Mind & Body Connection

21/12/2025

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a flowering plant native to western Asia and eastern Europe. The seeds are commonly used as a spice in curries and on bread and vegetables. There is an impressive body of accumulated clinical evidence for this herb, mostly from the Middle East, for a variety of uses.
Now research combining laboratory experiments and a human trial reveals that black cumin seed not only downregulates in vitro the genes that drive fat cell formation but also improves cholesterol levels, highlighting further its potential as a natural approach to supporting healthier metabolic outcomes.
This clinical trial was led by scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan: 22 participants who consumed 5 g of black cumin seed powder each day showed a decrease in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and an increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) after just 8 weeks. The 20 people in the control group showed no such changes.
This was a reasonably designed, short, single blind RCT showing 7 to 10% reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C, with a 5% improvement in HDL-C. No appetite suppression was observed and there was no overt toxicity. With its limitations (no placebo, small number, short duration, per-protocol analysis, no body-weight data), this is good supportive clinical evidence, but is not definitive.
Of particular interest are the combined effects of lowering LDL-C while boosting HDL-C.

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21/12/2025

Sometimes we overindulge and tip our bodies out of balance. Support digestion and liver health over the holidays with these herbal hints:
🌿 If you’re feeling rather full after Christmas lunch, a cup of Peppermint tea can support digestion and help relieve indigestion, nausea, dyspepsia, bloating and flatulence.
🌱 Chew on Fennel seeds. With a sweet aniseed flavour, Fennel helps settle the stomach and support digestion after rich, fatty foods. With appetite stimulating and carminative actions, Fennel eases spasming in the digestive tract and may ease digestive discomfort.
🫚 Ginger root is used in Western herbal medicine for stimulating appetite and relieving nausea, indigestion and flatulence. Add fresh Ginger to curries, stir fries, baking and teas to enjoy the herbal benefits.
🌼 A daily Dandelion root tea supports digestion and liver function due to its bitter action and ability to promote bile flow and relieve constipation.

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06/11/2025

Would you like to find out more about this amazing herb?

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40711608/

06/11/2025

Traditionally, herbalists have used elecampane to treat coughs, particularly those associated with bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.

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04/11/2025

Elderflower benefits include traditional uses for respiratory issues like colds, flu, and sinus infections, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-calming properties. It contains antioxidants and bioflavonoids that can help protect cells from damage.

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03/11/2025

This in an amazing herb, it helps with relief of upper respiratory tract infections, including mild tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cold and flu. Relief of mild bronchitis. To support the body's resistance to infections of all kinds. Skin complaints, boils. Internally and topically to support healthy wound healing. Internally and topically for mild mouth ulcers. Topically as a gargle to relieve mild tonsillitis. Topically as a mouthwash to support healthy gums.

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03/11/2025

D**g Quai benefits include supporting women's reproductive health by regulating menstrual cycles and easing cramps, nourishing blood and improving circulation, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

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01/11/2025

Devil's Claw functions primarily as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, used to relieve pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lower back pain. It also has traditional uses it can aid digestion, act as a bitter tonic, and potentially help with weight loss by suppressing appetite.

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31/10/2025

The herb Dandelion Root is great for indigestion and a sluggish liver. It supports a healthy gallbladder function. It's great for relief of constipation and skin complaints.
Supports normal detoxification processes for healthy connective tissue, muscles and joints.

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30/10/2025

Dandelion leaves are a Vitamin Powerhouse: The leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, and also contain vitamin E, folate, and other B vitamins.
Mineral-Rich: They provide essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Support healthy elimination via the kidneys.
Supports Digestion: The leaf has been used in traditional medicine to treat constipation and improve overall digestive health.

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29/10/2025

Danshen is considered one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines and has widespread use in Asian countries. Traditionally, danshen has been used to improve bodily functioning, as well as to treat bleeding, abnormal menstruation, miscarriage, swelling, insomnia, and hepatitis.
As well as for circulation problems, stroke, chest pain (angina pectoris), and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

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29/10/2025

The herb Damiana is great for nervousness, anxiety, depression. Nervous bloating & constipation. Sexual inadequacy, impotence & frigidity.

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