (cleanse, treat, moisturise)
• Avoid harsh scrubs and strong essential oils
• Always patch test natural ingredients
• Maintain a consistent routine rather than trying many products

 HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is sometimes used as a gentle, holistic approach for teenage acne. It aims to treat the underlying imbalance (hormones, digestion, stress, skin sensitivity) rather than only the spots themselves. Acne in teens is usually linked to hormonal changes during puberty, excess oil, bacteria, and sometimes diet or stress.
From a medical perspective, acne is a form of Acne Vulgaris.
Below are some commonly used homeopathic remedies for teenage acne. In homeopathy, the remedy is usually selected based on the individual’s overall symptoms and personality, not just the skin.


Common Homeopathic Remedies
1. Sulphur
Often used when:

• Skin is oily with many blackheads
• Spots are red, itchy, and burning
• Acne worsens with heat or sweating

 
2. Kali Bromatum
Used when:

• Large, deep acne on the face, chest, or back
• Acne leaves scars or dark marks
• Often seen in teenage boys

 
3. Natrum Muriaticum
Helpful when:

• Acne around hairline or forehead
• Skin is oily but with dry patches
• Teen may be sensitive or introverted

 
4. Hepar Sulphuris
Used when:

• Spots are very painful and pus-filled
• Skin is very sensitive to touch

 
5. Silicea
Helpful when:

• Slow-healing acne
• Recurring deep cystic spots
• Skin tends to scar easily

 
And a Gentle Recap of Lifestyle & Natural Support (this is very important)
Even when using homeopathy, these habits help acne improve:
Diet

• Reduce high sugar, processed foods, and excessive dairy
• Increase vegetables, zinc-rich foods, and water

Skin care

• Gentle cleanser twice daily
• Avoid heavy oily products
• Do not squeeze spots (prevents scarring)

Gut & hormones

• Probiotics or fermented foods
• Adequate sleep

Important Note
Homeopathy works best when prescribed individually by a qualified practitioner, especially for teenagers, because:

• The constitutional remedy may be different from the skin symptoms alone.
• Potency and dosing vary according to the patient’s needs
• There are many different methodologies to work with when using homeopathy, everyone’s needs are different.

 
If you would like some support for your teenagers acne and skin health, please do get in touch to arrange an appointment.

We all have days where are good intentions to eat healthy falls to the way side. It could be the hectic season of Christmas, fitting life in and around Uni visits, ferrying your children to extra club/ after school activities, having deadlines imposed by work schedules, or just hormone cycles (or maybe a combination of the above!)

What ever the reason(s), it happens to everyone, you are not alone, and you are certainly not a failure. We all have to just pick ourselves up, and get our head around the cravings, fatigue and plan to get back on it.

But, what if we plan for the failures... what if we say... these obstacles are going to happen, what if we are one step ahead of the game and make our freezer fail proof!

It certainly makes life easier to prepare for the busy / yuk days. Think making extra portions when you cook. Think having an afternoon a week or month to freeze down family favourites, think about making easy kits and menu cards you can pull on when your brain craves health and your body craves the sofa.

I add a caveat, plan to make healthy versions of what you will crave on those days... not what you want to eat today. If you know you want curry and chips on a hormone day,... then prep a healthy curry that you can pull out the freezer, and pop a note with it to remind you to make some healthy jacket wedges to have along side. Think about what future you will want to do.... and make it easy for you. You will still have days where it does not go to plan, but hopefully they will be easier on your body.

The video below is an FB live I recorded with lots of tips and ideas to help you. 

Fibromyalgia is a health condition that is characterised by fatigue, aches, pains and other health issues with no  known medical cure. There may be issues with sleep, and cognition and other symptoms.

Whilst medically there is no known cure, there is a lot you can do to support your health holistically.

There is often stored emotional pain, poor diet (due to complete exhaustion and physical discomfort) amongst other issues to resolve.

When working with Fibromyalgia clients, I use my Biofeedback equipment to help identify what is going on for them, what to work on as a priority, and what herbs, supplements and remedies are needed. We also explore the emotions that come up on the system, and what they mean for the client.

In addition, we work on diet. For this I may suggest a HTMA test (they are available from my self for my clients) to explore the underlying nutritional needs and heavy metals that may be present.

The one thing that can be worked on easily yourself is diet. Now easily does not mean it will be easy, we all have affinities for particular food cravings, or have days where we would rather grab a treat than cook a proper meal, where we are fuelling on coffee and unwinding on wine. But, if you can just stop the wheel, break the programme and start afresh, you start the healing and regeneration cycle, and you put the the breaks on a part of the self destruction.

​In the video below, I share a little on how easy it is to make a few changes to your diet, with a little will power, you can start the healing.