Lots of new customers, as well as many of our regular customers took advantage of free tastings and advice on healthy eating at our “You Are What You Eat” day at Herbs, Gardens & Health in August.
Staff were in fancy dress and attracted The Thanet Times to feature a small article about the day, and The Thanet Extra to include a photo as well.
Most customers were able to have some time spent with them to help with their queries, and our staff all enjoyed themselves, too!

Pictured, from the left, is Pam Piggott, our Special Diet advisor, Allison as Caribbean Fruit, Lanita as a Brussels sprout, Amanda as a carrot and Juliet as a sunflower on our “You Are What You Eat” Day.

There is always someone available in our shop to advise you or look information up for you.
 

Quest have launched what it believes is the first probiotic that has been scientifically shown to target IBS symptoms, a condition that affects a third of the UK population at one time during their lifetime. Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel function. It affects an estimated 10-20 per cent of the western world population. While researchers have long believed that probiotic bacteria could benefit gut disorders, few strains yet have the scientific evidence to demonstrate a real reduction in the symptoms of the disease over the long-term. Peter Gouge, nutritionist at Quest, said: "This is the only probiotic bacteria that specifically targets IBS that we are aware of." Lp299v’s mode of action and benefits in IBS patients are documented on a new website www.lp299v.co.uk set up for the product launch. We also have free pamphlets about it in store—please ask. Quest Lp29 9v costs £19.99 for 60 Vegetarian Capsules and two capsules should be taken daily with food.
 

Proto-Col 100% Pure Collagen capsules are on a buy-two-get-one-free offer until Christmas 2005, making a huge saving of £29.95! The offer applies to both the Skin, Hair & Nails and the Joint formulas. Collagen is also present in muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. It is the glue that holds our bodies together and is one of the body’s most vital components. The body starts to lose collagen after the age of 25 and by 45 30% has gone. Proper Collagen balance in the body is thus highly desirable, and crucial, if your looks and facial structure are to be maintained, as well as peak muscle performance.

Aromatherapy and blood pressure.
Every time a client comes to see me I have to do a very brief health check which involves a few questions and answers. The initial consultation can last anything from five minutes to half an hour depending on the complexity of the client. One of the questions on the top of my list is if they have high blood pressure. As a complementary therapist it is essential to know because all treatments can affect blood pressure in either direction i.e., lower or higher and therefore makes it very useful for clients with irregularities, whilst also being an area which involves a certain amount of caution.
Blood pressure is the rate at which the blood is pumped from the heart into the arteries and is measured in two figures according to systolic and diastolic measurements which are the points at which the heart contracts and pumps out blood, and the point at which the heart relaxes and fills with blood from the veins.
Blood pressure does vary throughout the day and will generally return to normal quite quickly but continual high blood pressure or hypertension is dangerous as it puts a strain on the heart and can cause a stroke or heart disease. Low blood pressure or hypotension is less common and less serious but can cause dizziness or even fainting.
Aromatherapy massage works really well on the effects of high blood pressure as it works on many different levels. Clients are required to look at their lifestyle which may include dietary changes or stress relief. It has been proven by studies in a London hospital that massage can reduce high blood pressure and that the effects can last for days after the treatment.
This is partly due to the relaxing effect of massage but also the effect on the circulatory system should be considered. The use of aromatherapy oils also can enhance the effects of the massage as oils such as Lavender, Marjoram, or Ylang Ylang can lower the blood pressure. Cleansing oils such as lemon, fennel and juniper can also help to cleanse the blood and a qualified Aromatherapist would tailor the treatment and use of different oils according to the individual client.
There are oils which raise blood pressure such as Rosemary which whilst it would be avoided by those with high blood pressure it would be useful for low blood pressure as would other stimulating oils such as peppermint or black pepper.
Massage and exercise would also be advised to improve the circulation.
Anyone who thinks they may have high or low blood pressure can easily get it tested by seeing their doctor and should consider changes to their lifestyle regarding diet, stress, exercise, and aromatherapy perhaps with massage.
Aromatherapy oils can be purchased at Herbs, Gardens and Health.
Andrea Bellamy practises Aromatherapy massage at Kreative Kutz 43a High Street, St Peters. Tel 01843 867546.
 

Toxic Shock Syndrome ( TSS)

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but fatal disease caused by a particular type of bacteria that can produce toxins in the body. The symptoms of TSS come on fast and are often severe.
Results of a study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology , suggest that the use of 100% cotton tampons may reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome compared with tampons that contain rayon. The paper states that, “The incidence of reported cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome has declined since the removal of high absorbency fibres from tampons, such as polyacrylate rayon, polyester and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC). However, the disease continues to occur in young menstruating women using the newer less absorbent tampons made of viscose rayon with and without cotton.”
The study was carried out on 20 tampon varieties, including Natracare 100% cotton tampons and concluded that all-cotton tampons did not produce the dangerous TSS toxin from the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, while other tampons did.
Why have synthetic fibres and chemicals next to the most delicate parts of your skin, when here at Herbs, Gardens & Health we now stock the full Natracare range of tampons, panty liners, pads and feminine wipes, as well as Sea Pearls Re-useable Sea Sponge Tampons?
 

Exhausted? Are you tired of being tired? Wake up with Arkopharma’s 4.3.2.1 Energy!
4 Plants For Vitality –Ginger, Cola, Green Coffee and Green Tea
3 Plants For balance-Wheat Germ, Barley Germ and Millet
2 plants For Immune Support –Chicory and Elder Berry
1 Plant For Energy –Acerola
Forget physical and intellectual fatigue. Put a smile on your face after a good nights sleep. Get back the desire to face the inevitable daily difficulties in high spirits.
One bottle of plant extract fo a complete treatment. To be taken during breakfast diluted in a glass of water. Costs just £12.95!
 

Once again, we have lots of new products in stock and it is no wonder we have had to get the builders started on our extension, as we need more room to put it all!

We are hoping for minimal disturbance to the shop and trading while the building is being done, but please accept our apologies should there be any inconvenience at all.

New Products

Following Dr. Gillian McKeith’s recommendations on “You are What You Eat”, we are now stocking:

Organically Grown Salad Topping 250g at £1.49, a mixture of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and pinenuts,

Organically Grown Omega 3 Seed Mix 250g at £0.95, with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, golden linseed and sesame seeds, as well as her new

24 Hour Detox sachets at £19.95 and her

Fast Formula Slim Plan at £16.95, which she recommends to be used along with the detox for best results.

Escape from the symptoms of PMT with Escape nutritional drink powders for the pre-menstrual period, 10 x 50g sachets at £14.95—your partner may think it’s worth it!

New from Weleda is their Wild Rose Spray Deodorant 100ml for £6.95.

June Crisp from Bio-Health tells me that their Cranesbill Root is the best thing to take to reduce incontinence at night. It is an especially powerful astringent, and June has known people who used to make two or three trips to the toilet at night to take just one capsule before bed and not have to get up till the morning! She also told me it helps “dry up” diarrhea and is useful for IBS sufferers, too. £6.95 for 60 capsules.

We now have, by popular demand,
Solaray Pumpkin Seed Oil Extract 1000mg 60 capsules for £9.99 May help reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) when taken with Saw palmetto. Animal studies have shown that pumpkin seed extracts can improve the function of the bladder and urethra. This might partially account for BPH symptom relief.

Solaray Hyaluronic Acid 20mg to help replace synovial fluid in joints lost through injury or arthritis 30 Vegan Capsules for £18.99,

Solaray Holy Basil Extract Capsules 450mg, which may help reduce physical and emotional stress, 60 capsules for £12.99 and

Solgar Olive Leaf Extract 225mg + Raw Olive Leaf Powder 225mg is an antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic substance. 60 Vegan Capsules £9.29.
 

A flock of seven Goldfinches devoured the seeds from our Greater Knapweed, behind the pond. Our Sunflowers are late this year and not very big, but I’m sure the Goldfinches will be back for them when they go to seed.
Luckily the builders who are doing our shop extension are sympathetic to our wildlife. They dug the trenches for the footings ready to be filled with cement the next day, but that night it rained, attracting the wildlife into the trenches. In the morning they had to round up and rescue hedgehogs, frogs and loads of baby newts before the cement could go in!
 

Chlorella is a single celled algae that reproduces at one of the fastest rates of any living plant. One of nature's richest wholefood sources of chlorophyll, it is a powerful cleanser and detoxifier.
Chlorella contains 19 of the 22 amino acids needed by the body - including all eight essential amino acids. It is also very high in protein, with 58% per 100g, a rich source of carotenoids, and contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Plus chlorella increases interferon production, which is thought to protect cells from harmful viruses.
The benefits of taking Chlorella are numerous:
· strengthens the immune system · detoxifies heavy metals and other pesticides from the body · helps improve digestion and eases constipation · cleanses the bowel and elimination system · helps absorb iron into the body · assists in the healing of ulcers · protects the liver · improves mental clarity · improves energy levels · balances the body's pH · normalises the blood sugar and blood pressure levels . eliminates bad breath
Begin by taking 1000mg daily, gradually increasing to 3000mg daily. Take chlorella with a large glass of water before meals. Lifestream 100% Pure Chlorella 300 tablets £15.49.
 

Did you know that:

Pumpkin seeds aid parasite elimination, may help prevent kidney stones and contain phytosterols (e.g. beta-sitosterol as in our Moducare capsules, which may help with prostate problems, among other things). Pumpkin Seeds are not only rich in zinc and essential fatty acids, but also contain L-Tryptophan which may help alleviate depression.

Why not try some with your muesli, lightly toasted on your salad, or straight from the bag as a snack!