Well, with the sun out and the plants thriving, I was most surprised to discover yesterday that my poor neglected dahlias had survived the winter in a very blustery and exposed spot. The basil is doing well, but unfortunately the catmint has succumbed to the enthusiastic nibbling of 4 cats (who fiercely defend the remaining pathetic looking stalks from the neighbouring attempts at consumption). Rather amusingly, I was told only on a few days ago that curry plants and lemon balm repel the cats – however as the catmint is next to it, I’ve decided the smells cancel each other out, or rather, the catmint plainly overpowers the rest. Felix loves laying under the curry plant and on top of all the self seeded lemon balm plantlings.
With the cats depositing their coats everywhere except outside – everything I own is covered in cat hair – I am decided that the next cats I have will be furless….! Recent combing sessions of my half-ragdoll tortishell left the bin full, her writhing in ecstasy chirping for more – but with a rapid case of RSI developing, I have retired to the lounge to do some much disturbed “work” in the few minutes of peace before another cat descends to sprawl on the paperwork in front of the laptop! The new young leaves of lemon balm, by the way – fresh and delicious in a cup of freshly boiled water as your morning drink.
The lovely recent sunshine (long may it last) made us consider skin problems, not least of which was unexpected sunburn!! However, sunlight can really help the skin, clearing up spots and eczema, but for some, it is an agonising time of year to expose unsightly problems.
Skin problems affect almost all of us at some stage in our life. From eczema to acne, scarring to age spots, nature can help in the battle to have clearer looking skin. Let’s start with a run down of the common skin complaints and sort out the facts and myths about them!
Acne – this affects the pores of the skin. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, a mix of oils and waxes, which lubricates the skin and helps to prevent water loss. These glands are found mostly on the face, back, chest and shoulders and it is these areas that are affected by acne. In acne vulgaris manifests as blackheads, white heads and inflamed areas and affects the hair follicles and oil secreting glands. Acne conglobata is more severe with deep cyst formation and subsequent scarring. The increase in testosterone at puberty in both boys and girls causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum, the pores get blocked and bacteria overgrow, releasing enzymes that promote inflammation.
Dry skin is an extremely common condition, which results from a reduction in the moisture content of the outer layer of skin. The symptoms include scaling, flaking, loss of flexibility, cracking, fissures and itching. The severity depends upon the level of dehydration, which begins when the water content falls below 10%.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an intensely itchy, inflammatory disease of the skin. It is commonly found on the face, wrists and insides of the elbows and knees. Although it may occur at any age, it is most common in infants. Research has shown that up to 75% of childhood eczema cases could be resolved by simple dietary changes.
Hives, or urticaria, are localised swellings of the skin. They usually itch intensely and are caused by the release of histamine within the skin. 1 in 5 people will suffer from hives at some stage in their life, in adults it is predominantly caused by medication, in children the cause is usually food additives or infections.
Psoriasis – this is an extremely common condition caused by a pileup of skin cells that have replicated too rapidly. A number of dietary factors appear to be responsible, including incomplete protein digestion, alcohol consumption and excessive consumption of animal fats, due to the extra strain these put on the liver. It occurs equally in men and women at any age, but incidence peaks in the 20-35 age group.
Rosacea is a chronic acne like eruption on the face of middle aged and older adults associated with facial flushing. The primary involvement occurs over the flush areas of the cheeks and nose. Women are three times more likely to suffer from rosacea than men, although men have it more severely. Many factors are suspected as being causative agents, including alcoholism, menopause, local infections, B vitamin deficiencies and decreased production of digestive factors.
Spring Clean Your Skincare Regime with 100% Natural Products
With so many of us now suffering from such a wide variety of skin conditions and a growing awareness of the ingredients in many bodycare products, it is no real surprise that the natural bodycare market is ever increasing. Originally started with campaigns against animal testing, the consumer are now more aware than ever of the increased risks associated with chemical based products. When a recent study showed that a newborn child had chemicals known as parabens, in their bloodstream which had been absorbed through the mother’s use during pregnancy then the media really got behind the push for more natural bodycare.
Some of the nasties to be found in regular products include:
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate – a petrochemical foaming agent which is used in garages to degrease cars, great to make lots of bubbles and lather, but it is also linked to many cases of eczema, psoriasis, sebborhaic dermatitis and much more. It also mimics oestrogen once absorbed and also is often contaminated with dioxane, a known carcinogenic agent.
Parabens – these chemicals are often in used in differing forms. All were shown in a large study in 1998 to mimic oestrogen within the body and more recently have been shown to absorbed to the extent of passing from mother to unborn child.
Aluminium – often used in commercial deodorants, many studies have linked the use of these deodorants with increased rates of breast cancer.
Charlotte Vohtz, founder of Green People, decided to formulate her own organic, 100% natural skin care range for her daughter. Watching her daughter suffering from eczema and seeing the lack of natural creams and bodycare available, Charlotte began to formulate her own creams and washes. When she realised the demand was so large, Green People was founded. Now incorporating Organic Guys, Organic Base, Organic Children and the Organic Babies ranges, Green People provide excellent products at affordable prices. With a fully comprehensive range, you can choose from a variety of shampoos, conditioners, body washes, deodorants, face creams, cleansers and toners. The Organic Base range of products contains no essential oils and only very bland base products. This makes them suitable for even the most sensitive skins and for frequent use.
So next time you decide to stay in and have a lovely bath while washing your hair, read the ingredients label and you might just decide to give the hair washing a miss this time!
Natural Supplements
Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas 3, 6 & 9) – Essential Fatty Acids play an important role in skin conditions, both in hydrating the skin from the inside and also as an anti inflammatory agent. Omega 3 has been shown to greatly reduce inflammation within the body and on the skin, while Omega 6 is great for nourishing the skin. Seed oils, such as Flaxseed, Hemp, Safflower and Coconut all provide rich sources of all the omegas and taste far nicer than the traditional fish based source of omega 3!
Chickweed – Chickweed ointment is a superb way to relieve the itching associated with eczema and other non-specific skin conditions. Suitable for frequent use, it is also suitable for all ages, making it a great ointment for baby and childhood eczema.
Helpful Hints!
Many skin conditions arise from dietary and lifestyle problems. General things you can do include:
•Drink water!! Failing to drink 2 litres (that’s 4 pints or 8 tall glasses) a day will lead to dehydrated, tired and lifeless skin, and that’s without any other skin complaints!
•Avoid dairy products. The high levels of cheese, butter, milk and chocolate in many diets causes the liver to struggle and also produces mucous.
•Reduce your intake of oranges and orange juice. These can make many inflammatory skin conditions worsen.
•Avoid chemical based bodycare products. Look for those without parabens and sodium laureth sulphate, especially in shampoos and shower gels.
•Wear natural clothing fibres as much as possible and use a natural or non-biological clothes detergent.
•Remember that skin conditions rarely appear quickly and almost never disappear overnight. Stick with your new regime and give it your best shot. Eczema and other skin conditions can be stubborn but WILL clear up with the right treatment, lifestyle and diet.
A.Vogels Favourite Skin Remedies
Many of us enjoy the beautiful plants in our gardens, but did you know that wild pansies also have great beneficial properties for the skin?
Viola tricolor (Wild Pansy) is particularly useful in treating eczema, dermatitis, acne and other non-specific skin conditions. Viola contains soap like molecules, called saponins, which are able to soothe inflamed areas and, in part, are responsible for the soothing effect of this herb. The saponin component also makes viola an eliminative remedy by enhancing removal of waste products from the skin. Viola also contains high levels of flavonoids which have the ability to stabilise the capillary membranes. This is important in inflammatory conditions, especially those of the skin.
Viola is a gentle remedy, which is suitable for both adults and children with no restrictions on contra-indicated medications or long term usage.
Aloe Vera has been used in wound healing for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians used it in 1,500 BC for skin problems and infections and the Greek physician Dioscorides recommended its use externally for wounds, haemorrhoids, ulcers and hair loss. Internally it has a cleansing effect on the digestive tract, making it useful for sufferers of psoriasis. It helps in better digestion and break down of proteins, thus enabling the liver to function more efficiently. The complex combined with Milk Thistle and Chamomile also has a soothing effect on inflamed skin as well as a marked effect on improving liver function.
We all know of the benefits of Chamomile as a calming and soothing agent, but did you know how effective the cream can be? German Chamomile contains azulene, which is commonly used in dermatological products and cosmetics for its anti inflammatory properties. It is also an abundant source of minerals which contributes antiseptic and emollient properties to the cream. Mixed with seven other herbs, A.Vogel’s Chamomile ointment is a great remedy to keep around for any unpleasant skin conditions and is an invaluable asset to the first aid kit of every home!
Treatments
For the more stubborn problems, a course of therapy may be more suitable in combination with some of the solutions discussed above.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China over 2000 years ago and is a healing system that has been used and developed since then in many parts of the world. It is currently used in hospitals throughout China and is practised alongside Western medicine, both contributing equally to the provision of health care.
Kiji Natural Skincare & Bespoke Facials
Kirsty of Kiju skincare offers bespoke and natural skincare and facials from the Complementary Health Care Clinic in Norwich, and also runs courses on Uplift Facial Massage, Thai Foot Massage, and Indian Head Massage from the same premises. What’s extra special about Kirsty’s treatments is that she has all the products that she uses professionally made to her own specifications, and you can purchase her skincare products following your consultation. Choose from the Kiju treatment plus…a pampering 90 minutes of facial massage, masque and a hand and foot massage to a simple Indian head massage or 25 minutes of enzyme therapy – all come with Kirsty’s care and expertise.
Reiki Healing
Tripuri Dunne offers Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki. Reiki, prounounced Ray-Key, is a Japanese word which means universal life energy. It is also the name given to a system of natural healing for body, mind and spirit. The power of Reiki lies in its simplicity. Reiki energy flows through the hands to wherever it is needed in the body. It is completely safe. Reiki is received in the same way that a plant takes up water and is absorbed only when it is needed. As an experienced teacher and practitioner of the Usui Shiki Ryoho system of Reiki, Tripuri offers one-to-one teaching as well as Reiki courses. She is recognised as a practitioner and teaching master by the Reiki Association and the Reiki Alliance.
Metamorphic Technique
The Metamorphic Technique is a unique tool for personal transformation and growth. This simple yet profound approach to growth, transformation and personal development can easily be learned in a weekend or evening workshop, by parents, practitioners and individuals.
The practice of the Metamorphic Technique involves a light touch along the spinal reflex points on feet, hands and head. It may be either seated or lying down – whichever you find most comfortable. Some people go into a very deep space and may fall sleep, others prefer to sit up and chat. It makes no difference which you choose. Whatever else happens, most people find a MT session very relaxing and enjoyable. It can be used by anyone – young or old, healthy or infirm, human or animal. Within the first few minutes of touching the feet, babies often go into a state of deep stillness with great attention and awareness seemingly focused within.
Uplift/Indian Face Massage
Offered by both Kirsty and Tripuri, this indulgent and pampering treatment will help your skin to
This treatment can be combined with a Kiju bespoke facial, a Reiki treatment, or The Metamorphic technique for an overall 10% discount.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a method of treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the feet and the hands. In the feet, there are reflex areas corresponding to all the parts of the body and these areas are arranged in such a way as to form a map of the body in the feet with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot corresponding to the left side of the body. By having the whole body represented in the feet, the method offers a means of treating the whole body and of treating the body as a whole. This latter point is an important factor of a natural therapy and allows not only symptoms to be treated but also the causes of symptoms.
Deep Tissue & Therapeutic Massage
Massage has both physical and psychological effects. Perhaps one of the most common reasons to have massage is the general aches and pains in the muscles and joints, however both therapeutic and deep tissue massage use both relaxing and where appropriate, stimulating techniques to affect the skin, muscles, blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, and internal organs. Therefore, massage can work on the skin both through the use of therapeutic oils, and though relaxation. Massage should always be a comfortable experience, alleviating stress, fatigue and waste build up in the body, which collectively are the most common underlying reasons for any presenting symptoms.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic treatment has a long history of success in treating stubborn skin complaints. For the best results, consult a registered, qualified homeopath.
The Complementary Health Care Clinic has a large team of 5, full time registered homeopaths. All work either for The Natural Food Store or The Homeopathic College of East Anglia on the lecturing team.
