Blog – Melbourne's Best Health Food Stores

Posted on 02/11/2020

Rehmannia: Longevity Herb Supports Healthy Bones, Joints, Heart and Immune System

Each Spring vast tracts of Rehmannia flowers spread across Asia, blanketing the landscape with gold and burgundy blossoms that seduce the eye while hiding their true beauty below, deep in the earth. The roots of the bell-shaped flowers of rehmannia glutinosa are among the most valuable of all essence herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and are commonly referred to as “earth marrow” for their ability to replenish bone marrow, mend broken bones and restore robust health and youthful vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the word “Essence” relates to healthy aging and a method of addressing occurrences in life that work to…

Posted on 15/10/2020

Brain Boosters or Nootropics

Nootropic herbs, also known as cognitive enhancers, smart drugs, brain boosters or memory enhancing drugs, are neuroprotective. They are used to improve the function of various cognitive abilities, such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention and concentration, when they have become impaired in some manner. Nootropics may be used to combat health conditions that interfere with the process of learning, motor control and the maintenance of a healthy emotional state such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Recently nootropic herbs have become indicated in an increasingly complex world which exerts escalating demands on cognitive functions. Last…

Posted on 09/10/2020 09/10/2020

Mental Health and Nerves Tonics

Nerve Tonics supporting Good Moods Nervine tonics act therapeutically on the nervous system to strengthen and restore it. They support the brain and help heal damaged nerves. They are also known as nervous system trophorestoratives. They offer a safe, nonaddictive way to help people maintain emotional balance. Nervine tonics have the ability to provide key nutrients to feed the nervous system, as well as provide sedative properties to calm the mind and reduce worry which are essential during times of depletion such as nervous exhaustion, anxiety, stress and restlessness. They are also indicated in neuralgia, herpes infection, depression and insomnia.…

Posted on 29/09/2020 29/09/2020

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: MACULAR DEGENERATION

M.,72-year-old, has been diagnosed with macular degeneration. Although there is no cure, there are treatment options that can slow down its progression, depending on the stage and type. The macula is at the center of the retina at the back of the eye and is responsible for the detailed central vision and most colour vision. The macula is about the breadth of a size 12 font letter “o”. Nutrients: Lutein and zeaxanthin: they are helping with the retention of visual sensitivity and acuity. They are carotenoids found in eggs, kale. Spinach, turnips greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and oranges. They help…

Posted on 22/09/2020

A New Look at Managing Pain

Palmitoylethanolamide (P.E.A.) for Chronic Pain and Inflammation. PEA, is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide produced within our cells. Since the initial discovery of P.E.A there have been around 500 separate studies on the properties of PEA for human health. It has been shown to help relieve pain, inflammation, fever, boosts the immune system and helps with allergies. It has been shown to be very safe and virtually side effect free. It is not addictive and is not psychoactive. It can be safely combined with most pharmaceutical drugs as no dangerous interactions have been found. PEA is produced in the body…

Posted on 21/09/2020

How To Improve Your Brain Function

LION’S MANE MUSHROOM BENEFITS Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a potent brain-boosting, mood health enhancing, immune supportive, nerve regenerating medicinal mushroom with potent nootropic health benefits. Nootropics are known as “smart drugs” (compounds derived from natural or synthetic sources) that work to enhance brain health function and improve mental capacities. Lion’s Mane is like rocket fuel for the brain. Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine for centuries, Lion’s Mane mushroom can help support digestion, enhance the immune system, as well as nourish the five internal organs; spleen, lungs, liver, kidneys and heart. Lion’s Mane benefits as a potent antioxidant and anti inflammatory adaptogenic mushroom. Modern research has proven…

Posted on 02/09/2020 02/09/2020

How to control blood sugar levels?

Baobab as a Glycaemic Response Moderator Baobab is the African Superfruit that comes naturally as a dry powder, tastes fantastic, has an extraordinary backstory of positive social and environmental benefits in Africa, and a legendary reputation for its immune-boosting properties. But there’s much more to Baobab than just this. It also has a range of other functional attributes and health benefits that make it especially interesting to food and beverage manufacturers. This month we tackle the health property that has sparked most interest in Baobab Fruit Powder from the manufacturers of baked goods, bakery ingredients and health beverages. This is…

Posted on 11/08/2020 11/08/2020

Herbs For Stress

THE THREE STAGES OF STRESS Alarm stage: This is the body’s immediate reaction to acute stress and is characterised by symptoms such as an increased heart rate, sweating, nervous fidgeting, or feeling tense, anxious, worried. This reaction is part of the “fight or flight” stress response, which results in a burst of adrenaline through our system. Resistance stage: If the stressful situation comes to an end the body will then return to normal; however, if the stressor remains, stress hormones continue to be produced. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, poor concentration, and chronic anxiety can develop as receptor sites become resistant…

Posted on 07/08/2020 07/08/2020

A Good Start in Life

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: A GOOD START IN LIFE Providing a solid nutritional start in life provides the foundation for good health and growth in children. Good nutrition during infancy and early childhood will have lasting effects on enhancing health and development throughout childhood, adolescence and well into adult life. Good nutrition helps build a healthy strong body, supporting growth of healthy bones and muscles, a smart brain, a healthy heart and a balanced nervous system. A young boy aged 2 ½ years presented to the clinic with frequent colds and infections, and was not eating or sleeping well. He was…

Posted on 24/03/2020 27/03/2020

IMMUNE SYSTEM

CoV is an enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family. The CoV family consists of several species and causes upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections in mammals and birds. In humans, it mainly causes common cold, but complications including pneumonia and SARS can occur. (van der Hoek L. Human coronaviruses: What do they cause? Antivir Ther. 2007;12:651–8) The known human CoV (HCoV) includes HCoV-229E, -OC43, -NL63, -HKU1, and the more widely known severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) which caused a global threat with high mortality in 2003. (Geller C, Varbanov M, Duval RE. Human coronaviruses:…

Posted on 01/02/2020 01/02/2020

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY ON ANXIETY

John, a 40 years old technician presents with excessive stress, worry, low energy, anxiety, irritability and insomnia. He had previous medications from his G.P. and is looking for a more natural solution. First consultation: The first priority is to nourish and support his nervous system and adrenals. Nutrients: Formula with a high potency taurine, B vitamins, glycine and magnesium: Insufficient tissue levels of magnesium and other nutrients such as potassium and B vitamins decrease the ability to deal with stress. Herbal formula with Rehmannia, American Ginseng and hops: American ginseng has been shown to prevent decreases in dopamine, noradrenalin and…

Posted on 30/04/2019 01/02/2020

Hormones are so challenging when imbalanced!

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: HORMONAL IMBALANCE Linda is in her mid twenties and suspected with endometriosis by her G.P., however medical investigations cannot confirm. Very intense pain before periods, irregular cycles, fatigue and nausea are the main complaints. Iron is prescribed by her G.P. but she is constipated now. First consultation: to raise general well-being A herbal iron tonic with a complex B and vit. C: helping raising the energy without side effect of constipation. An herbal blend including Chaste Tree, St. Mary Thistle, Nettle Leaf, Codonopsis, and Licorice: to tone, regenerate and support the liver, to normalise hormonal status and…

Posted on 09/10/2018 01/02/2020

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY ON HAYFEVER

Three weeks ago, a young man suffering from hay fever came into the store to ask for advice. I suggested the following herbs and nutrients to help manage his symptoms of allergies naturally, as well as rebalancing his immune function. Perilla (Perilla frutescens) – great herb that is beneficial in the treatment of hay fever, asthma and sinusitis. It can be used to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. Atractylodes (Atractylodes lancea) – this herb is beneficial for hayfever, nasal congestion, asthma, and dermatitis. It also helps the immune system to fight colds and…

Posted on 17/07/2018 01/02/2020

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: DNA TESTING

A young couple came to see me after experiencing two spontaneous miscarriages. Through DNA testing, it revealed that both the man and the woman had a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. This means that their capacities to generate the active form of folate were significantly compromised, putting their pregnancy at risk for birth defects and miscarriage. Pregnancy protocol: First a detox of 8 weeks was implemented where the focus was on healthy food, no alcohol and no sugary foods. Then the following program was initiated to support a healthy pregnancy A prenatal vitamin that included a…

Posted on 26/06/2018 26/06/2018

Blood Pressure Problem

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: BLOOD PRESSURE Jack, a 35 year old, presented with a slightly elevated blood pressure due his stressful position as a technical director. Some key nutrients that are well researched for their effects on improving Cardiovascular health: *Magnesium: Magnesium is necessary for the health of your muscles and nervous system. Magnesium helps the blood vessels muscle cells to relax – the more relaxed they are, the lower your blood pressure will be! The best magnesium is diglycinate form which is very well tolerated and well absorbed. *Taurine: Taurine is another nutrient that will help maintain healthy blood pressure. It…

Posted on 17/05/2018 17/05/2018

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: DYSGLYCEMIA

Brigitte, 35 year old personal assistant, is presenting with overwhelming fatigue in the afternoon, anxious with fluctuating moods and bouts of depression. Dysglycemia refers to any abnormalities in blood glucose levels that lead to disease. Abnormally high, low or unstable glucose levels indicate a lack of control that can be attributed to a variety of causes. Glucose, the sugar in our blood, is essential to health because it is required for the formation of ATP, the energy molecule in our bodies, which is necessary for every organ and cell to function. The brain primarily relies on glucose as a source…

Posted on 08/05/2018 08/05/2018

Cellulite

Sarah, a 30 year old computer analyst was worried about her ongoing cellulite problem on her arms, thighs and legs. In technical term, cellulite is the dimpling of the skin caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis creating undulating tissue. It’s often described as “orange peel” skin. The first approach for lasting results is to improve the liver function, the digestion and the circulation. We started with digestive supplements for her liver and gall bladder. The herbs will stimulate her pancreatic enzyme production and secretion. They will speed up the clearance of toxins stored in fat cells. We…

Posted on 17/04/2018 08/05/2018

A complex presentation

Amanda, a 53 year old accountant presented with medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome, fatty liver and constant lethargy. She is very often sick with colds and coughs. First consultation: Gastro-intestinal repair and nutritional support – Gastro-intestinal repair: formula made of glutamine, slippery elm and specific probiotics, good gut integrity is indispensable for long term health. – A good multivitamin/mineral with high B12 and high folic acid, her nutritional status was decreased due to the poor absorption caused by the IBS – Extra magnesium, zinc and vitamin D 5000 I.U. as these deficiencies were noted. – Diet modifications: reduce coffee, alcohol,…

Posted on 06/02/2018 06/02/2018

LOW MOODS

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: LOW MOOD M, a 55 years old secretary has been suffering of “low mood” and anxiety for a couple of months and the condition is getting worse with the Holiday Season approaching. To implement a gentle detoxification program for 7 days: To eliminate: Alcohol, milk products (except ½ cup unsweetened yoghurt with a good probiotic each day), sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners, coffee, grains such as wheat (bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta), rye, barley, oats, spelt and dried fruit. To include: fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, fresh fish or canned fish in water or olive oil, lean…

Posted on 06/02/2018 06/02/2018

SPRING CLEANSE

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: SPRING CLEANSE 47 years old, civil engineer, is presenting with joint swelling, pain, history of upset stomach, diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome by his G.P. The blood tests are good. He is chronically tired with sore muscles. All this started two years ago after contracting gastroenteritis overseas. First consultation: Short term protocol to reduce inflammation To address the pain with a very specific probiotic and nutrients like glutamine and Boswellia to relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms and reduce gastrointestinal inflammation To address diet with an anti-inflammatory diet for 3 months, reducing coffee to one a day, to eliminate…