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.
  

Our immune system is our body's natural defence against infections, viruses, and diseases. A strong immune system helps us stay healthy, recover faster, and can even prevent chronic illnesses. In this post, I will share some practical natural ways to boost immunity.  

1. Prioritize Nutrition The food we eat plays a major role in immune health. A diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods provides the vitamins and minerals our body needs to function optimally. Consider using:

• Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries help enhance immune function.
• Zinc sources: Nuts, seeds, beans, and lean meats support immune cell function.
• Antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, dark leafy greens, and colourful vegetables fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Make sure you eat a rainbow of natural-coloured foods in your diet.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Yogurt, kefir, fermented foods, garlic, and onions promote gut health, which is closely linked to immunity.

2. Get Plenty of Sleep:  Sleep is essential for immune function. During deep sleep, our body repairs itself and produces infection-fighting molecules like cytokines. To support immunity:

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Create a bedtime routine with minimal screen time before sleep.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate your body's circadian rhythm.

3. Exercise Regularly Moderate exercise enhances immune function by promoting good circulation, reducing inflammation, and lowering stress levels. However, balance is key:

• Engage in 30-45 minutes of moderate activity like walking, cycling, or yoga most days of the week.
• Avoid excessive, intense workouts, as they can temporarily weaken immunity if you are not used to them, or if you are feeling off colour.

4. Manage Stress Effectively Chronic stress weakens the immune system by increasing cortisol levels, which suppress immune responses. Try these stress-reducing techniques:

• Meditation and deep breathing exercises (you can sign up to my FREE meditation course here).
• Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy.
• Spending time in nature and practicing mindfulness.

5. Stay Hydrated Water is vital for overall health and plays a role in immune function by helping flush toxins from the body. Tips to stay hydrated:

• Drink at least 8 glasses (64 oz) of water per day.
• Consume herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon.
• Limit sugary, alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can cause dehydration.

6. Get Enough Sunlight (or Vitamin D) Vitamin D is crucial for immune health, yet many people are deficient. Natural ways to boost Vitamin D levels include:

• Spending at least 15-30 minutes in the sun daily.
• Consuming foods rich in Vitamin D, such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products.
• Consider a Vitamin D supplement, if necessary, especially in winter months.

7. Avoid Harmful Habits Certain lifestyle habits weaken the immune system. Be mindful of:

• Reducing alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking weakens immune defences.
• Avoiding smoking, which damages lung health and lowers immunity.
• Cutting back on processed and sugary foods that contribute to inflammation.

8. Keep your air clean. Use pure essential oils in a reed diffuser or oil burner to help keep the air free of pathogens.

• Pine for
• Tea Tree oil for

9. Start the day with a ginger, turmeric and lemon shot
Juice apples, carrots, lemon, orange, ginger and turmeric for a shot of natural goodness to lift your immunity each day.  


10.Have house plants that purify your air
Spider plants release oxygen and also help clear toxins from the air. Having a few spider plants in the house not only bring life and a pop of colour into the house, they also help you have extra oxygen and cleaner air.
 
 
Boosting your immune system naturally is about making consistent, healthy choices. By eating a nutrient-rich diet, prioritizing sleep, exercising regularly, managing stress, staying hydrated, getting enough sunlight, and avoiding harmful habits, you can enhance your body’s defence system. Remember, small daily actions add up to big health benefits over time. Your future you will appreciate all of those little steps!
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Get ready for Autumn and Winter Health - time to top up on your immunity

The weather has changed, the temperatures have dropped, and evenings are noticeably drawing in. With the warmth of the sun being just in the middle of the day now, it is time to consider keeping yourself healthy through the chillier months ahead. Planning now, will help you to make a different to your immunity.

If you look at the hedge rows right now, you will notice they are bountiful with berries. In this article we explore the healing power of elderberries (do make sure you are certain of what you are foraging, as not all berries are edible).
 
Elderberry, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for boosting immunity and fighting off colds and flu. These small, dark purple berries are packed with nutrients and powerful antioxidants that can support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. But before you reach to eat one, please don't, they are really potent and best used in a tincture or syrup as a medicine. There is a recipe at the end of this article.

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells. This antioxidant property helps reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases and aging. Flavonoids in elderberry also support cardiovascular health and may help protect against certain forms of cancer by reducing inflammation.

Elderberry is widely known for its ability to boost the immune system, particularly in fighting off viral infections. Elderberry contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, that has been shown to have antiviral properties. Studies have found that elderberry can shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms when taken at the onset of the illness.

Elderberry works by inhibiting the ability of viruses to infect cells, making it harder for viruses like the flu to spread within the body. It also increases the production of cytokines, proteins that help regulate the immune response, ensuring a quicker recovery.

In addition to supporting immunity, elderberries also have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and contribute to various health issues, including heart disease and autoimmune conditions. Elderberries help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Elderberries are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6, and potassium  all of which are essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C, in particular, is known to help prevent infections and enhance the function of immune cells. 

Elderberry Tincture Recipe
A great way to incorporate elderberry into your daily routine is by making an elderberry tincture. This concentrated form of elderberry can be stored for extended periods and taken daily to support immunity.

Ingredients

• 1 cup elderberries (fresh or dried)
• 2 cups vodka or brandy (at least 80 proof)
• A clean glass jar with a lid
• If you want to make this alcohol free (for alcohol free adults and for children) replace the alcohol with 1 cup water and 1 cup vegetable glycerine.
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the elderberries: If using fresh elderberries, make sure to remove the stems and rinse them thoroughly. If using dried elderberries, they are ready to use as is.
2. Fill the jar: Place the elderberries in the glass jar, filling it about halfway.
3. Add the alcohol: Pour vodka or brandy over the elderberries until the jar is almost full, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
4. Seal and store: Secure the lid tightly, then shake the jar to mix the berries and alcohol. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it every few days. You will observe the alcohol take on the pigment of the berries.
5. Strain and bottle: After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the berries. Pour the tincture into a clean bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
6. LABEL CLEARLY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE MADE AND THE DATE MADE
   

To Use (for adults):
Take 1-2 teaspoons of the elderberry tincture daily for immune support, or up to 3 times daily at the onset of cold or flu symptoms.

This article does not replace medical advice, always seek professional support.

 As an adult, it is great, you can eat what you like, when you like, and there is no one to tell you not to. Well…  maybe.

In reality, as an adult, we have to be our own parent, we have to tell ourselves when not to have something we really want, and when to have something that we may be less keen on. Even when we do not want to listen to ourselves.

So how do we work out what and what not to eat. How do we know if we are craving something that is good or bad for us?

Well, chances are, if you are craving sugar, it is not ideal for you, the same goes for a packet of crisps or biscuits. But what about Broccoli, that is healthy… right, well yes, but not for some. Likewise, I will recommend eating calcium rich foods such as dairy or almonds for some, and suggest it is to be kept minimal for others.

So why? Why would I be so apparently inconsistent, either a food is good for you, or not. If you are a slow metaboliser, you are not going to do well with too much dairy. Excess calcium will slow your body down further and may make you prone to infections, coldness, depression, insomnia and fatigue (to name a few). Likewise, if you are a fast metaboliser, you will probably benefit from dairy etc. So, what does a slow metaboliser look like, are they overweight? They may be, but they could be slim, it is not about weight or how you look. There are so many factors that will affect your metabolism.

There are many things that can affect our metabolism, diet errors, stress, toxins and lifestyle choices to name a few. As an example, stress is a factor that can cause tissue calcium levels to rise. Dependent upon how out of balance these levels are, it can lead to health issues such as palpitations, tiredness, coldness, fatigue, insomnia.

If a person has too many toxins in the body, this too can lead to health imbalances, for example, excess arsenic in the body (yes, we do have trace amounts of arsenic within our body’s) can lead to health issues such as confusion, gastric problems and respiratory problems. It may also call for a higher need of other nutrients in the body.

There are so many ways we can be chemically out of balance, but the best way to explain it to you, is with your own results, because it is so much more meaningful when you see the why behind your health issues, and discover the how in starting to turn it round.

So, my question to you today is, are you struggling with an aspect of your health? Are you ready to make the changes you need to change as soon as possible so you can start the path to healing? If you answer yes, you would benefit from a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (don’t worry, we can work with finger nail clippings or other body hair if needed). You can either have the test done and receive the results to work on yourself, or you can book an appointment when you receive the results to work on a program and the steps you need to take to start turning your health round.
​
What ever you choose, wouldn’t it be nice to know why you are having the health problems you have, wouldn’t it be nice to be working towards feeding a healthy body, healthily?

Yesterday , I received a newsletter from the lovely Sally Mittuch at Natural Spa Supplies with instructions on how to make your own washing up liquid. 

I was there - having saved a large quantity of spent soap nuts to turn into liquid soap at some point in the future - the box was dug out and added to a large pan along with a couple of spigs of rosemary and the left overs of a juiced lemon. 

All the ingredients were free!!! what ever happened I had lost nothing except a few minutes of electricity.

I brought the pot to the boil then let it simmer for 10 minutes before turning the heat off and leaving the mixture to cool.  Once cool I poured the mixture (pods/ rinds and all) into a nut milk bag and hung it on a cupboard door handle to drain into a large jug.  Once strained I popped the mixture into a cleaned bottle I had retreived from the recycling box.  A funnel helped the speedy bottling process and my love of glass painting helped label the bottle. 

I felt the soap did not quite smell as citrus as I had envisaged (although it smelt great when it was simmering) so I also added about 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil.  It smells lovely.  The only problem is that I am keeping it in the fridge - so everyone things I have gone bonkers and am playing hide and go seek the bubbles!!!!!

Have a go - it is great fun, simple and a great way to use up spent soap nuts :0)

The pan - complete with spent soap nuts, juiced lemon skin,  rosemary sprigs - and water.  All for free!!!!!