8 Best Chinese Herbs

There are a very large number of Chinese herbs that are thought to help a variety of illnesses and ailments, from the very serious to the relatively minor. I have compiled a list of some of the most popular and what they can be used for.

1. Ginseng - This is a common herb that is said to aid healing and rejuvenation. It is particularly good at replenishing the body with fluids that have been lost and also aids the removal of toxins from the body. Ginseng tea is a common method of consuming this powerful herb.
2. Reishi Mushrooms - These are considered to be powerful immune system boosters, that increase antioxidants in the body as well as increasing the vitality of white blood cells. These mushrooms are also said to have a calming influence on the body and are able to help fight insomnia.
3. Lotus Seed - The Lotus Seed aids the function of the spleen and kidneys. It helps reduce diarrhea and also stimulate appetite.
4. Licorice Root - Well known for its detoxification abilities, this root invigorates the body whilst simultaneously cooling it down.
5. Ginko Biloba - This is one of the oldest Chinese herbs. It is said to have positive effects on the lungs and heart as well as able to fight coughs, asthma and a host of allergies. It is one of the most popular natural remedies taken.
6. Ephedra - This herb fights asthma and stimulates blood pressure and heart function too. It also stimulates glands, tissue and muscle in the body as well as increasing the secretion of adrenalin.
7. Astralagus - This is used to build up the immune system by increasing the function of the blood cells.
8. Albizzia Flower and Bark - A herb that is used to combat emotional problems. It has calming properties that have a positive effect on the body and brain.

These are some of the most common and popular Chinese herbs used around the world. If any of you have used these or other Chinese herbs, we’d love to hear about your experience. Send in your comments below.

Bach flower remedies for temper tantrums

Bach flower remedies have long been believed to provide homeopathic help to adults for a variety of ailments and conditions, but is there any reason why children cannot benefit too?

The idea behind Bach flower remedies is that they help the body heal itself by ensuring there is complete balance in the body at both an emotional and mental level. The remedies consist of highly diluted flower and plant substances that are ingested, usually via a drop or two of liquid under the tongue. By curing the underlying problem of the illness or symptoms, the body can heal, repair itself and return to optimum health.

None of the flowers or plants that are used are toxic and the level of dilution is high making them safe for anyone to take. It is also impossible to “overdose” on a flower remedy. There are 38 flower remedies in total, each one directed towards a particular emotional state or state of mind. For example:

Vine is designed for people who are overly dominant

Chicory is for those who are too possessive and demanding of attention

Holly is suitable for people with anger or jealously directed at other people.

Whilst many of the remedies would be unnecessary for children who haven’t yet developed the corresponding emotional state, some of the remedies could be very relevant indeed. A child who is throwing continued temper tantrums following the birth of a sibling could be the perfect candidate for a dose of “holly.” A child who has a tantrum when continued attention is not given may be helped with “chicory.”

Identifying the root cause of the tantrums is the first step towards prescribing Bach remedies to a child. Although no harm will be caused if the wrong remedy is selected, the problem won’t be helped unless it is. Dealing with temper tantrums is par for the course when raising children, but repeated tantrums can cause distress to all members of the family. It’s good to know that Bach remedies are there for us when all else has failed.

If you have either used Bach flower remedies yourself, or on your children, please send in your comments below. If it worked, if it didn’t and how your child responded are some of the questions we’d love to have answered!

Why Choose Natural Soaps?

There are many reasons to avoid commercial produced detergent bars that are commonly dressed up as “soap”.

For a start, the glycerine that is a naturally occurring by-product in the soap making process is removed by manufacturers and sold to other companies in the beauty industry as a lucrative side-line. Glycerine helps stop the skin drying out so it is a vital component of any product being put on your skin. Secondly, there are synthetic lathering agents used in commercial soap as well as other chemicals and artificial colours. At best they are just harsh on your skin, at worst exposure to some of these chemicals has been linked to cancer.

The skin is porous and absorbs creams, water and any substance that is put on it. We know it is bad for our health to consume manufactured and processed food, and the same can be said for using commercial soaps. Aside from the negative effects on our health, these chemically filled commercial soaps are bad for the environment too, filling the eco-system with pollutants and toxic substances.

The alternative is all natural, organic handmade soap that is good for your skin and kind on the environment. People think all ‘soap’ is bad for our skin - that is simply not true. It is the detergent style soap bars that are bad for our skin, the ones containing the chemicals and toxins. When looking to purchase a pleasant and natural soap, look for those that are made with pure or essential oils and fats. Any plants that have been used in the soap should be certified as organic and avoid anything with artificial colour or fragrances. The label will provide all the information you need so make sure you have a quick check over the ingredients list and product information found on it before purchase.

If any of you have noticed a difference between commercial and homemade natural soap bars, send in your comments here.

Uses of Beeswax

Beeswax is actually a very versatile product and can be used for wide range of purposes. Here is a guide to the top 5 uses of beeswax.

As a lip balm

Beeswax is the perfect base to make moisturising lip balm. There are plenty of recipes to choose from, but generally speaking the way to make lip balm this way is to melt some beeswax over a pan of boiling water and then add in one or more essential oils of your choice. Stir thoroughly and once the mixture has melted, pour it into a container using a funnel.

As a leather protector

Beeswax mixed with resin makes the perfect leather protector. It even makes it waterproof. This substance can be used on shoes, belts, briefcases or any other leather product you want to keep looking as new.

Ingredients: 4 ounces beeswax, 1 pint vegetable oil and 4 ounces rosin/resin (can be purchased at a music shop)

The beeswax should be melted over a pan of boiling water. Then add the vegetable oil and resin and stir until mixed thoroughly. Ideally this mixture should be applied to leather while it is still warm for ease.

Wax crayons

Children love wax crayons to draw and colour with. They are totally safe as they are non-toxic so are perfect for use by kids.

Ingredients: 1 ounce beeswax, 1 ounce grated soap, concentrated food coloring

Heat the beeswax in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Add the grated soap and stir until it has all melted. Add the food colouring drop by drop until it has reached the desired colour. Pour the mixture into moulds made from tin foil. Once cooled they are ready to be used.

Furniture Polish

Beeswax makes an effective furniture polish. Simply mix equal parts of beeswax, linseed oil and turpentine whilst gently heating them in a bowl of hot water. When the mixture is cool put a little on a soft rag and use to polish all your wooden furniture.

Copper preservative

Beeswax stops the oxidation of copper which can look unsightly when it appears. When sealing a copper item, simply soften some beeswax and then apply it to the item on a soft cloth or rag. This will remove any oxidation residue and prevent further from appearing.

Beeswax can of course also be used to make candles and a variety of other beauty and cosmetics further to the uses listed above.

5 Reasons to Make your own Soap

You are in control of what goes in

If you don’t want to expose you or your family to harsh chemicals then making your own soap can guarantee they won’t be. You can control the ingredients used, the colour, the texture and smell as well as the ingredients that are included.

It makes a wonderful present

Homemade soap is a very thoughtful and nice present to give someone. Not only are they relatively cheap to make, they can be beautiful to look at and of course are a pleasure to use. They are a great item to fill your present drawer with too so if you are ever stuck without a gift for someone, you can head straight for your soap!

There are no chemicals included

The ingredient list on the back of a soap packet can display all sorts of unrecognizable chemicals. If you make your own soap you can guarantee it is chemical free. Furthermore, you can add your own ideas and turn soap into a nice, healthy product by including all sorts of additional essential oils and essences.

It saves you money

Making soap is definitely a cheaper alternative to buying it. Also, once you’ve been bitten by the soap making bug, the chances are you will want to start making other natural products like washing powder, floor cleaner and maybe even other cosmetics. It is possible to save a bundle when you make all cleaning products and cosmetics yourself.

It’s fun

There is no doubt about it, making soap is both a fun and satisfying hobby. You can let your creatively run wild, adding differing natural items, oils, essences and more into the recipes and even make some nice packaging to finish off the products. The whole family can get involved too so it can be a family project that you can all enjoy together.

Australian Bush Combination Drops

The Australian Bush Combination drops are flower essences designed to replace panic, anxiety and fear within ourselves with the ability to cope. Similar to Bach’s Rescue Remedy in this way, the Australian Bush Combination Drops are designed to bring forth good qualities and emotions within ourselves whilst simultaneously expelling the negative ones.

Flower essences have been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. They work on the mind, body and spirit and are obtained by extracting the healing quality of the most evolved part of a plant - its flower. They work purely on an emotional level to treat imbalances in the body in order to achieve optimum health.

Many great healers and thinkers of the past believed that only by achieving spiritual, emotional and mental harmony could a patient’s illnesses and diseases be cured. The Bush Essences are a complete range of products designed to provide sensitivity, strength and courage to the individual in order to help them listen and follow their natural intuition as well as pursue their goals and dreams.

The Bush Essences take each negative emotion and replace it with a good one. Hate gets replaced with love, fear replaced with courage, insecurities with self-confidence - the list goes on and on! The Australian Bush Combination Drops are now available in a handy spray bottle that is small enough to be carried in a handbag. It is ideal for helping to deal with emotional upset and has a calming effect in a crisis.

Have any of you tried using any of the Australian Bush Essences? We want to hear from you whether the results were positive or negative, so don’t hesitate to send in your comments below.

Aromatherapy for Healthy Legs and Feet - A guide for home use

The feet and legs are often the most neglected part of the body in terms of care and attention, however they are both incredibly important to overall health. Learning how to carry out aromatherapy on your feet and legs is a great way of ensuring your health will stay in tip top condition.

There is plenty of information found in our guide “Aromatherapy for Healthy Legs and Feet” here at Baldwin's that will teach you all you need to know for foot and leg care and general well being. There is information about preventing and curing common ailments as well as a step by step guide to foot and leg massages using specially formulated essential oils.

For those interested in aromatherapy and massages, here are some good tricks for massaging feet to keep them in good condition:

This is to be carried out on someone else (rather than on yourself).

• Take the foot in your lap and rub a little essential oil into your palms. Place one hand on top of the foot, and one underneath and gently slide your hands off the foot coming forward towards the toes. Repeat this 4 or 5 times.

• Gently circle around the ankles with your thumbs. All these movements should be slow and soothing and not too hard as sometimes the ankles especially can be tender.

• Next rub over the top of the foot with your thumbs making circular movements. Move from the ankles towards the toes and repeat a few times.

• Rub each toe with similar circular movements and then rotate each toe both in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.

• Gently pull each toe between your finger and thumb and then rotate the entire foot both clockwise and anti-clockwise.

• One final exercise is to rub the foot within your hands to create friction. When the foot is warm it can be placed in a towel whilst you take the other foot and repeat the whole process.

Send in any other exercises you have for carrying out soothing foot massages. Also let us know if you have the aromatherapy guide and if you find it useful.

Skin Creams

Sometimes it is nice to mix up your skin care routine a little bit to incorporate some new products and ideas. By doing this you can unearth products that you might not otherwise have discovered that are perfect for you and make your skin look great even without any makeup.

Baldwins have a lovely range of skin care products that many of our readers have absolutely loved, so I thought I’d write a little bit here about them here to tell more people about them! The range of pomegranate, bilberry and rose skincare products are a little piece of luxury for your skin. They smell wonderful, are non-greasy and include an essential oil blend that revitalises and rejuvenates skin.

Pomegranate is very good for the skin because research has shown that it can provide an extra layer of SPF protection against the sun. It helps repair skin cells and in this way acts as a very good anti-aging cream. Pomegranates are very rich in omega 5 which is a very important fatty acid for keeping the skin looking youthful and vibrant.

Bilberry is not a very common berry, but it is related to the blueberry and cranberry. Like most berries it is a very powerful antioxidant and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Creams and lotions with extract of bilberry are particularly good for those with irritated skin or even psoriasis as it can help calm the discomfort and reduce inflammation.

Rose has long been used in face creams and products as it is excellent at supporting the skin’s natural balance of moisture and keeping it from drying out. Rose extract helps battle premature skin aging and leaves it feeling silky soft throughout the day.

As you can see, the 3 main ingredients of the Baldwin’s skin care product range are perfect for skin and provide a combination sure to keep your skin looking good. If you would like to try out this range of products you can order online so it couldn’t be easier.

I would love for one of our readers to tell us a little bit about the creams, toners and lotions within this range so send in your comments below.

The Yoga of Herbs

We’ve all heard of yoga before now, thanks in part to the Queen of pop herself, Madonna, but have you heard of the Yoga of Herbs?

The Yoga of Herbs is a book containing the detailed explanation and classification of herbs using the ancient system of Ayurveda, an ancient alternative medicine and healing system. All of the most important and influential herbs are included in this fascinating book including the most commonly used western herbs. All are introduced and explained with a profound Ayurvedic perspective and accompanied by a wealth of beautiful diagrams and charts, as well as detailed glossaries, appendices and an index for easy reference.

The system of Ayurveda is the traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent. It is considered an alternative medicine and remains very influential across South East Asia. Involved in the process of Ayurveda medicine is how herbs, massage and yoga can help cure illness and prevent disease. It is “designed” to not only heal the physical body and keep it strong, but also the mind and spiritual self. The idea is that by keeping all three aspects healthy a person can stay free from a host of conditions or be cured of illness.

Everything from what food to eat, what healthy routines to adopt and a list of rules of ethical conduct are involved with the system of Ayurveda. In this respect it is an all encompassing system for health and is practiced widely across the East, becoming more popular in the West all the time.

Have any of you either read this book “The Yoga of Herbs” or had any experience with the ancient healing system of Ayurveda? As always we would love to hear you ideas and stories so please feel free to write in and leave your comments.

James Wong Returns to the BBC

Here at Baldwins we are thrilled to see James Wong back on our screens on the BBC with his second series of “Grow Your Own Drugs”. Because James Wong was a customer at Baldwins long before his TV programme was commissioned, he chose us as his main supplier for many of the ingredients used during his first series, and again during the current series that is now showing on BBC2.

We of course were delighted to oblige and were even more pleased to receive a recommendation by James in his first book that accompanied the original series back in 2009. James even came into our shop for a book signing! The staff here at Baldwins have once again enjoyed working closely with the production crew and are tuning in every week to see James in action with many of our products.

For those who are not familiar with either James Wong or the series, it is about how common plants, herbs and other natural ingredients often which are sitting in your kitchen cupboard already, can be used to create a number of natural drugs (or alternatives to drugs). The programme is inspiring and interesting and evidently a huge hit with viewers everywhere. No doubt we will see plenty more of James Wong on our screens over the next few years.

If you would like to know more about either James Wong or his recipes and ingredients, you can drop us a line here at Baldwins and talk to a member of staff. Have any of you tried the recipes of James Wong? Do you enjoy watching his show and find it as inspiring as we do? Send in your comments below.

Homemade cough syrup

If you too are suffering from a tickly cough or a cold at the moment, then you might like to try this homemade cold and flu medicine. It’s easy to make, cheap and works brilliantly to soothe the throat, breakdown phlegm and prevent coughing.

First of all, squeeze the juice of a lemon into a bowl. Using a fork, try and scrape as much of the pulp out too as this is all good stuff in the fight against colds and coughs. Lemon dissolves phlegm which makes it the perfect base for a cold and fly medicine. Take 3 to 5 cloves of garlic, peel and grate into the lemon juice. Use as much garlic as you can handle. You will probably need to keep trying it to see what it tastes like. Garlic also dissolves phlegm, particularly in the chest and throat.

Add the same amount of honey as lemon juice into the mixture. Honey also helps break down phlegm and it provides a soothing coat for the throat which often become inflamed and sore from coughing excessively. Honey is a natural preservative and kills infections too. It is an all round excellent remedy for a host of illnesses.

Once the lemon, garlic and honey have been mixed together well, place in a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate. Keeping it cool will stop the garlic from being so potent and it will keep it fresh for longer.

One of the nice things about this recipe is that there are many other variations you can try. For example adding grated ginger will help battle a cold, or a dash of cayenne pepper might just do the trick too by giving it some kick! For something less dramatic, some dried or even fresh peppermint to the base mixture will help rid you of your cold and flu symptoms.

Have you any other homemade recipes or herbal remedies to share? Send in your comments below.

Homemade Cosmetics: Beeswax

Beeswax can be used in a variety of cosmetics, creams and other beauty products that you are making at home. It works wonderfully as a thickening agent and emulsifier and can be used in the creation of hand creams, lotions, moisturizers, lip balms, hair products and plenty more cosmetics besides. It has soothing and softening properties that when used on the skin can help it retain moisture. Historically beeswax has been used as an antiseptic and research shows it was used to help heal wounds in days gone by.

Here are some very simple recipes for making cosmetics at home:

Moisturing Vitamin E Cream

4 oz. sweet almond oil
1 oz. beeswax
2 oz. water
10 drops Vitamin E oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

• Melt the oil and the wax then remove from heat, add water and stir thoroughly.
• Add Vitamin E oil, essential oil and stir continuously until cool.
• Once cool, poor into a cosmetic jar.

That is it. It is excellent for rough or particularly dry skin and provides excellent nourishment.

Coconut Butter Body Moisturizer

2 tablespoons beeswax
2 teaspoons distilled water
4 oz. cocoa butter
4 tablespoons sweet almond
2 tablespoons coconut oil

• Melt the beeswax over a very low heat with the water.
• Gradually add the cocoa butter and stir well to blend thoroughly.
• Gradually blend in oils until mixed thoroughly and pour into a glass cosmetic jar.

The lotion will thicken as it cools so don’t worry if it is quite thin and runny at first. It is particularly soothing for wind chapped or sun burnt skin.

Hand Cream

2 ounces beeswax
1 cup sweet almond oil
1 cup water
10 drops essential oil (if desired, for fragrance)

• Heat the beeswax and sweet almond oil together until the wax melts.
• In another container, heat the water until warm. The mixtures must not get too hot - it should still be possible to touch them.
• Place the warm water in a food processor and whilst on high speed, slowly add the beeswax-oil mixture.
• When most of the oil has been added, the mixture should begin to thicken.
• At this point, add the essential oil. Continue to add oil and blend until the mixture is sufficiently thickened.
• Spoon the thick cream into cosmetic jars.

These are some really simple recipes that produce some wonderful products. If any of you know other recipes, send them in to us here at Baldwins.

Natural Ways to Treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis can vary in its severity, but causes serious discomfort and problems for those who suffer from it. The main symptoms are patches of raised skin with silvery white “scales”. It is thought that stress, smoking or even excessive drinking can be triggers which lead to the inflammation and over production of skin.

Tackling it can be troublesome. Research into the condition has shown that although there are many triggers, its underlying cause stems from the immune system. Over the counter medicines can therefore provide short term relief, but as they are designed to treat the outward symptoms only they do not always keep the condition at bay for very long.

The best chance you have for freeing yourself from psoriasis altogether is to tackle it from the inside out. That means strengthening your immune system first, and then dealing with the external symptoms.

The first step to treating psoriasis is therefore to build up your immune system by taking the following vitamin and mineral supplements:

Evening Primrose Oil - Improves dry and flaky skin conditions

Flax Seed Oil - Improves the condition of the skin and nails and reduces the inflammation of skin cells.

Borage Oil - Reduces dryness and scaliness and itchiness.

Zinc - Vital for healthy skin, hair and nails and promotes good growth.

The next step is to treat the outward symptoms and try and reduce the discomfort and appearance of the condition. It is important to apply creams with the following ingredients for this purpose:

Aloe Vera - Hydrates and rejuvenates the skin. It is also a good healing cream that helps reduce pain.

Calendula - Helps blood circulation and the regeneration of skin. It will also help strengthen the skin cells.

Thirdly, bathe in Dead Sea salts at least once per week. The healing properties of the Dead Sea are well known. The salt concentration is ten times higher than normal ocean water and there are rare minerals present that have shown to reduce inflammation and heal skin tissues.

Next you should give your diet an overhaul. Foods that allow toxins or even cause toxins to build up should be avoided. Therefore no spicy foods, alcohol, seafood or red meat but instead a diet of fruit, vegetables and nuts with a moderate amount of fish, chicken and eggs.

Finally you should examine your stress levels. Stress is one of the most well known underlying causes of psoriasis and a host of other illnesses too. By reducing stress in your life you will likely see a dramatic improvement on your psoriasis condition. Get plenty of sleep and exercise and practice proper relaxation to help you rid yourself of stress.

If anyone has any further suggestions on how to tackle psoriasis in a natural way, send in your comments below.

Massage Oils

Last week we had a look at how to make homemade massage oils using base oils and some drops of essential oils. I thought this week it would therefore be a good idea to provide some ideas of the types of blends you can make.

Because both the carriers and essential oils have different properties they all have unique advantages that can be used to target differing things. Dry skin, blemished skin, even cold and fly symptoms, choosing the right blend can really help.

Here is a quick guide to some of the best blends of oil that you can make in the home.

Lavender Massage Oil: Lavender is excellent for feeling calm and sending you off to sleep, so a lavender oil is perfect for use at the end of a long day. It has a lovely smell that is a great natural way to life you mood. If you have just the essential oil at home, a few drops in your bath (or your childrens’ bath) will help relax and calm you.

Eucalyptus Oil: This is ideal for treating the onset of cold and flu symptoms. It also relieves muscular aches and pains so it a good massage oil to be used after intense activity, or the day after when you are finding moving difficult! Children shouldn’t get too close to it however although it is good for clearing their stuffy noses. Simply place some oil on a tissue and let them sniff it or place a drop on their pillow before bed.

Oils for normal skin: The recipe for making an oil for normal skin (skin that is neither very greasy nor very dry) is 30ml Almond Oil + 20ml Thistle Oil + 38ml Jojoba Oil + 2ml Vitamin E. This blend will nourish and moisturize normal skin.

Baby Oil: Baby oil can me made at home quite simply. The following ingredients should be blended together. 38ml Avocado Oil + 40ml Shea Butter Oil + 20ml Thistle Oil + 2ml Vitamin E.

You can have a try at home and come up with your own recipes. Making massage oils and aromatherapy oils is a fun pass time. Have any of you got any other ideas for nice blends of oils? Send in your thoughts below.

How to make Massage Oil

You can make massage oil or aromatherapy oil at home quite easily. All you need are the essential oils of your choosing and a carrier oil, or base oil to blend it with.

There are a few different type of carrier oil, and each one has its own unique qualities. The first step is to choose the one you want. Some common base oils include:

Avocado Oil: This is a good source of vitamins A,B and D and is a medium weight oil. Those who have very greasy skin may want to choose a lighter oil, similarly those with very dry skin might want something stronger. It is particularly good for wrinkles.
Sweet Almond Oil: This is a heavy oil that is suitable for those with very dry skin. It is a good choice if you are wanting to massage your feet which tend to be have very dry skin. It is very rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6.
Grapeseed Oil: This is is a lightweight oil so good for treating quite greasy skin. Grapeseed oil is a a good source of a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is excellent for light massages and is water-dispersible too.
Jojoba Oil: This is actually a wax, not an oil but it is one of the best carrier oils when making massage oils at home. It is very stable and will last a long time. It is a good base to choose if you are dealing with blemished skin or acne.

Once you’ve selected the carrier oil, choose one or two essential oils of your choosing and mix them together using the following quantities:

6 teaspoons of carrier oil + 8 drops of essential oil.

Essential oils are concentrated extracts and not at all appropriate to rub straight on to the skin. This can be dangerous. That is why carrier or base oils are used to dilute them first. The base oil is also important as it stops the essential oil from evaporating too.

Have any of you got any more tips for base oils? Send in your ideas below.

Incense

Incense the word comes from the Latin word “incendere” which means to burn. It is used in reference to materials that release an aromatic smoke and fragrance when lit. Incense is often used in religious ceremonies, for medicine, aromatherapy and for general aesthetic reasons. Incense has been made into many different forms, shapes and sizes over the hundreds and thousands of years it has been in existence, but commonly today we think of incense as joss sticks or small coloured cones. It has been known to be in the forms of pastes, powders, liquids and oils however.

A wide variety of ingredients have been used to make incense historically speaking, but there has always been a preference for using locally sourced ingredients. Various different types of plant extracts are used in the preparation of incense including essential oils and resins and gums which form a dough like substance when mixed with water. Gums and resins make excellent fixers which is why they are used throughout the incense and perfume industry.

You can use many ingredients found in the garden when you are making incense such as herbs and spices, but using a gum is a good idea as it will hold the other ingredients together well in a dough like substance which makes the incense sticks or cones or other type of incense you are making, easier to prepare.

If any of you have any recipes or preparation techniques for making incense, please send them in to us here at Baldwins. We sell a range of essential oils and gums for making incense here at Baldwins so feel free to browse our site. If you have any questions about us or of course any of our products, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team. We would be only too pleased to answer your questions and provide further information.

How to banish the winter blues

January is always a difficult month with the excitement of Christmas over and spring nowhere in sight! Here are a few ideas on how to lift the winter blues in quick and easy ways:

1. Play with a dog! This may seem like strange one, but just having fun with a dog for a few minutes a day has been shown in scientific studies to lift your spirits and act as an antidote for depression. You don’t need to rush out to buy a dog; borrow your neighbour's!

2. Sniff a lemon! Again, another strange suggestion, but the smell of citrus has a positive effect on moods according to some scientists.

3. Eat fish twice a week. Omega-3 is excellent at keeping depression at bay. Just 2 portions of mackerel or salmon a week is all you need. Flaxseed is also good and can be sprinkled on anything from ice-cream to omelettes.

4. Take a daily multi-vitamin. This will make sure the body is topped up with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Vitamin B is particularly good for lifting the mood.

5. Get regular massages. Just 10 or 20 minutes of back massages a few times a week is enough to lift your mood dramatically. It is possibly due to a boost in serotonin levels.

6. Stay up all night. Don’t attempt this if you have to be at work the next day, but staying up all night allows the body to readjust its internal clock so you sleep better in the following days and weeks even.

7. Go for regular walks during the day. Exercise is one of the ultimate mood enhancers so get those trainers on and get out there!

8. Sleep in a different room. This is particularly for those who have trouble sleeping (often due to depression). Having a break from your normal sleeping routine can help you get more sleep.

If any of you have any other suggestions on quick and easy ways to boost your mood, send them in.

What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is the oldest healing system in the world, dating back as far as the 3rd Century BC. The whole idea is based on the principals of yin and yang which are opposite yet complementary universal forces and create balance within the body to allow the free flow of life energy (called qi).

Long term treatment has been known to cure patients of a range of symptoms that they never once associated with their main injury or complaint. It can also improve our body awareness and strengthen the immune system to aid a long and healthy life. The most commonly treated disorders by Chinese Medicine are anxiety, depression, arthritis, migraines, joint pain, asthma, colds and flu symptoms.

It has adapted well over the years so it is still as relevant today as it has always been. Research continues throughout the world into this ancient healing method and the tools involved.

Acupuncture is the most well known tool of Chinese Medicine. This method works by increasing circulation around the body and therefore stimulating the body’s healing process. During an acupuncture treatment endorphins are released which not only relaxes the body but it also regulates serotonin in the brain. Small needles are inserted into the patient’s skin in particular places according to the complaint or illness that needs treating. The needles are placed along the patient’s meridians (which are essentially pathways along which qi travels). By tapping into the energy in this way, the body can restore its balance and rid itself of the complaint for good.

Herbs and herbal remedies are a big part of Chinese Medicine. Herb formulations can be made from all sources including animal, mineral, fruit, seed and plant sources. Generally the herbal remedies can be taken in either a pill or tablet form, or as a tea. Here at Baldwin’s we have a range of products available and if you would like to know more about any of them, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Have any of you tried Chinese Medicine? Did it work and cure you of the complaint? Send in your comments about Chinese Medicine below.

St John’s Wort

This herbal remedy has become very widely used around the world in the past couple of decades. It is considered by doctors and scientists across the globe as a valid form of medication for mild to moderate depression. Mental health problems, in particular depression are very prevalent throughout the world, and many sufferers rely on medication or anti-depressants to help. St John’s Wort offers a totally natural treatment for depression and because of this there are absolutely no side effects.

It isn’t so surprising that a natural substance such as St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) would be an effective medication as many of the drugs and medicines we see on the shelves today have a plant or flower base to them. Hundreds of tests and experiments have been carried out to determine what illnesses or conditions St John’s Wort is effective for treating. These have included depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, HIV, anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder and even dermatitis. Whilst many of first test results showed promising results for a good selection of these illnesses, there is not currently enough scientific evidence to suggest that St John’s Wort is an effective treatment for anything other than mild to moderate depression. However for this condition, St John’s Wort is a very powerful aid.

Time and time again scientific tests show St John’s Wort to be effective at tackling depression. It should be stated however that it is not very effective in cases of very severe or extreme depression, but for the millions of people who are affected by mild to moderate depression, it is an excellent medication. It allows people to be free from chemically produced drugs for which prescriptions are needed. Have any of you tried St John’s Wort and have you found it be effective? We would love to hear your comments or suggestions about this herbal remedy.

New Year Resolutions

I can’t believe it is 2010! When I was young, that was a date that was never going to arrive, and yet here we are. I love the New Year because it always feels like a new start. Every year I make a list of resolutions that I am convinced I will definitely stick to but rarely seem to. This year is going to be different though because I’ve ensured I’ve only made a few, and I plan to tackle them one by one rather than all at the same time.

My first resolution is to give up fizzy drinks and caffeine altogether. That means no coffee or even tea. I will replace fizzy drinks with water or squash, and coffee and tea with herbal teas and fruit teas.

My second resolution is to find a sport that I really enjoy. It is important to get lots of exercise, but it is best if it doesn’t feel like a chore. That is why I am heading down to the local sports centre to see what classes are available.

Finally, I am going to develop my interest in aromatherapy. I have always practiced it and I have a good basic understanding, but I want to learn more and find out everything there is to know. I have found it to be an effective and powerful tool for combatting a variety of symptoms such as stress, anxiety or insomnia, but I know there is so much more to learn.

I am hoping that by keeping the list short and sweet, I am going to see success in my goals. Committing publicly to a a task is a good way of making sure it happens. Why don’t you write your resolutions below. You might just find them easier to stick to if you publicly declare them.