Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) grows as perennial native herb throughout the northern hemisphere and as a weed in other temperate zones. It has a long history of both medicinal and culinary use. In western herbal medicine, Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic and the root as a liver tonic. Dandelion leaves are added to salads, providing a good source of minerals and the roasted root is used as a coffee substitute.  

Its name originates from the French ‘dent de lion’ (teeth of the lion), referring to the jagged edges of the dandelion leaf. This plant has its roots firmly planted in the historical use of herbs as medicines. The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries.

The benefits of dandelion tea have been known for centuries and the combination of dandelion and burdock in mead, a drink made during the Middle Ages in Britain, has seen the drink evolve to various forms in cordial, wine, a carbonated soda, and even beer. Dandelion leaves are a powerhouse of nutrition, containing beta-carotene, vitamin C, D, B complex, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, calcium, copper and particularly potassium. …

Can you believe that winter is just around the corner? So when do we start to build immunity against coughs and colds? The answer to this of course is that we should always be mindful to have a strong immune system but with such busy lifestyles, we sometimes let our health take a back seat. Supplements are therefore essential to maintain winter wellness for lasting health – but how do we know which supplements are best?
Five ways to be a health hero is to know the facts with the right information to make the right choices. Our list shows why these supplements will assist to protect you before the winter blues set in.

ECHINACEA

Or purple coneflower, originally a native indigenous American medicinal herb, has now been adopted by Western Herbal medicine due to its health benefits. It may support healthy immune function, and may help to lessen the duration and severity of the symptoms of colds and other mild upper respiratory tract infections. It was recorded in a traditional American herbal text published in 1905, King’s Dispensatory, as being useful for conditions ranging from snakebite to scarlet fever! This of course is not supported by modern scientific research, …

IMMUNE BOOSTING TEAS

ECHINACEA – A pleasant floral tea with a little tingle sensation. Echinacea is well known herb commonly used in Western herbal medicine as an immune tonic and to provide relief from the common cold.
OLIVE LEAF – Olive products have been used widely as folk medicine in many European countries. Olive leaf tea is also used as a general tonic to improve wellbeing.
ROSEHIP – fruity, high in Vitamin C to help boost your immune system.
GINGER – A warming spicy tea which can soothe digestive upsets. It has been traditionally used for indigestion, nausea and stimulates circulation.

STRESS AND ANXIETY TEAS

LICORICE – Sweet, smooth and comforting licorice tea. Licorice is widely used in herbal medicinetoday for digestive complaints, to soothe sore throats and coughs as well as provide adrenal support.
TULSI – used for thousands of years in India to treat stress and anxiety.

FRUITY TEAS

Fruity teas are light and uplifting, high in vitamins and often cleansing. Always read the ingredients on the pack to ensure your fruit tea is not artificially flavoured or sweetened. Fruity teas include hibiscus, blackcurrant, orange and lemon.
Green and white teas which are high in antioxidants are often …

A busy lifestyle is often the excuse used to avoid taking care of yourself. Being busy though needs energy to enjoy what you do. Plan to change one habit at a time with these simple steps so that you can work, rest and play with increased energy.

MORE H2O
One of the most common reasons people feel fatigued is dehydration. Drinking more water can boost energy levels and mood. Aim to drink 1 litre per 25 kg of body weight per day.
TRY: Infuse water with cucumber,  lemon and mint for a refreshing summery drink.

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATE
Swap processed foods for whole grains, seeds & fresh vegetables. These take longer for your body to break down  so you feel fuller for longer.
TRY: Next time you feel that mid-afternoon slump, grab a handful of almonds, pepitas and sunflower seeds instead.

JUST BREATHE
Feeling tense? Take deep breaths into your belly, moving your diaphragm to instantly switch off your ‘fight or flight’ response. You’ll feel calmer, giving you a fresh burst of energy for the rest of the day.

LOL
That’s right, laugh out loud! Studies show laughter can reduce stress and anxiety and instantly increase energy levels.
TRY: Check out …

Did you know… the foods we eat can influence the central nervous system (neurotransmitter) pathways in our bodies which ultimately affect the way we think and feel? Studies have found that natural substances in food have the ability to send messages to the brain to enhance mood, reduce stress, and anxiety, as well as improving memory and concentration.

One of these main substances is tryptophan, an amino acid, which naturally occurs in many protein containing foods. Tryptophan is essential for the production of serotonin which is a ‘happy hormone’.

When you combine this with carbohydrates, it improve the passage of serotonin to the brain thus giving credence to the adage that ‘we are what we eat’ as it helps to balance our moods and stress levels.

Try these mood boosting meal ideas

BREAKFAST
• Substitute processed cereal for rolled oats + soy/cows milk + 1/2 banana
• Baked beans on wholegrain toast
• Smoothie with soy milk, banana, organic yoghurt, strawberries, buckwheat

LUNCH & DINNER
• Turkey, chicken, tofu, or …

How you feel during your waking hours hinges greatly on how well you sleep. Similarly, the cure for sleep difficulties can often be found in your daily routine.
Your sleep schedule, bedtime habits, and day-to-day lifestyle choices can make an enormous difference to the quality of your nightly rest. The following recommendations will help you optimise your sleep so you can start your day on the right foot every day.

RELAXATION

Essential oils such as ylang-ylang, lavender and orange  are shown to help calm and give you the ‘oohh-ah’ feeling. The scents stimulate the limbic system which releases chemicals into the brain and promote a feeling of relaxation and  calmness. Apply it to your oil diffuser or add a few drops into a hot bath with magnesium flakes for an over all body and mind session.
TRY: Lively Living Aroma Bloom Diffuser 

DIET

Don’t go to bed either hungry or stuffed, your discomfort might keep you up. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can wreak havoc on quality sleep. Even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it can disrupt sleep later in the night. …

Minor bumps, bruises and cuts, as well as coughs and colds, can be safely treated using natural products that are easy to find at your local Healthy Life store.

Aloe Vera gel

Look for pure aloe vera gel to sooth, cool and reduce redness. Apply to minor burns, sunburn or itchy skin.

Arnica tablets and Arnica cream

Arnica helps reduce bruising and swelling. It can be taken both internally as a homeopathic medicine and externally as a cream on unbroken skin.

Calendula cream

Calendula has antiseptic and wound healing properties. Apply to cuts and to soothe itches and rashes.

Echinacea liquid or tablets

Echinacea is great for boosting the immune system and fighting infection, so is ideal for colds, flu and minor infections.

Manuka honey

For antibacterial activity, choose UMF-rated Manuka honey. A teaspoon can soothe a sore throat or a tickly cough. To speed up healing, apply to minor wounds and cover with a dressing.

Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence drops

Use these calming drops under the tongue in times of shock, trauma, stress or anxiety.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal treatment. Use slightly diluted to clean cuts and abrasions, or dab …

Australia has some of the highest allergy rates in the world. Some people suffer allergies chronically, for others they’re a seasonal affliction, with spring often the worst time of year.

Hayfever

Even non-allergy sufferers can experience symptoms of ‘hayfever’ (allergic rhinitis) due to environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses and dust mites. Inflammation of the mucosal membranes in the nasal cavities result in redness, itching, and a clear, serous, exudate (runny nose) in between sneezes. 1 in 5 Australians are affected to some extent.

Over-the-counter antihistamine medications are the most popular treatment option, but many sufferers develop a tolerance that reduces their effectiveness. If you find everyday antihistamines are no longer working, or want to avoid some of the common side effects of these medications — such as a dry mouth, drowsiness and dizziness — you might like to consider some of the ‘alternative’ approaches here.

WHAT IS PALEO?

The Paleo way of eating is based upon every day, modern foods that mimic the food groups of our pre-argicultural, hunter-gatherer ancestors.
There are seven fundamental characteristics to optimise your health, minimise your risk of chronic disease, and lose weight.

HEALTHY LIFE ON THE NEWS

Our Dubbo store owner Mike Parish chatting about the benefits of the paleo diet.

BENEFITS OF PALEO

+ Lose weight
+ Improve athletic performance
+ Improve acne (or eliminate)
+ Sleep better
+ Gain more energy
+ Enjoy an increased libido
+ Improve your mental outlook and clarity