#Pharmacy remedies for winter ailments

[vimdrugs]

Stay Cozy and Healthy: Winter Essentials from the Pharmacy!

As the winter chill sets in, it's essential to prioritize your well-being. Your local pharmacy is a treasure trove of winter health essentials that can keep you warm and healthy throughout the cold season. Let's dive into the must-have products and winter health tips that will ensure you stay cozy and well this winter.

Winter Health Tips Pharmacy! Top 10!

According to a recent survey, a staggering 85% of individuals find themselves more susceptible to health issues during the winter months, underscoring the crucial importance of proactive winter self-care.

Bundle Up with Cozy Winter Wellness Products

As the mercury plummets, it becomes imperative to invest in a comprehensive array of cozy winter essentials. Seek out snug scarves, insulated gloves, and thermal hats to effectively combat the biting cold. At VIM Drugs, you can explore a remarkable selection of such products, ensuring both warmth and style align seamlessly.

Stock Up on Cold Season Pharmacy Supplies

Preparedness is key when it comes to common winter ailments. Maintain a well-stocked pharmacy at home, equipped with essentials such as cough syrup, throat lozenges, and nasal decongestants. These staples prove invaluable in tackling the symptoms of colds and flu effectively.

Staying Warm and Healthy in Winter

Create a haven of warmth and comfort within your home. Consider investing in high-quality space heaters or enveloping blankets. For an extensive range of heating pads and blankets, look no further than VIM Drugs, ensuring you remain snug during frosty nights.

Pharmacy Winter Self-Care Items

Indulge in pampering winter self-care with a selection of essentials. Explore moisturizers, lip balms, and hydrating masks to combat dry skin aggravated by harsh winter winds. VIM Drugs presents an array of skincare products to maintain the health and radiance of your skin.

Winter Wellness Essentials

Fortify your immune system with a regimen of winter wellness essentials. Seek out vitamin C supplements, immune-boosting teas, and multivitamins to safeguard your health through the colder months. Navigate to http://vimdrugs.com/ for a diverse selection of such products.

Cold Weather Health Pharmacy

Place your trust in the local pharmacy for solutions tailored to cold weather health. From thermometers to humidifiers, these establishments provide everything necessary to cultivate a health-conscious environment at home.

Pharmacy Winter Wellness Guide

Leverage the expertise of your pharmacy's winter wellness guide for invaluable advice on maintaining health during the colder months. VIM Drugs offers insights and product recommendations to guide you through the intricacies of the winter season.

Seasonal Wellness Pharmacy Products

Embrace seasonal wellness with pharmacy products crafted specifically for winter. Explore immune-boosting herbal supplements and other seasonal remedies designed to ward off illnesses.

Winter Health Tips Pharmacy

Stay well-informed with winter health tips from your trusted pharmacy. Regularly check their website for updates and recommendations to successfully navigate the challenges posed by the colder months.

Pharmacy Remedies for Winter Ailments

In the unfortunate event of falling ill, turn to pharmacy remedies for effective relief. VIM Drugs offers a range of over-the-counter medications and expert advice to facilitate a swift recovery.

Surge in Online Pharmacy Sales

Reflecting the growing preference for convenient and reliable healthcare solutions, online pharmacy sales have surged by an impressive 30% during the winter season. This surge underscores the increasing reliance on digital platforms for accessing healthcare products and information.

Continue Reading: https://vimdrugs.com/index.php/blog/post/stay-cozy-and-healthy-winter-essentials-from-the-pharmacy

[johannebrunet]

Medicinal Garden Kit – BRAND NEW

A Lifelong Pharmacy in a Box: My Review of the Medicinal Garden Kit

I've always been curious about natural remedies and the idea of having a homegrown supply of medicinal herbs. But starting a garden from scratch, especially one focused on medicinal plants, seemed daunting. That's where the Medicinal Garden Kit came in, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer!

Easy Does It: Perfect for Beginners

As someone with limited gardening experience, I was worried about the complexity of growing medicinal herbs. However, the Medicinal Garden Kit took all the guesswork out of it. It arrived with everything I needed: ten different seed packets with clear labels, high-quality potting mix, plant markers, and a comprehensive instruction booklet. The instructions were incredibly user-friendly, with detailed information on each herb, from sowing depths to watering requirements. Even for complete beginners like myself, the process felt manageable and even enjoyable.

A Bounty of Beneficial Herbs

The kit boasts a fantastic selection of ten diverse medicinal herbs. Each herb caters to a range of common ailments, from soothing chamomile for relaxation to immune-boosting echinacea for those winter sniffles. I was particularly excited about the inclusion of lavender, known for its calming properties, and peppermint, perfect for homemade teas. The variety in the kit ensures I have a natural remedy on hand for a variety of needs.

From Seed to Steep: The Joy of Cultivation

There's something incredibly rewarding about watching tiny seeds transform into thriving little plants. The Medicinal Garden Kit provided the perfect opportunity to witness this magic firsthand. Following the clear instructions, I planted the seeds and meticulously cared for them. The joy of seeing green shoots emerge after a few days was truly special. It's been fascinating to learn about each herb's specific needs and witness their unique growth patterns.

A Sustainable Source of Wellness

One of the things I love most about the Medicinal Garden Kit is its sustainability. Unlike store-bought herbs with questionable origins, I know exactly where these herbs come from – my own little windowsill or garden patch. Many of the herbs in the kit are perennials, meaning they'll come back year after year with proper care. This not only reduces waste but allows me to enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown medicinal herbs.

More Than Just a Garden, It's an Experience

The Medicinal Garden Kit has been more than just a way to grow herbs; it's been an enriching experience. It's reconnected me with nature, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride as I watch my little herb garden flourish. The act of nurturing these plants has become a form of self-care, and the knowledge that I'm cultivating my own natural remedies empowers me to take a more proactive approach to my well-being.

If you're curious about natural remedies or simply want to try your hand at gardening, I highly recommend the Medicinal Garden Kit. It's a fantastic starter kit, perfect for beginners, and the sense of satisfaction you get from cultivating your own little patch of well-being is truly unmatched.

[potteryroadpharmacy]

NHS Services at Pottery Road Pharmacy in Reading: A Comprehensive Guide

Located in the heart of Reading, Pottery Road Pharmacy is a trusted local provider of a wide range of NHS services. Whether you need help managing your health, advice on over-the-counter medications, or require specific NHS services, Pottery Road Pharmacy is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the local community. This article outlines the NHS services available at the pharmacy, highlighting their role in making healthcare more accessible for residents in Reading. 🏥💊

1. NHS Prescription Services 📝💊

One of the core services provided by Pottery Road Pharmacy is dispensing NHS prescriptions. The pharmacy ensures that patients receive their prescribed medications in a timely manner. Patients can also request prescription delivery to their homes, offering added convenience, especially for those with mobility issues or busy schedules. 🚚

The pharmacy team is always available to answer any questions regarding the medications you are taking, ensuring you understand how to use them properly and address any concerns you may have about side effects or interactions with other medicines.

2. Minor Ailments Scheme 🩺

Pottery Road Pharmacy offers the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme, which allows patients to receive treatment and advice for minor conditions without the need to visit a GP. This service helps ease the pressure on local GP practices and hospitals, providing quick and efficient treatment for common ailments such as:

Coughs and colds 🤧

Sore throats 😷

Skin rashes and minor allergies 🌿

Earaches 👂

Constipation 🚽

Hay fever 🌼

Pharmacists at Pottery Road Pharmacy are trained to assess symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments or over-the-counter remedies, providing expert advice and support.

3. NHS Health Checks 🩺

Regular health checks are important for maintaining good health and identifying any underlying health issues early. Pottery Road Pharmacy offers NHS Health Checks, which are available to adults between the ages of 40 and 74. These checks involve a quick assessment of your overall health, including:

Blood pressure measurement 💓

Cholesterol and blood sugar level testing 🩸

BMI (Body Mass Index) calculation 🧑‍⚖️

Risk assessment for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes 🏃‍♂️

The pharmacy team will provide guidance on how to manage any health risks identified, along with advice on improving lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, to help reduce the risk of future health problems.

4. Flu Vaccination Services 💉

Pottery Road Pharmacy is an accredited provider of NHS flu vaccinations. Every year, the pharmacy offers free flu vaccinations to eligible patients, including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, individuals with chronic conditions (such as asthma or diabetes), and healthcare workers. The vaccination is quick, safe, and an essential part of protecting yourself and those around you from the flu during the winter months. 🌬️

The pharmacy team ensures that patients are informed about the benefits of getting vaccinated, and they provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for those who are receiving the flu jab.

5. Emergency Contraception 🚺

As part of NHS services, Pottery Road Pharmacy provides access to emergency contraception (the "morning after" pill) without the need for a prescription. This service is available for both women who are over the age of 16, offering a confidential and discreet option in cases where contraception has failed or wasn't used during intercourse. 💊

Pharmacists provide professional and non-judgmental advice, helping individuals understand how the medication works, as well as offering information about longer-term contraception options.

6. Smoking Cessation Support 🚭

If you’re trying to quit smoking, Pottery Road Pharmacy offers NHS-funded smoking cessation services. Smoking is a leading cause of many health conditions, and the pharmacy is committed to helping local residents quit smoking with a combination of support and medication. The pharmacy team provides advice on the best methods for quitting, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) options such as patches, gum, and lozenges, as well as prescription medications. 💪

Support through regular follow-up appointments and counseling sessions ensures that those trying to quit smoking have the resources they need to succeed.

7. Medicine Use Reviews (MUR) 💬

For patients taking multiple medications, Pottery Road Pharmacy offers the NHS Medicine Use Review (MUR) service. This service involves a confidential one-to-one consultation with a pharmacist to review your medications. The aim is to ensure that you are using your medicines correctly, understand their effects, and address any concerns regarding side effects or interactions.

The MUR service also provides an opportunity to identify any potential issues with your medication regimen, allowing for adjustments to improve treatment outcomes.

8. Travel Health Advice and Vaccinations ✈️🌍

If you’re planning to travel abroad, Pottery Road Pharmacy offers travel health services, including vaccinations and advice on preventing travel-related illnesses. The pharmacy can provide advice on vaccinations required for specific destinations, such as those for yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid, as well as recommend antimalarial treatments if necessary. 🌡️

This service helps ensure that travelers are fully prepared and protected, reducing the risk of illness while abroad.

9. Disposal of Unwanted Medicines 🗑️

Pottery Road Pharmacy also provides an NHS service for the safe disposal of unwanted or expired medications. This ensures that medications are disposed of properly, reducing the risk of accidental poisoning and environmental harm. Residents are encouraged to return unused or expired medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal. ♻️

Conclusion 🌟

Pottery Road Pharmacy is an essential healthcare provider in Reading, offering a range of NHS services that make healthcare more accessible and convenient. From prescription services to flu vaccinations, minor ailment treatments, and smoking cessation support, the pharmacy is committed to helping individuals manage their health in a friendly and professional environment. Whether you need advice, treatment, or a routine health check, Pottery Road Pharmacy is here to support the local community's health needs every day. 💙

🌐 : https://potteryroadpharmacy.co.uk/

☎:  +44 0118 996 4203

✉: potteryroadpharmacy@outlook.com 

🏡: 2a Tylers Pl, Pottery Rd, Reading RG30 6BW,United Kingdom

[readingforsanity]

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern | Lydia Cohen Loigman | Published 2024

On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs - an active senior community in southern Florida - she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father's old pharmacy - and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.

As a teenager growing up in 1920s Brooklyn, Augusta's role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta's mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can't help but be drawn to Esther's curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon's customers her own advice - unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.

As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is turn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther's most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther's enchantments forever.

Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it's too late?

Augusta Stern is on the cusp of her 80th birthday. After spending her entire adult life working as a pharmacist throughout New York City, she is now being forced to retire. At the behest of her niece, Jackie, Augusta has decided to leave the North behind and move to Florida to a retirement community called Rallentando Springs.

Upon arrival, she is terrified to learn that Irving Rivkin, the man who broke her heart more than 60 years ago, and the reason why she never married or had a family of her own, also lives in Florida in the same community. The two of them have not seen each other since the night their good friends Evie and Nathaniel got engaged, when Irving suddenly became engaged to another woman and moved to Chicago, becoming a father to twin sons.

Despite this set back, Augusta is determined to make the best of her time in Florida. She meets and befriends a woman named Shirley, who is secretly pining over the same Nathaniel whom married Augusta's friend. After Evie died, Nathaniel remained in Maine, only returning to Florida to escape the brutal northern winters. Irving is peeved by Nathaniel's return to paradise, and assumes that he and Augusta are going to begin some type of relationship.

But, Augusta has no interest in either of the men, and makes this blantantly clear.

When Augusta's niece, Jackie, visits to spend time with her aunt for her milestone birthday, Augusta is finally able to learn the truth.

Back in the 20s, while Augusta was a young girl, her father, Soloman Stern, hired Irving to work in his pharmacy as a delivery boy. Augusta, whom Irving nicknamed Goldie, and Irving became good friends during this period. Also around this time, Aunt Esther, her father's aunt, came to live with them after the sudden passing of her mother when Goldie was only 13 years old. Knowing that they couldn't survive without a woman in the home to care for them, Esther began to take over the role that Solomon couldn't.

But Aunt Esther was a bit of a enigma. Back in Russia, she would have been known as an apothecary, as she makes different concoctions with various herbs in order to heal. However, as a woman, she wasn't viewed as being knowledgable, instead being referred to as a witch for what she did. But, the neighborhood quickly became aware of Esther's reputation.

During her time in Brooklyn, Esther was able to save an incredibly ill Irving from the brink of death after a bout of flu; she also helped a woman who struggled with infertility for 7 years become pregnant after doctors told her there was nothing that they could do; she cured various ailments, and even came up with a sort of love potion for her great-niece Bess, who struggled with her true feelings for George, the man she was dating. After Goldie witnessed all of these miracles, she knew that she wanted to learn everything she could.

However, on the night that Irving planned to propose to Goldie, in which she had came up with her own sort of love potion to ensure he truly loved her, slipping the mixture into a flask of whiskey that she took from her father to give to him, Nathaniel had mistakenly drank the entire flask, winding up proposing to Evie instead, leaving Irving to reconsider what he was about to do. After viewing Nathaniel's spur of the moment proposal, Irving left the building, and was never seen by them again.

But, what Goldie didn't know was that Irving ran into Lois Diamond's mother in the alleyway outside of the establishment. The scene was a gory one. Irving knew that Lois found herself pregnant, and Mitzi learned the truth behind the father of her daughter's baby, and ended up killing him after he refused to marry her. Mitzi somehow convinced Irving to leave Goldie, marry her daughter and raise her baby, later learned to be twins, as his own. In return, Mitzi would ensure that the Stern family and their pharmacy were off-limits while the Diamond family fled back to Chicago.

August was unaware of what truly transpired. But, after Lois left Irving in the 40s, leaving him a single father to his twin sons, who turned out to be a doctor and teacher, Irving tried to find her but after seeing her with a young Jackie, assumed that she had married and became a mother, and didn't wish to disturb her life any further than he already had.

Now knowing the truth, the two of them are able to rekindle their long lost love. Nathaniel and Shirley also begin a new relationship, as the two of them had been eyeing each other for months. And with a renewed vigor, Augusta is able to rekindle her love of healing the way her aunt Esther. Jackie brought her apothecary case all the way from New York, which was left to her by her mother, Bess, Augusta's sister. She is now the healer for her little retirement community, and she and Irving can begin to live happily ever after.

[nostlagiac]

okay let's do this let's go tell me all about ur plans

i do have a few scenarios in my head. i have talked about my goat herding plans in iceland or another country with green rolling high lands like scotland or ireland. but when i think about other possibilities, i do think about goat/sheep herding somewhere near makkah or medinah close to a rural village. over there, the days would be hot and sunny and work tiresome but rewarding. everyday i would walk miles and miles with the goats/sheep to find water or grass, some nights sleep under the stars if i’m too tired to walk back home. i want the feeling of life etched into me with every new sight and the heaviness of a working body. i would learn to speak arabic fluently and trade livestock with locals. maybe get a cow or two with enough savings. i would dream of knowing arabic well enough by then that i could switch between languages i write my stories in, so i could share them with the children in the village every once in a while. i would be at peace, waking up every morning in what is to me, holy land, doing only the simplest for a living. 

if not that, i once used to dream about living in a hut up in the mountains with a herd of sheep, a few goats, chickens and a small vegetable patch, herb garden and flowering plants. maybe a friend would live with me. i would keep bees and make my own honey, and use my knowledge of pharmacy to make herbal remedies if need be for passing strangers. people wouldn’t know much about me, i’d always be out with the herds, and hard to find but they would know i could cure most common ailments with my medicine. so they would come to me at night. some nights i would be home to answer the door to vague faces who i would give what they needed to for nothing in return. they never come back again. or maybe they do but i don’t remember faces well. in winter, i’d write indoors by a wood fire. summer time writing would be down in the valleys between mountains where i let my goats and sheep graze until sundown. see i have this all planned out. if one fails, theres always other options! 

[rosariawetzell]

The Real Cause of Tinnitus - Discover What They Don't Want You to Know!

I must emphasize that before Clear Sound 911 Review you try any of these natural cures, that you exhaust every means possible with your family physician. Some natural cures for tinnitus are:  Hydrogen Peroxide - Remember this stuff? You don't? It's that stuff that your grandmother put on your knee after you fell off your bike and scratched it up. You know, the stuff that foams up when it came in contact with your skin. Well, it can also be used to take care of your tinnitus. Apple Cider Vinegar - You might not remember this stuff. No, it's not the kind that you can drink but, it's one of the oldest natural home remedies for tinnitus and whatever else ails you.

Gingko Biloba - This extract has been known to help tinnitus and other common ailments by reducing the blood pressure in your head and other parts of the body. These are just some of the natural home remedies that you can try that might help your tinnitus. Do they work? With all of the buzz that's around them and the way that people have been talking about them, I would say YES! Natural cures/remedies have worked for years where medical science has failed, and the best part about it is that you can find almost all of these ingredients at your local pharmacy.

I ask you this: If natural cures and remedies didn't work, why would they be in your local pharmacy? Therefore, bear in mind a few tips that can prevent the cause of tinnitus like wearing ear plugs, covering your ears and especially in winter, wear woolen caps and never visit areas with loud noise when you feel that it is not advisable.

[its-palam-blog]

The famous grandmother's recipes for curing the flu, rum and other ailments

The famous grandmother's recipes for curing the flu, rum and other ailments

There are recipes which are as old as the world and which, despite everything, remain effective. Rightly called grandmother's remedies, they are simple to use and in addition its ingredients are already found in your kitchen, within your reach. The famous grandmother’s recipes for curing the flu, rum and other ailments You no longer need to run like a madman to the doctor or the local pharmacy with the slightest concern. For the majority of small sores, your grandmother has an infallible trick! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});

Overcome canker sores (aphtes)

It is frequently argued that, despite all that can be done, a canker sore will cause you miseries for 9 days, between its manifestation and its complete disappearance. There are, however, countless ways which, if they did not go away, would lessen the harm they cause. Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Although used for the treatment of various common ailments, its benefits for fighting canker sores were not known. However, using it in mouthwash, once you have diluted its pulp in a small amount of water, will bring you great relief, in case your canker sore still hurts you. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});

Fight insect bites

It may surprise you, but the virtues of green clay are well established. To combat insect bites, preparing a poultice is the most suitable way. To do this, simply apply green clay already in the form of a paste, or mold one with clay powder. Then add two drops of lavender essential oil to your mixture and put this mixture on your insect bite. Once the poultice has dried, clean it gently. You can do this again as soon as you feel itchy. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});

And what remedy for small burns?

Try honey! It is well known for its soothing properties for inflammation of the throat. Drink it diluted in heated water, or take it with a spoon, it almost immediately relieves your pain. Little is known about its soothing power against burns, and yet honey can act effectively. To apply it on a small burn, you should spread it in the form of a mask for about twenty minutes. You can repeat this action, ad libitum, in case your burn still hurts.

Chamomile to end aches

Have you strained a bit on your sports activities and you fear the appearance of body aches when you get up the next day? Well, there are various tips. You can, for example, make a massage with lavender oil ... But also, you can also use chamomile! As it is known for its soothing power, you can make an infusion and drink it before going to bed. It will have the same soothing action on your muscles. However, instead of drinking it as an herbal tea, prepare a chamomile infusion which you will have diluted in 1 liter of running water before heating it and pouring it once it has become cold, in a hot bath.   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});

A spice to fight the cold, why not?

It's just cinnamon! This spice has the gift of invigorating your immunity. It will be of great comfort to you during the winter season to fight against colds which do not let you go. To use it for this purpose, you can mix it with honey and lemon. The formula is very simple: pour 2 teaspoons of honey, a hint of cinnamon and half a squeezed lemon into 200 ml of cooled water. You will only have to drink this potion while trying to breathe well. Eat spicy, good or bad? 

An onion to fight exhaustion

Winter often exhausts us and to cope, we tend to use analeptics which are generally very expensive. What if a simple onion did the trick? Indeed, this vegetable plant full of vitamins can be your health plan. If you feel tired, weakened, boil a liter of water for twenty minutes where you will have placed the equivalent of an onion in rings. Drink this potion, regularly, for 2 days, and start again as soon as you feel tired.

And what grandmother's trick for dealing with bronchitis?

Eucalyptus is well known for its antiviral, antibiotic and antitussive properties. Besides, cough medicine, inflammation of the bronchi or cooling are frequently made from this shrub. You too can naturally concoct an inhalation to fight against these winter pains. To do this, put 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a container full of very boiling water and inhale the steam for a few minutes. Do not hesitate to repeat this action many times, if the need arises.

Figs to get rid of constipation

This fruit enriched in fibers and magnesium is an effective remedy to fight against constipation, why therefore deprive yourself of it, when its effect is almost instantaneous? The recipe is very simple: put a few figs in a little water before going to sleep. Consume them in the morning when you wake up and you will feel the benefits almost immediately, essentially if you add to this potion some prunes, also known to fight this intestinal ailment.   Here are some articles you might like: Five tips to kill the flu in the bud Eye health at any age Be careful The famous grandmother’s recipes for curing the flu, rum and other ailments

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[biophytopharm]

What is Phytotherapy?

What is Phytotherapy?

what is phytotherapy Phytotherapy, in other words, the use of plants for therapeutic purposes, is an ancestral practice. In inhalation, in decoction, in infusion ... there are several forms to use the plants.

Origin of Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is one of the building blocks of traditional and ancestral medicines. It has its origins in the Chinese pharmacopeia and the Indian pharmacopeia (Ayurveda). The use of plants to cure diseases is also mentioned in Sumerian texts from the third millennium BC. AD In the UK or USA, the sale of medicinal plants registered in the UK pharmacopeia is the monopoly of pharmacists and herbalists, with the exception of 148 plants (see the list of medicinal plants that can be sold outside pharmacies). However, these plants (except chamomile, linden, verbena, mint, bitter orange, rose hips and hibiscus) cannot be mixed with each other or with other species.

Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is based on the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. In traditional medicine, pharmaceutical manufacturers extract the active ingredient from plants to make medicines. In Phytotherapy, the plant is used in part or in whole, in several forms. The logic of treatment is also different between classical medicine and Phytotherapy. Modern medicine is a substitute, that is, conventional drugs regulate the functions of the body and relieve it of the need to heal itself. In herbal medicine, plants are also used as drugs to regulate the body's functions, but they also help the human body to heal itself. According to the physiotherapist, a disease does not happen by chance. It is the consequence of an internal imbalance in the body, which must constantly adapt to its environment. The ability of the body to maintain its balance and adapt, which is unique to each of us, is the individual's ground. Phytotherapy focuses on the analysis of the body's constituent systems: neuroendocrine (regulator), hormonal, immune, and drainage systems, to reinforce them with the help of plants.

Why consult a specialist in Phytotherapy?

Phytotherapy is still often considered symptomatic and drainage medicine. It helps to rebalance the whole body by plants and therefore acts on all types of diseases. As an example, here are some common indications in Phytotherapy (non-exhaustive list): - bronchial affections and flu: cold, bronchitis, cough; - digestive disorders: spasms, colitis; - mild dermatological disorders: sunburn, superficial burn, erythema, eczema; - venous and lymphatic insufficiency; - urinary disorders; - sleep disorders, stress, state of anxiety, and to help people with stage fright.

How do you practice Phytotherapy?

Plant prescriptions, their concentrates, and forces are used to stir or strengthen the body's ordinary capacities, essentially helping the body to cure itself. A physiotherapist, professional, or nutritionist handles every patient as a particular individual, making a conclusion and suggestion based on his or her prerequisites. Any number of herb and plants or mixes of those can be endorsed to bring alleviation. Remember, however, Phytotherapy isn't generally sheltered, on the grounds that it is viewed as "regular," so it ought not to endeavor without the assistance of a learned expert. For example, Poison Ivy can be effectively used to treat the ailment and joint inflammation, however, would you know how to deal with it, what parts to utilize, how to set it up? Phytotherapy uses the whole plant or a part of the plant (roots, leaves, fruits) through various means of extraction: -Powders: the plant part of the plant is dried, pulverized (cold grinding under liquid nitrogen), then sieved. The powders are used in particular for the manufacture of capsules, dyes, and tablets; - Extracts: these are concentrated preparations prepared most often by maceration in a solvent (water, alcohol). With the evaporation of the solvent, an extract with a soft, dry or fluid consistency is obtained. The nebulisate is a dry extract obtained by fine spraying of the liquid extract in a chamber through which a stream of hot air passes: - plant alcoholate (elixir, drops, spirits, quintessence): alcohol obtained by distillation of dry or fresh plants macerated in alcohol; - Glycerine macerate of plants: maceration of young shoots, buds and freshly ground roots in a mixture of alcohol, water, and glycerine; - homeopathic mother tincture: the fresh plant remains to macerate in alcohol at 70 ° for a variable time; - SIPF (Complete suspension of fresh plants): less than 24 hours after their harvest, the plants are frozen in liquid nitrogen, then finely crushed and suspended in alcohol at 30 ° to preserve the entirety of the active ingredients. NB: Essential oils are not part of Phytotherapy, but aromatherapy.

Phytotherapy and plants are used in different galenic forms:

- Infusion: deposit the plant in the water at the time of boiling and let it rest under a cover for the indicated time (between 10 minutes and one hour according to the plants); - Decoction: put small pieces of plant to boil for 10 to 30 minutes depending on the plant; - Maceration: let the plant macerate in a cold liquid such as water, alcohol, oil or vinegar for several hours and drink the filtered mixture; -Inhalation: pour boiling water on the plants to breathe the vapor several times a day; - gargle: the plant is used in a warm liquid to rinse the back of the throat and then spit out.

Contraindications to Phytotherapy

It is not because Phytotherapy uses a natural raw material that it is safe and without contraindications. Some plants are toxic, others may interact with drugs and cause side effects. It is essential to learn about the plants, in case of allergy to one of the components, including salicylate derivatives for people allergic to aspirin. To avoid any drug interactions, always report allopathic or herbal treatment to your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist. Pregnant, breastfeeding women or people with chronic diseases on long-term treatment should always seek the advice of a specialist before starting a herbal treatment. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) contraindicated the use of certain plants in children under 12, and very often in children under 18 years. Some plants can be used from the age of 3 and 6 years. However, under three years, there are very few plants to treat the ills of the infant. It is therefore essential to check with a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for the child.

How is a consultation in Phytotherapy?

In France, there is no standard consultation in Phytotherapy. The discipline is not recognized as a medical specialty and it brings together four different professions: pharmacists, doctors, naturopaths, and herbalists. - Doctors have postgraduate training in Phytotherapy. - Pharmacists have been trained in pharmacognosy (a study of drugs of natural origin) and botany during their initial training. - Herbalists can only be people who graduated before 1941 when there was still a diploma issued by the faculty of pharmacy. - Naturopaths are great prescribers of plants, but the profession is not yet regulated, drifts exist, so be careful about the choice of his specialist. Daily ailments (cold, indigestion, mild sleep disorder) can be relieved by taking a Phytotherapy treatment self-medication, on the advice of your pharmacist or your herbalist. Beyond that, it is better to consult a doctor who will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and ask if necessary additional analyzes before starting a phytotherapy treatment.

How to choose a specialist in Phytotherapy?

It is advisable to refer to a professional body of Phytotherapy to obtain the list of certified practitioners. You have at your disposal the directory of the APMH, association promoting homeopathic medicine, with specific research dedicated to herbal therapists. The Phyto 2000 association communicates to all those who contract it, by email or telephone, the address of doctors practicing phytotherapy in their region.

How is Phytotherapy used today?

As of late, the advantages and viability of Phytotherapy have gotten the consideration of current research centers and researchers. A pertinent illustration can be found in St John's Wort plant. In antiquated Greece, it was utilized to battle fever and "wickedness spirits." Later societies found its capacity to eliminate microscopic organisms. In the mid-1950s, researchers started to make a connection between are the herb and its achievement in battling sadness through the way it cooperated with chemicals in the cerebrum. Also, today, alongside being offered as a natural supplement, mixes in the herb are utilized as the dynamic fixings in some remedy antidepressants. However, Phytotherapy can likewise be utilized for different applications in this day and age: Treating menopause and menopausal manifestations Hormonal irregular characteristics Depression Acne Cancer Thyroid conditions Migraines Phytotherapy is known as a "synergistic" way to deal with social insurance. It joins the old and the new, old and current, science and nature. The present arrangements keep the procedure institutionalized, which implies that the plants and herbs are developed, gathered, and handled in a way keeps the measurements of dynamic fixings dependable and stable. Clusters of the pharmaceuticals are always tried to affirm that the dynamic fixings are available and in the fixation anticipated. Also, makers and providers of the plants and herbs gather them in ways that guarantee solid execution. So while hundreds of years old normal prescription may just have been recorded in rocks and stone, the truth of the matter is, plants still have a critical place in current science and drug, on account of Phytotherapy.

What is Essential Oil – Introduction of Base Oil

You can take care of your skin even in the dry winter and fall seasons, just by optimally take advantage of essential oil. However, do you actually know essential oil? And have knowledge of its application? Here I will make a brief introduction.

What is base oil?

Most of the essential oil cannot be directly used on skin and only they have been diluted in a base oil, it can be widely applied. The base oil is extracted from flower, nut or seed, and it good for medical treatment. And the essential oil for aromatherapy is achieved via cold pressing and extraction while the edible oil is acquired by high-temperature processing. Cold pressing procure ensures the preservation of the vitamin, mineral, and fatty acid.

What kind of oils cannot be used as base oil?

Mineral oils distracted from fossil oil is not suitable for use as base oil, such as lanolin oil. Mineral oils do not own nutrition, and not good for skin absorption. Common base oils

What is Phytotherapy? Sweet Almond Oil Ingredient: vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, E, protein, fatty acid Feature: light yellow, soft smell, refreshing and not only Brief introduction: neutral oil. Achieved via pressing the apricot. As reported, it is effective for treating sensitive and acne skin. It can be matched with any essential oils, meanwhile, it is edible, and beneficial for cell renew. Thus, it is the most widely used base oil.

What is Phytotherapy? Apricot kernel oil Ingredient: Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, GLA Feature: light yellow, sweet and nutritive Brief introduction: suit for relieving yellow facial skin, or decrustation. Benefit for weak body and patient.

What is Phytotherapy? Wheat Germ Oil Ingredient: protein, vitamin A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and magnesium… Feature: yellow-brown, distracted from wheat seed Brief introduction: with abundant vitamin E, anti-oxidation and enhance the circulation. It is good for preventing high-pressure blood, heart disease, and cancer arteriosclerosis.

What is Phytotherapy? Jojoba oil Ingredient: mineral, vitamin, protein, mytidyic acid Feature: yellow. Non-smell, and very moisture. Jojoba is a desert plant so its oil with high stability and can be stored for a long time Brief introduction: it molecule construction is similar to human’s fat, and it suits for oily skin, rheumatism, arthritis. And it is also good for hair care.

What is Phytotherapy? Grapeseed oil Ingredient: vitamin B1, B3, B5, C, F, chlorophyll Trace minerals, essential fatty acids, fructose, glucose, minerals, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and grape polyphenols Feature: light yellow or light green, non-smell Brief introduction: it is abundant in linoleic acid and oligo proanthocyanidin. And it is anti-oxidant, collagen-protective and prevents edema. So it is good for facial massage, especially for oily and acne skin. Phytotherapy consultation is not reimbursed by Medicare unless it is done by a doctor. You will then be reimbursed on the basis of a standard consultation. Some mutuals also offer year-round packages for reimbursement of all or part of the alternative medicine sessions. Check with your affiliate organization. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "gardensnurs0b-20"; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Phytotherapy"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "a1818c9f3bb675d9f4d806f8fb9933b1"; Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});   Read the full article

[shropsnews4u]

Shrewsbury + News from our partners: Stock up on medicine cabinet essentials say health bosses

News from our partners Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Residents are being encouraged to stock up on medicine cabinet essentials as part of a new health campaign launched by NHS Shropshire CCG.

A series of pop-up events are also planned offering people healthcare advice and the chance to ask any questions they might have on self-care remedies.

As part of Self Care Week 2019, which runs from Monday 18 November 2019 to Sunday 24 November 2019, this latest campaign from the CCG recommends that medicine cabinets are fully stocked over the colder months to help ease symptoms straightaway and to aid a faster recovery.

Health bosses say that it is not always necessary to see a GP for common ailments, such as coughs and colds, as the symptoms of these can be eased with the help of a healthy medicine cabinet.

Shropshire CCG medicine cabinet poster

Essentials for a medicine cabinet include ibuprofen, paracetamol, antiseptic cream, indigestion treatment and plasters – all available to buy without a prescription at a small cost from a pharmacy, supermarket and other stores.

With advice and tips on what you need to keep in your medicine cabinet this winter, come along and meet our Medicines Management Team at Shropshire CCG.

Event details:

Monday 18 November, 2019:

Albrighton Medical Practice, Shaw Lane, Albrighton, WV7 3DT (9am-11am)

Bridgnorth Medical Practice, Northgate Health Centre, Bridgnorth, WV16 4EN (12pm-2pm)

Much Wenlock & Cressage Medical Practice, Kingsway Lodge, King Street, Much Wenlock, TF13 6BL (3pm-5pm)

Wednesday 20 November 2019:

Pontesbury Medical Practice, Hall Bank, Pontesbury, SY5 0RF (2pm-3pm)

Severn Fields Medical Practice, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4RQ (4pm-5pm)

Friday 22 November, 2019:

Plas Fynnon Medical Practice, Middleton Road, Oswestry, SY11 2RB (9am-11pm)

Wem & Prees Medical Practice, New Street, Wem, SY4 5AF (12pm-2pm)

Churchmere Medical Practice, Trimpley Street, Ellesmere, SY12 0DB (3pm-5pm)

Dr Julian Povey, Chair of Shropshire CCG, said:

“A healthy medicine cabinet is a simple but significant way to help you, your family, and your local NHS.

“A lot of minor aliments can be treated at home but you should make an appointment to see your GP if you have an illness or injury that will not go away, such as persistent vomiting, ear pain, stomach ache or backache.

“Calling NHS 111 or speaking to a local pharmacist is also a good way to get healthcare advice and treatment without the need to book an appointment. Help is free, plus if you are unsure whether you need to see a doctor you can just ask for their advice.”

For more information on minor ailments that can be treated at home, please visit: www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/health-advice/self-care.

The post News from our partners: Stock up on medicine cabinet essentials say health bosses appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

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[vimdrugs]

Winter Wellness Challenge: Your Pharmacy Roadmap!!

It's time to strengthen our health against the seasonal obstacles as the crisp winter air comes in. Your neighborhood drugstore is a winter wellness oasis, not just a location to buy prescription drugs. We provide the best tactics and prescription items in this extensive guide to help you stay warm, well, and productive this winter.

Keeping Warm and Healthy in Winter

To stay warm and healthy throughout the winter, one must take preventative measures. Invest on thermal necessities such as heating pads, blankets, and insulated clothes, which may be purchased at your neighborhood pharmacy, in addition to conventional treatments. These items are essential to our winter wellness kit since they keep you warm even during the coldest months.

Cozy Winter Wellness Products

A variety of warm wellness products might help you beat the wintertime blues. Your pharmacy is filled with goods that are meant to improve comfort and wellbeing, such as comfortable socks, plush blankets, and aromatherapy oils in addition to herbal teas. These tiny pleasures have a big impact on how you feel winter in general.

Pharmacy Remedies for Winter Ailments

Numerous illnesses are common during the colder months. Equip yourself with wintertime-specific pharmaceutical remedies. Throat lozenges, immune-boosting supplements, and over-the-counter cold and flu remedies are essential additions to any winter self-care supply pack. Treating symptoms early on makes the transition through the cold months easier.

Winter Self-Care Pharmacy Checklist

Take advantage of a thorough self-care checklist to stay ahead of winter's problems. To fight dry skin, restock on moisturizers, lip balms, and vitamin-rich supplements. Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers are additional items on your pharmacy checklist that might help ease respiratory pain brought on by interior heating systems.

 

Top Winter Wellness Tips!

Following are some best winter wellness tips:-

1. Embrace Hydration

Winter air tends to be dry, leading to dehydration. Increase your water intake and include hydrating foods like soups and broths in your diet.

2. Prioritize Vitamin D

With limited sunlight, supplementing with vitamin D becomes crucial. Consult your pharmacist for the right dosage tailored to your needs.

3. Boost Immunity

Integrate immune-boosting foods and supplements into your routine. Consider products rich in zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea.

Do Read: https://vimdrugs.com/index.php/blog/post/winter-wellness-challenge-your-pharmacy-roadmap

[refluxmdguide-blog]

Acid Reflux Gerd Natural Treatment

There are several kinds of natural treatments available for acid reflux. But, mostly people prefer for OTP medicines, which give temporary relaxation. Here, I have stated the natural treatment methods for you. Try them, am sure will work!

Acid reflux, or oesophageal reflux, may be a condition wherever the contents of the abdomen flow upward into the esophageous instead of remaining within the abdomen. Because the abdomen contains robust acids with that to interrupt down food and facilitate absorption within the intestines, the extremely acidic liquid pushing back to the esophageous burns the liner of the esophageous, that isn't made from an equivalent acid-resistance lining constituting the abdomen.

During the traditional method or biological process, the passage sphincter opens so food will enter the abdomen. It then closes to forestall food and acid from leaky into the esophageous.  When this muscle flap isn't robust enough to stay closed, “acid reflux” happens, inflicting intense burning within the passage tube.

Bad GERD Foods to Avoid

A common belief regarding what's GERD is that feeding spicy foods is really inflicting acid reflux disorder. However, spicy foods aren't the reason behind GERD, however might exacerbate symptoms in some folks however not all. Consuming food of any kind sometimes worsens GERD symptoms just because there's one thing within the abdomen, that the passage sphincter will enable keep a copy into the passageway.

Any acid reflux food to avoid usually includes food that will cause a severe burning sensation within the chest space, such as:

Tomato-based foods (spaghetti sauce, ketchup)

Raw onions

Hamburger    

Salad dressings

Orange juice

Dairy merchandise (especially at bedtime)

Tetracycline, iron and atomic number 19 supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and painkiller area unit all medications that will worsen GERD symptoms.

No one likes the sensation, and we’ve all felt it. The hot, burning acid crawl up your throat put pressure on your chest except for people who suffer from oesophageal reflux sickness, or GERD, it becomes unbelievably plague, impacting your life-style. But before you rush to your native pharmacy, there are the age old natural remedies. With these remedies you'll be able to try and alleviate the unwanted effects of this uncomfortable downside. Here are a list seven natural GERD remedies to assist scale back the frequency of symptoms of acid reflux:

Baking Soda

A teaspoon of saleratus (a base substance) neutralizes abdomen acid so even though it comes up, you won’t feel that burning sensation. Combine one teaspoon of saleratus with eight ounces of water and drink all of it. Repeat as required; however don’t exceed seven doses in someday. Avoid exploitation this remedy for quite per week, attributable to its high salt content and alternative aspect effects like swelling or nausea.

Chew Gum

People experiencing GERD will get some relief by chew sugar-free gum for half-hour once they eat, per a study conducted by the Journal of Dental analysis. Chew a bit of gum stimulates the secretion glands, which will increase spittle. The spittle helps wash away any acid. Chew one piece once you eat and note the distinction.

Don’t change posture once feeding

When you eat a meal and so lie flat, the contents of your abdomen will a lot of simply are pushed keep a copy, because it puts pressure on your passage muscular. If you’re upright, however, gravity works in your favour, serving to stay food down. It’s best to eat 3 to four hours before you recognize you’ll be lying right down to enable time for your food to completely digest.

Eat Fruit

And not simply any fruit—bananas have natural antacid properties that counteract acid reflux. Eat a totally aged banana on a daily basis to scale back the discomfort of acid coming up. Another nice fruit to do is Associate in nursing apple. To forestall discomfort in the dark, cut Associate in nursing apple and luxuriate in it a number of hours before hour. Alternative fruits that may scale back instances of GERD area unit are winter melon, cantaloupe and watermelon. Make sure to avoid fruits with high acidic content like oranges, grapefruit and pineapple.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is nice for several abdomen ailments, from the common stomach ache to nausea to chronic acid reflux. For full flavour, simmer slices of ginger root in water for half-hour. For maximum profit drink tea before every meal.

Mustard

Mustard contains a great quantity of minerals and a weak acid named vinegar. It in addition contains alkali that neutralizes the acid that comes up thanks to GERD. Try taking one teaspoon of straight mustard once you are feeling a bout of symptom looming or if you’re already experiencing symptoms.

Chamomile Tea

To balance the acidity levels in your abdomen, drink a cup of Anthemis nobilis tea half-hour to Associate in nursing hour before hour. Anthemis nobilis additionally reduces stress levels, which might contribute to symptom. Instant Anthemis nobilis tea is out there for purchase; otherwise you will build your own contemporary. Merely boil water, stir in Anthemis nobilis petals and allow them to simmer for regarding forty five seconds. Strain them out and pour the tea into a mug, adding honey or lemon as most well-liked.

Avoid tight wear

There’s nothing wrong with sporting tight wear — that's, unless you’re experiencing GERD symptoms. Sporting garments that area unit too tight will increase acid reflux episodes. This can be particularly the case with tight bottoms and belts: each place uncalled-for pressure on the abdomen, thereby contributory to your symptom risk. For the sake of acid reflux, loosen up.

Attempt relaxation techniques

GERD itself are often terribly disagreeable. Since passage muscles play an oversized role keep abdomen acids down wherever they belong, it should facilitate to be told techniques that may relax each your body and mind. Yoga has huge advantages by promoting mind-body awareness. If you’re not a yogi, you'll be able to even attempt quiet meditation and deep respiratory for a number of minutes many times each day to tame your stress levels.

You can be solved very easily using the Acid Reflux Home Treatment Remedies. Therefore one must surely cure this by oneself before curing it through medicines.

Original source : http://refluxmd.blogspot.com/2018/03/acid-reflux-gerd-natural-treatment.html

[bethestaryouareradio]

RX from the Garden

“Hope and faith flower from the cheerful seeds of the old year to the sprouting garden of the New Year's dawn.” ~Terri Guillemets

For the past few weeks it seems that everyone I encounter has been sick with a cold or flu or has been nursing a loved one who is suffering from such malaise. The drastic change in weather conditions plus the excitement and multiple engagements of the holiday season have exacerbated this season of illnesses. To help aid in the symptoms that are bothering you, the closest pharmacy may be your garden.  

Food has always been the best medicine. What we eat and how we eat it determines our vitality and our health. Culinary herbs and spices such as basil, mustard, oregano, and thyme enjoy both flavor enhancing and digestive benefits. Using echinacea or goldenseal, both bitter herbs, can be helpful in clearing congestion and boosting your immune system. Chamomile or passionflower tea helps you relax and unwind, quieting your body and your mind.

A natural remedy to soothe a sore throat and still a cough that I have been using for decades in my work as an actor is a hot tea brewed with a combination of grated ginger, torn mint leaves, the juice, rind, and leaves of a Meyer lemon mixed with honey. (If you are fortunate to be a beekeeper as our Lamorinda Weekly publishers are, the most valuable honey in the world is derived from the bees in your garden!) This herbal tea tastes delicious and really helps with clearing my sinuses. For an extra boost of vitamin C, add the juice and rind of a naval orange to the concoction.  Pair almost any herb with ginger and lemon for an extra healing enhancer.  If you have an upset stomach, motion sickness, or feel nauseous, chewing on a slice of ginger root relieves the symptoms rapidly.

Herbal medicine, herbalism, or phytotherapy has been utilized for centuries around the globe in many cultures for the prevention and treatment of illness. Contained in many plants are powerful chemicals that can assist with natural healing. However, before ingesting or using any plant as a medication, make sure you are certain of its identity and be aware that allergic reactions can occur. If in doubt, leave it out.  Always consult your physician for any ailments that worsen. Pregnant and breast feeding women need to err on the side of caution by always discussing any new remedies or herbal concoctions with their doctor before using,

Here are a few of the botanical medicinal plants that many people already grow in their gardens that I have safely used as a natural prescription for illness.

Basil: Besides being extraordinarily flavorful in just about everything, adding basil leaves or flowers to your salads, sauces, and stews aids digestion, alleviates anxiety, and reduces gas. As an annual herb, basil grows vigorously in the warm weather and is slowly dying back at this time of the year. Harvest the leaves now to freeze or dry.

Bee Balm is a bergamot with edible flowers. The leaves are spicy and the shoots can be made into a pesto just like mint or basil.  Dry the bergamot leaves and flowers to use in a steam bath to loosen phlegm and coughing.  Make an herbal compress of the plant to treat bacterial or fungal infections.  Bee balm spreads vigorously by runners just like mint. It is a pollinator attractor and can be harvested all year long.

Calendula has been used for centuries to heal burns, wounds, and rashes. It can be used topically or ingested. The edible flowers are filled with antioxidants and I love adding them to salads and frittatas.  Dried flowers can be added to stews and soups to enhance your immune system. Calendula spreads by seeds and in my garden, it flourishes year around because as a plant dies I scatter the seeds elsewhere and within a short time new plants emerge that flower quickly.

Lemongrass is not a very pretty plant but it is popular in Asian dishes and is used throughout the world as a tea to soothe many health issues including headaches, indigestion, anxiety, coughs, colds, flu, and insomnia. For motion sickness or flu, make a tea of lemon juice, catnip or mint, ginger, and basil. Like many herbal teas, lemongrass is best combined with ginger for swifter results.

Passionflower is used in teas to alleviate pain such as headaches, earaches, or cramps.  It also promotes better sleep.  In winter this vibrant vine dies back but will return in the spring, preferring a full sunshine location. It is a short-lived perennial, producing flowers for a few years before dying. The Cherokee Native Americans were known to use passionflowers to decrease inflammation from thorn wounds, although I haven’t used passionflower for this purpose…yet.

Mint is a beautiful and functional botanical herb. Mint leaves will root in a glass of water so when you find a mint that delights you, take a snip and start growing your mint garden. All mints are invasive and will take over your landscape. It’s best to keep mint in a container. Spearmint, peppermint, pineapple mint, and catnip all make excellent teas that will help ease the effects of the common cold, comfort a queasy stomach, and promote sounder sleep. As a culinary herb, it is stimulating chopped into a salad, soup, or made into a jelly.

May you benefit with wellness by visiting your garden pharmacy, Wishing you a very healthy and happy 2018.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing,

Cynthia Brian

Not To Be Missed: ⎫ Tune in to my live radio broadcast on Wednesday, January 24 from 4-5pm PT when I’ll be interviewing renowned rosarian, Michael Marriott of David Austin Roses in England. He’ll give us the tips we need to prune as well as how to plant bare root heirlooms. http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are

Read more, see photos: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1123/Digging-Deep-with-Cynthia-Brian-Garden-pharmacy.html

Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, raised in the vineyards of Napa County, is a New York Times best selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are1® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show and order her books at www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Her new book, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, is available at www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store. Available for hire. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com www.GoddessGardener.com

[fishwasmade-blog1]

The Fundamentals of Health Benefits of Tea Revealed

What Everybody Dislikes About Health Benefits of Tea and Why

Few men and women drink basil tea. Parsley tea is pretty bland with a little bit of celery aftertaste. Herbal tea may be used as a remedy for dry in addition to wet (or productive) a cough. Now that herbal teas and supplements are so easily accessible to anyone on the internet or in a retail shop, it's crucial to understand just what is found in the organic remedy you're thinking of.

Licorice tea is particularly fantastic for a productive cough. Frequently, green tea was advertised to aid with weight reduction. It seems to increase bone density that can help develop stronger bones. Some individuals may claim that green tea has some of these benefits, unfortunately, they're not acknowledged by health authorities. Because green tea is among the most studied beverages around, it's been used as therapy for numerous ailments. It contains catechins, flavonoids that can help reduce the effects of inflammation, allergic reactions, and diarrhea. Some people believe that matcha green tea is only a passing fad.

An individual can always rely on juniper tea to get rid of extra mucus and decrease chest congestion. Because of its diuretic properties, juniper tea can be useful to cleanse the kidneys. Alternately, you can choose the tea daily for fourteen days and after that stop it completely for a week. When green teas function as a normal beverage, it should be comparatively safe. It is thought to be better than black tea and oolong tea concerning health benefits.

Ginger tea may be a hindrance to the operation of the platelets that are accountable for the coagulation of blood. It is far better to earn ginger tea from fresh whole ginger as opposed to going for those packaged commercial goods or utilize ginger powder. Ginger tea may also aid in tooth pain, the pain related to menstrual cramping, and a hangover. It is found to be the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to the water. Red raspberry leaf tea is thought to be effective in increasing fertility in both women and men.

Since ancient times, teas are used as herbal treatments for a myriad of ailments. This tea is created from assorted combinations of winter spices. In pregnant women, it can sometimes increase the Braxton Hicks contractions. It is quite different from the conventional tea and is created from the ginger root. Yellow tea was created to prevent the grassy taste related to green tea. Therefore, it's thought that the tea prepared from these types of leaves can make the full procedure of childbirth faster, easier, and somewhat less painful. Black Currant tea includes tannins, which kill bacteria and decrease inflammation.

Chamomile tea and pregnancy aren't enemies of one another, if and only if the beverage isn't abused. Drinking chamomile tea is a fun experience, due to its special flavor. Hence, a cautious approach is recommended in regards to drinking chamomile tea when pregnant.

The Foolproof Health Benefits of Tea Strategy

For the simplest way, there are several odorless garlic supplements you can purchase at health food stores or pharmacies. It's thus recommended to consult a diet and nutrition expert before you really start consuming massive amounts of ginger tea on a normal basis. The anti-inflammatory diet is quite a common diet, which helps to control inflammation within the body. A normal healthier diet together with daily exercise can help you lead a wholesome life. The most suitable diet plan and a suitable quantity of exercise is the sole alternative to attain decent health. It's also important to observe your consumption of caffeine from various other sources like coffee or soda, which often contain large amounts that may only be worsened when you consume green tea in huge doses.

The Battle Over Health Benefits of Tea and How to Win It

Among the benefits for a lot of people is that artichoke extract can aid with weight reduction. Therefore, if you're on the lookout for health benefits without needing to drink caffeine, don't be fooled. Many people know of the wellness advantages of this oil to stop systemic fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Another advantage of ginger tea is that it will help to lower blood cholesterol levels. Some of the advantages of the tea are mentioned below. The advantages of pennywort tea are numerous and a lot of people utilize this tea as a health tonic. The therapeutic advantages of the herb are credited to the presence of sapogenins and triterpenoid saponins.

Maintaining joint health from a youthful age is the ideal option as it ensures you'll be mobile even if you reach your older years. Contemplating the many advantages of chamomile tea, you can get complacent in regards to the health risk involved in consuming this tea excessively. It also needs to be mentioned that this skin disease doesn't get away by itself, and hence, a proper and fast treatment is demanded. As the skin disease is extremely contagious, an individual should start looking for immediate therapy. The treatment may also be accomplished through the health care prescriptions of allopathy and homeopathy. It's essential not to take the exact same remedy daily for at least two weeks at one time or you do risk a tolerance developing.  Second, the most important all-natural treatment for an inflammatory disease is to have a healthful diet.

REFERENCE: STOREFRONT COMPANY

[wellnessroutines]

Natural cold and flu remedies: 35+ tips to keep your family healthy

With winter season in full swing, it really feels as though the whole cosmos is coughing, sneezing, as well as grumbling of aching throats, pains and discomforts, and also persistent high temperatures that remain for days at a time, and also with 4+ months left of cold and influenza season, these all-natural cold and flu solutions are more vital compared to ever.

As the mother of a feisty 5-year-old that wants to touch EVERYTHING and also chooses not to visit the physician or take medication without a significant production that's deserving of an Academy Honor, chilly as well as influenza season is a specifically difficult time for me. Few things leave me feeling as desperate as watching my pleasant girl endure when there's little to nothing I can do to assist her, so when she began to display signs of the flu virus over the Xmas holidays, I was terrified.

It started on Xmas Eve when she whined it really felt like she had a Christmas tree in her tummy, and when her presents were opened and also the covering paper was thrown out, she developed a high temperature which was quickly followed by cools, body aches, as well as lack of appetite that kept us all really feeling unpleasant and exhausted.

It wasn't fun.

But thanks to all of the remarkable similar mamas I have in my life, I have actually picked up some impressive natural cool and also influenza treatments for many years, and also with a little assistance from my BFFs, I have actually partnered with Boiron ® to share 35+ of our finest pointers to make cool as well as flu season a lot more bearable.

Whether you or your child has an aching throat, unpleasant coughing, stale nose, high temperature or discomfort, or are struggling with nausea or vomiting, vomiting, or looseness of the bowels, we have actually got natural options in order to help make the entire household feel better. Just make sure to work out care when dealing with ailments at home. Constantly contact your physician first, as well as never ever neglect signs that need medical attention!

NATURAL WAYS TO RELIEVE An ACHING THROAT

-Gargling with salt water aids with swelling and discomfort while also loosening mucus.

-The gelatin in warm Jell-O mixture is a scrumptious way to relieve sore throats. Prepare the mix inning accordance with the instructions on package, however instead of placing it right into the fridge to chill, permit it to cool down a little before consuming for relief.

-Known for its anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant homes, chamomile tea could help boost the body immune system as well as eliminate throat infections as well as infections in older kids and adults.

-Popsicles assistance maintain awkward kids moisturized while concurrently numbing their mouths and throats so they can tolerate food.

-Honey supplies a fast as well as delicious aching throat treatment - blend with cozy water or your favored tea, or lick it straight off a spoon for instantaneous relief - however prevent providing to kids under the age of One Year due to the danger of botulism.

PRO IDEA: Considering that bacteria could collect on the bristles of your toothbrush, make sure to toss it away when your sore throat dissipates to stay clear of re-infection. And also if your medical professional finishes up prescribing anti-biotics to treat a bacterial infection, transform your tooth brush midway through the course of medicine and again when you have actually completed the full round of prescription antibiotics.

COUGH REMEDIES

-Staying moisturized with lots of water is a terrific method to thin mucous, especially for little kids who are as well young for prescription coughing suppressants.

-Honey assists coat and also sooth aggravated mucous membrane layers to stifle relentless coughs in youngsters and grownups YEAR and also older, as well as can be taken on its own or combined with tea or warm water.

-Warm milk mixed with honey is a great pre-bed beverage for dry coughs as it coats the throat much better compared to honey alone, however if the coughing is wet, milk should be avoided as it has the possible to create even more mucus.

-Applying menthol rub to the feet and after that covering with socks prior to bed is an efficient means to reduce nighttime coughing. Simply make certain to utilize child-appropriate formulas and also doses.

-Inhaling steam can help loosen mucous and also hydrate respiratory tracts. For older children and grownups, just put a towel over your head and lean over a pot of warm water and take in the vapor. For more youthful kids, stand inside an enclosed bathroom with the shower transformed to the hottest setup so he could take a breath in the balmy air. In both circumstances, remain away from the warm water - the suggestion is to take advantage of the vapor only!

-For dry or wet coughs, Stodal® Honey is an effective OTC homeopathic treatment for kids aged one to 11 years. It does not create drowsiness or include medicinal active ingredients such as dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine or guaifenesin, making it a good choice to relieve coughings in kids that are as well young for coughing suppressants.

PRO IDEA: If your kid wakes in the middle of the evening with a cough that makes it challenging for her to breathe, pack her up and also take her outdoors into the chilly air to see if it helps open her airway. If this doesn't assist, call 911!

CONGESTION RELIEF

-The antiviral and antifungal properties of garlic make it a widely known all-natural treatment for nasal congestion. Steam it in water and after that sip throughout the day, eat it raw if you could tolerate it, or include it to your preferred poultry soup dish for relief.

-Saline sprays can aid loosen up mucus so it can be eliminated extra easily.

-Stodal® Multi-Symptom supplies an effective homeopathic choice used to deal with cold symptoms such as nasal blockage, dripping nose, sneezing, small sore throat, dry or efficient coughing, or upper body blockage when other natural home remedy confirm ineffective. Advised for grownups and also youngsters aged one year and also older, it's non-drowsy formula can be utilized night and day to maintain the entire household comfortable!

-Sleeping with extra pillows can help open airways for those that sleep ideal on their back.

-Avoid dairy and sugar, as they have the tendency to make blockage worse.

-In addition to assisting with coughings, inhaling steam and applying menthol rubs could assist relieve nasal congestion.

-Cold compresses could help reduce pain triggered by inflamed, busy sinuses.

-An effective OTC homeopathic medication, Coryzalia® is recognized to aid ease cool signs such as nasal congestion, sneezing, dripping nose, and rhinitis.

PRO IDEA: Consume dishes standing given that sitting and also resting has a propensity to earn nasal blockage worse.

FEVER RELIEF

-Staying hydrated is the finest all-natural solution to maintain a fever in control. Maintain a glass handy in any way times and also consider points like popsicles, watermelon, as well as grapes for young kids.

-Cold washcloths related to the forehead as well as the back of the neck can help keep high temperatures under control.

-Cold wet socks could aid soothe a high temperature by attracting the blood to the feet. Saturate your feet in warm water initially for optimum effect.

-Eating spicy food can help in reducing a fever by making the body sweat, so think about including a little cayenne to your meals!

PRO POINTER: When fever strikes, removing your kid down and also providing him a warm bath could do more harm than good. If he starts shivering, his body temperature will temporarily rise, making his high temperature even worse.

FLU REMEDIES

-Alleviate pains and also discomforts by saturating in a cozy bath with Epsom salts or using a hot water bottle.

-Sleep as high as feasible, and invest your waking hrs doing something relaxing. Read a book, enjoy TELEVISION, or whatever else you could to permit your body to heal.

-Whip up a batch of your grandmother's famous chicken soup. It's said to serve as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it an outstanding all-natural treatment for colds as well as flus.

-Oscillococcinum® is a natural treatment that provides alleviation of flu-like symptoms, consisting of body pains, headache, high temperature, as well as cools. Appropriate for children and adults, Oscillococcinum is the entire family's ally versus the influenza, so ensure to maintain enough on hand!

PRO SUGGESTION: Beginning taking Oscillococcinum ® at the very first start of flu-like symptoms as well as repeat 2 more dosages at 6-hour intervals.

NATURAL WAYS TO TREAT THROWING UP AND ALSO DIARRHEA

-Reduce liquid intake. Giving way too much fluid also quickly could make vomiting as well as looseness of the bowels worse and also lead to dehydration. Beginning with a tbsp of water or level ginger ale, wait to see if it can be endured, and after that increase.

-Electrolyte solutions could assist fend off dehydration. Check your neighborhood pharmacy or supermarket for child-friendly options that you could keep in your fridge or freezer to avoid dehydration when belly pests strike.

-Avoid solid foods and stick to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, as well as toast).

-Brew a cup of chamomile tea. Its anti-inflammatory properties could aid relieve digestive discomfort in older youngsters and also adults.

-Ginger offers a magnificent all-natural therapy for queasiness. Peel, cut, and boil fresh ginger then sip to deal with a distressed tummy.

PRO SUGGESTION: Usage towels rather than blankets as they are a lot more absorptive and less complicated to clean, and dual (or three-way) sheet your child's bed with water-proof bed mattress covers to earn middle-of-the-night bed changes easier.

Phew! With numerous cool and influenza treatments to select from - including homeopathic treatments readily available from Boiron - it's tough to recognize where to begin, yet with a little experimentation, you will soon locate which options work best for you and also your family.

To locate out more regarding Boiron - the # 1 brand of natural medicines recommended by pharmacists * - and also the medicines they provide, CLICK HERE.

You can likewise comply with Boiron on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and also YouTube.

This is a sponsored message. All point of views are my own.

* Pharmacy Practice+ and Profession Santé 2015 Survey on OTC Counselling as well as Recommendations.

[lotsofdogs]

Preparing Your Medicine Chest for Cold Weather

Cold weather brings with it a new assortment of maladies and potential ailments. Preparing your medicine chest ahead of time prevents emergency runs to the drug store.

Use the following tips and ideas to help get ready for whatever comes your way this winter.

Cold and Flu Medicines

Winter usually means it’s cold and flu season. Whether you get a flu shot or not, it’s good to be prepared for a multitude of cold symptoms. Instead of purchasing a one-pill-does-it-all type of solution, aim to buy or make products that treat one symptom.

For example, you don’t need to take cold medicine if you only have a stuffy nose. Cold medicine usually contains cough medicine, fever reducers and even antihistamines. All you really need for a stuffy nose is a decongestant.

Consider purchasing the following:

Decongestant – (We recommend InstaClear Sinus Relief)

Fever reducer – (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprophen)

Antihistamines – (We recommend SOS HistaDrops)

Cough medicine – (We recommend Mucus-Clear)

Additionally, there are some natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms – including a vaporizer or humidifier and petroleum jelly for raw, irritated noses. Eucalyptus oil and camphor oil in your vaporizer can also help clear stuffy noses. (You can find these oils at StarWest Botanicals)

Honey and loquat syrup are also good natural cough suppressants. And don’t forget to stock up on facial tissues!

Stomach Distress

In most cases a simple antacid can do the trick for stomach issues. However, if you have the stomach flu or food poisoning then Bismuth subsalicylate, the ingredient found in Kaopectate, can help.

Activated charcoal is also a natural remedy that works for upset stomachs and food poisoning in particular. It’s good to have on hand. Loperamide, the ingredient in Imodium, helps with diarrhea and a natural laxative is good on hand if anyone is constipated. (Learn more about the benefits of activated charcoal here.)

First Aid

Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a fully stocked first aid kit in your medicine cabinet. Bumps, bruises, and injuries happen year round and during the winter you may not want to run out to the pharmacy to grab something, especially if the roads are bad.

A well-stocked first aid kit will include:

Antibacterial creams – (You can easily make your own by using antibacterial herbs and oils)

Antiseptic – (here’s a great recipe for a natural antiseptic for first-aid)

Bandages in a variety of sizes

Tweezers

Wraps, gauze, and pads

Anti-itch creams – (Itch Dr is also good to have on hand)

Anti-fungal creams and powders – (Here’s recipes for: Anti-Fungal Salve and an Anti-Fungal Blend – and here is a listing of anti-fungal oils)

Muscle ache creams – (arnica is a natural treatment for sprains, strains, and bruises. Here is a great diy recipe for muscle aches and pains)

Epsom salts

Thermometer

Scissors

The Red Cross recommends checking your first aid kit on a regular basis. Once you’ve stocked it for the winter, consider placing a notice on your calendar to check it again in the spring. You just can never tell what the winter months have in store for you and your family.

By preparing your medicine chest in advance for the possibilities, it means you can get a head start treating any illness or emergency.

Related Natural Products:

Throat and Tonsil Dr – Homeopathic remedy to relieve symptoms of sore throats and inflamed tonsils Beta Glucan – Natural immune system booster to strengthen immune system health and protect the body against viral and bacterial infections Mucus-Clear – Homeopathic remedy reduces phlegm and thick mucus plus relieves throat congestion InstaClear Sinus Relief – Herbal remedy instantly clears sinus congestion Immu-Stay – Natural supplement boosts the immune system Why do we promote this?

[Read More ...] http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/preparing-medicine-chest-cold-weather/

[gypsysouladventr-blog]

I was quite surprised when I arrived in Morocco, how modern it looked, and that it actually had night clubs, casinos and bars. The buildings reminded me of those you find in New Mexico in the United States. The flat topped roofs, and all the buildings were a Clay Red color adorned with embrasures that are distinctly Moroccan with a touch of Moorish influence on them.

The air here is warm and dry, but I could see that the people knew how to dress for the weather when it gets extremely hot here. In the winter months (Nov-Feb) Average Highs are 73F (23C)-68F (20C), for the Summer months (March-October) it can range anywhere from 110F (39C)-to a cooler 77F (25C); so the best times to visit are really in March, April and October — if you are like me and have a hard time in the hotter weather. The humidity is not as bad here as it is in Rabat or the coastal cities, so expect it to be more of a drier climate. Nights can be relatively cool, but never reaching below 42F, and rarely going above 70F. For this reason, this is a city that is much livelier at night, and sleeps in til around 11am. If you are an early riser, I suggest you grab something to snack on for breakfast, unless you are ok with having brunch.

I stayed in an apartment on Geliz street, a main thoroughfare of Marrakech. It had nice furnishings, a great AC, hot shower, washer, and a refrigerator with a working flat screen TV. There are other apartments & guest houses on this street that are a great location, typically have security at the door for you to check in with & prevent anyone who shouldn’t be coming to see you from even entering the building. I mistakenly went to the wrong elevators, and before the doors even opened, the security guard led me to the correct elevators. It was nice to know that they were actually just doing their job, and not watching television while on duty. The apartment was quiet (for a city apartment). Just realize the construction in Morocco doesn’t use insulation like America does, so you will hear the chairs above you, or doors closing in the hallway — but conversations not as much, only if the people above you are talking quite loud. Most of the buildings are cement. This helps cut costs for cooling and such as most of the nights are cool and it helps retain that coolness throughout the day.

If you are looking to stay at a fancier hotel (note: I am not sponsored to say this) – this one is a great location, with super nice and traditional Moroccan Décor. Typically you cannot enter places like this unless you are either a hotel guest, or have a reservation. We just politely asked the security guards and they let us in to take a look around & encouraged the photos 🙂

The best way to find these guest houses is either through booking.com, or Avito. If you have a local guide with you, they will likely have a friend or two that has a guest house you could use, that you will likely get a great deal on as well.

Breakfast, as I mentioned is taken late in the evening. Most people sit out on the patio, and I would say about 1/2 of them typically smoke. There is not etiquette here like in the States regarding second-hand smoke, so don’t be offended or give dirty looks if someone next to you is smoking like chimney, I don’t think the effects of second-hand smoke is widely discussed in the population in Morocco. Just ask to move to another table upwind 🙂 Eggs are great here, and Moroccan “bacon” is actually shredded beef (and its delicious). Olives are common pre-meal ‘appetite openers’, and given that I am not much of an olive fan, I became an olive fan here. The black ones are the best, with a little bit of the cheese on it. I don’t really know what most of the food I ate here was, I only know that 99% of it was fantastic & so delicious I want to go back just to have seconds 😉 If you have any allergies to particular foods, or aversions to particular foods, make sure you write them down on a pad of paper in either Arabic or French (if you can’t write Arabic, then take a screen shot and have it on hand when ordering). For example I would just show them the photo for Paviron Rouge (Red Peppers), and then say La, and grab my stomach and make a very pained face. This got the message across, and I never had a problem. If I tried to say it, it never got the message across. But for those Moroccans who do speak French, most of them know what Allergia (Allergy) means.

I was able to visit the Atlas Mountains while in Marrakech, and they are much taller than I imagined, we were there when it was slightly cloudy, so it was difficult to get a decent picture of them.

But they are well worth the visit, as there are cafe’s where you can literally sit in the middle of a river and drink the classic Moroccan Mint Tea from a Berber. I also was able to have an interview with a Berber man in the mountains, check out that interview on our YouTube channel “Gypsy Soul Adventure”, where I was able to be humbled by this man who was attempting to provide for TWO families, was an Immam to his city (a Muslim religious leader in the community), and was so happy and kind and tried to give me a necklace for free for buying 3 of them.

I couldn’t take the free necklace, but those necklaces are now the most prized possession I have with me from that trip (along with my sandals that I will tell you about later)– mostly because of the story behind the person I received it from. I realize I take WAY too much for granted in my life, and need to be more grateful for everything I do have. Its easy to fall into the trap of ‘need, need, need’  and/or ‘want, want, want’. There are so many people who are happy in this world just literally by being able to put food in their children’s mouths, or give everything they have and are just to be able to send them to school.

Next we went to the Menara Gardens and Pavillion , we visited these on our way out to the Atlas Mountains. There are fish there that are fun to feed, and men playing gimbri’s. It doesn’t have the pizzaz that other places inside Marrakech do, but if you think about how amazing it is that someone built this place in the 12th century, explore the nooks and crannies of the building, and realize that this was a place of gathering, reflection, and a place to get away from the busy city rhythm, then I think you may appreciate just how incredible it is that something built so long ago is still standing today.

In addition to that, the Olive Trees surrounding this place are actually cultivated and olives gleaned and given to the poorer areas of the region for the people to have a source of income. If you go there and expect to see a lush garden with lots of photo ‘ops’ then this is probably not the place for you.

But if you go realizing that this was actually built by the Sultan in the early Saadi dynasty; who increased his power by controlling a water source & did I mention it was built in the 12th Century! Then you may appreciate this place of reflection and peace. Make sure to go in the morning, as this can get quite hot here. Plus its free to get in here 🙂

We attempted to get into Jardin Marjorelle, but the line was literally around the block, its not free, and it was starting to get really warm and we had to drive to Essouira so I nixed that plan and decided to head to Essouira. Some may be shocked I didn’t take the opportunity to do this, but you have to understand, I’m not a ‘crowd’ or super touristy area kind of person, I like the places where the local people go. I like to get to know what makes the people in a particular city peaceful, and how they live their life. I’m not really into posing or getting that perfect Instagram photo that takes 20 minutes out of your day, but I could talk to stranger in a strange land (at least strange to me) for hours about their story, and how they approach their problems that life throws at them etc….etc…. But for those of you who like to see these places, then I would suggest the Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace as well as the Ben Youssef Madrasa. These are beautiful places that command a certain amount of respect with any photo you take.

I did go to Jamaa el-fna, or the famous Medina in Marrakech whose vibe changes from day to night and so do the shops. El-fna actually means (to some) Armeggedon, or the Assembly of the dead, or Mosque at the End of the World. It has a lot of different meanings, and has been used for many different things throughout the centuries. In 1050 AD it was actually used for public executions, then it was renovated along with much of the city after the Almohads took over in 1147 AD; and after many rises and falls was eventually turned into a thriving market that both local and tourists visit.

During the day you can find orange juice stalls, Leather, Barbary apes you can hold, snake charmers (yes really, and just like you see in the movies), the shops are all open, the smell of spices and dates and olives fill the air. This particular spice shop featured above actually had a traditional sinus cleansing ‘spice’ that was placed in a small cup of hot water, and I’m telling you, I was still smelling that stuff about 20 minutes later. I figure it must be what they use in smelling salts because it was pretty potent. I don’t know what the name of it was, but it actually looked like small clear white crystals, that when placed in hot water puts out an even more potent smell. I found it fascinating that most of the people in Morocco actually found Americans to be overmedicated, they feel that the pharmacy industry was actually making people in America sicker than helping them heal. So places like this spice shop, actually double as a sort of apothecary that gives locals traditional ways of healing common ailments. Very interesting to me, as I work in the medical field; and yet I disagreed with this thought as well, as one of my traveling companions shared that his brother actually passed away from an Asthma attack. Something that would have been so simple to remedy, if they had the appropriate medicine. It made me sad that there wasn’t more public knowledge about simple medications like this.

Then as the sun sets, the shops close, and the traditional dancing Berber men with their twirling hats come in, Moroccan lanterns are lit with tiny candles, the smell of meat fills the air with smoke wafting above the square and can make you salivate to partake of it even if you are still a mile from the square.

There is also an abundant flowing of Moroccan Mint tea of course, the best way to enjoy the square is on a Café Terrace overlooking the square. This way you are not hounded by the dancing Berber men wanting to put a hat on your head and take a photo for $2-$3.

If you take a photo, or get excited about a particular item you wish to purchase, it will likely cost you money in this place. As opposed to during the day, where locals come to buy supplies at the Souk’s (traditional North African Market) where bartering is expected & the craftsman that make the traditional souvenirs will likely cost you much less if you go directly to them.

Where do you find the craftsmen? They are usually along the side alleys, that you may have to duck around some of the souvenirs that the shop owners use to hide the view of these side streets. They are so kind, and so helpful and really would do anything to help you out; BUT most of the time they don’t speak English, so if you have a guide with you, they can help translate for you, and it makes it totally worth it. I had some sandals custom made for me for $15 & I loved every second of it. It really made me feel so special that someone would go to that length and take such pride in making me something like that, just because it would feel better to walk in, with my bad feet. I can’t tell you how much that touched my heart.

This little guy really touched my heart so much. Just the look on his face, the innocence and being able to catch that unguarded moment, where he just is enjoying being with his brothers. His brothers, who had been doing this for the last 17 years, told me that the shop belonged to their father, and this father before him. And it is a huge traditional thing to actually, as the Moroccan say, “follow in the footsteps of your father”, where typically these shops are handed down for generations at a time, or given to close family members to run the business and carry-on.

Overall, I found Marrakech very fancy, very modern & full of interesting stories and history. Because it is a tourist hub for both the world and Morocco, I was ready to leave after about 3 days; but definitely would love to go back for a visit, if only to participate more in the festivities of Jamaa el-fna; and would likely spend a few days camping up with the Berber people in the High Atlas Mountains as they are able to tell you the stories of their ancestors who have been there since the beginning of time. If you have any questions about where to visit, where to stay, and how to get around in Marrakech feel free to email me at gypsysouladventure@gmail.com

The Sin City of Morocco…Marrakech. Tips for those traveling here. I was quite surprised when I arrived in Morocco, how modern it looked, and that it actually had night clubs, casinos and bars.