I love an old fashioned remedy I can make from the pantry! I grew up know that steaming your head to alleviate a stuffy nose or even a cough was useful but we rarely did it and always just with water.
This takes it a step further! 
Add some salt, crushed garlic and thyme (fresh or dried) and you have yourself a great little anti-bacterial, anti-viral, decongestant. All traditionally uses for thyme and garlic. The salt helps moisturise mucous membranes and as well as being a great cleanser. 
Do you need quantities? 

Ingredients
one clove of garlic
one tablespoon dried thyme or a bunch of fresh
1-2 teaspoons of sea salt (pink is fine but sea is preferable)
1-2 cups of boiling water

Method
add all ingredient to a large bowl.
Grab a towel and cover your head over the bowl creating a mini steam room and stay like that for as long as necessary or as long as you can.
NB be very careful not to burn your face as steam can be deceptively hot! Take it slow and start with your face far away and slowly move closer to the water until you are comfortably warm- not burning!

Body scrub
½  cup rapadura sugar
½  cup coconut sugar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil/coconut oil
1tbls raw honey
¼ tsp vanilla essence
2 vitamin E capsules (optional)
​
Mix it all together in a bowel and spoon into a jar. Use on just moist skin to get the best exfoliant effect.
I always wanted to add coffee grounds to this so if you do please let me know how it goes!
Don’t stress about which sugar to use. Plain old brown will do but the rapadura and coconut are less refined and also a bit more exfoliating than ordinary sugars.
While sugar isn’t great for our internal bodies it’s actually great for our skin. The raw honey has antibacterial properties which is awesome for skin in the tropics.

​The toilet paper and pasta are disappearing off the shelves and we find ourselves dealing with viral panic and hysteria on top of the threat of the virus ‘who must not be named’. We’re in a great position up here with open spaces, fresh air and sunshine! Obviously, hygiene and social distancing are paramount in preventing the spread of any infection. But what about our own immune systems? Keep them in tip top condition and we have another defence.
I’m not pretending to have the answers or the solution. I can’t guarantee you won’t get sick or you won’t have complications but give yourself a flying chance! Below is good, solid, general immune support advice. Be aware and ready but don’t panic! We’ve got this!
Without further adieu…

​Vitamin D- the sunshine vitamin is the first cab off the rank! It is essential for a healthy, well-functioning immune system. I am always surprised at the number of people in FNQ who test with low vitamin D. It’s a reflection of the times with screens providing our light more frequently than sunshine. Also, the ever-present fear of melanoma keeps us covered and sunscreened. Let’s compromise! Early morning sunshine is gold. Get out there before or after the peak times for just a few minutes a day. The Cancer Council says a few minutes a day is plenty. You need to get as naked as you can without upsetting the neighbours so the maximum amount of skin is exposed.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that actually starts as another substance but is converted to vitamin D when sunlight hits the skin. The sunlight needs to be direct. You can’t bathe in the sunlight through the window. The window bends the rays and they don’t do the job. You need direct sunlight to convert to vitamin D. 

​Prebiotics and probiotics- regular readers will groan! Sorry but these are absolutely imperative to keep immunity strong. Prebiotics are fibre that feed our good bacteria and with about 80% of our immunity in our gut…lets feed it well!
Onions, garlic, asparagus and artichokes provide great pre-biotics but oat bran, green banana starch and apples are awesome too. Think all kinds of fibre and you’ll be helping the wee beasties in your gut.
A brilliant source of both pre and pro-biotics are fermented foods like sauerkraut. Make your own or check out the range at Foodworks. Sauerkraut is a favourite as it’s also high in vitamin C which I will mention later. Fermented garlic is beautiful too as well as garlic being a wonderful anti-bacterial and ant-viral!

​Antioxidants- we talk about this a lot but does anyone actually know why they’re important? They are like a mop up crew for damaged (oxidised) cells. A damaged cell roams free to attach to healthy cells but antioxidants step in to take them away. Incredibly important and really easy to get.
‘Eat a rainbow’ has become a cliched catch phrase but that’s where your antioxidants are. Get as many colours on your plate as you can. You want a great range of these little babies!
Also in things like green tea which is surprisingly good for anxiety. More about that in a minute. 

​Chicken Bone broth- if you eat meat then bone broth is a brilliant way to support your immune system. Not only does it soothe the gut, but it also provides vital nutrients for cells. And there are studies to support the ‘Jewish Penicillin’ nickname it’s been given over the years (for the record I’m not in any way suggesting you use this instead of antibiotics if you need them).
If making it is too hard then check out the Foodworks organic powders. Either are easy to use in soups and stews or as a drink.

​Sleep- Who would like more sleep? This is not a want- it’s a need. The body needs sleep and plenty of it. We need down time to process and heal. Our immune system needs a chance to function and replenish. 
That’s not happening if we’re tossing and turning or scanning Facebook or trying to put another load of washing on. Prioritise your sleep and the other stuff becomes a lot easier. Basic sleep hygiene includes regular bedtimes and wake ups, no screens an hour before bed, a cup of chamomile or other sleepy-time tea in that hour, low lights before bed and quiet music or silence to allow the mind to calm down. That’s the basics. If you have chronic insomnia, please seek help! 

​Stress less- alright, easier said than done I realise! But give it a go. Stress inhibits our immune system. We need it at full ball right now not supressed by stress.
Breathing is a great start. Breathe in through your nose for the count of 4, hold for 7 and breathe out through lips making a loose cats bum for the count of 8. Repeat 10 times. Your cells will grateful for the oxygen! When we’re stressed and anxious our breathing is shallow. This is the easiest way I know to instantly drop stress levels if only temporarily. Awesome to get you off to sleep as well!
Once you’ve got the breathing exercise down pat try meditation. Smiling Minds is a wonderful app that’s free and has loads of different meditations for all ages and applications. Give it a go! 

​Vitamin C-if you want an extra boost for your immune system then grab some vitamin C. This is available everywhere! It’s a really powerful antioxidant. Plain sodium ascorbate is fine. Others have blends of different kinds to increase the likelihood of absorption. Both are fine!
Finally, follow all the handwashing advice, keep a distance of 1.5m between yourselves if possible, try not to touch your face, use the hand sanitiser, cough into elbows and stay home and rest if you are sick. That last one is important, so I’ll repeat it -stay home and rest if you are sick! 

​So folks, congratulations for getting this far!  Get some sunshine, eat well, sleep well, stress less and use appropriate hygiene practices. Much love as we navigate these strange times!

The information given here is general in nature and not intended as a diagnosis nor should it be taken as such. It is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. If symptoms persist, or you have further concerns, please see your chosen health care provider. 
​

​References
https://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/vitamin-d/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/10/001018075252.htm
https://www.stress.org.uk/deep-breathing-4-7-8-approach/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25866155
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov#who-is-at-risk

And just like that it’s winter in the tropics with the arrival being marked by the sound of….coughing! This year in clinic I’m seeing more and more coughs that simply won’t give up. Keeping us awake, our family awake and making the neighbour’s dog bark in the middle of the night.
There’s plenty that can done but I really want to highlight a fruit we have in plentiful supply up here that is not only tasty but has the ability to help with our coughs. The pineapple, prickly and crowned with spikes, is the tastiest way I know to beat a cough! 

​Here’s how! Pineapple contains bromelain. In fact, it’s one of the richest sources of bromelain. Bromelain is a protein digesting enzyme that research shows to be an anti-inflammatory. This makes it perfect for those persistent coughs as well as sinus and hay-fever. Because it also has immune modulating properties and some anti-bacterial properties it is incredibly useful to support the immune system in its time of need. It even has the added benefit of increasing the absorption of anti-biotics should you need them.
Some of you will have noticed that I said anti inflammatory and straight away be thinking ‘what else is it good for?’. And indeed, you should as studies show it is also useful in cases of arthritis. I’m starting to feel like the Danos direct guy because truly…wait…there’s more! Post surgery ask for some pineapple because bromelian has been shown to reduce the number of days you experience post-surgical pain and inflammation. And bromelain can be useful for bout so diarrhoea as well. 

​Finally, pineapple contains an awesome amount of vitamin C making it a super anti-oxidant to mop up any free radicals in the body looking for cells to cause trouble with. It’s also the clean up crew!
The only question left is…when can you get some?!

Hello hello!  I feel like I'm just re-surging and joining life again!  Not that I was gone long...just a short few days to get over a cold and recharge.  Getting sick is not something I do very well. I either ignore it or act like I have 'man flu'. Yeah... I kinda suck at it.  

I thought I'd just do a quick blog on 2 remedies that are traditionally used in Homeopathy for the common cold!  We don't hear much about that sneezy little watery eyed monster.  Usually we hear about the flu or other nastier viruses but the common cold is a very common (cue laughter) problem!

Gavin came down with a cold too but his wasn't as bad as mine (haha sorry honey!)!  On the surface we had the same virus.  Both started with a mild sore throat and a bit of sneezing then a progressively stuffier nose.  However he had burning eyes.  It was such a marked symptom that I suggested Allium Cepa for him.  This is another note worthy remedy for the common cold.  Very similar to Euphrasia with copious amounts of clear snot but the eyes will burn and the nose will smart because the discharge burns (the term is acrid in the books).  I find this a nice easy distinction between the 2.  Oh and allium cepa is onion...remember how horrid cutting an onion can be?  Yep Gavin had an onion cold! (Allium cepa is a Homeopathic medicine traditionally used to help support the body with the symptoms of the common cold).

These aren't the only 2 remedies by a long shot but they are 2 that I use frequently for common colds.

Here's to a healthy end of winter!  Stay well!

Sarah

Disclaimer: Homeopathy is a traditional medicine.The TGA considers Homeopathy a low risk medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Information given here is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. Any examples given from the authors life do not indicate that the remedy in question will work for everyone in every instance. They are used solely to illustrate the use the medicine in a practical situation.
Always seek medical advice in emergencies.
​

ACONITE!  There's been a cold, dry wind blowing lately and with it I've been dishing out the aconite professionally and personally to many.  This is such a handy Homeopathic I keep it in my purse kit and I keep it in my larger kit at home too- I suggest you add it to yours!

Aconite is a traditionally used in Homeopathic medicine to support the discomfort associated with the symptoms listed below. If symptoms do not improve or worsen please contact your chosen health care provider for more urgent care.

Ear-aches- kids or adults will benefit from a dose of aconite.  The ear ache will be throbbing, most likely a chilly, dry wind is blowing and there may be quite a bit of fear or even a recent shock of some sort.  If the ear ache appears in the middle of the night around 12am think of aconite. The onset will be sudden!

Shock- any big shock indicates aconite.  If it involves an injury I'd use Arnica but for the times when the shock is a near accident or emotional type shock that leaves you fearing your life look to aconite.

Croup- most parents will be well acquainted with that horrible barking cough in the middle of the night. Like ear ache, if aconite is indicated you may of noticed a cold, dry wind, the croup will come on suddenly in the middle of the night (around midnight).

The dentist- Aconite can be used to manage a fear of the dentist. Fear is a big part of aconite and what can be more fear inducing than a trip to the dentist?  Ok, for some of us it is the worst thing imaginable however I have a couple of kids who enjoy it and one who loathes it- go figure.

Is Aconite the indicated remedy?  How do I know?
​Is there enormous fear?  Was there a big shock?  Did it come on suddenly? Aconite comes like a storm and leaves like a storm (ie quickly).  Is there a cold, dry wind blowing? What time did it start?

​The answers to these questions will tell you if Aconite is the remedy you're after!

Disclaimer: Homeopathy is a traditional medicine.The TGA considers Homeopathy a low risk medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Information given here is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. Any examples given from the authors life do not indicate that the remedy in question will work for everyone in every instance. They are used solely to illustrate the use the medicine in a practical situation.
Always seek medical advice in emergencies.
​

Is it really winter already? I'm already getting clients in with colds, flus, coughs and sniffles so it must be! In the tropics winter means dry days and clear blue skies.  The nights and mornings are a bit nippy but stick your thongs on and a long sleeve t-shirt and you get by.  But we still like a good whinge about the cold! 

I want to walk you through a couple of my favourite Homeopathic remedies as well as some general advice.  Stuff we know but forget or choose to ignore (I'm totally guilty).

As far as Homeopathics are concerned I'm going to stick to the ones that are found in many kits. These are the ones you can use for home prescribing and can use without having a degree in Homeopathy. If you don't have a kit, go and get yourself one! I make kits up fresh and include a consult in the price to get you ready to rock and roll! So give me a ring or email me!  
I cannot stress enough how useful a Homeopathic kit has been to my family!  We've used it for stings and bites, coughs and colds and even on route to the hospital for x-rays and deep cuts. 

On with the remedies! These are in alphabetical order.  I don't play favourites!
These remedies are traditionally used in Homeopathy to support the immune system and relieve the symptoms listed. If your symptoms continue please see your chosen health care provider for more support. 

Aconite: Sudden onset of a cold.  There will be a fever that is usually worse around midnight.  The fever will be hot and dry. Possibly an earache with it. They will be very restless.  You may of noticed a cold, dry wind in the day as Aconite is worse for that.
Arsenicum Album: This one is often used for colds and flus.  If you are starting a cold with some serious sneezing and clear runny nose have a look at Ars. Alb.  You will probably feel like your throat is burning too.  In fact this is a key word  for Ars. Alb.- burning'. This is another restless remedy and they will want regular sips of water rather than guzzling it. They will feel utterly exhausted.
Euphrasia: Think of this remedy for your bog standard cold.  Nose is running profusely and the eyes are red and streaming, Simple!
Gelsemium: For a very standard flu that has the aches and pains, fever with chills and a decided DULL, DROWSY and DROOPY (I've seen lots of D words substituted but the meaning is the same).  You can add DIZZY as well to the list of D words as there may be dizziness. 

​If you can't get some relief with these remedies get yourself to the local Homeopath for a consult to get a more specific remedy.  An acute consult doesn't take very long  (mine are just $60) and they may do it over the phone (I know I do).

On to some general tips!
Rest.  Ok so that's a no brainer so why do we not rest?  Cancel your plans, ring in sick (because you are) and respect your body. Nobody at work wants your cold or flu. Organise lifts for the kids, buy a take away for dinner and delegate, delegate, delegate...do whatever it takes to ensure you can stay in bed and REST.  I can't stress that enough. 

The Homeopathics may help alleviate your symptoms but your body still needs time to recover.  It may not need as long but you still need to have some respect for the healing process.

So you're tucked up in bed, someone is else if dealing with the day to day business of life and you're wondering why are you sick....Great question with lots of answers!
​Obviously your immune system didn't fight this one off and it may be because you are run down.

Finding work stressful? Not eating well? Not sleeping enough? 

Stress- Find a way to relax regularly. Can you find time to go on a long walk or do some Yoga?  What about sitting for 30min listening to your favourite tunes?  Find something to unwind to regularly. Lower your stress levels and raise your immunity!
​
Poor nutrition- This is easier to address. Eat regularly. Switch the chocolate bar for some high nutrient/low sugar snacks like nuts or fruit. Ensure you have a good breakfast!  Oats are great for a cold winters morning so get stuck in!  Take leftovers from lunch or order a salad instead of a pie. Short on time for dinner?  Make double when you do get time to cook so half goes in the freezer for next week. Stews freeze exceptionally well and just need some fresh veg added.

​Sleep- Get some!  The following are well known to keep us awake so excuse the lack of references and links.  Get rid of the TV in your room, keep the phones out of your room or at least don't look at them in bed.  The light of the screen has the same effect on us as daylight- it wakes us up!  This has no place in the bedroom!  I'm very old fashioned and have a strongly held belief that the bed is for 2 things and 2 things only!  One is sleep....
​

Beat the winter colds and flus this season and enjoy the season!

Disclaimer: Homeopathy is a traditional medicine.The TGA considers Homeopathy a low risk medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Information given here is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. Any examples given from the authors life do not indicate that the remedy in question will work for everyone in every instance. They are used solely to illustrate the use the medicine in a practical situation.
Always seek medical advice in emergencies.
​

We had an awesome experience this weekend!  Something you don't expect in the tropics...we went ice skating!  It was an absolute blast!  While Gavin and the kids are exceptionally at ease on anything that moves under their feet I am the odd one out.  Even though I spent half (ok most) of the session hanging onto the sides I still had a blast!
​I wish I could say the same for a young boy I was following as we edged our way around.  My heart went out to the poor kid as he clung to the side begging his mum to take him home as tears flowed down his cheeks.  He was so frightened of falling he was shaking!  Unfortunately once you're on the rink you have to go round to get off...What a nightmare for him!
​

 It reminded me of a dfferent time a few years ago when Gavin took my eldest son and  a few of his friends inline skating.  I got a call about 20min into the session from Gavin saying that one of the boys had never been skating and despite all of Gavin's training/teaching skills and patience he was trembling with fear and unable to let go of the sides.  He was basically frozen to the spot.  Gavin was really concerned that the child would have an awful experience and be put off for life!  The parents were open to  homeopathics- was there anything in the kit he could give to help?

ABSOLUTELY! There was a very clear choice to use in the management of the symptoms of anticipatory anxiety, trembling and fear of falling (you can add in frequent trips to the loo if you weren't stuck on the rink).  GELSEMIUM.  It's the perfect choice for those that are fearful of falling!  They may be trembling with fear and they may be frozen to the spot.  Excellent.  I rang back 15min later and the child was making his way around the rink with his mates, smile on his face and having a great time!  What a turn around!  Thank you Gelsemium!

Gelsemium is traditionally used in Homeopathy to support the symptoms mentioned here. As always Homeopathy treats the individual not the disease. 

Even if you use the 'fear of falling' as a metaphor for fear of failing or possible disaster it can be used to manage the symptoms of anticipatory anxiety.  They may include those extra trips to the toilet to urinate, a 'freezing-up' like stage fright, and trembling.  I'm also thinking of dogs that are going to the vet! As soon as they realise they become a trembling mess that you can't get out of the car for love nor money! Often they pee on the spot-yuck!  I'm also thinking of people right before job interviews...difficult for the most confident person.  Do you freeze up during an interview and run a trench between you and the toilet prior to the appointment? What a very useful remedy!  Keep it in mind...

Love and laughter til next time...
​Sarah

​

​**Homeopathy is a traditional medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines.  For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist.  Always seek medical advice in emergencies.

My stomach is groaning and quite frankly I feel like vomiting!  I've really enjoyed an extended lunch with my family and a couple of wines but holy guacamole I feel sick now...
​Rarely do I let this happen but every now and again my defences are down and I stop paying attention or the food is just toooooooo...good.  That was today.  I think I ate my weight in chocolate!

​What do I do beside lie down and hope it will pass?  NUX VOMICA either a 30c or a 200c because I'm not fussy.  I just take the 30c more often ie hourly and the 200c every couple of hours but either can be taken as needed even if you get 10min relief and then need another dose.

​Think of Nux Vom if the food is too rich, too fatty or you've eaten too much sugar.  The symptoms of overindulgence of all sorts can be managed with Nux Vomica.

​Overindulged the night before and feeling a wee bit hungover?  Consider Nux Vom to manage the churning stomach and throbbing head (along with a bucket of water).  Hangover be gone!

​Don't despair.  You can have your cake and eat it too!  Nux Vomica to the rescue...

NB Nux vomica is traditionally used in Homeopathic medicine for the symptoms overindulgence of all sorts.

Disclaimer: Homeopathy is a traditional medicine.The TGA considers Homeopathy a low risk medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Information given here is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. Any examples given from the authors life do not indicate that the remedy in question will work for everyone in every instance. They are used solely to illustrate the use the medicine in a practical situation.
Always seek medical advice in emergencies.
​

"Fever all through the night,  FEVER!".  Oh dear! The secrets out.  I love jazz!  Fever isn't as much fun as a song when you're experiencing it or watching a wee one go through it.  It's important to note that fever is a natural part of the healing.  When we lower it by using Panadol or Ibuprofen we are dulling the bodies own healing process.  The fever is designed, by our very clever bodies, to kill the viral or bacterial pathogen. 
​Of course there are times when the fever makes us miserable and we really want something to manage that.  Instead of reaching for something that dulls the immune system's ability to deal with illness have a look at Homeopathy to help manage the symptoms. You'll not only allow the body to get on with healing but support it to do so.

​There's lots of choice for the home prescriber!  Here's the main ones you need to have in your kit. 
(Please note the following remedies are traditionally used in Homeopathy to support and help reduce a fever that appears with the following set of symptoms)

Aconite- Fevers that come on suddenly.  The child may have an earache.  These fevers are often preceded by cold, windy days. Fever here is dry with a red face. Thirst and restlessness are present.

Belladonna- High temps with red faces.  The eyes are glassy, face red and the heat dry.  They are  typically thirstless.  Any headache will be throbbing.  They may be very irritable too!

Chamomilla- Typically a great teething remedy but can be used for general fever as well.  These folk are cranky too but specifically will reject everything offered even if they have requested it ie they can't be made happy!  You may see only one cheek is red as well.  If it's a smaller child you may find they settle easily in the car and insist on being carried all day.

Ferrum phos- Milder fevers that indicate the early stages of infection. The cheeks may be flushed but the face won't be red. The temperament is also milder and they won't be restless like Aconite or have the higher fever and crankiness of Belladonna.

Gelsemium- Dull, droopy, drowsy are the key words here!  This is a super flu remedy. The eyes will look droopy and be difficult to open, the body may ache and there will most probably be a headache.  The fever may present with shivering chills.

​Pulsatilla- I can't leave out such a lovely remedy for kids!  If the child (or adult) is in need of company and consolation then look to Pulsatilla.  They may be a little teary and children will be invariably clingy and want someone (usually mum) with them patting their head or cuddling them up.  Generally they aren't thirsty and will want fresh air.

Other things you can try for comfort and nurturing are luke warm baths (not cold), cool face washer on heads, cool drinks and of course plenty of rest!  Lavender foot baths are also a lovely thing to do for fever (or any time).  Try not to use a scent stronger than this if you are taking Homeopathics. I'm thinking specifically of tea tree and Eucalyptus.

Have a look at the ​Royal Children's Hospital for some general guidelines for fever but basically if the child is under 3 months old with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius take them to see a doctor.  If a child complaining of a stiff neck or light hurting their eyes, vomiting and refusing to drink much, a rash, more sleepy than usual, problems with breathing or if your child is in pain considering taking them to a doctor.

Disclaimer: Homeopathy is a traditional medicine.The TGA considers Homeopathy a low risk medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Information given here is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. Any examples given from the authors life do not indicate that the remedy in question will work for everyone in every instance. They are used solely to illustrate the use the medicine in a practical situation.
Always seek medical advice in emergencies.
​

Love and laughter til next week!
​Sarah