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. 
 
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​​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.

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.

Are you a person who loves to give and nurture others. Perhaps you bend over backwards to please, or drop everything when someone asks for help.

Perhaps you feel generally exhausted or struggle to have enough energy to do what you want to do.

Maybe you also had experience in early life where you were not nurtured, or had a parent who was not in a position to nurture you due to mental or physical health issues.

I see so many of my clients with struggles like these, exhaustion, depletion, over caring and worn out.

This little video has some top tips just for you, please watch it now, if you put it off until later, someone else will ask for your time, and the moment will be lost.

Take care of yourself, you can not help others if you do not help yourself first, lets fill your cup.

Drop me a comment if this resonates with you or someone you care about.

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Post Christmas, many of us are on a mission to get fit, lose a few pounds or work towards the body we want for Summer.

This is often coupled with the dilemma of boxes / tins / fridges / cupboards filled with tasty delights that excite our taste buds and cause our waistlines and cellulite despair.

So I want you to think strong and hard about what you want, and why you are keeping the treats. A fridge filled with celery, salad, soups and homecooked stews will nourish you - the seasonal mass produced sugar rich goodies will deplete you. 

If you have good self control, and enjoy making the treats last, then by all means keep them, but if they call to you in the night, and you find yourself eating them without thought, give yourself permission to put them in the bin or pass them on to someone who will appreciate them.  With the foods you do not want out of the way, you are more likely to reach for nourishing options (and of course, you will have room for them too).

With your cupboards now spacious and stocked with nourishment, I am going to ask you to look at what you are drinking. Hydration is really important to flush toxins and help you feel bright.

To help you keep hydrated, aim to reduce caffeinated drinks (so energy drinks, coffee, tea etc) and switch to herbal teas and water. If you do not enjoy cold water in the winter, look to have hot water with a slice of lemon and ginger, or perhaps a dried hibiscus flower. Of course, if you find this difficult, aim to transition, switching out one drink at a time. It is better to do a little than nothing at all.

​Your body will thank you for it.

Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) due to an overproduction of keratin. This can make the skin appear rough, dry, scaly, or calloused. It can occur in response to chronic pressure, friction, inflammation, or underlying skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, actinic keratosis, or inherited disorders like keratosis pilaris.
It isn’t a disease itself, but a reaction pattern of the skin, and the underlying cause needs to be addressed.

When working with my clients with homeopathy,  I want to know when this started to be a problem, what was going on in life at the time, or in the year or two leading up to it appearing, and what are the symptoms like for the,

Here are 5 of the Top Homeopathic Remedies Often Used for Hyperkeratosis(The choice depends on symptoms and constitution and causal factors, remedies in homeopathy are highly individualised.)

1. Graphites
   • For thick, rough, cracked, or hardened skin.
   • Skin may ooze sticky or honey-like discharge.
   • Often suited to people with dry skin tendencies and eczema.
2. Thuja Occidentalis
   • For warty or thickened skin growths.
   • Useful when hyperkeratosis presents as hard, horny patches or warty excrescences.
   • Often linked with suppressed skin eruptions.
3. Antimonium Crudum
   • For thickened, hard skin, especially on soles and palms.
   • Good for calluses, corns, and painful cracks (may be this type of skin issue on other places on the body)
   • The skin may appear horny or covered with crusts.
4. Calcarea Carbonica
   • For rough, scaly, and unhealthy skin.
   • Often indicated in people who are chilly, overweight, or easily fatigued.
   • Suited when skin lesions are slow to heal.
5. Silicea
   • For deep cracks, fissures, and thickened skin.
   • Works well in chronic, stubborn cases where the skin hardens and becomes brittle.
   • Often chosen for people with delicate constitutions and slow-healing skin issues.
     
     
     

If your hyperkeratosis symptoms do not fit any of the above, do not worry, I have a huge repertory of remedies to work with, and your case may be much more individualised than the examples outlined above.

We are all different, and homeopathy really focuses on the uniqueness of each and every person.

​I do recommend getting a diagnosis from your medical practitioner alongside working with natural remedies with this condition.

Please do get in touch for a free 15 minute pre consultation call if you would like to know more (there is no obligation). 

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in keeping the body and mind healthy. Unlike many vitamins, B12 is not produced by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Whilst this vitamin is only required in relatively small amounts, its impact on overall health is enormous.

Why Does Vitamin B12 Matter?
Vitamin B12 supports some of the body’s most critical functions, from energy production to brain health. A deficiency can cause fatigue, memory problems, mood imbalances, and even long-term nerve damage if left untreated. Ensuring adequate levels of B12 is especially important for people who follow plant-based diets, older adults, those with digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption and, in my opinion, anyone who may have a toxic load (think smoking, vaping, alcohol).

Key Benefits of Vitamin B12
1. Boosts Energy and Reduces FatigueB12 is crucial for converting food into energy. It helps the body produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Without enough B12, red blood cell production drops, often leading to fatigue, weakness, or anaemia.

2. Supports Brain and Nervous System Health This vitamin protects nerve cells and is vital for producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and cognitive function. Studies suggest that B12 may help reduce the risk of memory loss, support concentration, and protect against age-related cognitive decline.

3. Enhances Mood and Mental Wellbeing B12 contributes to the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” brain chemical. Low levels have been linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Adequate B12 can help support emotional balance and resilience.

4. Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails By aiding in cell reproduction, B12 helps maintain the health of rapidly dividing cells, including those that form your skin, hair, and nails. Deficiency may result in skin irritation, brittle nails, or hair thinning.
5. Supports Heart Health Vitamin B12 helps regulate homocysteine levels, an amino acid that, when elevated, can increase the risk of heart disease. Keeping homocysteine in check supports cardiovascular health.

6. Vital for Pregnant Women and Foetal Development During pregnancy, B12 is essential for foetal brain and nervous system development. Deficiency in expectant mothers can increase the risk of birth defects and complications. Check your pregnancy supplements have B12 as part of the formula.

Natural Sources of Vitamin B12
​Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods such as:
Meat (beef, lamb, poultry)
Fish and shellfish (salmon, tuna, clams)
Eggs
Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese)
If you are following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, fortified foods such as plant-based milks, breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast are valuable options. Supplements are also widely available in tablets, sprays or injections if additional support is needed.
Who May Need Extra B12?Vegans and vegetarians (as dietary sources are limited)
Older adults (as reduced stomach acid can impair absorption)
People with digestive conditions (such as Crohn’s or coeliac disease)
Individuals on certain prescribed medicines.
Individuals with a poor diet or negative lifestyle factors (for example, smoking / drinking / vaping / eating junk food / takes outs etc)
 
B12 is essential for many functions in our body. If you are unsure if you need supplementation, please do get in touch for an appointment. If you would like to purchase B12, Biocare has excellent quality supplements. Please find out more about their range, and also how to receive a discount when you order here. 

Please note, This article does not replace medical advice

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When you want to lose weight, eating right, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest, fresh air and exercise are essential. Additionally, herbs can support your body with letting go of the weight.

Here are 10 herbal teas that may support weight loss naturally by boosting metabolism, aiding digestion, reducing appetite, and improving fat oxidation. Remember, tea alone won't lead to significant weight loss without healthy eating and exercise, but it can be a great addition to your routine:

1. Green Tea

• Benefits: Rich in catechins (especially EGCG) that boost metabolism and fat burning.
  
• How it helps: Increases energy expenditure and helps break down fat, especially during exercise.
  

2. Oolong Tea

• Benefits: A partially fermented tea that combines the benefits of green and black tea.
  
• How it helps: Enhances fat oxidation and boosts metabolism.
  

3. Peppermint Tea

• Benefits: Suppresses appetite and improves digestion.
  
• How it helps: Reduces cravings and bloating, making it easier to stick to healthy eating.
  

4. Ginger Tea

• Benefits: Aids digestion, boosts metabolism, and has thermogenic properties.
  
• How it helps: Encourages fat burning and reduces inflammation that can lead to weight gain.
  

5. Hibiscus Tea

• Benefits: Contains enzymes that help break down sugars and starches.
  
• How it helps: May lower fat absorption and promote a healthy metabolism.
  

6. Rooibos Tea

• Benefits: Caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.
  
• How it helps: Contains aspalathin, which may help reduce stress hormones that trigger hunger and fat storage.
  

7. Dandelion Tea

• Benefits: Natural diuretic and liver detoxifier.
  
• How it helps: Reduces water weight and supports digestive health.
  

8. Cinnamon Tea

• Benefits: Regulates blood sugar and reduces insulin spikes.
  
• How it helps: Helps control cravings and supports stable energy levels.
  

9. Fennel Tea

• Benefits: Eases bloating, aids digestion, and may suppress appetite.
  
• How it helps: Helps you feel full and comfortable after meals.
  

10. Matcha

• Benefits: A concentrated form of green tea, rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll.
  
• How it helps: Boosts thermogenesis and energy, ideal before a workout
  
  
  Tips for Use
• Drink 1–3 cups daily depending on caffeine sensitivity.
  
• Choose organic, high-quality teas without added sugars.
  
• Combine with a healthy diet and physical activity for best results.
  
• Do get in touch if you need an appointment to support your weight loss journey. Emotions, trauma and underlying nutritional imbalances and health conditions can be underlying obstacles to achieving your desired outcome.
  

What is heat rash?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat and miliaria, is a skin rash that occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin. It is common in hot and humid climates. Symptoms can range from small blisters to deep, inflamed lumps, and some forms of heat rash are very itchy. Heat rash is not dangerous, but it can make parts of your skin feel prickly or sting due to overheating.
 
Natural Remedies
1. Cool Compress
Apply a clean, damp, cool washcloth to the affected area for 5–10 minutes.
 
Repeat several times a day to reduce inflammation and itching.
 
2. Oatmeal Bath
Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath.
 
Soak for 15–20 minutes. Oatmeal soothes itching and reduces redness.
 
3. Aloe Vera
Use fresh aloe vera gel or 100% pure bottled gel.
 
Apply directly to the rash to reduce heat, soothe irritation, and prevent infection.
 
4. Coconut Oil
Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.
 
Apply a thin layer after cleansing and drying the skin.
 
 
5. Nettle Tea
Bath with nettle tea to help soothe the skin. Repeat several times a day.
You can also make a cup of nettle tea to drink, nettle tea supports the body with allergies
 
6. Homeopathic Urtica Urens
Urtica Urens is made from Nettle, this is a great remedy for nettle rash and also heat rash. Use a 6c potency up to 3 times a day.