Carl Lewis, a vegan athlete, won 10 Olympic medals, including 9 golds competing for the US in a career that spanned from 1979 to 1996. Carl is one of many in the list of top athletes who consume a primarily plant based diet; this helps to dispel the myth that muscles, strength and endurance require the consumption of large quantities of animal-based foods.

You don’t have to become a vegetarian to enjoy the taste and benefits of food without meat. Our consumption of meat and animal produce has increased dramatically over the last 50 years due the availability of cheap meat. Unfortunately, this comes with a hidden cost; the poor quality of the meat we consume. Intensive farming methods necessitate injecting animals with anti-biotics and other medications to keep them alive in unnaturally overcrowded conditions. These drugs are often still present in the meat when consumed by the public. Organic and high welfare meats do not carry these residues.

A healthy guide is to eat 2-3 portions of meat and 2-3 portions of fish per week, making a total of about 5 meals. By reducing the quantity of the meat we consume we can afford to buy better quality, organic and free range.

Energise!

• Start the day with hot water and something fresh, for example fresh fruit, sprouted seeds or fresh vegetable juices. These cleanse wastes from the body and provide vitality packed nutrients and antioxidant vitamins (preventing cell damage and death).
• Make breakfast a substantial meal to ensure energy is better sustained. Try porridge made with soya milk and honey, homemade muesli with natural yoghurt and maple syrup or get out your hand blender and whiz up a fresh fruit smoothie and eat with a handful of nuts and seeds.
• Don’t drink with your meals as this dilutes the digestive fluids, thus reducing the efficiency of the digestive process.
• Avoid over eating which can make you feel lethargic and bloated. Eat enough to feel satisfied but not full, allowing the digestion to work at its optimum. The signals for hunger and thirst in the brain’s hypothalamus are very close and are often confused. Try drinking a glass of water half an hour before eating a meal, thereby ensuring that your thirst is quenched and you do not feel compelled to eat more than necessary.

Herbal Synergy

The digestive system must be working effectively to reap the benefits of energising foods. At The Herbal Clinic we have great success treating digestive complaints by establishing the underlying cause for each individual and preparing herbal medicines unique to each case.

An example of a herb that has beneficial effects on the digestion is Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), which gently stimulates the digestive secretions and reduces bloating. This herb can also be used to curb the appetite as part of a weight loss program. Centaurium erythraea (Centaury) is a herb with bitter qualities, useful for stomach and liver weakness.

Iridology

Examination of the iris may reveal a ring close to the pupil, indicating a weakness of the stomach zone, including the stomach enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The colour white in this area corresponds to over activity and brown is the result of under activity.

Extracted from a weekly radio broadcast 2010 ©

Meilyr James BSc (Hons) DBTh DAcu AcuC DIr MGNI.

Registered Medical Herbalist, Iridologist and Acupuncturist

Click to download a pdf version

Sufferers can find this condition disabling; feeling frustrated by the lack of understanding and treatment options available. In natural medicine, successful treatment will be different for each individual often involving attention to the nervous and digestive systems.

Nutrition for the Nervous System
To ensure a healthy nervous system, include essential fatty acids in your diet by eating two servings per week of oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Alternatively, cold pressed flax or hemp seed oils are beneficial; also crucial to the health of the nervous system are the B vitamins which are found in nuts, pulses, brown rice, broccoli, meat and fish.

The Role of Digestion
You make the effort to select a variety of whole and natural foods, you take the time to prepare a nourishing meal, but what happens once it enters your digestive system? If the digestive organs are not functioning effectively then all that goodness can become poisonous!

Antibiotics, refined sugar and long term stress (which creates an acidic environment within the body) can disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial intestinal bacteria, allowing pathogenic bacteria to proliferate. The resultant inflammation and deterioration of the gut wall allows partially digested food particles to enter the bloodstream causing symptoms such as fibromyalgia, food intolerances and poor brain function.

Tips for Healthy Digestion
• Only eat when you are calm and have an appetite – never when you are anxious, hurried or stressed.
• Take time to chew each mouthful thoroughly.
• Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not full.
• Consult a practitioner to establish which foods are right for your constitution.

Herbal Synergy
Herbal medicines play a valuable role in facilitating the healing of the digestive and nervous systems. Whether via nourishment, restoration, stimulation or relaxation, a balance can be established and the natural state of wellbeing restored.

For example, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) is an adaptogenic herb – one that has the ability to help the body cope more effectively with an overactive nervous and stress response. Specifically, adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands, which are the body’s mechanism for responding to stress and emotional changes. Eleutherococcus senticosus also acts as a cardiovascular stimulant and increases resistance to illness and infection (though it is not suitable to take during an infection).

Iridology
Signs of low energy are often apparent in the eyes. An appearance of dullness and lack of sparkle, with a sclera that is greyish or cream coloured rather than white will often be visible. Markings in the iris, observed by a professional iridologist at The Herbal Clinic, can help to determine which organs are not functioning effectively, providing a valuable diagnostic tool.

Extracted from a weekly radio broadcast 2010 ©

Meilyr James BSc (Hons) DBTh DAcu AcuC DIr MGNI.
Registered Medical Herbalist, Iridologist and Acupuncturist.

Click to download a pdf version

Meilyr James discusses health matters with DJ Leighton Jones on Swansea Sound, in his monthly broadcast.

You can listen to the podcast playing here without leaving our site or visit http://herbalclinicswansea.podomatic.com to hear this and other podcasts in the series.

Colds tend to occur more often in autumn and winter as the change in outer climatic conditions has an effect on our internal environment. Cold and damp cools our bodily systems down so that we are less able to clear toxins from the body. This establishes a medium that is suited to the growth of bacteria and viruses and we ‘catch a cold’. Have you ever wondered why a particular friend or colleague never seems to get a cold, whilst you are rarely without one? You may have come to the conclusion that contact with the virus is not the whole story behind why we become infected – if the ‘soil’ of the body is right then a virus can survive, and thrive.

Prevention

So how do we prevent frequent colds? Working in harmony with the seasons is a simple, yet effective strategy. As the temperature cools down we need to warm ourselves up. Over the summer cooling salads and juices may have kept us refreshed, now is the time for warming soups, spiced stews and root vegetables, which are seasonally available at this time. Cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and garlic can all help to keep the body warm and the digestive fire strong, therefore preventing a build up of toxins, which encourage bacterial proliferation.

We also need to make sure our metabolism is running warm so continuing a regular aerobic exercise program is essential, whether this be a brisk walk with your dog or cycling to work. Ensure your system is fighting fit and it will fight off those microscopic invaders for you.

The immune system plays an important role in preventing infection and is particularly influenced by stress – mental, physical and emotional. Take a moment to notice the stresses in your life – Are you working too hard? Are you emotionally content? Do you have a high toxin load from factors such as smoking, alcohol or fumes? Allow a little time to re-balance and it may save you time off sick in the long run.

 Herbal medicines

Treated naturally with rest and herbal medication, the severity of a cold can be diminished and the duration reduced.

Many useful herbs for easing the symptoms of a cold are widely available and can be utilised at home. An infusion can be made with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root steeped in boiling water, some honey (preferably manuka which has antiseptic properties) and freshly squeezed lemon. This can help to remove mucus and stimulate the body’s natural defences. If you have some cinnamon quills available try breaking them up and adding them to the teapot for a delicious warming tonic. Fresh sage is specific for clearing viral and bacterial infections from the throat and sinus. To prepare, place a handful of the leaves in a teapot and pour on boiling water. Cover and allow it to infuse for 10 minutes then add a little honey and drink frequently until the problem clears. (NOTE: caution in pregnancy, herbs can be powerful in their actions and excessive quantities can have an effect on the female reproductive system).

Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot) – Tussilago soothes the mucous membranes (the delicate inner lining of the respiratory and digestive organs), tones the bronchi and aids expectoration and the removal of mucus.

Capsicum minimum (Chilli pepper): Capsicum is strongly heating, increasing localised blood flow and stimulating the immunity.

 Iridology

The lungs are represented in the right iris at 2-3 o’clock and in the left iris at 9-10 o’clock  (when looking at your own reflection). Noticeable gaps, pigments or colour changes may indicate predisposition to lung complaints.

© Extracted from a weekly radio broadcast 2010

Published in ‘Labyrinth’ magazine in November/December edition, 2011

Click to Download a pdf version

A natural balance

When we are out of balance we experience disharmony in our bodies and any change we face will be difficult. We can provide assistance and support to make this a more comfortable process. Consider all aspects of your life, physical and emotional. Take the time to sleep and exercise, spend time outdoors and eat nourishing vibrant foods. Ensure a balance between your work and personal time and confront any emotional or psychological issues. Be content, this in itself brings healing.

A change of perspective

End of reproductive years does not equate to end of life! With newfound freedom from monthly hormonal fluctuations and the experience of maturity, menopause can be approached as an exciting change heralding a fresh start. Anthropologist Margaret Mead wrote, “The most powerful force in the world is a menopausal woman with zest,” so be open to all the positive this change can bring.

Drugs

Hormone replacement therapy is marketed to both doctors (by the companies who make the drugs) and to patients, as beneficial to health by preventing various diseases. However, research indicates otherwise.  According to the US Women’s Health Initiative study, hormone therapy increases your chances of developing coronary heart disease by 29%, stroke by 41%, lung cancer by 60% and ovarian cancer by 38%, to name but a few.

Be well informed from a variety of sources before you agree to hormonal intervention. ‘What Doctors Don’t Tell You’ publication is read by both lay people and some doctors to access independent research on medical drugs, rather than research funded by the pharmaceutical companies who are selling the drugs.

Herbal synergy

Plant derived oestrogen is widely available for symptomatic relief. Soya products, nuts and seeds can be beneficial to include in your diet. Many herbs have a balancing effect on the hormones, however each case must be addressed individually.

Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh): This plant contains phytoestrogens and is useful for arthritic complaints as well as depression as a result of digestive issues.

Humulus lupulus (Hops): Hops have appreciable oestrogenic properties. It’s sedative effects, help to calm visceral tension in the body and ease palpitations and tense bowel states.

Iridology

Congestion throughout the body can make menopause a challenge and is indicated by the appearance of dull or murky eyes with regular discharge from the corners and lids. Inspection of the region of the iris representing the uterus, ovaries, kidney and adrenal will also highlight potential problems.

Meilyr James BSc (Hons) DBTh DAcu AcuC DIr MGNI

Registered Medical Herbalist, Iridologist and practitioner of acupuncture.

© Extracted from a weekly radio broadcast 2010

Published in ‘Aura’ magazine in November 2011

Click to download a pdf

Adults need an average of 8 hours sleep every night and young children need 12 hours. Throughout the night our sleep progresses through a series of stages in which different brain wave patterns are displayed.

The delta waves manifested during deep sleep allow restoration of the immune system, release anti-ageing hormones, heal the mind and repair the muscles. The heart and breathing rate are slowed and the blood vessels dilate to provide nourishment to all the cells in the body. Cortisol – a hormone released when we are stressed which has damaging effects throughout the body, is reduced during deep sleep. During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep the mind is able to process emotions, memories and consolidate learned information.

Tips for a peaceful night’s sleep

•  Eat the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before going to bed. Whilst the digestive system is active your metabolism is high and you cannot truly rest.
•  If possible keep your bedroom as a sanctuary of sleep! Don’t work in bed or your brain may come to associate this with a place of activity.
•  If worries or plans are keeping you awake, keep a notebook by your bedside so you can write them down and release them before you lay down, free and peaceful.
•  Try unwinding for half an hour before bed. Relaxation techniques such as visualisation, alternate nostril breathing or calming music can allow your mind to switch off and your body to relax.
•  Exercise during the day can promote a good night’s sleep. Physical activity keeps the circadian rhythm running effectively – at night a slight rise in body temperature is experienced which primes the body to fall asleep easily.
•  Listen closely to your body’s signals. Often we reach a point in the evening when we feel naturally tired. This is the best time to retire. If you stay up, you may pass through this and begin to feel more alert.

Herbal Medicines

Valeriana officinalis (Valerian): This grounding herb is valuable for insomnia related to a nervous disposition. It is a gentle sedative with antispasmodic actions, easing cramps and tension.

Tilia europaea (Lime flower): Used to relax a tense nervous system and musculature this herb can be combined with chamomile to make a pleasant and relaxing bedtime tea.

Iridology

On examination of the iris, dark or light pigment changes may be seen over the location associated with the liver, positioned between 7.30 – 8 in the right iris (when observing another person), in an individual experiencing insomnia.

© Extracted from a weekly radio broadcast 2010

Published in ‘Labyrinth’ magazine in August/September edition, 2011

Click to Download a pdf version

Meilyr James talks with Dj Mike Lloyd on Radio Tircoed in his regular Morning Show.  Part of the A-Z of health and disease.

You can listen to the podcast playing here without leaving our site or visit http://herbalclinicswansea.podomatic.com to hear this and other podcasts in the series.

Remedies

Minor burns and sunburn: Lavender essential oil (Lavandula officinalis) applied neat to the affected area brings immediate relief to pain and inflammation, allowing the burn to heal quickly. Another valuable herb is Aloe vera which has the unique ability to help skin renew itself by stimulating cellular metabolism, thereby promoting oxygen exchange and increasing the absorption of nutrients. Keep a plant on the windowsill, they are easy to grow and can be used whenever needed. Snap off one of the fleshy leaves at the base, slice off the outer skin on one side, and place the gel side of the leaf against the burn. Cover the aloe with roller gauze and surgical tape to keep it firmly in place.

Colds and sore throats: Listen to the signals your body gives, we often feel a little run down, tired or irritable at the onset of a cold, this is the time to act! Drink plenty of warm water and take a hot foot-bath with a tablespoon of Colman’s mustard powder to enhance the circulation. This will increase the body’s energy and boost the immune system. For sore throats place 1-2 tablespoons of fresh sage (Salvia officinalis) into a mug, pour on boiling water and cover so that the steam (and medicinal essential oils) cannot escape. Allow to infuse for 10 minutes, then drink with a little manuka honey. Sage is specific for clearing viral and bacterial infections from the throat and sinus and can be drunk frequently until the problem clears. Sage also has an effect on the female reproductive system, proving useful for the hot flushes of menopause, though it is not advised during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Nausea and bloating: Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) has anti-emetic and carminative properties making it useful for indigestion, nausea and morning sickness. Use one teaspoon of the fresh grated root and infuse in hot water in a covered mug and sip slowly. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) can be grown in pots in the garden and a few leaves chewed or an infusion made to calm the stomach and ease wind.

Accidents and injuries: Homeopathic Arnica montana is a vital remedy to keep at hand to arrest bleeding and help with shock in the event of an accident. Rescue Remedy is a Bach flower remedy formulation that calms and reassures assisting with the psychological trauma of an injury.

Wounds: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a strong antiseptic and antibiotic, both topically and internally. Witch hazel  (Hamamelis virginica) can be used externally to reduce bleeding as its astringent properties bring tissue and blood vessels closer together.

Stings: Lavender essential oil and aloe vera can again be useful here to cool the heat and reduce inflammation. Also of value is homeopathic Apis (dilution made from a bee sting), which can be used to treat anything with symptoms of redness and swelling made worse by heat.

© Extracted from a weekly radio broadcast 2010

Published in ‘Aura’ magazine in August 2011

Click to download a pdf