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New from Monday 9th November!  Herbal medicine clinics at Neal's Yard Remedies, Tunbridge Wells

3/11/2015

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This will be a short, snappy post announcing the first of two exciting new opportunities and offerings from the HerbSmith: a weekly clinic at the wonderful Neal's Yard Remedies (NYR) premises in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.


Herbal medicine clinics beginning Monday 9th November

Every Monday from next week, Monday 9th November 2015, I will be available onsite for herbal medicine consultations between 9.30 am and 1.30 pm at the Tunbridge Wells branch of Neal's Yard Remedies.  I'll also be available on an ad-hoc basis on Tuesday mornings between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm - in other words, I'll be there if there's a client booked in!

Here's the address:

64 Mount Pleasant Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1RB
Tel: 01892 524 523
Email: tunbridgewells@nealsyardremedies.com

You can make an appointment either by contacting NYR using the above details or via the HerbSmith website.

And here's a handy map:


To begin with, I'll be working in the NYR graduate clinic where a 60-minute consultation costs a very reasonable £25, plus any herbs or supplements purchased following the session.  A bargain, I hope you'll agree.

I'll be working to build the clinic over the coming weeks and it would be great if you could help me out by sharing this story via Facebook or your preferred form of social media.

Neal's Yard Remedies is unique in the UK

I'm delighted to be involved with NYR as it occupies a unique position in the UK natural medicine landscape.  I'm not aware of another brand specialising in products manufactured from the highest quality, organic, natural ingredients and which has premises in towns and cities throughout the UK.  Neither can I think of another operation that offers a wide range of natural therapies to the public from many of those premises.  As double-whammies go, it's about as natural, effective and ethical as you get - and I'm very excited to be part of it.

If you know anyone in the Tunbridge Wells area who might be interested in a herbal medicine consultation on Monday or Tuesday mornings with your friendly local HerbSmith, at a very reasonable rate, why not let them know?  Maybe I'll even see you at NYR Tunbridge Wells at some point in the future - I certainly hope so.

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What is iridology?

13/10/2015

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The chances are, you've never heard of iridology - the study of the coloured part, or iris, of the eye to gain information about an individual's health status.  This is a shame, since iridology deserves a place among the pantheon of better-known methods of health assessment, such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, used by herbalists and naturopaths the world over.

The eyes have it!

It's important to note at the outset that iridology is not a diagnostic technique.  If you came to me for a consultation in Forest Row, I would take photos of your irises - more correctly, irides - using the rather Heath Robinson-esque equipment lurking in the corner of my consulting room.  I would then use these images to tell you more about yourself and to guide and shape my advice to you, but I would not look at your iris pictures and say, "Your eyes tell me you've got rheumatoid arthritis/an underactive thyroid/type 2 diabetes/insert medical condition here."   Some iris features and groups of features are more common in people with certain conditions, providing clues to the iridologist as to why the condition may have developed and the appropriate treatment approaches.  This is very different to diagnosing the complaint using iridology in the first place.

There are two areas where iridology is most useful.  On the one hand, it provides plenty of extremely useful information on an individual's inbuilt strengths and weaknesses.  This allows the iridologist to share with their patients strategies to help them live within their own constitutions - the keys to a hopefully problem-free health future.  Secondly, iridology offers numerous clues as to why specific conditions may have developed - the 'dynamics of disharmony' in my iridology tutor's memorable phrase - information that
naturally points to the appropriate treatment.

Colour and constitution

The most obvious characteristic of an individual's iris is their eye colour.  This is caused by the presence or absence of pigment.  Blue eyes, for example, are not actually blue: the fibres that make up the blue iris are colourless.  It is the layer below the iris fibres that contains blue pigment, and this colour is reflected in the blue eye because the iris fibres do not contain any pigment themselves.  Green/hazel and brown eyes contain increasing amounts of brown pigment covering some or all of the iris fibres.

The first level of the iridology assessment is the individual's overarching constitution, which corresponds to the blue, brown and green/hazel eye colours.  We'll take a brief look at the three broad iridological constitutions below.


The lymphatic (blue-eyed) constitution

Lymphatic iris
Blue eyes are known as the 'lymphatic' constitution in iridology, named after the lymphatic circulation.  The lymphatic system lies just below the skin, draining and recycling metabolic wastes produced by cells and tissues.  Rich in circulating white blood cells, lymph fluid is also an active part of the immune system.

Lymphatic iris types show a high degree of reactivity in their systems and are prone to infections and inflammation.  These are the body's way of trying to rid itself of unwanted irritants, with the lymphatic system playing a central role.  Blue-eyed kids usually suffer from the classic inflammatory childhood diseases, such as measles, mumps and chickenpox.  Lymphatic types are prone to arthritis and rheumatism, allergies and especially hay fever, swollen glands and irritations of the mucous membranes such as sore throats and tonsillitis.



The haematogenic (brown-eyed) constitution

Haematogenic iris
Iridologists call the brown-eyed constitution the 'haematogenic' constitution.  Brown-eyed people are at the opposite end of the reactivity spectrum from blue-eyed, lymphatic types.  Rather than setting up a powerful inflammatory reaction to rid itself of unwanted material, the haematogenic system tends toward accumulation and excess.  There are fewer early-warning signs, such as fever, in brown-eyed people, and as such any health conditions are likely to be more serious as and when symptoms do appear.  Common conditions among haematogenics are metabolic disorders, including raised blood sugar leading eventually to type 2 diabetes, anxiety and stress, and lumps, bumps and cysts of all kinds.


The mixed (hazel/green-eyed) constitution

Mixed iris
The final iridological constitutional type is the mixed iris, which contains both pigmented (blue) and unpigmented (brown) areas upon examination.  Mixed eyes look green or hazel to the observer.

The watchword for mixed iris types is digestion, as there is often a reduced supply of digestive secretions from the pancreas, liver and gallbladder.  As such, mixed iris types often suffer from bloating and gas after meals and may tend toward constipation.  They are also more prone to dysbiosis, where the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut becomes disturbed.



An iridology assessment is as individual as you are

After the constitution, the next level of the iridological assessment is the disposition, or broad structure of the iris fibres.  The disposition tells the iridologist about factors such as energy usage, resistance to stress, immunity and susceptibility to injury.  This is followed by the diathesis, which is mostly concerned with the patterns of pigment that usually exist above the level of the iris fibres.  The diathesis provides information on acquired as well as innate factors - that is, things that have built up over the course of an individual's life.  As well as these, the iridologist would take many other features into account when assessing an individual's health status - so as you can see, this brief discussion of constitution barely scratches the surface of iridology.  And that's without even mentioning behavioural or emotional iridology!

As witnessed by the increasing use of iris-scanning technology in our paranoid modern world, the iris is as individual as the fingerprint.  It's no exaggeration to say that iridology provides a truly individual method of health assessment, one that can shed light on problems both past and current and which offers the promise of living a healthful life within the limits of the bodies in which we are born.

Why not give it a try sometime?

Image implying iris scanning technology
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Not such a simple question: What is herbal medicine?

28/8/2015

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Herbal medicine, iridology & naturopathy in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
What is herbal medicine?  And what about iridology and naturopathy?

Well, herbal medicine is medicine using plants instead of drugs.  Simple, eh?  Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

Except it's not that easy.  While it may be true to say that herbalists use plants instead of drugs, that rather glib introductory phrase doesn't begin to touch upon the rich and varied threads that weave the tapestry of herbal medicine past, present and future.  Neither does it acknowledge that pharmaceutical medicine would not exist without plant-derived chemicals, which represent some of its most important weapons even in 2015.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.


An introduction to herbal medicine, iridology and naturopathy

What I'm going to do over the next weeks and months is try to answer, in as many ways as possible, a question that keeps popping up for myself and other natural health practitioners of my acquaintance: namely, what exactly is herbal medicine?  Isn't it the same as homeopathy?  (Spoilers: No.)  For that matter, what are these other odd things you practise – naturopathy and iridology?  How are they different from mainstream medicine, and why should I even consider coming to see a herbalist or naturopath?

Fascinating questions all, and ones that simply can't be answered in the space of a single article.  So I thought I'd take a leisurely stroll with you through some of the history of herbal medicine, naturopathy and iridology, while also explaining some of the principles involved.  Not only will this be useful for you – I hope! – I'm bound to learn a lot myself along the way.  There's no grand, overarching plan involved; rather, I'm just going to approach subjects as seems natural and appropriate, or as it 'flows', as a friend of mine is fond of saying.

Herbal medicine, iridology & naturopathy in Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Herbal medicine uses plants as medicine

Let us count the ways: ever heard of a herbal tincture?  How about an electuary?  Or an oxymel?  As well as these, some of the more exotic and esoteric ways herbalists have employed over the centuries include elixirs, aromatic waters, flower essences, compresses, infused oils, herbal wines and honeys, decoctions, pessaries and poultices, to the more recognisable powders, tablets, capsules, essential oils, syrups, teas, creams, ointments, lotions and liniments, herbalists have a glittering array of tools available to them.  (And I'm sure I've missed some out...)  Not to mention whole plant parts!

Herbal medicine is where the material and energetic combine

Herbs are formed of an amazing array of fascinating chemicals, many of which we're only just beginning to understand.  The modern pharmaceutical industry in all its, erm, 'glory' would not exist without the contribution of plant-derived chemicals.  To the herbalist, those chemicals are best deployed in their natural state, as part of the organic matrix of connected and codependent substances that exist in the plants themselves, rather than as purified individual chemical species.  And yet it's possible to elicit incredible healing responses from drop doses of herbs; there is more to the healing power of plants than their chemistry alone.  A subtle energetic component is there to be harnessed that surrounds and suffuses the gross materiality of plant material.

Traditional medicine's energetic 'maps of the world'

Speaking of energetics, all ancient traditional systems of medicine have their own their own maps for describing the world based on the energies within and around us.  Ayurveda, from the Indian subcontinent, has the concept of the doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Traditional Chinese medicine has the infinite complexity of the yin and the yang, and the energetic meridians tapped into by acupuncture.  Despite their widespread disuse in the modern era, Western herbal medicine has the concept of the humours and the elements they govern: blood and air, phlegm and water, black bile and earth and yellow bile and fire.  Some modern Western herbalists are now rehabilitating these ancient concepts.  As well as these 'constitutional' energetic systems, all traditional medical practises have ways to describe the properties of herbs energetically: for example, the degree to which they are hot or cold, moist or dry.  For the practising herbalist, these concepts are often more powerful than the purely physical descriptions offered by reductionist science.

Herbs, spirituality, shamanism and magic

Herbal medicine can be a guide to the spiritual universe and to the spirit world of shamanism.  Folklore such as putting agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) leaves under pillow to induce a deep sleep attest to the magic(k)al properties of herbs.  Plants have their own language that speaks to the willing observer, the 'doctrine of signatures' that offers clues to how the herb may be used to cure what ails thee physically, emotionally and even spiritually.

Downloading knowledge from the plants themselves

Herbal medicine has been learned over millennia by a humanity well versed in trial and error – or has it?  Ancient and traditional cultures claim that their knowledge of plant medicine comes direct from the plants themselves, a mode of thinking echoed by enlightened thinkers including Goethe and, in the modern era, Stephen Harrod Buhner.  Is that possible that we have the innate ability, once practised and developed, to connect directly with the plants themselves?  If so, how better to understand the healing powers of the verdant world than to hear from the very keepers of the information?

More questions than answers.  An ancient wooden door, protected by a stone arch cracked and worried by the passing of aeons.  Behind lies a flagged staircase, worn smooth by countless feet.  A shifting emerald radiance shines on the brickwork of the corridor from the unseen destination below.  Shall we explore?


Herbal medicine, iridology & naturopathy in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
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Free consultations on Freedom4Health Day, Wednesday 3rd June

20/5/2015

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It's been a busy, busy, busy time for me recently, so apologies for the complete lack of blogging at The HerbSmith recently.  And this short, swift, guerilla-type return to action is purely to let you know that I'll be taking part in Freedom4Health Day next month, on Wednesday 3rd June.  The deal: a free 30-minute consultation where you can learn more about herbal medicine, naturopathy, iridology or any other aspect of natural healthcare, or receive more specific advice about any health issues you may have.  There's no pressure to take the consultation any further if you don't feel it's right for you.

Raising the profile of natural therapies

Freedom4Health (F4H) - the organisation - was set up largely to campaign for the maintenance of choice in healthcare, as its name suggests.  Natural healthcare of all forms is under increasing threat in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, with the result that people are finding it increasingly difficult to get hold of the effective and safe natural therapies on which they may rely.  At the same time, natural health practitioners are under attack from the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which has taken upon itself the role of deciding what practitioners can and can't say about themselves.  The ASA has absolutely no expertise in this area and no statutory powers, but this is apparently beside the point.  More on this another time!

The point of F4H Day is to raise the profile of natural healthcare and the vital issue of choice in healthcare.  Practitioners across the country will be getting involved, and I'm delighted to be one of them!  Drop me a line at bookings@herbsmith.uk or via the contact form if you're interested - and please check your spam folder if you don't receive a reply.  I will respond to every email I receive.

So: a free, no-pressure 30-minute consultation where you can learn more about herbal medicine and natural healthcare, while boosting public recognition of safe and effective methods of treatment with the potential to save the NHS millions - if not billions.  What's not to love?



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Free ebook!  The Detox Download: Liver edition

7/3/2015

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An imposter!
Looking out of my living room window on this early March morning, it's a heart-lifting surprise to see the garden radiating in golden Spring sunshine.  The grass, the herbs, the flowers, the trees - all the life crammed into our tiny corner of Surrey seems to stretch and luxuriate in empathy with Scraggy, our scruffy, sleepy cat, as he welcomes the new season on the lawn.

Things are finally getting warmer after a long winter.  Which means that now is the best time to think about a New Year detox - odd as that may sound.


The downsides of a winter detox

Most people who plan regular periods of detoxification pencil one in for 1st January or thereabouts.  Which is perfectly logical: "new year, new you" and all that.  The only problem with this timing is that 1st January is slap bang in the middle of winter in the UK.  That means cold, wet, windy, dark and generally unfriendly.

It takes a lot of energy just to keep warm in winter.  Winter is when we crank up the central heating systems in our homes so that they're on for most of the day, just to keep a pleasant, liveable temperature on the inside.  Your body is a bit like that: you need more energy to keep yourself warm and to carry on the activities of daily living during winter.  It's why we naturally tend to eat more stodgy, warming or energy-rich foods like stews, casseroles and soups in the winter months.

Just as naturally, we start to think about a 'clearout' as the sun peeks out once more in Spring.  The natural world around us recognises and responds to this need by bringing cleansing and detoxifying plants within easy reach at this time of year: herbs like the diuretic and lymph-cleansing cleavers (Gallium aperine) and the classic liver tonic, dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), are there to be gathered and used come Spring.

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Detox is best at the change of seasons

Detoxifying requires a lot of energy, however, and is an energetically very 'cold' process.  So diving into a full-on detox programme the second the calendar clicks over onto 1st January isn't necessarily the best idea.  Far better to wait until Spring, when the weather is warmer and the calendar of the seasons is in synch with our natural cycles.

Of all our detoxifying organs - liver, kidneys, skin, lymph and bowel - the liver is the undisputed heavyweight champeen, ladies 'n' gennelmen.  Keep your liver happy and content and you'll go a long way towards living a long, healthy and, yes - happy and contented life yourself.  Which is where the second part of my ebook, The Detox Download, comes in.  The first part dealt with the kidneys, and the second part focuses on the liver. 

The Detox Download: Liver edition

To get your free ebook, just click on this link and sign up to the HerbSmith mailing list with your email address.  I promise not to bombard you with mailouts - just to keep you updated with interesting information, useful health tips and health-boosting recipes!

Just as with the 'kidney edition' of The Detox Download, the 'liver edition' is meant only as a brief primer on detoxification, containing some simple tips that everyone can employ in their daily life.  One of the beauties of herbal medicine is that it can be tailored to develop a detoxification programme unique to each individual, depending on their needs - and many people will require a more structured detox programme to reach their health goals.  Contact me at bookings@herbsmith.uk or via the contact form if you think you might benefit from such a programme.
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Wonderful Weekend Recipe: The Longevity Electuary for everyday health and wellbeing

1/3/2015

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For this week's Wonderful Weekend Recipe, I thought I'd continue the honey-based electuary theme from last week.  My imaginary monks will be pleased!

A delicious Ayurvedic recipe for long life

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Ayurveda, which originates from India, is thought to be the oldest system of medicine in the world, dating back 5000 years ago or more.  In fact it's even more than that: the word Ayurveda means "science of life" in Sanskrit and represents a complete system of healthful living, encompassing everything from diet and nutrition, herbs, massage and detoxification to the mind, emotions, activity, rest, sleep and how to live according to the seasons.  Pretty much every aspect of life is covered in some way, and the key to it all is the concept of the three 'doshas': Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Everyone is governed by these three aspects - which represent the elements of fire, earth, water air and aether - to different degrees.  Most people have one particular dosha that is predominant in their inbuilt constitution, and once one understands which dosha they are, they can start to live their life in a manner that will allow health, happiness and contentment to flow.  If you'd like to know what dosha you are, there's a great quiz at www.doshaguru.com (registration required).

But this isn't the place for a lengthy discourse on Ayurveda.  All you need to know for this recipe is that this Ayurvedic electuary will have numerous health benefits regardless of your dosha.  So, with the context firmly in place, on with the recipe!

Get a daily health boost with the Longevity Electuary

Grab a 250 mL (8 oz) jar, and add the following:

  • 3 tsp ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and/or shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) powder (see below)
  • 3 tsp spirulina or chlorella powder
  • 3 tsp slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) or marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) powder
  • 2 tsp Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) powder
  • 1 tsp cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) powder
  • 1 tsp elderberry (Sambucus nigra) powder or whole berries
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder

Finally, cover the mixture almost to the top of the jar with locally produced honey.  Stir slowly, to avoid a cloud of herb powder covering your kitchen, until the herbs are well mixed into the honey, put the lid on, label and store.  And that's it!  No need to refrigerate as honey is an excellent preservative. 
The Longevity Electuary is meant as a daily health tonic, eaten directly from the spoon, on toast, dissolved in hot milk, almond milk, coconut milk or ghee - however you like, really!

A host of powerful ingredients

Ashwagandha, shatavari and Siberian ginseng are known as adaptogens, which help the body to resist stress of all sorts: a good brief definition is that adaptogens are non-toxic, produce a non-specific defensive response to stress and have a normalising influence on the body.  In my opinion, we all need adaptogens in our lives, and the Longevity Electuary is a delicious way to do it!

Slippery elm and marshmallow aid digestion and soothe the gastrointestinal tract, as well as being highly nutritious.

Elderberry is an excellent immune remedy, being rich in vitamin C and a powerful internal cleanser for conditions like flus and colds.

Turmeric has a wide spectrum of useful properties, including boosting the liver's detoxification pathways and aiding digestion.  One of its active constituents, curcumin, is a current hot property in cancer research.

And while not a herb, spirulina - a single-celled, blue-green algae - is highly nutritious and has a host of health-promoting properties of its own.  The same, if not more, can be said about the green algae chlorella.

The only potential problem with this amazing recipe might be getting hold of the Ayurvedic ingredients ashwagandha and shatavari.  The first place to try is your local independent health food store or herbalist if they also sell dried herbs; or failing that, have a look online.  Another alternative is to replace these Ayurvedic herbs with a homegrown adaptogen that will be easier to obtain, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

Simple to make, with health benefits for everyone, the Longevity Electuary is one to treasure.  Let me know how you get on if you decide to make some!
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Free consultations at Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre, every Tuesday from 3rd March

27/2/2015

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The title pretty much says it all, so this post will be a short one.

Starting next Tuesday, I'll be holding free walk-in clinics at the lovely Dormansland & Lingfield Community Centre on Lingfield High Street between 10.00am and midday.  Said Community Centre has recently taken charge of some extra rooms, including two small, comfy spaces that are perfect for holding one-to-one consultations, so it would be churlish of me not to take advantage of such a great opportunity.

Free herbal medicine, naturopathy and iridology consultations at Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre

Come and find out more about herbal medicine

Unlike my 'normal' consultations, however, which last from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours long, these free sessions are meant as brief tasters.  A chance for people to learn more about what herbal medicine - and natural health more widely - has to offer them.  What exactly is herbal medicine, anyway?  How is it different from mainstream medicine - is it just that herbal medicine uses plants instead of drugs?  What can iridology tell me about my health just by looking in my eyes?  What is the philosophy behind naturopathy?  Insert your own question here - or, even better, bring it with you next Tuesday and I'll do my best to answer it!

Free 15-minute sessions including iridology

PictureLingfield & Dormansland Community Centre
Each free session will last around 15 minutes, which should be enough to have a useful chat.  If you fancy it, I'll get my iridology magnifier out and take a quick look into your eyes - you may be surprised at what 'the windows of the soul' say about your health and constitution...

So please come along if you can, and spread the word to people you think may be interested!


Venue: Meeting room, Jennings Hall, Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre
Date: Tuesdays from 3rd March
Time: 10.00am - midday
Length of each session: 15 minutes approx.


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Welcome to the Wonderful Weekend Recipe!  The Wild Rose Electuary

22/2/2015

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Ah, blogging.  It's been a while – how have I missed thee?  Just give me a moment to brush the inch or so of dust from my barely used writing table...there, that's better.  Now, what's the best way to ease myself back into the habit, I wonder?

How about a new regular feature, the Wonderful Weekend Recipe?  You can call it WWR for short if you like.  It won't mind.  Since the title is fairly self-explanatory, let's just dive right on into the first-ever WWR without further ado.


The Wild Rose Electuary for soothing sore throats

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'Electuary' must be one of my favourite words in the English language.  For some reason, it evokes for me an image of peaceful cloisters in late spring, with golden beams of sunlight regularly picking out the figures of monks talking quietly below.  In reality, however, an electuary is a sweet herbal preparation, usually based on honey.  And probably used by monks throughout the ages.

Because of honey's nourishing, building and warming qualities, electuaries are ideally suited to tonic formulations, such as the Longevity Electuary I'll introduce you to next week.  Since honey is also very sticky and soothing, it's also an excellent base for herbal mixtures intended to soothe the throat – which is where the Wild Rose Electuary comes in.

The recipe couldn't be simpler:

     2 parts marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root powder

     1 part sage (Salvia officinalis) aerial parts powder

     ½ part rose (Rosa damascena) petals, as close to powder as you can get

Get yourself some locally grown honey so that you're supporting your friendly neighbourhood beekeepers.  Gently heat it until it turns molten, add your herbs and stir everything in until it's all mixed together nicely.  How much honey you use will determine the eventual consistency of your electuary: more honey equals runnier electuary, less honey means a stiffer end product.  You'll need to have an empty glass jar handy to pour the molten mixture into.

And that's it!  This stuff is so tasty that you can eat it straight from the spoon, but it can also be made into a drink by melting in warm water.  The Wild Rose Electuary is a wonderful throat soother, thanks to the combination of mucilagenous (gelatinous, soothing) marshmallow, antimicrobial sage and cooling rose.  Why not make some up for the next time someone in your household comes down with a cold?  Kids will, of course, love it for its sweetness.  Just don't leave them alone with an open jar and a spoon...

Instant genius kit

A little anecdote to round things off.  At my wedding a few years ago, one of the guests came down with a sore throat and was not happy.  For some reason – either my wife or I must have had a cold recently, I guess – we had a jar of this electuary with us, and we gave him a spoonful or two.  Within ten minutes, he was feeling so much better that he called me "an actual genius".

So there you have it: become an instant genius with the Wild Rose Electuary!

Wild rose (Rosa damascena)
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Why the mainstream media are dead wrong on detox

27/1/2015

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Media articles bashing detoxification are becoming a yearly tradition to rival Christmas.  The truth is, not only is it possible to boost our bodies' ability to detox – it's crucial for anyone seeking optimum health.  And what's one of the best ways to boost your detox system?  Herbal medicine!  Grab a copy of my free ebook to learn more about why detox is crucial for your health!

Detox: smeared by association

Rather than spend a couple of thousand words picking apart articles like a recent Guardian piece that described detox as "a myth", here are two facts that the anti-detox crowd conveniently overlook.

One: pointing at questionable products like detox foot pads and dodgy 'colon cleanse' tablets in order to heap ridicule on the entire concept of detoxification is simply a trick.  There are plenty of great products out there, just as there are plenty of questionable ones.  Such 'guilt by association' tactics serve to obscure what detoxification is all about: supporting the body's naturally existing processes to help it get rid of poisonous substances, or toxins.  This is best done on a daily basis, through the use of herbs, foods and the right high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements.
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Ensuring proper detox is a central part of herbal medicine

If you want to learn more about detoxification and why it's so important in the 21st century, along with some simple, everyday tips and tools to boost your own detox capacity, download my first, free, ebook.  All you need to do is provide your email address and sign up to the HerbSmith mailing list.  The ebook is called 'The Detox Download', and the first of several parts focuses on the kidneys – one, or more accurately two, of your most important detox organs.

'The Detox Download: Kidney edition' is only meant as a brief primer on detoxification, however.  Many people will need a more comprehensive approach to detox on the road to true vitality, often as part of a structured wellbeing programme.  If you feel you'd benefit from personalised advice like this, please get in touch.


Yours in health,

Adam (The HerbSmith)

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Hello from The HerbSmith!

18/1/2015

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Well, The HerbSmith website has been up and running for a few weeks now, which means a proper welcome is way overdue.  So: welcome to www.herbsmith.uk, my (Adam Smith's) electronic window on the world and one of my primary means of getting the word out about what I do.

And what is that, I hear you ask breathlessly?  The brief answer, as the page banner above says, is 'herbal medicine' – which is an incomplete reply that raises many questions of its own.  What is herbal medicine, for instance?  Is herbal medicine different from mainstream medicine, and if so, how?  Why should I even consider seeing an herbalist for my health issues, rather than my GP?  All perfectly rational queries, and ones that I'll try my best to answer in future posts.


What does an herbalist do?

As an herbalist, I use the healing powers of the amazing plants that grow all around us to restore a state of health.  Since their histories are entwined with our own through centuries and millennia, plants have evolved to be humanity's perfect medicine.  Gentle yet powerful, effective and virtually free of side effects if used appropriately, herbs and herbal medicine have been unfairly relegated to a supporting role in 21st century medicine, particularly in the Western world.

As a naturopath, I use the healing power of nature - vis medicatrix naturae - to gently bring the unbalanced body back into a state of health.  This basically translates as helping people to get out of their own way!  The body's natural state is one of glowing, vital health, to which it will return if blockages are removed.
Perhaps the deepest beauty of herbal medicine, though, is its infinite adaptability.  By selecting different herbs, by changing the doses of herbs in a mixture and by preparing the herbs in different ways, the herbalist can create an herbal remedy for everyone.  This is why you'll always hear herbalists say that they treat the individual, not the condition.  In other words, John's eczema may be very different to Jill's, and may require a very different approach to treatment.

I am no different to other herbalists on this.  I'm passionate that this underlying philosophy of herbal medicine is the right one.

Treating the individual - not the condition

Natural healthcare for the win!

I'm equally passionate that natural healthcare more widely not only works, but is also safe, rational and cost effective.  Creaking and groaning alarmingly, Western-style healthcare systems are beginning to collapse under the weight of too many sickly people and expensive medications.  A widespread move toward natural medicine and healthcare systems based on prevention, rather than expensive and often fruitless and damaging treatment, becomes more of a no-brainer every day.  To me, at least!

Herbal medicine on the Surrey, West Sussex and Kent borders

But until politicians get with the programme and begin to see the world the way I do, I can try to make difference in a small way, by offering my services as an herbalist to the public.  I believe that herbalists should be educators, so please sign up on the right to my mailing list to keep up-to-date with what's going on here!  I'll be posting here regularly from now on, and frequently in the next few weeks: lots of health-related information, recipes, waffling about herbs and ranting about this and that.  It would be wonderful to have you along for the ride!
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    An irregular blog

    I'm Adam Smith, a Herbalist and Naturopath practising in the Surrey/West Sussex/Kent border area.  Although I hope it will change, I don't currently post here regularly.

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