The Gut Health Herbalist

09/11/2023

My garden has been so busy over the summer!! The pumpkin patch has completely died back now but my dresser is stacked to the brim with these colourful little beauties 🎃🌱

There's something so special about watching the seasons change, and these squashes capture that feeling perfectly. It’s a real reminder that there is a timeless wisdom and pleasure in the simplicity of growing things yourself.

Incorporating seasonal, homegrown produce into your diet is a amazing way to connect with nature and prioritise your health. Squashes also have a load of nutritional benefits! - They're great used as a healthy low-carb alternative to potatoes.

They spike your blood sugar a lot less than potatoes and are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin c, and B6 - fantastic for your immune system and essential for energy production.

08/11/2023

Stress can take a huge toll on our well-being, and finding natural ways to unwind and de-stress is essential. This Wednesday, we're diving into the soothing world of herbal stress relief. 🌱

Herbal Stress Relief:
Explore the calming power of herbs with a soothing tea. Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passionflower or a little bit of Lavender are all fantastic choices for strengthening our nervous system and even better - they taste lovely! These Herbs can help ease tension, promote relaxation, and bring tranquility into your day.

Breathe Deeply:
Don't underestimate the power of deep, mindful breathing. A few minutes of conscious breathing can help slow your heart rate, clear your mind, and reduce stress.

Disconnect to Reconnect:
Take a break from screens and social media. Disconnecting can help you reconnect with nature, yourself, and the simple pleasures in life. Blue light produced by screens can directly stimulate our sympathetic nervous system, over time leading to stress and anxiety.

Cold Water Therapy:
Another natural stress-relief technique to consider is cold water immersion. Whether it's a cold shower or a brisk dip in natural water, the invigorating effects of cold water can work wonders for your well-being. I personally love to take a dip in the sea on a cold winter’s morning, it’s a challenge to overcome the mental hurdle of going in but you feel amazing afterwards! There are so many

Share Your Stress Relief Tips:
What's your go-to stress relief technique? Share your favourite herbal remedy, relaxation ritual, or mindfulness practice in the comments below. Let's support each other on our wellness journey.

Remember, stress relief is a journey, and small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Take time for self-care and find moments of serenity in your day.

07/11/2023

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐯𝐬. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬.💡

𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡: 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

So, you may have heard that Herbal Medicine is nothing more than folklore, with no scientific foundation.

But here's the truth: Herbal medicine is deeply rooted in centuries of wisdom, and for most people in the world, it’s still their main form of healthcare.

While it's true that herbal remedies don't always get the same research funding as pharmaceuticals, it doesn't mean they lack scientific credibility.

Unfortunately there just isn’t any money to be made by investing in Herbal Medicine research because Herbs unlike drugs can never be trademarked or copyrighted.

They are our collective treasure - open and available to anyone!

Despite all the odds stacked against researching Herbs, the scientific evidence supporting Herbal Medicine is still robust and growing!

A Global Legacy of Healing 🌎
For millions worldwide, Herbal Medicine isn't an alternative; it's the cornerstone of health. Cultures outside the Western world still rely on herbs, passing down their knowledge through generations. These remedies are often the first line of defence, and for good reason - they’re safe and effective.

The Hidden Science 📚
Not only are Herbal Medicines still the primary healthcare for many worldwide, they’re also at the very foundation of modern Medicine. Take Aspirin, a drug that we all know - it's derived from beautiful Meadowsweet, or maybe Quinine, extracted from the thick red bark of the tropical cinchona tree - it’s still sometimes used today to treat Malaria! There are countless hundreds of plants that have influenced and continue to influence Medicine today.

🌱 Join the Conversation 🌱
Let's break these myths together! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with Herbal Medicine in the comments. Whether you're a new to natural medicine or a seasoned enthusiast, let's explore the healing power of herbs and the science behind it together.

06/11/2023

Nature has this quiet way of empowering us.

Sitting in the forest and just listening is a gentle reminder for me that healing isn't a complex process.

It's about connection. It's about rediscovering the fundamental principals that underpin our health. It's the wonder of embracing the simple things.

Sometimes all we have to do is trust the journey.

Share your favourite way to connect with nature in the comments below. Whether it's a walk in the woods, gardening, or something completely different, let's cherish the moments that remind us of our deep connection to Mother Earth and to each other 🌎

05/11/2023

Real, homemade soups and broths with plenty of collagen are truly a superfood for the body and mind!

Healing for the gut lining, the joints and the brain, everyone could benefit from bringing some broth into their life!

They're also fabulous for reducing environmental impact and are ridiculously easy to make! - Just chuck in any seasonal veg, onions and garlic and some good quality bones or cuts of meat that would otherwise be tough! In 3-5 hours you'll have an amazing, nutrient dense meal for almost no time and no money.

Also check out the lovely Mike Turtons Butchers & Delicatessen for some quality local meat. When we've been in they often have some chicken bones going spare - they make the most delicious broths!

Maybe not an “insta worthy” food picture, but this is the base of my lazy, cheap, and nutritious dinner tonight 🍽😄 (Read on for some nutrition tips to beat the cold, damp weather!)

Warming veggie broths have been a bit of a theme for our dinners this week, you can just chuck it on the stove, and do your own thing while you let it boil for ages.

Simple fry an onion in olive oil, then add roughly chopped veg (whatever’s sitting in the fridge – tonight is carrots and beetroot, yesterday was celeriac and sweet potato, broccoli, swede, parsnip). I’m adding ginger powder (as I can’t be arsed tonight peeling and slicing fresh ginger), which gives it a nice digestion and circulation boost.

Ginger happens to be Callum’s favourite herb – he could tell you a lot more about it than I could! (Follow his page for everything Herbal Medicine 🌿) Callum Arvidsson Medical Herbalist

To make this into a gut-healing broth, you could add some “meat on the bone” while it's boiling, to extract all the lovely collagen and gelatine which help to repair your joints, heal your gut lining, and help your skin’s elasticity! I’m doing the very lazy and slightly less beneficial version by adding collagen protein powder, which completely dissolves in the broth.

This isn’t very calorific on it’s own, so won’t keep you full for very long. That’s why we are also having this with griddled steaks, and some rice cake with a generous spread of butter.

I think this meal hits the spot so well in the beginning of this cold, damp weather, because it fits all the things we should be doing in this weather.

In this type of weather we should:

- Try to stay extra hydrated, especially with warm liquids (no ice!!)
- Eat foods that are warm, and easily digested (such as soups and stews. Keep cold, raw foods like salad to a minimum!)
- Add lots of warming spices too all of your foods, such as ginger, curry, chilli, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom

A great after-dinner treat to support these tips would be stewed apple, with lots of ginger and cinnamon, and a bit of yogurt and kefir. In fact, I might start peeling some apples now…

Happy soup-ing x

04/11/2023

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀: 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 🌙🧣

As the leaves change and the nights grow longer, many of us experience the subtle shift in mood that accompanies the change of seasons.

It's a phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that impacts our well-being as we transition into autumn and winter.

SAD is often referred to as the "winter blues" or "seasonal depression."

It's characterised by feelings of low energy, sadness or mood swings.

I have had patients say to me that they feel like they need need to hibernate during the darker months and I think that's a great description of how SAD can feel!

The lack of sunlight and changes in our daily routines can take a big toll on our mental and emotional health.

The good news is that nature provides its own remedies.

Herbal medicine and Nutrition can offer a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of SAD and maintaining well-being throughout the changing seasons.

Here’s some tips to keep you feeling great into winter:

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗗 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀
We all know that sunshine makes us feel happy, but did you know it's not just the sunshine itself, but something it gives us? Vitamin D plays a big role in keeping our mood bright, especially during the darker days of winter and many people struggle to get enough. Vitamin D helps our brain release chemicals that make us feel good and keep our mood up. The best way to get vitamin D is to get out into the sunshine over the summer but you can also get small amounts of vitamin D from certain foods like fatty fish and eggs.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁
Have you ever noticed how a walk in the forest can lift your spirits and make you feel happier? It's not just the peaceful setting, it's also the magic of the trees themselves. Trees release special scents called terpenes into the air, and these natural compounds can work wonders for our mood. When you're feeling down during the darker months, a walk in the forest can be like a natural prescription for happiness.

𝗦𝗻𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝘂𝗽!
There's a Danish concept that can bring warmth and comfort into your life. It's called "hygge”. Hygge is more than just a word; it's a way of being. It's about finding joy in the simple things, like sipping a cup of hot chocolate, wrapping yourself in a soft blanket, or enjoying the soft glow of candlelight. It's the art of coziness and it's about creating a space that feels like a warm hug. We all need more of that! - I’m going to write a more detailed post about this soon!

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸! - Have you experienced SAD or felt the effects of changing seasons on your mood? Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences and tips for staying happy as the nights get longer!

Make sure to follow my page for more health tips and information about exciting upcoming events and workshops here in Devon!

Rediscover vibrant health with herbal medicine and nutrition.

03/11/2023

As the days grow shorter and the nights cosier, I hope you're finding some time to wind down into the beauty of this enchanting, colourful season.

Autumn is a time of transformation when nature paints the world in vibrant hues, inspiring us to embrace change and nurture our well-being.

As the leaves change from green into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, golden yellows, and warm oranges it's truly a symphony of nature's artistry and a reminder of this special time for healing and reflection.

As a Herbalist I find so much inspiration in the wisdom of the seasons.

For me, autumn is the brightest reminder that change can be absolutely breathtaking.

If you’re ready to make a change and spend some time focussing in on your health, let’s work together!

Get in touch through my website, by email or here on Facebook to book in for a free 15-minute exploration call.

Also, make sure you follow my page for lots of tips on staying healthy with Nutrition and Herbal Medicine this Autumn!

🍂🍁

Get in Touch:
https://callumarvidssonherbalmedicine.co.uk/
Callum@callumarvidssonherbalmedicine.co.uk

01/11/2023

I was out on the stunning coastal path yesterday picking some hawthorn berries and I thought this would be a great chance to get started on some posts about foraging!

A few people have said to me they would like to learn more about this so I’ll try to do a few of these so you know what plants to look out for!

There are so many amazing medicinal and edible plants around us here in beautiful Devon, we really do have a prescription pad at our fingertips when we step outside.

Hawthorn berries are just one of these amazing plants.

Hawthorn is steeped in mythology and when you look at the gnarled bark of the bushes looking over the sea here near Lynton it’s not hard to see why. They really do look like something out of a fairytale!

Hawthorn was in our Celtic past here in Devon seen as one of the most sacred trees, symbolising love and protection both in this life and the next. The trees were treated with great respect as it was believed that they were home to faeries who would guard them if they were ever damaged.

At this time of year, hawthorn trees explode into a magnificent display of colour with masses of bright red berries hanging like little fireworks.

Hawthorn berries have been used for centuries as a remedy for all things heart related, interestingly this includes heartbreak and grief. I think this speaks volumes about the connection our ancestors made between the physical and the emotional heart, something that has largely been lost in modern medicine.

It has now been confirmed that Hawthorn berries contains a range of compounds which do influence the heart helping it to work more efficiently.

In my practice, I find myself using Hawthorn berries all the time for patients with all sorts of different illnesses. They are such a versatile and gentle remedy! Their tonic action on the body and mind is restorative and beneficial for basically everyone but especially those with heart conditions, anxiety or grief.

If you want to learn more, follow my page and keep an eye out for my upcoming workshops and foraging walks! You can also get in touch with me through my website, by email or phone if you would like to book in for an appointment or a free 15 minute exploration call to see how Herbal Medicine could help you!

https://callumarvidssonherbalmedicine.co.uk/
Callum@callumarvidssonherbalmedicine.co.uk
+447878 839828

Rediscover vibrant health with herbal medicine and nutrition.

30/10/2023

Are you tired of battling constant fatigue, struggling with persistent low moods, or wrestling with digestive problems that seem to dominate your life? Does it feel like no matter what you try, your body is constantly working against you?

Hey, I'm Callum, a NIMH-registered Medical Herbalist and if this sounds familiar to you I want you to know that so recently, I was in that exact same position, suffering every day with symptoms that felt so out of my control.

I thought I'd share with you a bit of my own healing journey!

My path into medicine began in London, where I first trained as a Pharmacist. I graduated in 2019 with a BSc in Pharmaceutical Science and I thought I had it all figured out. But life had other plans for me.

Despite everything I knew about the body, I was burdened with chronic illnesses. Every day I grappled with unbearable digestive issues, exhaustion, anxiety and constant low mood - my symptoms seemed to define my existence. It was a tough pill to swallow, realising that at just 23 I was so ill.

Thankfully, soon my perspective on health would soon undergo a profound transformation.

My days in the world of Pharmacy introduced me to the intricacies of healthcare, but they also made me realise that true wellbeing extends so far beyond prescriptions and pills. I discovered the amazing power of Herbal Medicine and Nutrition and I feel so privileged to be able to share this with you!

My profound connection to the natural world is what fuels my passion for herbal medicine and healing. I wholeheartedly believe that you have the power to regain control of your health, no matter where you are on your health journey. No matter how hopeless things feel for you right now.

My own journey from debilitating chronic fatigue, IBS, and depression inspired me to explore new perspectives on health.

I learned about the vital role of nutrition, the healing properties of plants, and the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. But perhaps the most important lesson was realising that I needed to reconnect with something deeper - the incredible wisdom of nature.

Whether you're looking to improve your health, learn about the wonders of medicinal plants, or simply seek a reconnection with nature, you've found your way to the right place.

If you're interested in learning more about how Herbal Medicine could improve your own health, I offer 1-1 consultations in beautiful Ilfracombe, North Devon (as well as online!). Visit my website to book in for a free 15 minute exploration call.

Let's embark on this journey together.

Also, make sure to follow my page to discover exciting upcoming events like foraging walks and workshops about Herbal Medicine and nutrition.

I'm thrilled to connect with you and share the magic of herbal medicine and the beauty of the natural world. 🌱✨

Get in Touch:
https://callumarvidssonherbalmedicine.co.uk/
Callum@callumarvidssonherbalmedicine.co.uk

Rediscover vibrant health with herbal medicine and nutrition.